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!
Hinged Track Section
Bernard submits his question for readers:
“I would like to build a hinged section of track to open to allow me to get into the middle section of my O layout where all the controls are. I have an 8 x 12 layout in an upstairs room. Also would like to find a layout program for tracks, curves and switches, etc. Any suggestions please.”
Track Wiring And Sub Roadbed
Article kindly supplied by Kevin C:
When I have completed drawing the full-size layout track plans I want to use and before I lay out the track, I will generally decide the signal and switching locations. I’ll mark them on a plan. I’m planning road crossings so I’ll need to have the crossing light switching at the right location. Then, I’ll draw the wiring circuits onto the plan using different colors, as it is not hard to miss a connection or two when laying out the track.
Recently I was kindly given some computer data cable with four pairs in these color… Continue reading article and view full-size diagrams
Tunnel Derailments
Cliff is having derailment problems and needs advice from readers:
“My HO RR has a curve in the tunnel, but it is causing me no end of problems.
The trains run okay from one direction, but derail when running in the opposite direction. Small trains seem to operate ok but the bigger one’s are a real problem. Really annoying. The tunnel is a little hard to access but I have been able to alter the curve a little but the problem is still there. I desperately need help from someone please.”
Train Around The Chistmas Tree
Matt asks readers:
“I’m a beginner with model trains and was looking for a recommendation for a model train that I could put around my Christmas tree. I’m hoping to add a new car each Christmas so was looking for something where I would still be able to purchase new cars in the future. Thanks”
DCC Wiring and Diagrams
When you look at installing a DCC (Digital Command Control) system, there are typically two scenarios which exist. Firstly, you might be designing a brand new train layout, so can plan the layout design and operation before you put down any track. The other scenario is you could be converting your existing layout from DC to DCC.
For most railroad modelers, the first stage in the process is deciding which DCC system is right for their layout.
However, equipment control features shouldn’t be the only consideration. DCC systems typically operate in the same way, in that they send command instructions and power to the decoders via the track rails. That one important concept will decide how efficiently the DCC layout, in fact, ANY train layout, performs.
How to Wire Power Districts
DCC power stations will typically provide up to about 5 amperes of current to operate locomotives, with each one needing from (for HO-scale) between a half an amp and one amp. Read complete article and see full size wiring diagrams…
Ideas for Lift-Up Sections Wanted
New member to the club Jason asks readers for advice:
“I am in the process of constructing my HO layout using flexitrack and would like to incorporate a couple lift-up track sections on slides or hinges for easy access. I would be grateful for any ideas people have”
Add your comment to assist Jason.
If you would like to ask a question for publication on the blog, please use the special link in the right column. Please note: only the best (well-worded, well-thoughtout) questions get published. Please include clear details and check spelling etc before submitting your question to the blog moderator for consideration.
Make a Wild West Street Scene or a Small Country Town By Adapting These New HO, N, and OO Scale Models
JUST RELEASED!
A new series of western buildings for a Wild West street scene has just become available to download. The plans can be used for HO scale, N scale or made as OO gauge structures. The signage on the front of each building can be changed very easily, as 33 additional signs are included with the pack. So, the 1800’s western street can be adapted into a street scene from the 1920’s, 1930’s, or perhaps the 1950’s.
Using Two DCC Systems On Same Layout?
Jonathon would like to hear from anyone with DCC experience and asks:
“Can I use 2 different dcc systems on my HO layout? What I mean is; Can I use Bachmann DCC with Digitrax for example? Also, can I use 2 of the same DCC systems on my layout – for example, 2 Digtitrax systems?
Add your suggestions if you can assist Jonathon.
Coming Soon…
In a few days the folk at www.modelbuildings.org will be releasing a new series of 6 Wild West scale buildings to download. I’ve seen the Sheriff’s Office and General Store assembled and the detailing is exceptional. The clever twist is that they will be supplying extra signage so that various buildings can be easily altered. So the signage on the General Store could be changed to read “Boot & Shoe Repairs”, or possibly “Draper.” So with a little extra effort and no extra cost, the Wild West Town could become a 1930’s country town. Clever!
Also, in a few weeks they hope to be ready to release a series of model mining buildings to download. I’ll let you know when they’re available.
DCC Engine Runs In Reverse?
Les asks readers:
“My DCC engine only runs in reverse. I bought a used Lifeline Proto 2000 Series SD60M engine with DCC (no sound). I use an MRC Tech 6 Sound Controller 2.0 power pack. The engine checked out fine on the store’s test track and I have had no problem with the MRC on both my DC and DCC Sound engines. But the SD60 will only run in reverse and only in the Standard Mode. It does not move, light up, etc. in DCC Mode. There is no manual for the SD60, and I have no real skill with programming DCC. Can someone help with getting the engine to run as it should? Thank you very much.”
Single Cab Running
Shaun has a question for readers and asks:
“I need someway of hiding the left hand track – the other two are for a station.
And the diagonal track crosses the polarity when it reaches the station tracks.
Is there an easy wiring method to correct this to allow single cab running?”
Add your suggestions to help Shaun
Using LED Lights For Model Passenger Trains
Club member Trevor asks readers for advice with his LED lights:
“Recently I installed lighting inside a couple of passenger train cars using the new led strip system. It worked perfectly until the train started to move and then the LED’s started to flicker which ruined the effect. I have a DCC system, and my track is clean. I have new wheels and pickups so I’m not sure what the problem is. I would appreciate any guidance from others who have experience using LED’s on their trains. Thanks in advance.”
Please add your comment if you think you can help Trevor.
You can join the model train club here.
Another FREE Novelty Wall Poster To Liven Up Your Train Room or Model Railroad Clubhouse
Thanks for all the amazing feedback from those who downloaded the 16 free wall posters I gave you a few weeks back. I’m glad you enjoyed them!
This week I have another fun A4 wall poster you can download and share for free. It is totally free – there are no catches – you don’t need to enter a name and email address or anything like that. You can even email it to friends or post it on your Facebook or Google Plus page if you have one. It is just a bit of fun, so I hope you enjoy it. You can download load it here for free as a PDF file.
If you missed the other 16 FREE railroad posters you can download them free here.
Download 16 Train Room Signs ABSOLUTELY FREE OF CHARGE!
At the bottom of the same page is a link to a couple of free railroading infographics and a model train cartoon. These may be of interest to any of you who have websites, as they can be published for free.
These signs are all courtesy of the folk at modelbuildings.org, so please support them if you can.
A Fascinating Glimpse at Train Travel In India, Pakistan and China
People in developed countries certainly enjoy the benefits of generally fast and efficient train travel, but in some countries the trains are very crowded and the infrastructure is older and slower. This quick video shows some interesting scenes and comparisons. Feel free to share it with your friends.
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