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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?”

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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?”

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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.

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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?”

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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.”

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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?”

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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?”

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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?”

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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.”

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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.”

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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?”

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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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Old HO Engines

Tom has a question for readers on model train maintenance and asks:
“I have several HO engines that have not been used for 17 or 18 years. When I put them on the track they try to run, a little noise, flickering headlight, etc, but will not take off and go. I have cleaned the track and have tried to clean the wheels so they make a good connection, but I still can’t get them to run like they used to. A couple of them will run continuously but not very fast. What should I do to get them to work again? 
I am mechanically inclined enough to take them apart and clean them, but I wanted to see if there was an easier fix before I do that. I would appreciate any help.”

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American Flyer 343 Smoke Unit

Rich would like some advice from anyone who has an American Flyer 343:

"How does the smoke unit work on Amercian flyer, model 343?" 
 
To help Rich, add your answer using the green comments link below this posting. 

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Smoke Unit

Rich asks readers:

“How does the smoke unit work on Amercian flyer, model 343?”

To help Rich you can answer his question using the green comments link below.

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N Gauge Coaling Station On Modular Layout

Steve has a question for readers:

“I am trying to put a coaling station in my layout,which by the way is 8 ft by 3ft wide. How much room do I need for the incline onto it? Also, how much on the other side of it do I need to have? By the way, my layout is made to be moved, so is it modular? Each board is 24 inches wide.”

Readers can comment on Steve’s question by using the green comments link below.

Steve will be interested to know there is a bonus report called “Confessions Of A Mobile Layout Builder” as part of the new Scenery And Layout Construction Ideas e-book package.

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Sportpark Blarimere

Jan has kindly agreed to share these photos of the sports ground on his layout:

The layout is a module built according to the NedTrak-standards (comparable to N track). It measures 120 by 60 cm and depicts a sportsground in the Netherlands.
On the right hand side a korfball-pitch is shown, which is exactly to scale and shows a korfball-match on hand.
 
On the left hand side an athletics track is shown. All necessary equipment is or will be built, including pole vault, hurdles, javeling, shot put etc.

The building in the back is a sportshall, built after the example set in Abcoude, NL. This building depicts the hall as it was before it was extended in the mid-90's of the last century.
 

I try to use unorthodox materials to create the scenes, e.g. the hurdles were made of staples. 
 
If you would like to share details of your layout please complete the form at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html 

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We Want To Hear About Your Layout

I’m sure other model railroaders reading this blog would love to hear about your RR layout and see a photo.

 If you would like to share your experiences and information about your layout then you can submit your train layout details for publication here.

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