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!
German Coaling Stations
Ian has a comment and question on coal stations. Perhaps readers would like to share their views on the subject. Use the comments link below this posting.
“Why did the German railways use such a clumsy way of replenishing their coaling stations? According to all the model makers, the coal was delivered in gondolas/open wagons. Plucked out by a crane with a clamshell scoop, then dropped into the overhead coaling station. The dregs would need to be scraped up with shovels. Australian/British/US stations were easier to load: a long ramp to drop the coal straight in from hopper cars, or a hoist which ran up the back.”
Oil Lubrication For Trains
Mike wants guidance from others in the hobby on lubricating trains.
“I am somewhat new to this. What parts of the engine need oil/grease? Do the cars need oil/grease? Is there a diagram I can use as a guide? Thanks.”
Add your feedback below.
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N Scale 6 Wheeled Bogie Diesel Engine
Roy asks readers:
“What is the smallest radius for a six wheeled bogie diesel engine in N scale.”
Add your feedback below.
Amps For the Engines
Les is new to DCC and wants some advice from those in the know:
“I’m building my first DCC layout and am thinking of using another transformer for the accessories (lighting, etc). Is this going to save me any amps for the engines? It’s a 12 X 8 feet layout and I have 9 dcc engines out of a turntable. I’m using a Hornby Elite system with Sapphire Decoders.”
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Tips on model train ballast
New Engine Codes For DCC Operation
Ron is a newbie who needs some advice from those who have been in the hobby for some time. Ron asks readers:
“I am fairly new at this hobby. I have built a new layout using DCC controls. I have a number of engines and cannot reset the controller to the new engine codes. I have followed the manufactures directions but obviously doing something wrong. Any help appreciated.”
If you can assist Ron, then please use the green comments link below to add your feedback.
Remember, you can also use the Facebook and Twitter links below each posting to advise friends of what’s happening on nthe blog.
Simulating Wood Grain
Many model railroaders scratch build their structures using balsa wood. To add a wood grain effect, use a metal dog comb, and run it along a test piece of balsa. This should produce marks on the balsa like wood grain. The trick is to use a comb that is the correct scale width.
Visitors to your model railroad layout will not always spot the little details straight away, but the longer they watch the trains operate, the more chance they have to notice the elements that add amazing reality to your layout. Their faces will instantly light up, as they suddenly spot something interesting that captures their imagination.
More clever model railroad tips.
HO Engine Derailment
Joe has a question for those who have been in the hobby for a while.
“Does anyone make an attachment for a six axle engine that will keep the wheels on the rail after hitting a high spot are a turnout? I was thinking maybe someone would make a derailler that fits under the carriage and guide the truck? Thank you for your help.”
To assist joe use the green Comments link below to add your feedback.
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RSS Feed Of This Blog Now Available Free To Readers And Web Site Owners
Here is a new free service for readers. I have added an RSS Feed link at the top right of this blog. Look for the little orange symbol with the word “Post” next to it.
The orange rss feed symbol means you can add a direct live feed from this blog to your web site or to your personal computer. So when something on the blog gets updated you will automatically know. You will be up to date with the latest model train questions, answers and tips.
If you (or your club) has a web site, then consider adding the RSS feed from this blog to your site. It will keep your web site fresh and regularly updated without you having to supply all the content yourself.
If you scroll down this page you will see that this blog gets updated very frequently, so it is well worth adding the RSS feed to your model train site. It might even help with your search engine rankings, because this blog is a popular and respected site. The RSS feed looks like this http://modeltrainsetshelp.blogspot.com/atom.xml
If you are unsure how to add an RSS Feeed Reader to your computer desktop, then there are several youtube videos explaining how to do it. It is really easy. Here is one video I found that will show you how http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NLKZrsotvsQ
Scale Conversion Converting HO to S scale
Joe has a mathematical question for readers:
“What is the calculation for converting HO measurements to S measurements?
For example, if I see an HO layout I like and wish to convert it to my S layout.”
Add your feedback and comments below.
oo Engine Ringfield Motor
Kim has a very brief question with not a lot of details and asks readers:
“How do you take the ringfield motor out of the frame of the tender please?”
