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Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
P2K Diesel E8 Derails
David asks:
“I can’t figure why my P2K E8 derails coming off my turnout. I checked it over and can’t find the cause?”
If you can help David, then please add your comment or suggestion under his post.
WATCH This Free Demo Showing How To Make Background Industry Building For Your Model Train Layout
You can download the plans for these background industry buildings at
https://www.modelbuildings.org/rail-yard-warehouses-pack-deal
The web page also has a helpful chart showing the approximate sizes of these buildings in HO scale, OO scale, N scale as well as the life size equivalent.
RESULTS OF MODEL TRAIN POLL – New Year Model Railroading Resolutions
Last week the question was asked:
Have you made any New Year model railroading resolutions, or have you set any goals for this coming year relating to your model trains or layout?
The following replies came in from readers:
YES – I decided to complete a project I started (28 Votes)
YES – I decided to increase my understanding of DCC (26 Votes)
YES – I decided to begin a new project (24 Votes)
YES – I decided to improve my knowledge of the hobby (22 Votes)
No – I haven’t made any specific resolutions relating to the hobby (22 Votes)
YES – I decided to purchase some new trains, accessories, or structures (21 Votes)
YES – I decided to resolve a problem that has been annoying me (15 Votes)
YES – I decided to clean my layout (15 Votes)
Yes – I decided to increase my understanding of Arduino or other technologies (14 Votes)
YES – I decided to expand my layout (8 Votes)
Unfortunately, I don’t have a layout yet (10 Votes)
Gearing of Engines
Jim asks:
“What is Super Gearing, what does or what is it supposed to do, and how does it affect engine performance? Is this worth the time and effort to install? Just curious.”
Regauge Loco Wheels
Allan asks:
“I need a few tips on regauging loco wheels – diesel and steam. I have 3 diesel locos and 1 steam.”
Will Weathering Affect The Resale Price Of Trains?
Ian asks:
“I probably have another year or 2 before I seriously start thinning out my train collection. I have weathered 17 engines over time and wondered if has increased or decreased their resale value. I think I’ve done a good job but that might not be what buyers are looking for. Has anyone sold similar engines weathered versus box new condition?”
You can post a comment or suggestion below.
How To Make Tunnels and Tunnel Portals For Your Model Train Layout
Plans for the tunnel portals mentioned in this video are available for download from
Motor Brushes Replacement
Scotty writes:
“I have an older model HO Flying Scotsman. Whilst cleaning motor, one of the brushes broke. Does someone know where I can get a replacement? Thanks.”
Post your suggestions below.
Desoldering Track and Wires
Duncan asks readers:
“Does anyone know the best way to desolder track? I want to separate several lengths of tracks, but on the first one I tried the rail heated and it came loose from a tie. Please advise. Thanks”
You are welcome to contribute your thoughts by using the COMMENTS link below.
Joining Timber Tables
Barry asks:
“Is there a best (right) way to join tables together?”
Add your comments to assist Barry below.
PACK DEALS – Now Available Across The Range!
SAVE UP TO 77% on Background Building Plans Here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
SAVE UP TO 74% on 3D Plans Here
Watch How To Construct This Old Wild West Scale Model Telegraph and Stage Coach Office. SAVE UP TO 72% on PACK DEALS!
You can download plans to make 28 wild west and mining town scale models for HO, OO, or N scale model railroads. See the full range of old wild west models here (all 7 packs) https://www.modelbuildings.org/wildwest-mining
All plans can be purchased individually or you can save big dollars by buying the pack deals.
Here are the direct links:
Town Pack SAVE 72%
https://www.modelbuildings.org/wild-west-town-pack-deal-c
Mining Town Pack C SAVE 68%
https://www.modelbuildings.org/scale-models-old-wild-west-gold-mining-town
More Mining Town Structures SAVE 71%
Minimum Radius For 6-Axle Locomotives
Mitchell has HO trains and asks:
“What is the recommended minimum radius for a 6-axle locomotive?”
To assist Mitchell please add any comments and suggestions below his post.
Merry Christmas To All Our Model Railroading Fans
Whether you are experiencing Winter in the Northern Hemisphere, or Summer in the Southern Hemisphere, We would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and hopefully a wonderful time with family and friends. Also, a special thank you to all our customers and contributors for their continuing support, because we are just a small business and without it, this Blog could not continue.
You can download the latest updated Model Buildings Catalog with our compliments here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Decoder Wiring Sound Car
Bryan has HO scale and asks:
“I have wired speaker and pickup wires to my Kato Metra car. The decoder turns on and off ok, but need to know how to wire the lights to my existing light control board. Would I need to purchase new LED’s and wire them up separately?”
You can join the conversation and post your comments below.
Construct These Scale Model Churches – WATCH HOW!
Download the plan for this church and construct to HO, OO, or N scale here https://www.modelbuildings.org/more-building-plans-pack-deal
Download your FREE updated catalog here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Old Engines Not working
Verlin models HO and asks:
“I have new Bachmann track, and a small setup. My small pusher engine works perfectly. My 3 larger engines do not. The lights are flickering but the engines not running. They all worked 10 years ago, but have been stored in basement since in Colorado. Maybe the wheels need cleaning? Best way? Other suggestions?”
Adding a Decoder
Geoff writes:
“Hello, I have OO9 (UK speak for HO narrow gauge). I’m planning to add a decoder to a Tomytec N gauge chassis for a narrow gauge railcar project. The connection from the wheels to the motor is by metal strips. As there aren’t any colored wires, I’m not sure which “side” of the motor and chassis to connect the red and black pickup wires and the orange/grey motor wires of the decoder. I’m not sure if it matters anyway, since the railcar doesn’t really have a front and back.”
If you are able to assist Geoff, please add your comments under his post.
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