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!
o Track Setup Table Plans
A reader asks others in the hobby for advice:
“Are their any plans to make a table for my o scale trains? I have looked and can not find one that is big enough.”
Add your comment below.
HO Wiring Problem
Ken asks for readers advice on wiring track:
“My train is about 90% wired or so I thought. The present wiring is such that it does not allow me to wire the left side of the track for another train because it is black (ground). Wiring it now would be direct short. How can I fix what I messed up without starting over?”
Leave your comment below.
ho Track Layout Software
Frank wants advice from those in the hobby with experience using track layout software and asks:
"My grandson, who will be 10 next month, is beginning to expand his knowledge to match his strong enthusiasm for your passion -- and he is especially interested right now in envisioning track layouts. We have been looking for relatively simple software programs for him to design interesting and functional options. Perhaps your readers can offer some good suggestions? Thank you to them in advance for their consideration and in sharing of their expertise. All the best."
If you would like to help Frank and his Grandson, please add your comments below.
HO Polarity On Can Motor
David asks readers:
“Can I assume that housing of the can motor is negative and the internal mechanism is positive?”
Add your comment below.
N Scale Power Supplies And Wattage
Don asks if you can help:
“I am building my own power supply for my proposed n scale layout. I will use controllers to activate blocks of track. I do not plan on using DCC until I can demonstrate old-fashioned operations. Running several diesel headers on longer freight trains, I need to know what the current draw is of the typical locomotive manufacturer. I will start with Bachmann equipment, but want to build the power supply to handle higher quality equipment also. Since wattage is probably the best measure of the electricity needed to drive a locomotive, amperage probably varies as the voltage is manipulated. I would like to create a chart which provides voltage on the y axis juxtaposed against amperage draw on the x axis. Does anyone have these data, or a means to develop them, short of using a VOM or VTVM? As a corollary, do these data change based on load and/or grade, degree/tightness of curve endeavored by the locomotive? Thanks in advance.”
Comment below.
ho On30 Train Sets
Ted asks:
“A few years ago Allied Trains in LA had what they said was the perfect train for Christmas Villages. I saw it in their store but did not buy one. I thought it was very good in terms of scale. Would anyone remember or know the make/model? Can someone suggest the best scale/vendor that has something similar? Thanks in advance for your help.”
Comment below.
HO | QSI Revolution Sound Decoder | Atlas Gold series U30 C Loco
Henry asks experienced model railroaders for help:
“I have a new Atlas Gold U30C with QSI Revolution sound decoder. The Volume cannot be increased to the same level as other QSI locos. Atlas says that this series of U30C locos have these quieter decoders from QSI and they say that’s as far as they will go. This is even though the decoder is distorted and produces RF interference while operating. What are peoples thoughts on this subject?
You can comment below.
Garden Railroad Track Cleaning
Tim would like some help from anyone who has a garden railroad and asks:
“I have a garden railroad and I always have a terrible time keeping the track clean. Should I consider using another source for power or is there a better way to keep the track clean between uses.”
Comment below.
HON3 | Bending Cork Roadbed | N Minitrix
Parker has 3 questions to test everyone’s knowledge:
1. What size is HON3?
2. Is there a trick to bending the cork roadbed around a curve?
3. Is N minitrix a smaller size than N?
You can add your answers below.
Bridge On The River Kwai Model
Jim asks readers:
“Many years ago I REMEMBER seeing an ad for a model of the bridge on river kwai bridge in HO scale Question: Is this model bridge still available? If not do has someone got any information how I might be able scratch build a model of this bridge?”
I have walked over the Bridge on The River Kwai and it was quite an experience. Hopefully someone will have some suggestions to help Jim. Comment below.
Track Cleaning | Loco Wheels | Benchwork
These questions are all thoroughly answered in the online Model Train Club, however readers might like to offer some suggestions to help out.
Richard asks:
“I need to know how to of begin a layout so I can start mine. I need to see how I start, not with a piece flat plywood. I need something else.”
Bazza asks:
“Can someone please advise the best way to clean track and loco wheels? I am new to modeling my layout is oo uk dcc.”
Add your suggestions below.
S 1948 American Flyer
A reader asks if anyone in the hobby can advise him on:
“I have an 1948 Amer. Flyer loco and tender. They’ve been repaired and the track cleaned, wheels cleaned, electrics checked. I’m still having problems getting it to run smoothly and consistently. Is this typical of AF trains or what might I try to improve the performance?”
Add any suggestion below.
HO DC TO DCC
Joaquim asks:
"I have 6 president choice sets made by Mechano - they are dc and I wish to convert to dcc. I would appreciate if someone could tell me how it is done, also using the simplest decoders."
If you can help then please reply below.
3D Printing To Replicate Model Train Parts
Although this is not directly related to model railroading, my mind started to think about all the applications this technology could bring to the hobby. Imagine being able to replicate a rare locomotive or something like that. It would be interesting to hear what you think about this technology (let your imagination run wild) and see what applications you think it could be put to in the hobby. Add your suggestions below.
N Gauge Track On Homosote Board
Bob asks others in the hobby for advice:
“I have n gauge track fastened to homosote board. the track contracts and expands with temp changes in my basement. Are there any suggestions on how to stop the track from moving please.”
Add your comment below.
HO Knuckle Couplers Miniature Springs
Richard is hoping someone else in the hobby can help him:
“Are there any suggestions toward a slick, easier way to insert and set replacement miniature springs in the knuckles when the old spring has dissapeared and flown away into the great unknown (invisible to old eyes)?? So far my elder fingers have not been able to do this with any success. Haven’t found any effective literature on this topic and I would like to be able to salvage and use couplers that have gone spring-less making that coupler useless….piles of them.”
If you can advise Richard, then please add your suggestion below.
O Scale Fastrack Type Of Train Set
A reader asks:
“I am looking for a Military Train set steam locomotive World War II vantage. Does someone know where I can get one thanks?”
Add your suggestions below.
HO Locomotive Sounds
Chuck wants suggestions from others in the hobby:
“I would like to run a diesel locomotive that makes different train sounds to run on an analog controlled track. Everything I see requires a DCC controller, but I’m a novice just looking to get started, and want to keep things simple and inexpensive. I am not sure what I need to be looking for. Any and all suggestions from experienced hobbiests would be greatly appreciated.”
If you have some suggestions to help Chuck with train sounds, then please use the Comments link below.
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