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!
POLL RESULTS: What scenery theme do prefer to model?
The latest poll asked: What scenery theme do prefer to model?
- Results were as follows:
- Countryside – 28%
- Mountain Range – 21%
- Industrial – 18%
- Urban – 14%
- Woodland – 10%
- Rolling Hills – 5%
- Waterways – 3%
- Desert – 2%
Total Voters: 392
Model Railroad Shipping Container Junction
These days steel shipping containers have a multitude of uses including adapting them to make homes, self-storage units, and even jail cells in some countries. However, they are still mainly used for transporting goods around the globe (by ship) and around the country (truck and rail).
Intermodal containers are a common sight, so fit well into most modern railroad layouts either on flatcars, double-stack container trains, on the back of trucks, stacked up in rail yards, at ports, alongside factories and warehouses, or just stacked up alongside the track as seen in this photo. Fortunately they are cheap and easy to make, and look very authentic if you use these photo realistic downloadable designs.
How to Cut Flex Track
Kerry asks readers:
“I am using a small hack saw to cut my flex track to fit the HO layout I am working on. This seems to be not a good method. Is there some other way to cut the track for a good fit?”
Critical Layout Building Mistakes To Avoid
This 2 minute video has some important tips for those planning to build a layout. The free report can be downloaded here http://www.modelrailroadhub.com/free.html There is no form to fill in to get the free report…. you can just download it and even share it with friends.
Dampness a Problem in Garden Shed OO Gauge Set Up
George asks readers for advice:
“Hi guys; any suggestions for keeping dampness and your rust of first time track set up in my 8×10 shed? I intend to take in all trains and wagons etc inside for the winter months, but I’m a wee bit concerned about track being out in my shed during the winter. Please can you help? Kind regards. George. P.S. I love reading your model train blog. keep up the good work.”
DCC and EZ Track for Christmas Layout
Jim asks readers:
“I have a Christmas HO layout using EzTrack around the tree and parts of living room.How many feet of track if any, will a simple 1 watt Dcc transformer support without jumper contacts. I will be running a single Broadway Limited Paragon 2 loco. Thanks, and Happy Thanksgiving to all.”
How to Fix Problem with Loco Running Over Points
Stuart
“I have a problem with several older 00 (4mm) locos running on DCC over points where they sometimes stall. I understand that there are ‘stay alive capacitors’ available to overcome this problem. My question is:- do these work and if so how are they connected in relationship with the decoder? Look forward to any members ideas/experience. Many thanks.”
H & M Turnout Switches
Bill asks readers:
“I have old H & M turnout switches made in England, does anyone know how to wire them up? Thanks.”
Benchwork Question
Gary works in O scale and asks readers:
“What is best to put on the wood table first. Homasote or what. Is anything needed?”
Using Cork Under The Rails?
Douglas asks readers for advice:
“I have an old ping pong table that I used for the base of my HO layout. I have placed a 1″ form board over all of it. Do I need to use cork for under the rails?”
Loco Stops and Starts
16 year old Jonty is new to the hobby and would like some advice from some wise older minds:
“My Bachmann loco (the only loco I have so far) is running funny on the points and straight track. I am saving to buy a second one but want to try and fix this one first. How?”
How to Clean Rail Heads
Ted H asks readers:
“I use a track rubber to keep my rail heads clean but it is a messy process and leaves a lot of unwanted deposits for me to vacuum up. Is there a better method?”
Simple Siding Scene Seduces
This little scene (from the Brisbane Model Train Show) shows how simple ideas are sometimes the best. Although there are just 4 workers, a wagon, a vehicle, a shed, and a small piece of machinery… the scene takes up very little space yet really draws the eye in to see what’s going on. To add even more interest, some of the elements could be animated to show some movement and further captivate attention… more on that in coming weeks.
How to Wire Reed Switches
Jim models HO and asks readers:
“Does anyone have an easy way to wire reed switches to a layout? Specifically, cylindrical reed switches. Thanks. ”
A reed switch has two metal reed contacts enclosed inside a glass cover. One contact works like a North magnetic pole and the other a South magnetic pole. The reeds spring together when near a magnet, which lets the current flow. When removed the reeds split apart and the current stops flowing.
In simple terms, a reed switch works like a ‘drawbridge’ in an electric circuit. A closed switch has the ‘bridge’ down so the current can flow through the circuit; an open switch has the ‘bridge’ up so no electric current flows.
The reason for having a reed switch is to activate (or deactivate) a circuit when needed. Some railroaders use a reed switch and glue a magnet under their locos for train detection.
Which are the Best Paints for Model Railroads?
Drew asks readers:
“Does anyone have a suggestion for model RR paints? Since Poly-Scale stopped manufacturing their paints, I have been unable to find suitable paints for the RR’s I model. If the manufacturer and/or supplier is in Europe, do you know if they will ship to the US? I of course, am looking for 1 to 3 OZ. bottles (50ml to 100ml ?). Thanks very much for the information!”
1950s O Gauge Lionel Diesel Locomotive
Ken asks readers:
“I recently acquired a 1950s model O gauge Lionel Diesel switcher loco and I am trying to return it to working order. Can anyone tell me the voltage that these early three rail locos used and was it AC or DC current?”
How To Configure a Helper Loco
Steve asks readers:
“My layout is ‘conventional’ and the trains pass through several transformer controlled isolated blocks. Voltage to these blocks can vary, because of grades. How would you configure a Helper Loco, and do the Locos need to be the same model ?”
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