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!
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
Lower Voltage For LED
Jorge asks readers:
“How to lower the voltage of 12 volts for 1 / 2 volt to turn on the LED HO layout and how to connect in series two, three or more.”
Reader can comment below.
O-Scale Lionel Two Train Operation
Keith asks readers:
“Is it possible to run 2 trains on an 8×4 board with o scale lionel trains?”
Comment below.
Reminder to anyone submitting questions. Do not post questions in ALL CAPS as we treat this as spam and questions will not be published. Please use proper sentence structure.
HO 25 Degree Crossing
Tony asks readers:
“I am having trouble with a Atlas 25 degree crossing. There appears to be two deadspots one one side of the crossing. Loco will pass these spots at high speed with momentum. Low speed results in a complete stop. Have replaced all joiners and track is secure sitting on foam underlay. Would appreciate your help please. This is the first layout I have bult in over 30 years. Thanks.”
Add your comments and suggestions below.
Programming Turnouts in DCC
Ralph asks readers:
“I just connected my new NCE Pro Cab to my 4×8 HO layout. The 2 locos run fine. I have 4 turnouts. One turnout works fine, but I cannot get the other 3 turnouts programmed. Can anyone help please?”
Comment below.
Digitrax Wire Connections
Anil asks readers for help:
“I would like to know how to make wire connection to HO layout track when using Digitrax PR3 as the LocoNet terminator? Please note that I don’t have a command station.”
Comment below.
HO Wiring a Layout with Feeder Wires
Patrick is asking readers for advice:
“I’ve done a lot of reserch on how to wire a layout. I understand that 14 guage wire is for the buss line, and 18-22 guage is used for feeders. I found 20 guage wire, bell wire. I was wondering could I use that for feeders? I am having difficulty understanding about common wires as this is my first actually layout. I have been into trains since I was a teenager, but I really need some help!”
Add your comments below.
0 Pennsylvania Railroad B60b Baggage Car
Neil asks readers for advice:
“I am looking to buy an ACCURATE model of a Pennsylvania Railroad B60b baggage car to replace the one in Lionel’s Lindbergh Special set. Lionel’s isn’t even a PRR type! Does anyone know a website where I could purchase one?”
Add you comment below.
HO Wiring For DCC
Ray asks readers for guidance:
"I plan to wire my first DCC layout soon; however, I dont know what to do about lighting. Shall I get a separate power supply and put all the lighting on it and if so do I need terminal blocks to separate and reduce wiring runs? I don't mind if the lights are on all the time because I will be using a reduced voltage.
Also, my turnout motors should be to toggle switches and hopefully to a panel which I haven't done yet. Is there anything I need to know about running 24 AWG on a 4ft x 8ft layout like mine?"
Reader can suggest solutions below.
TT Scale English Steam Locomotives
Victor asks readers:
“I am looking for English steam locomotives in TT scale, does anybody know of a source anywhere in the EU.”
Comment below.
Cutting Track
Don asks readers:
“What kin”d of saw is best for cutting O model railroad track?”
Add your answer below.
0 Scale Insulated Track
Herb asks readers:
“What does a insulated track do? What does a isolated track do? What track do I use to operate a crossing gate?
Comment below.
Manufacturer of Code 80 Rails
Steve asks readers for their opinions on code 80 rail :
“Which manufacturer makes the best code 80 rail in HO gauge and which one in N gauge? By best, I mean which nmanufacturers track has the best run characteristics: (1) Stays clean the longest, (2) Built with very uniform distance between rails in both straight and curved pieces, and (3) Maintains dimensions between rails during use in a layout.
Add your comment below.
Dual Power Pack Control
Jeff doesn’t say what scale he is operating, but he does have an electrical question for readers:
“For reasons too complicated to discuss here, I have two power packs (transformers) operating on my layout. One is for the mainline and the other is for the yard. My question is can I create a fire or electrical hazard in some way if I have both power packs controlling the same section of track? Fearing this possibility, I created an engine length transition track section between the two operating areas (ie the main line and yard area). This section is electrically isolated from each side and is controlled with a double pole, double throw, center off toggle switch. When a train has to move from the mainline into the yard (or vice versa), I switch the toggle so that the mainline power pack is feeding power to the transition section. Once the engine has fully entered the transition section, I flip the toggle so that the yard power pack is controlling the transition track. Is there a better way to do this or am I just being too cautious?”
Jeff, please be aware that the opinions of readers are simply personal opinions. You must always seek proper professional advice from a registered electrician if you think there could be a risk of fire, or someone getting an electric shock. We do not accept any responsibility for personal opinions expressed by readers on this blog.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
