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 Liftout Sections
Bill has a question for readers:
“When building an HO layout that has a section that will need to be lifted out with track on it how do you maintain the needed alignment of the rails everytime the section is removed then replaced?”
Comment below.
Culvert Loader And Unloader Wiring
Ron wants advice from readers and asks:
“I recently obtained an O Lionel #345 Culvert Loader (6-22965) and a Lionel #342 Culvert unloader (6-22975). Both are wired for Command Contol only. I need any recommendations on how to wire them for conventional operation.”
Comment below.
Decals Made With Computer
John wants to hear from anyone who has made decals:
“I am looking for a program to make decals from my computer for HO scale equipment.”
If you have some suggestions please comment below.
Setting Up and Wiring for a Railroad Crossing
Charlene works in HO scale and asks readers for advice:
“We have a nce 5 amp power amp and cab would like to add a railroad crossing to make it work when the trains approach. I am just not sure as how to go about wiring it to a distribution board or to the track. I would like it to work automatically without having to run around and set off a switch. I would appreciate any help you could give us.”
Add your comments below.
Clean Train Wheels and Train Track
Michael asks readers for help:
“What is the best way to clean my railway track for dcc running on OO scale.Any help? What is the best way to clean the train wheels, buy a cleaner or use what?
Comment below.
How to Figure Scale
Fred asks readers for help:
"What is the correct way to figure scale? I have used three methods, and get different answers. I would like to get the correct answer. What is the correct height of a six foot fence post in ho 1.87 scale."
Comment below.
Automatic Reverse Loop For Trolley Car
Charles has a question for readers on setting up an automatic reverse loop:
“I have tried and tried to set up an automatic reverse loop for a trolley car set up using LGB equipment. Can someone please explain how to make the set up to make this work?”
Comment below.
Train Whistle Won’t Sound
Gary is having a problem with train smoke and a train whistle and asks readers for advice:
"I bought an inexpensive Lionel steam engine (Scout) for my grandson. I am using a Lionel 1033 transformer, but very little smoke comes out and there is no whistle. Does anyone have any ideas please? Thanks!"
Add your suggestions below.
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Transformer LGB Trains
Craig has a transformer question for readers:
“I am not using the transformer that I had purchased for my HO trains, and wonder if I can use it to run my LGB trains?”
Comment below.
U Shaped 4 x 8 with a 4 x 4′ Center Section
Ronnie wants some guidance from others in the hobby and asks:
“Do I have to install a module in my “John Bull” O set? Which dcc system would you recommend? My layout will be U shaped 4 x 8 by 4 x 8 with a 4 x 4′ center section. Will it power the minimal number of switches (4) I will have? Thank you”
Comment below.
Rebuild Train Layout
John wants to get back into the hobby and has some questions for readers:
“Due to space and the wife nagging I had to dismantle my OO train set from the spare bedroom and it is all sitting in pieces in my shed. My question how can I rebuild and store it in the shed. I have an 8×4 foot board which I am going to have to cut in half to fit it in the shed so as not to damage the track. Also I needs some good ideas on a Track Plan Any suggestions would be greatfully appreciated.When it’s rebuilt I could then bring it into the kitchen when of course the Wife is out and go back to enjoying my hobby again.”
Comment below.
There are some good plans with the Model Train Help ebook.
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Where To Sell Marklin Trains
Jim wants to sell some Marklin trains and asks:
“My father-in-law passed away and he had lots of Marklin HO things that I can not use and not interested in. A lot of it is brand new and still in boxes yet. Basically we need to sell this for my mother-in-law. Please let me know.Thanks a lot.”
Although this is not the place to buy or sell trains (we don’t publish buy, sell, swap ads), Jim could consider listing the trains on eBay and/or on http://www.tradetrains.com
00 Electrics Wiring
I don’t know whether Vic has read my Model Train Help ebook, but he is wanting some tips on wiring for DC and DCC. He wants to know if there are any simple ways.
Readers might like to offer Vic some suggestions.
Voltage Drop
Doc has a garden railroad and others for advice:
“From the power supply on a garden railroad how many feet between connections to keep the voltage from dropping and the amperage going up. How often do you tap on to the tracks to maintain a good voltage along its full length.”
Garden rail enthusiasts might like to offer some tips.
DCC Conversion
A reader asks:
“How difficult is it to convert an ho engine to a dcc engine?”
Others can comment below.
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Cleaning Solvent for Train Motors
Neil asks readers:
“I am resurrecting my fathers engines for my grandson. Is there a good cleaning solvent for the motors once they have been taken apart? I was going to use CRC 5-56 but not sure if suitable. Thanks”
Add your comments below.
Roadbed Paint
Paul asks readers:
“I’ve been using foam (spray painted gray) for roadbed. Track is laid over chalk. When I tear it up to relay it, there is a thin coat of chalk and paint on the bottom of the track. What is an easy way to clean this off? Scraping with fingernails or knife blades doesn’t do a good job.”
Add your comment below.
Marklin 2-6-8 BR 53 DRG 3602 locomotive
Brian has a question for Marklin fans:
“I have a Marklin 2-6-8 BR 53 DRG 3602 locomotive. Is it possible to convert this loco from A.C. power to D.C. running on regular 2 rail track. Thank you.”
Add your comments below.
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