Perhaps Kim could use the green comments link below to add some more details to help reader answer the question.
0 scale MTH with Lionel Trains
Scott wants to mix 0 scale MTH with Lionel and wants advice from others in the hobby:
“Is it worth it to wire my new layout to be able to run mth trains with my lionel trains since I have not started laying my new layout yet. I have all lionel and no mth stuff yet, but I am thinking about setting up to run both. Mth does have some nice stuff and I like the feature of being able to add my voice to the engines and to be able to play music through them, especially for a christmas train layout. I need input on this please.”
Comment below.
oo-gauge Layout Suggestions
Chris wants suggestions from readers before he builds his new layout.
“I have an area that is 4.55 metres long by 1.20 metres wide reducing to .90 metres halfway along the overall length. I would ideally like the layout to have a run that will go the full length and turn round at both ends. Do your readers have any suggested oo-gauge layouts that will help me get started?”
Add your suggestions below.
Airbrushing Trains Using Laquers
Cliff contributes this airbrushing train tip:
I use the airbrush a lot for my prototype lures. Being a lure designer and modeling prototypes from scratch professionally for many of the major lure manufacturers has it’s advantages. Here is a tip for your readers…I airbrush with laquers. When sprayed right, they can get almost any effect and won’t damage plastics when airbrushed light but will stick forever. The colors are limitless when you know that fingernail polishes are laquers. I mix colors to get exactly what I am looking for in nature and the same can be done with modeling the train scenes, cars, equipment, folage, etc.
Add your suggestions below.
DCC Digital Command Control Train Operation
Mike Williams (a regular reader) contributes…
DCC or Digital command control is a type of train operation that involves a fully electrified railway system. Essentially there is always electricity running through the rails, whether the train is moving or not.
A digital command control system allows model trains to operate independently. A layout can have multiple locomotives with multiple functions controlling the train speed, sound, lighting, direction, and movement. Decoders are small pieces of electronics that gets fitted within each locomotive. The decoder listens to information in the track.
DCC Decoders can be purchased from many different online retailers and in stores. Typically you will want to purchase a NMRA or National Model Railroad Association certified DCC decoder to ensure you have a high quality device. There are several choices of DCC decoders worth considering.
Mike is a keen model railroader and enjoys his model trains.
0 Guage Cleaning Trains And Cars
John has a question for readers about cleaning trains:
“I have two brand new train sets.The 784 B and A freight set, all original, including boxes. Excellent condition. The other is the 1872 General set. Both sets have never been run, but are shelf displayed in my living room. After all these years displayed, they have accumulated dust on them. I would like to clean them, but don’t know how or what to use so as not to scratch the surface. Has anyone ever cleaned theirs with no problems? Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. Thank You.”
Add your feedback below.
About N Scale Layouts, Scales, and Gauges
Mike Williams contributes…
In the beginning these three phrases probably confused you to no end. You had no idea what an N scale layout was, nor did you have any idea what the term ‘gauge’ meant. Now that your beginning stages are over, you have to decide what type of layout you actually want, as well as what types of locomotives. N scale is ideal for most collectors and modelers, especially if you have only limited space available, and are someone that enjoys vast scenery and intricate detail.
N Gauge trains have been quite popular for a very long time. One of of the earliest companies to adopt the N scale was Walther, a company founded at the beginning stages of the great depression. While many people at the time preferred the HO scale, they quickly recognized the usefulness of the N scale when they realized that it could operate in confined spaces and harbor much more detail.
The type of train that you ultimately choose is up to you. As I’ve said before, the N scale train is a great choice and you will enjoy many hours of fun with it. The hardest part will be setting up the track. There are a few different types of track, from bridge track, to standard track. You also have flexible track and standard track. What you choose will depend highly on your layout and your level of experience. If you are unsure, then make sure you consult with an expert at your local hobby shop. Ask them what they have in the way of N scale trains and accessories.
Mike is a keen model railroader and enjoys his n scale model trains.
Easements On Model Railroad
Stan has a question to test readers knowledge:
“When laying track curves what is meant by easements?”
I’m sure many of you will know the answer to that question, but you are welcome to add your comments and feedback below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
