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!
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.
Smoking Tank Car
Bill asks readers:
“I have a new smoking tank car, I have inserted the appropriate liquid but I cannot get the smoke to appear. Does it make a difference if I run the train slower or faster. Currently I cannot see or smell the smoke.”
If you can assist Bill, please comment below.
Model Railroaders Need Guidance
Here are some quick questions that readers might like to answer or comment on:
Conversion for Bachman 70-tonner
John asks: “Which Micro-Trains coupler replaces the factory-supplied EZ-Mate?”
Turnouts
Werner asks a question which has been answered previously on this blog (use search box): “I am a novice. What are 4,6,and 8 turnouts.”
Cleaning Track
Jim asks: “Some of my track pieces have gotten rusty. What is the best way to clean them. They are American Flyer.”
0-scale model of a Pennsylvania Railroad
Neil asks for a supply name: “I’m searching for an accurate 0-scale model of a Pennsylvania Railroad B60b baggage car to replace the baggage car in Lionel’s Lindbergh Special train set which isn’t even a Pennaylvania Railroad type.”
Reader Model Train Tips
John has very kindly sent in some tips for readers. WE have published a couple before, but they are certainly worth repeating:
“Before buying expensive secenery items look around for cheap alternatives like for instance, some cheap bulk spices make interesting grass and leaves for trees like parsley flakes. Go to the dollor store and buy some cheap skewers cut them and paint them brown they make excellent old telegraph poles. Wind a piece of small wire around a dowel rod and that makes an excellent hose for a lawn scene. Coffee grounds dried out make excellent dirt, rocks in your own driveway make some very interesting rock scenes, and old ceiling tile glued together make excellent strata for a mountain areas, the list can go on. With a little bit of imagination and inginuity you can make realistic scenes without breaking the bank and make the hobby even a bit more interesting.”
Comment below.
Model Train Layout Backdrops
Michael has a question for readers relating to backdrops.
“How do you create a backdrop of a town on a hill quickly but realistically? We have some print outs from the internet which are good for distant views but we don’t want to spoil these limited areas by unmatched painting. We have some 3D buildings in front but need to complete the view quickly now so that we can get going with the real board and trains. Any ideas for more internet sites offering distant or near views of towns welomed. Big, probably too big, model railway based on Hornby 00 in our attic over three years in the making. We are stuck (held up) on scenery because it needs doing first because it will be difficult to get to once we put establish the complicated set out in front.”
Comment below.
G Scale Engine Repair
Edward has a comment, or is it a question? I think he is hoping someone will be able to provide some helpful advice based on their experiences. If you can help him please do. Edward says -
"I have several G scale engines that need drive axle gears that stripped from the worn gear. Iave spent weeks looking for a salution. I can't see why they make them from plastic. If I just can't find them, I guess I will just have to make them. I will need to spend lots of time with very few tools but I will have to do it. I personally find Lionel and Backman are the worst."
Comment below
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