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!
Painting Hardshell Cliffs On A Layout
Ashley sent in these tips:
I use a wash of thinned black leather dye or India Ink mixed with rubbing alcohol (also called 70% isopropyl alcohol). Don’t add too much to start off – it is better to gradually add the color to the alcohol rather than add too much color and end up having to throw it away and start again. I start by adding a few drops to a measuring cup. I test the dilution on a scrap piece of plaster first. I then gradually add a few more drops of color at a time until I obtain a color shade close to what I’m looking for. I then leave to see what shade it dries before making the final color decision. It is always much easier to make it a little darker rather than trying to lighten the color by adding more plaster. I use similar mixtures as a wash for structures and wood ties. The following is my dilution guide:
- LIGHT weathering – add 1 teaspoon of India Ink with 1 pint rubbing alcohol
- MEDIUM weathering – add 2 teaspoons of India Ink with 1 pint rubbing alcohol
For more model train scenery help log in to the members area of the online Model Train Club.
Quick Easy Ground Cover For A Layout
Landscaping a layout can be as easy or as difficult as you want to make it. Personally, I enjoy working on scenery, so I choose the difficult option and take my time adding intricate details to every scene. However, if you prefer to spend more time on other aspects of the hobby, you can choose the easy route. As an example; you can apply ordinary acrylic house paint (using a 2” or 3” brush) to quickly cover large areas of the landscape. House paint is relatively inexpensive. A light brown or tan color would probably be a good choice – not that you would want to paint the scenery all the same.
You could then sprinkle on some fine and medium Woodland Scenic’s ground foam in various tones of green. When it is dry you could add some more ground cover and some bushes to add realism to the scene. The main thing is to avoid using dark brown’s for your base color, because soil only looks really darkish brown when it’s turned to wet mud.
Members can click this link to log in and get more model railroad scenery ideas.
Woodland Scenic’s have a range of liquid pigments if you want to use those. They have an Earth Undercoat which you can thin with water, and they have other shades available for rock painting and other uses.
Locating Wiring Problems
Peter from the UK sent in these tips:
When wiring your layout remember to mark and to code the various wires wherever they terminate. It is very frustrating to have to crawl under the benchwork on your back under to try to locate and retrace a particular wire to solve a problem. I also makes sense to split the layout into several electrical sections. This helps to isolate areas making it easier to track down problems. Keep your wiring separate for the different functions like track power from the turnout power and the lighting circuits.
Model Train Wire Gauge Sizes
Bill sent in these tips for wiring layouts:
“It is best not to use the same gauge (size) of wire for all your model railroad wiring. The higher the gauge numbers the smaller the wire e.g. a size 22 gauge wire is smaller than size 18 gauge wires. The larger size wires (e.g. gauge 18), are generally better for longer runs as it minimizes any power loss. Many use size 22 gauge wires for short runs (e.g. a 1-foot drop from the track rail to the bus wire). Sizes 22 – 25 are often used for lighting circuits, short runs, and for powering relays. If you keep the relays for your frog power reasonably handy to the turnouts they control, you can probably use size 22 to route the power to a frog from a bus or the track. DCC typically requires heavier bus wires to minimize loss.”
Comment below.
The Joy of Painting Model Figures
Michael has sent in this contribution:
I started off painting war game figures, as time went on I went back to my basics of model railways, and started to paint model figures. I have in my short time enjoyed doing what I can do. I have also done some work for other people. One which stand’s out is cliff hanger which was at the NEC MODEL RAILWAY SHOW IN THE UK. The line represents the Lynton to Barnstaple line which is narrow gauge in 009 and the route that was chosen was Lynton to Minehead route which was planned but never built. The era for the layout was set in the 1930’s which was some fun to research clothing and getting the right colour for the clothes. This has lead me to do it for other as well.
