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!
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.
HO Plans and Drop Bridge
John asks blog readers:
“I currently have a U shape layout and would like to add a drop down bridge or swing gate. Can someone advise me about plans I can use to built and wire the track.”
Add your suggestions below.
Scenery Props for Train Layout. Rural or Trackside Hobos?
Mike has an unusual question to ask others in the hobby:
“I am working on a project for my club, a corner module actually. Would it be more believable to have Hobos rural around a secluded campfire with trees or trackside where they could be in view of the trains and where they could easily hop on and hop off?”
I’m sure everyone will have an opinion. Please add your thoughts below.
Reducing Peco Switch Motor Noise
Paul asks readers for advice:
“How do you eliminate the ‘Slap, clack or buzz’ of HO peco switch motors when they throw the turnout. I prefer the steady grinding sound of tortoises but have to use Peco’s often.”
Add your suggestion below.
Couplers And DCC Sound System
Joe asks readers for their opinion:
“I have a mth SD70ACE and I am using a digitrax DSC50. The problem is I can not get the ho dcc couplings to work. All other functions work. mth use’s sound pro3.0. and I can’t find any cv.s on that sound system. I would really like to use them. I hope some one can help me.”
Add your suggestion to help Joe below.
G Scale Engine Power Battery And RC
Gary asks readers for advice:
“How do I convert standered track power loco’s to battery power and RC control?”
Add your suggestions below.
HO Wiring for Multiple turnouts
Steven is seeking advice from others in the hobby and asks:
“Hi there, I am relatively new to model railroading and am building an HO Scale Railway. It is analogue. I need to wire up 4 turnouts, two left hand and two right hand meaning that the track comes off the mainline and then returns to it in two separate places. I need to know where to place the plastic track joiners and what are the best type of toggle switches to use. Also the type of wire that is ideal for model railroading. The track configuration is very straight forward, so am hoping that the wiring will be too.”
Add your comments below.
How To Install Decoders In HO Jouef locos
Jean is having problems installing decoders and asks readers:
“I have five Jouef locomotives in which I want to install decoders. However, I cannot open the place where the motors are located, and I am afraid to break something. For the steam engines, the motors are in the tenders. Does someone know of a safe way to open these things?”
To help Jean comment below.
HO Trestle Jig
Bob asks readers:
“I have reached the point on my layout where I have to install trestles. I need to construct a jig in order to build the bends, this appears to be an overwhelming task. If the luck I’ve had so far is any indicator. ;o) Any help appreciated.”
Add your suggestions or ideas below.
Planning New HO Track Layout
Ken asks readers for suggestions:
“I am moving and just sold my old layout. I am trying to decide what my next layout should look like. It will be a 4×8+2×6. I have a turntable I want to put it and a few station barns. I would like a main line with hills and a mountain for a tunnel. Does anyone have some suggestions please?”
Comment below.
Model Concrete On RR Layout
Here’s another 3 tips from inside the member’s area of the online Model Train Club:
When you paint on the base-color of your concrete dust it lightly with a little baking soda applied directly on the wet paint. Test a sample patch first, but it should give the surface a bit of a textured look. And, when you come to weathering it you will find it has more depth.
Quick Box Car Weathering Tip:
You can use some Floquil’s Antique White and add a drop or maybe two of Box-Car Red for the base. Then dry brush rust streaks as required. Earth colors look good at the ground level and then add some grimy streaks, and some white color where calcium might have leached from any cracks.
Quick Wall Surface Tip:
I spray on texture paint to paper/card. This makes some great looking walls if you are making your own scratch built buildings. You glue the textured paper on to the cardboard, or balsa wood, that you are building with.
Masking Paint On Model Trains
Here is a tip from a member of the online Model Train Club (see right column):
Painting several colors on some rolling stock or a locomotive can be problematic especially when the paint colors butt against each other, or where a straight line is required. Applying masking tape can definitely help when painting straight lines, however there are times when the lines appear jagged or rough.
To end up with a clean result it is usually best to allow 12 to 24 hours before attempting to apply another color. The first coat needs adequate time to dry and harden properly. It is a good idea to apply some masking tape to achieve a straight line. Try spraying some Dullcoat to the area you are planning to paint at the edge of the masking tape. This is to seal the tape.
Then, leave the new coat to dry for a minimum of 30 minutes. This step is important because there is no point is applying a second coat if the first coat is not completely dry or if it is still a bit sticky or soft. When it is dry it is time to paint on the second color. All going well you should be left with a clean sharp paint line without showing any signs of the paint bleeding.
Another way of doing it…
The other option is to mask the area you painted first and then spray the remainder of the loco the original color again. Spraying with the original color will help fill those little gaps where the second color might have over-run. You can then leave the loco to dry again prior to respraying it with a second color. You are unlikely to see any over run this time around.
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