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!
Some More Structure Tips
John has kindly contributed this tip.
In a recent Tip we learned from Robert Anderson about saving space by having spur tracks and/or a hill leading to a large industry that is out of view and not really on the layout. Another way of doing this is to use building fronts. It takes a bit more space, but the front of the industry is the only part actually there, with the spur tracks leading off to the back of the industry. Most “shake-the-box” kits can be used, and store fronts are also very good for this purpose. But as this part of the structure is directly at the edge of your layout, paint the inside of the structure flat black so anyone viewing your trains from the back will not be distracted.
HO Scenery Plans and Structures
Andrew will like some advice from other railroaders and asks:
“Hi guys, I have an 8/4 layout structured on a rural plan. I already have a station, lumber yard, campsite, beach, lake etc. My question is what should I get next for buildings in a small rural community? Thanks for your help”
Add your suggestion below.
OO Gauge Tracks
Malcolm has a question for experienced model railroaders:
“I am a senior beginner to trainsets. I am building 3 tracks on a board 6 x 6 and hopefully bigger in future. But am having problems making the train go from track to track – it cuts out. What am I doing wrong?”
Add your answer below.
Building A Small Track Plan Using The KISS Principle
John has once again contributed some great ideas to share with others in the hobby. John writes…
In the pages of model railroad Tips by Robert Anderson, there are recommendations for small layouts, both around and around and point-to-point styles. Small layouts have their definite advantages, such as if you’re strapped for room or just want to see what can be built in a smaller area. However, “small” doesn’t mean Toy-like, unrealistic, or a “spaghetti bowl” full of jammed-in track. In fact, a small layout, if done correctly, can be the catalyst for a lifetime of model railroading,
I’ve been told many times to use the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Principle when building any layout, but never fully realized the benefits of a well-planned, simplistic setup that worked very well until seeing a small layout that was a headache to run. In a small layout, everything should work well, and to do this, the modeler should depend on simplicity and use just enough track to have a purpose for the trains to run and switch inside the small space. I had thought that “complicated” in of itself was necessary to make the railroad effective and fun, but I found out the hard way that this is not the case. There are many more positive results involved when simplicity is used.
At the present time, I’m building a small 2X4-foot N-Scale layout, with a track plan (as shown) that is as simple as it gets. It’s just an oval of track with three single-ended sidings using three #6 switches, and overall it doesn’t get much simpler than this! Inside that oval will be homes, stores, industry, roadways, scenery, a road crossing, a waterway for swimming or fishing, and a tunnel. But most important here is to place everything so that the structures are not on top of each other, as in an actual rural scene.
For good running, do not have the track too close to the edge of the layout, where trains can wind up on the floor if jostled, or if your pet dog gets too ambitious. For this purpose I use 9-3/4” radius curved track, a two-axle diesel locomotive because of the narrow curves, and freight cars that do not exceed a scale 50-foot in length.
One more caution – even though a layout is small, it is not the time to skimp on equipment. Use the best that is affordable and you should get good results and smooth running. To make this 2X4 N-Scale, I’ve used an MRC power pack, Kato Unitrack, and Atlas locomotives and cars. So far so good, and maybe there is something to this KISS Principle!
John, thanks for sharing!
Changing Couplers
Wayne has a question that has been answered previously (search older postings) and which is answered fully in the members area of the online model train club. Readers might like to give a quick answer.
“I have several older N scale cars and want to change all to the automatic couplers. What type should I use and how much trouble to change them over? Thank you.”
Add your suggestions below.
O Lighted Car Wiring
Steven asks readers for advice:
“I have 2 North Pole Central passenger cars that had an unfortunate experience, they got hung up on the track and fried the wires inside. Is it any use to try to re-wire them or just pull all the wires out so they don’t short out on the track?”
Add your suggestions below.
oo East Central Junction Layout
Graham sent in an update on his layout:
“Hi guys. I’m a fifty two year old returner to the hobby after a twenty five year or so gap. Anyway I have built my new dream layout on two levels at 12 ft x 12 ft with a central operator island.I have four tracks in a radial pattern. On the top level one side has a dock area ,scenery includes a diorama with various shipping. The opposite side will be mining, as this will be an industrial plan, there will be very little housing or countryside.
I will have a turntable on the top level and the same on the bottom directly underneath. The top one will be set amongst the sheds, behind the through station and the bottom one be for turning locos to the shed area. The top tier has a cutout section or well to allow the top tier to join the bottom level via a sloping curve.
