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!
00 Scale Single Track D.C.C. Operation
John asks readers for advice:
“I am building a Scottish layout in OO scale and it will be single track. Can I operate more than one engine at the same time using just one D.C.C. controller?”
Add your feedback below.
Fixing Track Bed Down
Merlin asks readers:
“When laying track to the track bed what is the best way of fixing it? Pin it or glue it? If glue what type of glue – is white PVA OK?”
Readers can add suggestions below.
Ho Scale Accessories
Jeff has a rather strange question for readers:
“I am looking for HO-Scale chemistry lab equipment. My layout will feature an industrial complex where I would like to have one of the buildings be a lab. I have found suitable worktables and scientist figures. The only thing I need is the actual lab equipment.”
Auto Turnouts
Lenny has an N scale layout and asks readers:
“How do you mount an under the table auto switch machine and go through 4 inches of foam plus the ply wood and get it to work?”
Add your feedback below.
Pests On Layouts
Bryan asks a question that has been asked before. He is not alone with this problem:
“I have used flour and water paste for paper mache on chicken wire to form hills etc on my oo gauge layout, but I now find I am suffering from what appear to be weevils, can anyone help please?”
Readers can comment below.
Layout Design/Planning
Jerry wants advice from readers and asks:
“I have been collecting HO equipment over the past few years. Most of what I have is second hand equipment including several DC locomotives which are in good shape. Recently I purchased a starter DCC set from Bachman. In planning a layout is it practical to have a DCC block and a DC block on the same layout but electrically separated? Then as I convert or get more DCC locootives to convert all track to one DCC operation sometime in the future. What are the pitfslls of such a plan?”
Share your ideas below.
Replacement Motor for Mantua
Fred asks readers for help:
“Who makes a good and slower motor for an HO Mantua 2-8-4 Berkshire? I would like to convert it to DCC and slow it down for more power.”
Add your suggestions below.
Making Curved Roads Up Mountain
John asks reader:
“Hi this is for all you scenery experts out there. Can someone tell me how to make a curving road up a mountain? I have a few sections of my layout that are above the main section. I need to get roads up to them. Can someone help me on this”
Add your thoughts below.
Old Tyco Locomotives
Here is a reader question you might like to answer:
“I have an old tyco locomotive over 25 years old.The light works, the motors will not run. How do I check out the motors. Also can I clean the motors with something?”
Comment below
DCC Beginner
Richard has a DCC question for readers. He will find good info on DCC in the Model Train Help ebook as well as in the online Model Train Club.
“What is DCC and will engines with it run on a regular powered layout. My layout is not yet wired so how should I proceed? Can I run engined with DCC as well as without on the same layout?”
Protecting Points From Glue
Here is a tip sent in by Andrew (he is a member of my online model train club).
“As some will have discovered the hard way, laying ballast around pointwork needs to be done really carefully. You don’t want the mechanism seizing when the glue gets added. I apply a film of locomotive oil around all moving parts of each point. This will stop the glue sticking to the moving parts of the point. I then use a hand water mister to dampen the ballast to help the glue flow between the grains of ballast. It also stops the ballast from moving when applying the glue.
Drains and Manhole Covers
Here’s just one of the many tips from the Online Model Train Club.
When you look observantly around streets you notice a an assortment of manhole covers and drain grates. There are probably more than you thought there would be – they seem to be everywhere. The surprising thing is that few in the hobby include them on their layouts.
You can buy them and they are relatively inexpensive. As an example; Langley Models sell various drain road manhole covers, grates and inspection chamber covers. They are brass (so are strong), and there are several on a sheet, and they are easy to paint. Durango Press also make some, and you can even buy cheaper self adhesive types.
The brass type is easy to fix in place. I paint the manhole covers first (neutral gray) and then glue them in place. For drain covers, I carve or drill out a small hollow a fraction smaller than the size of the drain cover. It only needs to be about 1mm deep. I paint the inside of the hollow black and then glue the drain cover in place. Avoid getting the glue stuck between the slots in the drain cover.
World’s Smallest Model Train Layout
This is interesting to watch, although the guy who built this layout hasn’t got a camera that can capture the detail. It is a shame, but he is to be congratulated for creating something most of us couldn’t do. I know my eyesight would stop me from even trying.
Level 4 LED Resources Helpful
The online Model Train Club is proving a big hit and some members have already got access to all the level 4 resources – well done! I really appreciate all the positive comments and it’s encouraging to know the club is helping so many in the hobby. It makes the hard work all worthwhile.
This email from Warren C is one of many I’ve received:
“Robert I just got the LED tutorials in level 4, they are what I’ve been hunting for. Every month you add new stuff and it’s like opening Christmas presents. The clubs keeps getting better and better, congratulations to everyone involved.”
I’ve also had a lot of feedback from members who found the level 3 scenery and airbrushing resources really helpful. Thank you for all the kind words.
How To Make HO Engines Stay On Track
Jim has a question for readers and asks:
“I have Bachmann Santa Fe war bonnet which I sent back to the factory two times and it will still not stay on the track. What is wrong with it?”
Comment below.
Filling A Tender Coal Load
Barry has an HO DCC system and a NSW class steamer with sound. He wants to hear what others think he should do about filling his tender (where the sound is) with coal:
"I have recently completed a NSW 29 class steamer. It is a New Zealand made kit, with Sound. The speaker is in the Tender. My question to everyone is: What is the best way to fill tender with coal? I would think fill it with coal and add diluted white glue. However, I worry the water from the diluted glue MIGHT find a way through to the Tender and cause rust or, worse, effect the speaker. Perhaps I need a base of grease-proof paper? Has anyone got any suggestions?"
Add your thoughts below.
HO Layout Planning And Construction
Mario asks readers for advice on building an HO layout:
“I have got a 7.5m x 4.5 m room that I may dedicate exclusively to a train layout. Should I build a modular baseboard? Should I start with a much smaller layout designed as a part of a future bigger one or should I go straight to the biggest possible layout considering the room dimensions? 95% of my tracks are Märlin M and 5% C Track. I have got roughly 200 Locomotives, 400 wagons, hundreds of points and signals, bridges etc. (95% analog and only 5% digital stuff. Most of my models correspond to Epoche II and III buildings reproduce german stations and towns.”
Add your comments below.
Truck Pins and Couplers
William has an HO layout and has a question for readers:
“I am confused regarding the different types of truck pins and the different type of couplers. Can someone explain please?”
William there is excellent information on coupler selection (with diagrams) – see page 51 of the Model Train Help ebook.
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