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!
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.
Laying Track N Scale
Richard has a technical questions on track curves:
“On a 30″ radius curve, how close can parallel tracks be for modern passenger trains to pass each other without hitting, with the longest model cars?”
Add your thoughts below.
1966 Petticioat Juction Train Set
Greg has a question for Uncle Joe or anyone with knowledge of a trains set based on the old Petticoat Junction TV series:
“Does anybody know of any connections to where I could purchase The original 1966 version of the petticoat junction train set?”
Comment below.
Test Track To Run Engines
Ron wants to know where he can buy, or how he can make, a test track to run engines:
“Has anyone any info on construction of a test track to run engines on in a stationary position? A company years ago (20) made one commercially but it burnt up two of my motors so I trashed it. I’ve seen setups in mr that have an ommeter and ampmeter. They looked homemade. Does anyone have or know where to get one?”
Readers can add their suggestions below.
MTH DCC and Sound
Rick is having quality issues with his trains and asks readers for guidance:
“I recently bought a MTH Mohawk with DCC and sound. One driver was not connected. I replaced it with the Dreyphuss which is perfect. I then bought a EDM demonstrator. I broke the rear trucks after 2hrs. I then replaced it with another one, but the Dcc and sound chip was not working. Out of the four locomotives I only have one that works. What brand will give me the bang for my buck?”
Comment below.
Electrofrogs
Raymond has a question for readers on electro frogs:
“I am setting up electrofrogs for dcc and need guidance. The instructions show me how to wire it to the buss bar, but I can not see how that works with out a decoder set up. My operation is NCE POWER CAB which I will link up SB3a 5amp dcc power unit.”
Comment below
Terrain For Trains
Jon asks readers:
“Does anyone know someone in the Denver Metro area that can put together a Terrain for Trains’ High Sierra layout?”
Comment below.
Chicago & Illinois Midland Boxcar
Fred asks readers:
“I have a 40′ Chicago & Illinois Midland boxcar with a build date of 7-29 car number 8004. It is a Life Like car with HWL 5-45 on the side under the words, When Empty Return To Springfield ,Ill. What is HWL?”
Comment below.
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