At the moment I am running the track from the top to the bottom. My next task is to overcome the double flap in the corner. This consists of two dropping flaps to allow access to my boiler for maintenance. This means getting track level and boards to align, good fun. I have just finished wiring two bus wires on both levels, wiring in turnouts. Next task turnout motors after teaching myself soldering.”
Comment below.
3 Quick Model RR Questions
Here are a couple of questions that are fully answered in the online model train club members area.
In the meantime, readers might like to provide the answers:
George asks:
“How can I make simulated water. What material can I use to do a good job making water and make it simple for me.”
Gary asks:
“I know N guage is smaller that HO, but where does O or OO fit in?”
Richard asks:
“What are the 3 track rails used for?”
Add your answers below.
Problem Locomotive HO Hornby Dublo 2019 2-6-4 By Meccano
Steve is hoping for some advice from experienced model railroaders and asks:
“I got an old Hornby Dublo Set from my uncle, No 2019 2-6-4 Train Goods Set Manufactured by Meccano LTD, The engine doesn’t seem to work everything turns. I have tried voltage directory to the terminals but nothing. Has anybody got any ideas or know where I can get some instructions on pulling it apart? It has one copper colored spring in the brushes and a shorter stainless one with a homemade Brush on the other side so I’m guessing there has been running repairs done at some stage”
Add your suggestion below.
HO Overhead Catenary Line
Guillermo, from the Patagonia Argentina has a question for readers:
"I want add overhead catenary line in part of my layout. I haven`t got information for a proper installation? Thanks for the help."
Add your comment or answer below.
Raising HO Layout To Garage Roof
Tony has a question for readers:
I have a 8x4 layout which I need to suspend into the ceiling for storage. There are strong supporting beams in the ceiling and I have a well braced base board. Appreciate any suggestions. Thanks.
Comment below.
N-gauge Steam Locomotive Sound Decoder Installation
Norbert has a question for N gauge enthusiasts:
Are there instructions for installation of a micro-Tsunami digital sound decoder TSU-750 in a Model Power N-gauge 4-6-2 semi-streamline steam engine (No 87428)? I have checked their website with no success.
Answer below.
HO Atlas Turnouts and DCC
Stan asks experienced model railroaders for advice:
“I am limited for space. I am building a twice around HO 5′ x 9′ layout. I am planning on several turnouts and on going with DCC. What type of turnout works best … an Atlas Snap Switch or #4 Customline Switch? These turnouts are for spurs so it’s not necessary that I keep an 18″ radius. My concern is with the electrical continuity and shorting?”
Comment below.
OO Gauge Hornby Flying Scotsman Wheelset
Gary asks readers for advice:
I have a Hornby tender drive Flying Scotsman. The problem is that the 8 wheel tender derails regularly. Never the same position on the track, it appears random. It goes through points with no problem then derails on the curve or even on the straight. The affected wheelset is the last one. It derails when running light engine and when hauling coaches. I have checked the wheel back to back dimensions and they seem OK. Before I throw it as far as I can, does anyone have a solution?
Comment below.
Railtrack 4 amp Power | DCC HO layout
Geoff asks readers:
“I have a DCC HO layout which is quite large so I have boosted the power to track to 4amps. My problem is the loco’s will run after pushing them but only for a short distance ie. a maximan 2ft. If I touch them even lightly the sound comes on and off but no movement unless pushed again and then only 2-3ins. I have tried all sorts of things like cleaning the track and so on so you can understand my frustration at building the setup but never had it run properly. I sincerely hope someone can help me rid myself of the frustration”
Add your answer below.
DCC Tsunami E-7 units
Charles has a question for those experienced with DCC:
“I have two E-7 units both with DCC. They are linked up in consist. When I run them the lead engine’s start to blink. I think this is an over heating condition. I am not pulling any cars at this point. Any ideas?”
Add your suggestions below.
4 Model Railroad Questions
If you are an experienced model railroader you might like to assist with answering one or more of these questions asked by readers:
1. Ken asks: "How do you make an old (1960's) HO locomotive run quietly?"
2. Mike asks: "What is the minimum realistic HO track radii"
3. Gary asks: "Can I get locomotive sounds for my HO DC layout?"
4. Val asks: "I have just started to build my railway in 00 scale. Can you tell me how wide the roads should be. Thank you."
Kinks In Track
Model railroaders might want to try the “Odegard Squint,” named after famous model railroader Gordon Odegard (might be Odegaard). Just stand at one end of the layout and look at the track is at eye-level. Squint your eyes, and make sure all the track looks straight and there are no kinks or foreign objects on or near the track. Works every time!
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
