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Laying Flex Track
Merl has a question for anyone who uses flex track:
“Now I know this is a pretty basic question, but in starting to work with flex track, I had problems connecting sections together. Do you have to remove ties to put on rail joiners? Is there some trick to working with this track?”
Add your suggestions below.
Semaphore Signals
Ray asks readers:
"Does anyone know of another method of contoling Semaphore Signals? I use RR&Co 7 Gold with Digitrax Chief to control my DCC system. I use SE8c controllers for my signal lights. I chose not to use the SE8c for the semaphores because I can't get the Tortoise drives under my middle and top track levels and clear the trains below. I am using the SMC4 boards with RC mini servos that tuck under easily. The SMC4 operates the semaphores with (3) addresses and 'throw commands only'. I have had to use a (3) aspect signal for the first two addresses and a (2) aspect signal for the third. However,the SMC4 works only upon an actuation signal with no memory. This causes some problems. Does anyone know of another method of contoling Semaphore Signals, or do they know of a smaller stall motor drive to replace the toroise?
Comment below.
Marker Lights
Neil asks readers for advice:
“I am looking for marker lights for on the front of the boiler and piping details under each side of cab for top of the line Norfolk and Western J type O locomotive. I want to upgrade my N&W J type Williams by Bachmann locomotive as I have done on my Lionel model. It took a LOT of guts to drill holes in the Lionel boiler to mount the marker lights. The piping details had to be slightly modified in order to fit under the sides of the cab, but the results were well worth the effort.”
Heljan Container Crane
Gino asks readers:
“Could someone please help me. I purchased a Heljan container crane and all the functions work except for the hoist which will not go up or down. Has anyone had this problem and if so how did you fix it? Thank you.”
Comment below.
Athearn Coal Train Hoppers
Charles has a question for readers:
“When making up a long coal train of hoppers, why do the Athearn Cars seem to be out of proportion? They always appear to me to be larger than hoppers produced by other manufacturers. Am I imagining things?”
Comment below.
Amtrak Auto Train Carriers
Daiquiri asks readers:
“I am looking for the builders of the new Amtrak Auto Train Carriers. I am creating an HO scale Auto Train and have to scratch build the auto carriers. I need plans, diagrams or blueprints so I can obtain the dimensions of the cars so that I can reduce them down to HO scale.”
Setup of MTH RailKing Crossing Gates for Operation
Jack has put considerable thought into submitting his question so I am sure you’ll want to help him if you can. Please use the green comments link below Jack’s posting to add your comments and suggestions.
Jack says:
I am sending details of the “O” gauge crossing gates arrangement I have installed which the hope of receiving guidance on modifications required for proper operation. The arrangement uses the RailKing (RK) Crossing Gates in conjunction with a MTH RailTrax I.T.A.D. (ITAD) Control. A wiring diagram and photos describe my installation which does not function and displays the following characteristics:
1. The setup is based on using Auxiliary Power from the 14v DC terminals on the transformer.
2. When the auxiliary power is turned on, the Flashing LED lights start blinking and do not turn off.
3. The gates freeze in the down position as shown on the photo.
4. When the locomotive passes through the crossing, there is no effect on the gates.
The installation was in accordance with my interpretation of the two sets of operating instructions- Gates and ITAD. I had to make some assumptions:
1. The gates and the ITAD required both to be directly powered from the transformer.
2. The input terminals on the ITAD were interchangeable, ie, either could be the positive terminal.
3. As auxiliary power is selected on the ITAD switch, it was of no importance for the ITAD to be on the same side of the track as the Lock-On for track power.
4. There is not direction about the location or orientation of the ITAD, nor any information on considerations for the infrared sensing circuit. I expected to see a red light on the ITAD but see none.
5. That the components are in good working condition.
The Operating Instructions for the Gates and the ITAD are attached.
Crossing Gate Wiring Diagram
Crossing Gates Operating Instructions
I.T.A.D. Operating Instructions
I would appreciate any suggestions toward making the gates operational as described in the operating instructions.
Readers can comment below.
Wiring with Power Boosters
John has a wiring question for those in the know.
“1. I’m using fastrack- 8 switches on layout. Some of the switches do not operate very quickly. I’m powering my layout with A ZW Trans with two power boosters.
2. When I have two trains on track I cannot get them to go the same direction. Do I need a separate transformer for the track. It is all connected through with switches?
If you can help, Thanks”
Louis Marx Transformer Hums
Carolyn has a question for readers and ask:
“Hello, I am trying to find a transformer for a train that was my husband’s now deceased for my grandkids. He had a louis marx & co one but all it does is hum and won’t move the train. We took it out of storage and of course it was rusted tracks. We sanded them down hooked everything up and now the transformer won’t move anything but hum. How else is there things I can do. Will any transformer work or does it have to be exact like it. Please come back and help me. Thanks.”
