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!
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.
Read about Model Railway Clubs
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.
Changing Marklin Analog Locos To Digital
Henk is switching to DCC and asks readers:
“What is involved in changing Marklin analog locos to digital. Can I do it myself? Does the tracks have to be changed? It is M track Marklin. What is the approx cost per loco?”
Comment below.
Roadbed and Liquid Nails
Seth is building a layout and asks readers:
“I’m not using roadbed for my S layout and was wondering if using a Liquid Nails type adhesive is the best way to secure my American Flyer track to the foam board base – or if you had other suggestions.”
Comment below.
HO Bachmann GP40 Engines
Ray has a question for readers:
“I have four Bachmann GP40 engines but which brand is better to pull more rolling stock up a small grade on my layout? It is only six inches high and over nine feet of run on either side. All my freight car are near four ounces or 100 grams each engine. One will only pull five cars and a caboose.”
DCC Control
David seeks the opinions of readers and asks:
“I bought a Bachman Locomotive secondhand that has DCC. What would be a good controler to get started with DCC?”
To express your opinion use the green comments link below.
Marklin Turntable
Phillip asks readers:
“I have an old HO Marklin 410 turntable that I would like to commission. It has 4 points on the outer rim: Brown, Red, Brown, Red. What is exactly connected to what?”
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