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!
Overloading House Sockets
Kev has a question for readers:
“I’ve got far too many 12V street lights and track transformers running and they all plug into the same 15 amp circuit of my house wiring. They won’t all work at the same time. Without re-wiring the house or plugging into my neighbours house has anyone any suggestions?”
Readers can offer suggestions, but obviously Kev should seek the services of a qualified electrician if he thinks there is any risk to safety.
Roco DCC Controller and LENZ Compact
Michael has an HO DCC question for knowledgeable readers:
I have a Fleischmann loco that has a decoder factory fitted. Whilst trying the loco on my LENZ Compact I had not noticed that I had left a Roco DCC controller switched on with power to the track. Since I have done this stupid thing the lights work on the diesel but the loco does not move. The lights keep flashing then go steady, but no movement. Is there any way I will be able to get the loco to work correctly again? I kook forward to hearing from someone with experience if possible on this subject
Add your suggestion to help Michael below.
Tools for Weathering
Here’s a tip from Mike:
“We are constantly looking for the right tools for detailing and weathering. Check out the cosmetics counters in big stores. There are several unique shaped Q-Tips that are perfect for applying paints and chalks and are reasonably priced for large quantities that can last forever. Shaped sponges for Bathing and Complexion Care and are super handy for paint application and clean up. Look around the counter – you never know what could be useful.”
Even some of the discount stores have cosmetic sections with some really useful brushes etc ideal for model train weathering.
H O Transformers With Multiple Locomotives
David asks readers:
“To run multiple engines, how many transformers is safe to run ?”
Add your answer below.
DCC and Tortoises w/Peco switches
Dick has an HO layout and has four detailed questions and is hoping readers will be able to advise him:
I have pretty much decided on NCE DCC PowerCab (other consideration is Digitrack) with Peco switches and Tortoise (or?) switch machines on a very small (10’x10’) HO layout. The rough plan includes ~20 -25 switches (which includes double slips, 2 & 3 Y’s) a few Xings and 3 reverse loops.
I want to use DCC and will probably only run just 1 or 2 locos @ a time. I don’t have any long wheel base engines. It has been suggested that I use Tortoise switch machines for ease of installation, operation and simply more fun experience, but am open for other recommendations.
Here are a few questions that I specifically have.
1) Should I use Insulfrog or Electrofrog Peco switches? I have been told Insulfrog is best but have read that elecros work fine. Does one or the other work better w/a particular DCC (NCE or Digitrack)? Is one or the other type of switch easier to install and operate?
2) Do double slips, wyes, and crossings need special treatments? For example, I think that I was told that double slips need 2 Tortoise machines.
3) What decoders are recommended for Tortoise and DCC, or is there a particular one recommended for NCE vs. Digitrack?
4) Can NCE or Digitrack handle this setup better? From what I have read so far it seems that NCE has the greater flexibility and expansion capacity. I may not have read enough yet, so that is why I ask for input. I’m sure that it’s obvious that I’m a newbie in the hobby (out of it for 45+ yrs.). I look forward to reading responses, getting ideas/tips/suggestion/recommendations/cautions, etc. Your help is appreciated.
Add your suggestions below.
Using Flex Track
Henry has a question for readers about using HO flex track and asks:
“Can someone give me some directions in using flex track?”
Add your feedback and ideas below.
HO Track Clearances
Henry would like some advice from readers and asks:
In building a model railroad, how much should I allow for clearances:
(1) Between parallel tracks?
(2) Around the edge of the layout?
(3) The edge of the track and scenery (trees, buildings, depots)?
(4) The edge of the track and mountain edge?
Add your suggestions below.
0 Gauge MTH Proto 1 Conversion
Milt asks readers for advice:
“I have several boat anchors of MTH Proto 1. How can I convert or does someone convert them to conventional operation. I do not need the electroncs, chuffing, just that they operate forward and reverse. Thanks.”
Add your suggestions below.
Uncoupling Problem And Pests On Layout
Donald asks readers for advice:
“I have a Bachmann challenger I purchased back in 1987. I decided to build a layout but runing my trains, I notice at certain places, my cars will un-couple. Could someone help me to solve this problem please? “
Add your suggestion below.
Bryan has a problem that has been raised several times before on this blog the last time was just a few days ago http://modeltrainsetshelp.blogspot.com/2011/05/pests-on-layouts.html
"I appear to have weevils having used the old flour paste to make paper mache hills, do you have any solutions as to how to get rid of them please."