DCC HO Problems
Sundaram would like some advice from experienced model railroaders and asks:
I am facing the following HO problems:
I have a DCC fitted layout. Zephyr DSCS50 and Digital DS64 Digital Command Control –
1. The mobile decoder (Digitrax – 123HD) failed all of a sudden – seems to have burnt out, because a hole is been on the plastic sheath covering the electronics.
2. The turnout machine keeps switching even when not activated. This specially happens when a non- DCC engine is operated.
Add your suggestions below.
My Hornby Dublo Train Set – Christmas 1938
John sent in these wonderful memories of Christmas 1938.
I was eight and my brother Tim was five at Xmas 1938. We had begged my Dad (and Santa Claus!) for a train set for Xmas, so when we opened our Stockings early on Xmas Morning we were excited to find a box containing a Hornby Dublo train! We were saddened to discover, however, that there were no rails! When we complained to Dad he said that we couldn’t expect everything at once and we would have to be patient.
After breakfast when the excitement had diminished somewhat, there was a sudden scream from my brother who, on entering the sitting room, had found a table with a whole train layout set upon it! Now over 80, I shall NEVER forget the excitement of that moment!
The war years meant that we were unable to build up our layout as quickly as we would have liked but Tim and I became train crazy and fervent trainspotters. Living in Market Harborough (Leics.) we were in a good position to enjoy the hobby and now and again we would travel (by train of course!) to pick up “namers” on the west coast line at Rugby!
In 1951 my parents emigrated to Cape Town and I subsequently married there and had three sons. My Dad had shipped the trains to our new home and in due course built up a really complex layout of Hornby Dublo stock. Following his retirement he spent many hours working on his trains and more specifically showing my boys how to operate them.
My home in Cape Town was not far from my parents and consequently we visited them quite frequently. It became a little embarrassing as on arrival the boys would say “Hello Grandpa, can we go up and play with the trains please?” And they were gone, until they were dragged down to say hello to Granny!
Sadly, the years passed, my sons grew up and of course my folks passed on and my brother and I disposed of the Hornby trains.
I often wished we hadn’t but neither my brother nor I had the space to accommodate them. So all we are left with is the wonderful memory of Xmas 1938……and this little story will tell you that to this day, I still have a fascination for British Steam trains, AND their model counterparts!
Growing Up With Trains
Bryan sent in his railroading memory to share:
I grew up in Mitchell County, NC, a couple of miles from the Clinchfield RR mainline. Every chance we got, my Dad would take us hiking on the railroad, mostly around the now-abandoned Yancey Railroad in Burnsville. I remember one Christmas getting an HO Scale GI Joe trainset from Tyco, complete with a GE 35 ton loco, flat car with two Sherman tanks, a gondola, tanker, and caboose. I still have the flat car, caboose, and the tanker and loco bodies. That same year, my brother got a Tyco set with a matching Conrail Geep and caboose, and a Rock Island boxcar. I still set giddy like a kid whenever I see the Conrail can-opener logo or the big black, blue and white.
Fellow Railroaders In Need Of Help
Jack asks readers for help:
“I plan to convert my HO from DC to DCC, so how do I know what decoder to purchase for my engines? How do I match an engine model to a decoder and sound system?”
Doug asks readers:
“Can I run DCC equipped trains on a regular lay out?”
Joel asks:
“Can anyone direct me to a wiring diagram to operate 3 LGB semaphores in a block signal situation? Simple track oval no DCC or similar. Train power from track Semaphores from transformer and track.”
Mixing Model Paints To The Right Color
Mixing paint colors can be a bewildering task for most model railroaders. That’s why hobby stores carry usually carry such a big range of colors (to save the problem of mixing). However, with experience you can get really proficient at mixing your own colors (without wasting lots of paint in the process). The key to color mixing is to begin with the lightest colors and gradually add a drop or two of the darker color(s) until you have the shade you want. Don’t do this the other way around, otherwise you will waste a lot of paint trying to get the color you want. Mix the colors frequently, and then let the paint dry on a piece of white card so you can judge the color accurately.
