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!
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.
Making Ground Cover
Model railroading (like any hobby) can be expensive, but there are lots of ways to save money. Making your own scenery props is a good example.
Making Ground Cover
If you want to avoid paying retail prices for commercially made ground cover, then have a go at making your own. Some inventive model railroaders use everything from coffee grounds, tea leaves, to ground-up fresh mulberry leaves. They use their microwave ovens to dry the leaves out, before putting them in a blender. They often combine different leaves to get the desired color and texture.
Sawdust is also an inexpensive material for making ground cover. Fabric dye (from the supermarket) can be used to color the sawdust. Mix up the dye, following the directions on the label, and carefully add it to your sawdust. You need to keep adding the sawdust until there is no more liquid. Pre heat the oven. Then put the colored sawdust on some baking paper (as it will stain anything it comes in contact with). Make sure it is spread out evenly and not just in a big pile. Put the baking dish in the warm oven, for an hour or so, to allow time for the sawdust to dry out. DO NOT cook the saw dust as it could catch fire. The oven should be warm enough to dry out the sawdust, not heat it up. You can bag the sawdust when it has dried out and cooled down. Use white PVA woodworkers glue to stick the colored sawdust to the ground or on tress etc.
I hope you found these model railroad tips useful.
GWR Autocar Coach
Jeffrey wants to know where to buy some model train accessories and asks:
“Can anyone advise a manufacturer of a 00 ready to run GWR autocoach, or failing that, a kit maufacturer please?”
Add your suggestion or feedback below.
Wiring Your Train Layout For DCC Operations
Keen model railroader Mike Williams contributes:
For those who are tired of the more traditional DC method of train operation, DCC Digital Command Control is always a viable option. DCC requires precise wiring, and it is a bit restrictive in some ways.
When building any train layout you will need to run wiring throughout your benchwork, and if you are not careful you will end up with your benchwork being immovable. For example, if you wire your table in such a way that the wires cannot be disconnected, or at least the circuit boards dismounted, you will have a bit of trouble taking your setup to a train show.
As far as your locomotives go, the first things you will need to take care of are the DCC decoder installations. Typically you will only be doing this on one train, but if you have more then you will need to make sure you have a DCC decoder for each of them. Most model trains will have the ability to be disassembled, and the decoder can be installed.
Mike is an enthusiatic model railroader who enjoys model trains and writing.
Wiring DCC Layouts
Mike Williams contributes:
It is important to ensure that you get the right DCC decoder for your train scale. It can be difficult to get a DCC N scale decoder. The problem with small trains is the lack of space within the locomotive shell to install the decoder. If you have steam locomotives, you could install the DCC N scale decoder in the tender behind the locomotive. The idea here is to install it without making it entirely obvious that it is installed. All model trains are different, and there can be a different installation method for each one of them.
If you are unsure of how to install your DCC Decoder, you can have your local hobby shop do it. They will give you the information you need to do it yourself the next time. Of course they might charge a fee for this service, but it will at least keep you from making any mistakes and ruining the decoder before you even get a chance to use it.
Installing switches throughout your track will ensure the continued operation, and if you don’t want to operate blindly, you can always install LCD monitors. There are actually software programs that you can use to control the movements of your train if you so desire. Many say that doing this takes the fun out of the hobby, but this is a rapidly evolving hobby and you may prefer to keep up.
When you are wiring DCC layouts, you need to do it carefully and consistently. Remember that you are dealing with electricity, and there will also be power flowing through the tracks. In other words, don’t put your tongue on the tracks. If you want to find more information on setting up your wiring layout, then you can ask around at hobby shops or even check out a book that has more detailed information. Wiring DCC layouts (or DC) can be a very difficult task, but if you can pull it off – your train set will create a very rewarding experience for you and everyone that comes to watch it in operation.
Mike is a keen model railroader and enjoys his DCC trains.
Good Questions Please
I’m sure most people will have heard the old saying “garbage in garbage out.”
Well, unfortunately we get lots of questions that fail to qualify for publication because they lack enough thought and/or details.
In order to maintain quality, we just won’t publish a question that says, for example, “need info on dcc.” Believe it or not, we get a lot of questions like that, and then we get follow-up complaints when the questions are not published.
The point is it is not fair to our readers who contribute answers. Often they take considerable time crafting a good quality answer and it is not fair to expect them to try and guess what the questioner wants to know. If the questioner doesn’t consider it important enough to construct a well thoughtout question with supporting details, then in our opinion they don’t really deserve an answer.
So, if you are submitting questions, please put some thought into what it is you are asking. All questions have to pass through a moderating process and only about 50% will get published.
Hornby Point Motors
Eric is having problems with his Hornby points and asks for assistance from readers:
“The Hornby Point motors I have tried do not seem to be man enough to operate the Hornby points in both directions. Has anyone else experienced this problem or am I doing something wrong?”
Add your feedback or suggestions below.
Compare DCC Systems Before Choosing Digital Command Control For Your Trains
Mike Williams contributes this article:
A DCC controller system will create a major advantage for your model train system. Not only will you be able to control it with electricity, you will have complete control of the entire system, which is very impressive when you are dealing with model trains. Honestly, you can have a basic train set that goes around the track and occasionally switches tracks, but when you have a Digital Command Control system, you can make your scene really come to life!
You can actually create your own programs, and cause the trains to move realistically. This is great for train shows and public displays, and is a model train operator’s dream. There are a few different systems out there, some of them better than others, but since many people are just starting out with their DCC systems, so let’s do a DCC controller comparison, starting with the lowest end system out there.
Atlas Commander: For those who are novices in DCC operation, this will work great. Featuring eight function keys, this device can deal with seven cabs. You cannot program on the fly however, which will disappoint some people. Again though, this is for beginners and those who do not want to deal with a highly complicated system.
Zephyr: This is also a popular system, and quality is just what you will find in all Digitrax DCC decoders. It has two jump ports that allow DC power packs to be connected, which is something that many other DCC decoders lack. If you wish to use a computer, then you can connect it using LocoNet in conjunction with Locobuffer II.
Prodigy: The NCE Lite has a rating of 3.5 amps and has the ability to connect to another cab bus. Right now though you will only find one handheld controller for it. Luckily the system does have a cooling fan, unlike some. So let’s face it, we like building things, but needing to build a cooling fan for DCC is just irritating. This device comes with 19 functions keys.
To add to the realism it helps to have a DCC sound system. There are a few different types, some of which can include realistic sounds, and of course the standard train horn. Many of the sounds are recordings of trains in the real world, or even museum bound locomotives from ages past. If you are building a historical scene, there’s nothing better than having sounds reminiscent on a 1900’s locomotive barreling through town. Mind you if you are recreating a mid twentieth century setting, you may not have sound at all because citizens in Florida deemed the train horn to be a nuisance and without purpose. That however, is another story for another day, and an amusing one at that.
These are a few DCC systems available including Atlas Commander, Lenz systems, NCE Power Pro, Digitrax DCC systems, and you no doubt find one that suits your needs. Just remember to shop within your experience level, and of course keep your power requirements in mind. You can always upgrade later!
Mike writes on a variety of subjects. He is a keen model railroader and loves his model trains.
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