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!
Track Traction
Bob asks:
“I have a very old Santa FE stream liner with 8 passenger cars. It’s in beautiful condition but it will not move. The wheels just spin. I have oiled the axles, and cleaned the wheel on the engine. the cars are heavy but they were made that way. I have even tried rosin on the track. Anyone have any ideas?”
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Bachmann SD40-2 Windows
Len asks:
“I have a Bachmann SD40-2 (HO) and plan to it strip it back with Isopropyl Alcohol to paint it. I don’t want to damage the glued-in windows in the process. Is there a safe way to pry them out to remove them?”
Please add your comments (or view the comments by others) below.
See the Range of Retail Stores You Can Build in the Background or Foreground of Your OO Scale, HO, or N Scale Layout
Plans for the background shops featured in the above video can be downloaded here:
https://www.modelbuildings.org/naturally-weathered-shops-pack-deal
Plans for more background and foreground shops can be downloaded here:
DCC Conversion
David writes:
“I plan to convert my small (and modest) N scale layout from DC to DCC. I’ve read scads of articles on the most popular DCC systems available. Can someone recommend the most-preferred or most-used system for a 4 by 8 N scale layout?”
Please add your suggestions below.
Resister Size For Various Voltages
Ron models HO scale and asks:
“What size resisters do I need for various light voltage? I have purchased a few 1000 ohm resisters for my lights. I am building a layout that’s is a squared circle 12’x4’ by 4’x4′ and the other side is the same. I have well over 500 lights. Thanks in advance for any advice.”
Add your comments below to assist Ron.
Passenger Diesel Engine – DCC
Richard writes:
“I am looking to purchase an engine that would be equal to Athearn. Had a Broadway Limited engine, but there were many problems and it could not pull what my Athearn did. It should be F-3 or F-7. So far I have not been able locate anything in the USA. Does someone know where I should go to locate one?”
Kemtron Brass Mogul Locomotive
Michael writes:
“I have just bought a Kemtron brass mogul loco O scale which I think is a model of Wabash number 573 almost fully built, (in a shoe box). Some parts are missing, like the air pump, coal bunker, etc. etc. Can anybody please tell me where I can get spare parts ? Thank you.”
Add your comments or suggestions below.
How The Car Types and Brands Compare
Steve is starting off with HO and writes:
“”How do you rate the car types and brands in terms of detailing and reliability? Which brands or models stand out, and which brands should I avoid? US 1960s and 1970s era interests me. I will be avoiding plastic wheels and knuckle couplers based on what I’ve read.”
Readers are welcome to contribute thoughts below.
Calculating Track Rise Based on Length
Michael asks:
“When creating slopes up or down how many inches do you rise or drop in a 12″ or 1′ run increments?”
This free calculator should be helpful to Michael https://www.modelbuildings.org/track-grade-calculator
Discoloration of Atlas Switch Center Rail
Kerry writes:
“On my O gauge layout I noticed the center rail of the Atlas switch is discolored. The track on either side is ok. Any idea what causes this? I have six switches and they all exhibit this?”
Add and view comments below.
Model A Fire Scene
Including an emergency scene on a layout is always popular with visitors because it can add action, excitement and interest to a scene. It also provides the opportunity to include special effects, flashing lights, siren sounds, and lots of vehicles, TV crews, and spectators. This scene was snapped at a Brisbane Train Show.
Plans for burnt out buildings, fire/police/ambulance stations can be found at:
https://www.modelbuildings.org/fire-department-ambulance-police-station-models
Logging Flatcars
Rowan models N scale and asks:
“I have been looking online for 30ft to 40ft flatcars… not singles, but can’t decide what best for using on my logging layout. I will want to transport freshly felled logs to the sawmill, and cut lumber from the sawmill to a furniture factory in town. Ideas please?”
Please add your thoughts below.
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