Comment below.
Wiring a Loop
John has a question for experienced model railroaders on wiring a loop.
“What is the best way to wire a loop to permit complete automatic operation? No electric switches to turn to reverse polarity. All automatic. and N scale.”
Comment below.
Convert Locos to DCC
Dick wants to convert locos to DCC and asks readers:
“Is it possible to convert a older steam locomotive with a split frame motor to DCC?”
Add your program below.
Trains In Peru
Carlos has sent in this information about his layout and the trains in Peru.
I live in Peru, the city of Lima, my layout is in a 7 x 4 mt. with one main line with a big station with the city (every thing is in construccion right now). I just began a re-construction of all the layout.
It will have 8 trains DCC at a time. My station have 4 secondary lines and 2 industrial ones with 2 cranes for material delivery. I also have a connection to pass through without entering the station and a round house for diesel locos (16) and another round house for steam locos (17) already install.
I just buy a DCC control MRC prodigy so I’m making changes. When it will be finished will be 3 lines (flat) one faller bus inside the city, one monorail in between two main stations and one rural station, sawmail area and mine landscape one big mountain that is construccion with 3 different lines that will pass thru. I have almost 80 machines (diesel and steam) and 150 wagons (freight and passangers).
The first photo is taken at the top of los Andes mountains at 4550 meters above sea level we just left the highest point where a trian pass through in the world call “Ticlio pass” at 4818 m.a.s.l. and enter to the “puna area” a high city landscape and mine foundry (La Oroya city) of zinc, lead, silver, copper, iron, magnesum, gold, etc the biggest in Peru. All that area is mines site, Peru is the first producer in South America of Gold, zinc, lead the second in silver (1st is Mexico) copper, iron. Then the train rolls to the city of Huancayo at 3200 m.a.s.l. one of the biggest in central peruvian andes.
In Peru are 2 main train lines one thats go from Lima city the capital to the central andes and to the main mines of the area, don’t pass thru to the jungle, and the other is in the southern part of Peru, and it bigin at Ilo port and copper foundry and goes to Arequipa city, at 2200 m.a.s.l. and from there to Cuzco city, machu Picchu citadel one branch and the other to Titicaca lake, the highst lake in our planet at 4200 m.a.s.l. and finish the trip at Puno city. There are other little lines in between Chile and Peru in sugar factories at the norther coast of Peru and thats it.
Flexi Code 75 Peco Track
Mike has a question for readers:
“I am going to change my set track to peco code 75. Has anyone got any good tips on how to put the track down successfully. I’m asking this question as I have tried before wiwh code 100 and I don’t seem to get yhe curves right on cutting. Can I get help please.”
Comment below.
Making Flowers For Model Railroad Scenery
Charlotte is working on her layout scenery and has an unusual question to challenge readers:
“Apart from trying to shred foam rubber in a liquidizer and dying the foam, how can one make flowers?”
Comment below.
Charlotte has replied to comments posted:
“Thanks for the flower tip, Geof. the scale is HO. In case anyone wants this tip, but I’m not sure it’s unique, here it is. spray texture paint on paper. it makes great walls if you’re into making your own buildings. Glue the textured paper on the cardboard or balsa wood you’re building with.”
Powering Turnouts On HO Layout
Jim has a question for readers on powering turnouts and asks:
“I have 4 turnouts in my HO layout that need to be powered and the transformer that I have does not have a power outlet for accessories. How do I get power to the switches for the turnouts and what voltage should they be powered with? I also am in the process of building my benchwork and would like to know where the best outlet for the pink insulation board to set everything on.”
Have a go at answering Jim’s question below.
Moving a Layout
Phil wants to hear from any readers who have moved a train layout. It sounds like he is looking for suggestions on the best construction methods etc to make a later move easier. Phil asks:
“Can you give me some ideas how best to build a large O layout, with mountains, etc, that can be disassembled and moved some day?”
Comment below.
How To Control Train Speeds and Avoid Surges
Hank has a question relating to power surges for readers to answer:
“I am running 4 sets of Lionel trains on my 20 by 6 and 12 by 6 L shape layout. I use 027 tracks using conventional Engines (purchased in 70’s). Someone told me that I can use a DCS legacy to run these trains. I am using 2 Lionel ZW transformers and use a DCS terminal block for one track. The other three tracks I loop every 6 to 8 feet. However, I still have surges in certain areas. Would the DCS correct these power surges? Thank You in advance for your assistance.”
Comment below.
Wiring Bachmann Turnouts to DS-54 Digitrax’s
Phill has a brief question for readers on wiring Bachmann turnouts to DS-54 Digitrax’s:
“How would you wire Bachmann’s remote control turnouts with Digitrax’s DS-64 moduals?”
Comment below.
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