If you are using an airbrush you can gradually build up the colors. More details for you in the members area of the online Model Train Club.
Acrylic paints work great in an airbrush, but they can also do a lot of damage. Leaving even tiny amounts of acrylic model paint residue in an airbrush can clog it up temporarily or for ever. If the paint dries inside the airbrush it can be impervious to water. Since the cleaning solvent with acrylic paints is usually water, you may need to add a little ammonia or denatured alcohol to try and shift the dried up paint that is blocking the airbrush. The lesson in all this is simple; it is easier to thoroughly clean an airbrush immediately after use, than to try and remove dried up paint afterwards.
You might want to buy a color wheel from your local art store. As a general rule, you should try to combine the fewest number of colors to achieve the color you want for the model. This will help keep the colors from becoming muddy.
POLL RESULTS: Will you be building (or setting up) a Christmas layout this year?
Christmas train
331 model railroaders responded to the last poll which asked: Will you be building (or setting up) a Christmas layout this year?
Results are as follows:
– NO (54%)
– YES (33%)
– MAYBE (13%)
When Can I Be The Engine Driver?
Gary sent in these railroad memories:
I remember when my dad and my uncle bought me my first train set. I couldn’t have been more than about 5 years old. and I remember the first time it was set up on the floor at my grandparents house. A toy of wonderment and mystique it certainly was. Soon after the great unveiling it was “put away until you are older.”
I have solid memories from around 7 or 8 years old, of holiday & birthday presents always being some new rolling stock, and one one grand occasion, my grandfather bought me a Hornby Flying Scotsman, with glowing firebox and chuffing tender !!
I remember my father coming home from work , and both of us racing upstairs to “play trains” ,which he invariably won while declaring the phrase, “I get to be engine driver” !!
Over the years dad watched my interest in trains fade away as a teenager and young adult, until I got married and had kids.
One day I decided to resurrect the trains (for my son of course) and build a layout in the spare room.
Now my son and I share the interest along with my dad who still comes over and enjoys them.
British Railways – The Flying Scotsman at Paddington Station or Kings Cross Station
Paul sent in this memory of the British Railways:
I was born and raised in South Wales, U.K. My uncle Cecil worked for British Railways at the time, as a “Goods Guard” or train master, riding in the caboose. Sometimes he would take me to work with him in the morning, and put me in the cab of a steam engine. I would get the opportunity to shovel coal into the fire box, and keep the fire going. It was wonderful. It was the soot in the eyes that was the biggest problem, but anyone who has ridden in a steam engine knows that. At the end of the day he would pick me up, and we went home. Not always was I on the same train that Uncle Cecil was on. Usually the engine I was on did small shunt journeys around Griffithstown and Abergavenny South Wales, while Uncle Cecil took longer train journeys.
Another most favorite memory was when we took a day trip to London, and he took me to see The Flying Scotsman. This was in about 1949-1950. I can’t remember if we saw The Flying Scotsman at Paddington Station or Kings Cross Station, but I do absolutely remember marveling at this beautiful huge green steam engine. I can still see after all these years, the Flying Scotsman in my minds eye. I will never forget it.
By the way, I recently purchased an HO scale Hornby Flying Scotsman for my layout. I have so many memories of steam locomotives traveling throughout Britain, their smoke billowing from their funnels as they passed under roadway bridges, with green Welsh pastures all around. In those days, travel by train was outstanding.
My Memory Of The Monon RailRoad
Fred sent in his best railroading memory:
I was about 10 years old and belonged to a Cub Scout Troop in Chicago. Our Den Mother had arranged a train trip on the Monon Railroad that traveled at high speed thru the beautiful state of Indiana. This was a streamliner and it was hauling pretty fast. After that ride I was hooked.
When I was eleven I used to go downtown Chicago to watch in awe—when The New York Central 20th Century Limited would slowly pull under the bridge, entering the Chicago Station.
