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!
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.
oo/ho Armatures
Chris asks readers:
“Some time ago I picked up from a local hobby shop a number of model train armatures. The hobby shop owner had identified them as Hornby Dublo but as an HD / Wrenn owner, I know they are not. They also don’t appear to be Triang/Hornby either and don’t appear to be for Trix, although I’m not 100% sure.
One of the four is 5 pole, the rest 3-pole. Each have a worm attached to it with one having a gear wheel and worm. Is there anyone out there who has knowledge of model train loco armatures that I could send a photo to in order to identify them. I would greatly appreciate your assistance in identifying them as I’m curious to know which motors/manufacturer they are for. Many thanks in advance.”
Add your thoughts and suggestions below.
Chris, on the page where you submitted your question there is a link to email a photograph of the armatures for publication. This would be better than asking readers to supply you with their email addresses so you can email a photo to them. Many readers like to retain their privacy.
N Gauge Bachmann Switches Causing Problems
George asks readers:
“I have switches that every time I try to run my engines the power change direction. If I change the direction of the switch the engine runs on through the switch and jumps the track. I can’t seem to get a handle on it. These are N gauge Bachmann switches.”
Add your thoughts below.
00 Hornby Controls
Cliff asks readers:
“I have after a 30 year gap started to reassemble my model railway in the loft.I have yet to wire the system up.The question is will i still be able to use my old hornby ZERO ONE controls?”
Comment below.
Speed on HO Track
Harold has a brief question for readers:
“As the length of track increases the trail speed decreases. Is there a simple solution?”
Comment below.
Street Lights On Layout
Ross asks readers for help:
“I connected some lights in a building and some street lighting on my HO layout but they don’t work. They stayed on for only a few moments before they died. I think the current was too high? Can someone tell me what I should be doing to make the lights work.”
If you can guide Ross please comment below.
Diorama End to End DCC
Chris asks readers:
I have inherited a diorama with open ended track, by this I mean not a complete loop that was originally wired for non-DCC. I want to attach a DCC supply, what do I need to do to make the supply complete?
Comment below.
0 Scale Replacement Wheels
Richard asks readers:
“Where can I get a replacement axle and the two wheels for the front of a Lionel 263 O guage Blue Comet engine?”
Comment below.
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