Debbie asks:

“My son has HO model train cars from when he was a child and also his father’s train cars from when he was a child. I would like to surprise him this Christmas by setting up a track around the Christmas tree and using some of his train cars. However, the track he has is very old and I would like to purchase new track and a new controller. What brand or type of track would be the easiest for me to assemble? I would appreciate any information! Thank you.”

Derek asks:

“Hi folks I am looking for anyone who knows the right name for the joining pins that go between a track controller and a circuit controller. I am looking for the joining pins that go between Hornby 900 track controller to the Hornby 910 circuit controller so the circuit controller can power trains around the track. Cheers guys”

Greg asks:

“I have 3 cars that I would like information – identification, manufacturer, etc. I appreciate all assistance.”

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https://www.modelbuildings.org/derelict-railroad-models

5 of these new scale model plans feature abandoned derelict buildings which will add character against the background of a OO, N scale, or HO scale model railroad. This short video demonstrates how easy it is to construct these downloadable plans.

Rich asks:

“Is there any way to convert a DCC loco to straight DC?”

Tony models OO and asks:

“Does anyone have a simple Arduino coding for a turntable? I’ve made a simple 3d printed turntable for the model railway I’m building for my grandson and want to control it from an Arduino. It’s a simple one-on one-off system. I intend to use a Hall Effect sensor to align it with the tracks. Ta in advance for your help.”

Add your comments or code to assist Tony below.

Darren models HO and asks:

“I’m using sectional track and about to start soldering some rail joiners and installing feeder wires. Should I solder my feeder wires to rail joiners, or directly to the rails?”

Samuel asks:

“I’m not keen on using nails so thought cork or foam would be easy to glue in place. I also want to suppress the noise as much as I can. Which material would be best?”

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Trevor asks:

“I think I’ve got it right putting my heavy or larger cars at the front of the train and positioning the other cars behind with the lightest cars closest to the caboose? I have both diesels at the front facing the same direction nose to tail, or should I runs my diesels tail to tail? What’s right or is it just a preference thing?”

You can submit your own question for publication – see the link below.

In a few days, two new series of scale model background buildings will be available for download. The series shown here features several abandoned industrial buildings, and the other series includes some factories and workshops. The plans can be downloaded and built to OO, HO, or N scale and are some of the most realistic-looking models ever released.

George asks:

“Could a DCC engine be damaged if run on a DC system?”

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Don sent in these photos to share from the Bentley Model Railway Group Trainwest Model Railway Exhibition in the United Kingdom West Country which he attended in 2019.

Ron models OO and writes:

“I’m planning to grade my roadbed down to the benchwork level at perhaps 45cm which I think in US terms is around 18 inches. With a vertical curve, I don’t want coupler issues and wondered if this is too short. What would be the shortest I could go to?”

A small scene at one end of my HO setup (11×5 Ft). It shows the Bear Mountain Camp ground with bears chasing two people on the top of a camper and coming out of a tent. They are surrounded by other campers relaxing on loungers and keeping social distancing. Four main tracks cut through the forest and trees with mountain background and storage silo. I have two steam engine trains (passenger and freight train), a Diesel engine freight train and an Acela electric passenger train that keep me busy, staying at home. Stay safe and healthy.

David asks:

“Just wondering. Is N gauge Kato set track weather proof. And, if not, why? Thanks?”

Garry asks:

“I’m not sure if I am wasting my time trying to replicate prototype weights of loaded/unloaded wagons. It might be best to weight them based on feel, the curves, turnouts, and engines I operate? I thought I was being clever trying to make things an accurate representation, but I’m finding this has its problems? Someone with experience advise please?”

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Luc sent in this question and is hoping a reader can advise him:

“I had a model train layout 3m x 4 m all around the room, with hole in the middle a long time ago. I had to take it apart as we moved to another house. Luckily iI only had the tracks installed, placed a house etc, but no scenery yet, so nothing was fixed in place. So everything could be re-used and not much work was required or material was lost. So all my trains are form before 2000 (Roco, Fleischmann) so are non DCC. I have a few with Fleischmann FMZ (I guess worthless today)

Since then I had no spare time to start this up again because I was working on the house , garden etc. Now I am bit older at 62 (more time) and I want to build it up again, with a new track plan, studying about DCC, what is on the market, block system etc.

My question is this – what is needed to make sure that the model train layout is not to be destroyed when one needs to move it again for some reason? (e.g. I die and the kids want to keep it for them or their children, or someone wants to buy it).

It would be a pity if it needs to be destroyed after many years of work, right? How do other people live with this idea, or is breaking down scenery no issue?

This time I will be a symmetrical U shape design, with each leg of the U will around 122cm width and the whole layout fits in 3m x4 m.

I thought I would build the whole thing and make sure that at the junction of each U leg things are double fitted (one on each leg). That way one can saw/cut it when needed with less damage, and cut the tracks there when needed. I would make sure no housing is there, or take them away? I want to keep the damage as low as possible. Also all the wires will need to be cut. So I would cut it in pieces of max 122cm x 244cm (the size of on original wood panel)

The other way is modular as you said, but what does that include from the start? Does it not put a limitation on the track layout (long tracks at a station)? What does one do with the structures and housing, glue them on the scenery? The scenery, the tracks , how to make it modular? Thanks in advance.”