Readers can suggest more solutions below.
Hornby Dublo 3 Rail 1/87 Power Wires to Track
John asks readers for advice:
"After 62 years I have become keen on my 1948 Xmas Present and have now acquired more rolling stock. The question I would like some clarification on is what Style of 12 Volt wire should I use? I have seen solid wire and multi-strand used and coming from an engineering background I'd expect a specification would be listed for an original Transformer with 12V and 1.5Amp or 12V 2Amp Hamment and Morgan Controller."
Add your suggestions below.
Rating Scale of Model Train Quality
A regular blog reader asks others to rate the quality of different brands of model trains. Maybe we should run one of our polls on the topic some time? I do see one problem that needs to be taken into consideration when rating brand quality and that is pricing and market positioning. Obviously some brands target the premium end of the market and price their locos and rolling stock accordingly. However, not every model railroader is in the position to spend hundreds of dollars buying a new locomotive for example, so other brands target the mass market and price their products accordingly (they cost less to buy). It really comes down to value for money and what people can afford. Fortunately there are a range of brands catering for different ends of the market. So, really it comes down to value for money.Now back to the reader question. He asks others for their opinions: "How would others rate the makers of model trains for their quality, performance, durability, and finish? If I had to pick a scale first would be N and second would be HO. Thanks for the opportunity to see your picks." I'm sure that there will be a number of different view points. You can have your say below.
Tips If Locos Stop Running
If your steam or diesel locomotive frequently stops or reduces speed in the same track area then here are four possible fixes to try:
1. The first thing would be to thoroughly clean the section of track
2. Also inspect for dead spots, a bad track connector, or maybe some glue from scenery that might be disrupting the power flow
3. Another possibility is that the track could be too large when considering the size of transformer.
4. It is a good idea to run your trains daily if you can. This will help to keep the rails clean and prevent many problems in the first place.
There are other possible causes and solutions. The above tips are just a few from the online Model Train Club members area.
Drooping Couplers
Here is a tip from my online Model Train Club:
When traveling on grades, cars near the head end of heavy trains, are subjected to an incredible degree of pull. This can force one knuckle up and out of the other. When the opposite coupler goes down it can loosen until the actuating pin snags things between the rails. Remove any cars with drooping couplers until they are repaired.
Broken Couplers
Here is another tip from the online Model Train Club:
Broken couplers are a common problem and this is sometimes caused by hitting the bumpers too hard. One way of avoiding this is to add two small nails just before the bumpers. The nails can be placed exactly two and a half ties from the bumper so they catch the axle of the car and keep the coupler from hitting the bumper. This could save many couplers and lower the frustration level also. You could paint the nails a bright color (eg. yellow) to make them easier to see.
N Gauge Mountain Branch Line
Gordo gives readers a progress report on his planned N gauge layout:
“I’m still working out what I want. My current thinking is towards a harbour/mountain branch line. Everything that the locals need is brought by coastal vessel and moved to the top of a 1000 foot cliff with a dedicated railway to take care of the transport needs. Does anyone have any ideas?”
Add your feedback below.
Central Train Station Model O gauge 1/48 scale
Paul asks readers for advice:
“Does anyone know how I can build a model of the michigan central station train station for a price that won’t break the bank or the wallet? “
Noisy Motor and Upgrade To Wheel Set
Peter asks readers for advice:
“I have two HO questions. Firstly, is it possible for me to upgrade the wheel sets on my Bachman B23? This was bought some years ago. The wheels that are on the diesel get dirty very quickly. I thought it would work much better if I replace with silver wheels.Where can I purchase if possible?
Secondly, I have recently bought an Athearn Diesel GP 38. Only problem is that it is very noisy compared to my Atlas diesels.Can this be rectified?”
Add your feedback below.
Plastic Drive Gears
Edward asks readers for help:
“I have one Lionel and one Bachmann engines that have stripped gears from the motor to the axle. I sent in Bachmann engine in for repairs and they said it was obsolete and no parts were available. That was number one. Same thing with number two. I spent literally hours trying to get these repaired or at least find parts. I have enough of the failed gear to make one if I need to. This I can do, but I would rather not. My question is where can I find gear parts for both Lionel and Bachmann G Scale?”
Add your feedback below.
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