Then one fine day I was riding the subway–and I always stood up in front right next to the engineers cab. One day he opened up his cab door, and I told him that I wanted to be an engineer just like him. He said, “This is really kind of boring—running from one end of the tracks to the other every day.”
Not discouraged because I lived 2 blocks from the Chicago North Western tracks and I used to go up to Summerdale Station to watch the big steam locomotives pull in and leave with their passenger cars. Sadly, that is a sound and experience that the kid’s of today will never experience.
On my 10th Christmas my Dad bought me my first Lionel Train set—this was in 1950—and I still run that New York Central engine with the two “A” units and a “B” unit. Who would believe—after 62 years I have my layout and my 3 year old twin grandsons love watching it run with big eyes. Trains—a great thing to get hooked on! Who knew —- what the Monon train ride started.
Problems With Metal Holders For Soldering Irons
The metal holders that soldering irons sit in can be problematic. The tip can come in contact with the holder which can draw out heat from of the tip. This can be a problem, because the tip may not be at full temperature when you go to use it, making it more difficult to get a good solder joint.
The better option is to set the iron on your work bench with the tip pointing upwards. If you do use a stand, make sure the tip points up rather than down. Also make sure it doesn’t have metal parts that could draw out heat from the tip. That way, the iron will always be hot and ready to use.
Massive 300 Car Trains
Jim sent in this railroading memory to share:
The main experience that fueled my interest in modeling railroads was NOT the sight of massive 300 car trains racing through a crossing, majestic as that may be. Instead it was a daily activity that to some may seem boring and insignificant. When I was growing up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the Milwaukee Road still served the midwest. There was a small 30 mile route that essentially ran between Eau Claire and Durand, WI. Although it was not THE major railyard in the area, one of the locations where small sections of cars were shuffled around was located next to the main post office downtown. In the summers I frequently went with my father to pick up the mail and would see this small but sturdy Milwaukee Road Switch Engine "kicking cars." It was almost a daily activity and it should be NO surprise that there is a vague recreation of that same scene on my n scale model railroad layout. An exact replica of that particular Milwaukee Road engine is seen shuffling a few cars back and forth on a siding.
The scant remains of the former Milwaukee Road now serve as a very pleasant biking and walking trail, but I almost always think of that dutiful little switch engine hauling short cuts of cars from one end of town to another as I walk on it.
Mallard No 4462 Train Memory
Terry from the UK sent in his railroading memory:
One of my best memories is when I went on a trip to Newcastle England to see my Grandmother. One day my dad asked me if I wanted to go and watch the trains at the Newcastle Station. Being an avid trainspotter I gladly said yes. We got a platform ticket from the station and went in and sat on the seats inside. We had only been in the station 2 minutes and the Mallard no 4462 pulled in a massive blue train. It was amazing as I was only 14 I am now 68. This is my great memory from Terry Daventry England.
Chuffers in County Claire
Blog reader John sent in this railroading memory to share:
Back in 1949 we had a holiday in Southern Ireland at a guest House in Kilkee County Claire. Having arrived in Dublin we then had three train journeys across country. Firstly we traveled by conventional steam to Limerick, then we transferred to another steamer for Ennis. At Ennis we boarded an unforgettable and wonderful steam train. It had open carriages, i.e. no windows, but there was a roof. There were few stations on route to Kilkee, (if any) but if the driver spotted someone waving from across the fields and clearly dashing towards the train, he would stop so that the person could board the train. How they paid their fare I have no idea. This happened several times as the train chuffed on through wonderful countryside on a track which was narrower than standard, but wider than typical narrow gauge.
Eventually arriving in Kilkee, the regulars and those of us visitors who were quick off the mark ran forward to operate the manual turn-table. Others helped to unhitch the loco. Then having turned it around, all hands helped with the manual points and the recoupling of the loco at the other end ready for its return to Ennis. We had a wonderful holiday in that beautiful remote part of Ireland, but I remember as a boy being almost impatient for the holiday to be over so that we could travel back on that fascinating do-it-yourself train.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
