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South African Railways 1960’s To 1990’s
Peter has kindly sent in this photo of his layout for publication.
I’ve just finished one section of my South African model scene. I am now busy with the second section. This photo shows how it stands today if you would like to show the readers. My layout is based on the South African Railways in the period 1960’s to 1990’s when diesels were taking over the majority of train operations, however steam had it’s fair share of runs still. The layout is based on a small railway junction in that period in a country town.
Comment below.
Polar Express Loco Stalls
Jimmy has a question that has been covered many times before (see earlier posts). Perhaps someone would like to offer some tips:
“I purchased a Polar Express loco 284 2 years ago. It was brand new from a hobby store. It no longer in works and I found it a problem from the beginning. It stalls when going over a turnoff at slow speed. I changed switches, but it did not matter. When going faster there is no problem. What am I doing wrong and what do I need to make it work?”
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Terminals and Switches
Brian has a wiring question to challenge readers:
“I have points with 3 terminals and switches with 2 terminals. Can someone please explain to me how I should connect these and in Ladybird style if possible. Looking forward to your reply please.”
Comment below.
Deciding On HO or N
James is hoping for some pointers from readers and hopefully he will get the Model Train Help ebook too (as that would be a big help to him). Here is his question:
“I am trying to get into the SPORT with my grandsons. However, I need some numbers like the minimum radius and the speed for various super elevations of radius for the different gauges in ho and n. Can someone tell I am and old civil engineer the answers. Your help is much appreciated”
Comment below.
HO Locos With Problems
Over the years I have had emails from people with mechanical problems with locomotives of just about every brand – Rivarossi, Hornby, Accurail, Proto, Fleischmann, Kato, Ahearn, Lionel trains, Brio, Atlas, Aristo-Craft … you name it, I’ve heard the problems. I guess we all have our own brand preferences and we put locos to the test in different ways. That’s probably why we experience different problems and stick with the brands we know and like. Some prefer Bachmann, others prefer Atlas. However, it would be interesting to hear the different comments and get some feedback to Pauls comment and question below.
Paul has a question for readers regarding Bachmann quality:
“For some years I have mainly purchased Bachmann HO locos. The appearance is good and the price has been okay. However, after about 5 years or so, screws started to drop off and the motors started to hiccup. I continue to find ‘bits and pieces’ on the track and am doubting the Bachmann quality. I have no problem with older Rivarossi and Proto 2000 models and find that Bachmann Shays and ‘Old Timer” Baldwin 4-6-0’s are the poorest performers I have. Does anyone else share my problems?”
Which brands do you prefer using? Comment below.
Making Rails For Track
Nigel has a question that I suspect will know the answer to:
“Please is it possible for you tell me how to make a railway track? Also, what are the material I need to do so?
Readers may remember Subhash from India who makes everything from scratch for his layout. Perhaps Nigel might like to use the search box on this blog and enter the word Subhash to see what he has done.
The Start of The Ultimate Layout
Ben has kindly contributed this article for publication.
Over the last few years I had slowly got back into model rail-roading after remembering playing with one when I was a small kid. However over the last seven months I dedicated time and resources into getting Scene One of Four of my 21ft by 24ft “Coal to Synthetic-Oil Refinery (circa post 1990)” fully built and operational by the New Zealand Summer time (while working and studying at the University of Auckland).
First of all, some background information on the layout.
- Full Size (when completed): 21ft by 24ft
- Theme: Freelanced Coal to Synthetic-Oil model consisting of 4 scenes. Layout is expandable and can take other freight operations (such as lumber and aggregate) apart from coal and refined oil products – circa post 1990
- Construction Materials; the layout is built entirely of foam from the Woodland Scenics range with the table stands made from wood. A range of other manufactures are used for track, wiring, trains and structures
- Rail Road Company modelled; Union Pacific mainly although I do have Santa Fe rolling stock and locomotives as well
- DDC is planned to be used to control the layout
- Scale: HO Scale using Code 100 Atlas Rail and Turnouts (minimum radius 18″) (Code 83 is planned as experience builds for Scenes 2 onwards)
- Special Note: The layout is divided into four scenes with each scene then broken down into either 18″x36″ or 36″x36″ foam modules. The modules are designed to allow easy movement of the layout (I hope to exhibit the layout one day) as well easy building, operation and expansion as time and money allows. Each scene can be operated independently as well as together.
The first part of the layout under construction is Scene One – the ‘Synthetic Oil Refinery’ and ‘Main Engine Terminal with completion due by Christmas. As a beginner to this, the entire experience has been one heck of a learning curve, but never the less a fun experience as I apply what I learn from each previous module built to the following modules being built. Yes I have consulted books, internet sites and forums as I began building my layout, but at the end of the day and as some advice – use your gut instinct and prepare to make continuous changes as you build the layout! As even when you have a plan drawn up (as I did) you will be making changes as you see what was on paper (or PC) become reality.
This picture shows looking down the a set of Departure/Arrive Tracks looking “North” to what will be the main line (to Scene 2 and beyond). To the left you can see the turnouts leading to the main engine terminal and turntable where the locomotives after their runs are serviced, “turned” and sent back to the freight yard (south or bottom of the picture) for the next run. You can see a park next to the road on you left as well as a sort of out of place track. That track is planned to allow supply wagons to reach the terminal as well as an Out of Use depot (yet to be built).
I would like to mention here a special thanks to my father-in-law (Reinhart) for helping me build the table stands for which the modules sit on. His help allowed not only allow me to continue with further expansions but save time and money bringing in a carpenter to do the work for me.
This next picture shows the current plan of my layout. Apologies for the quality. On the left of the plans is Scene One which I am currently building, with Scene Two (The Bridge Duplication and Mainline Industries) down at the bottom of the shot. Scene Three (The Coal Mine) can be seen at the centre of the plan with Scene Four (The Staging Yard Loop) located underneath that 1/3 18″ radius track.
This final picture shows the current modules being built. As I mentioned earlier the layout (except the stands) is built of foam with the track and structures later placed on top. This scene shows what will be the Coal to Synthetic-Oil Refinery (right) and the tracks that service it. The actual freight classification yard will be built ‘North’ (to the top) of the current modules. On the left of the construction is a 2-stall Engine House designed to be a R.I.P (Repair In Place) facility for wagons needing light repairs.
I’ll continue to post updates of my layout as more happens (I have nearly finished the refinery and will be soon wiring (another learning curve). For more details on my layout visit my blog http://bens-hotrainset.blogspot.com/ and see as I approach my first operating session this Summer.
Where To Start With DCC Setup And Operation?
Ben has a question and has kindly already contributed an answer to help someone else in need of advice. That’s what we like to see… a bit of give and take.
So, the message is; even if you need help with some things, please don’t be backward in coming forward, by helping others in areas you do understand. To continue, this blog needs lots of contributions as well as questions. This blog is currently a free service for the model railroading community, and we’d like to keep it that way… rather than paying people to answer questions and then turning it into a private members only site.
Please share your knowledge with others and help keep this blog free to everyone.
Now, here’s Ben’s question which hopefully you can help him with:
My question is an extremely broad one – where to Start with DCC? I am fully under way constructing Scene #1 of my 20ft by 24ft ‘Coal to ‘Synthetic-Oil’ circa post 1990 layout’ (the entire layout is modular and divided into 4 separately built scenes that in time will be added together) and will finish main construction soon. Thus comes the next phase – wiring the track and accessories up and begin running locomotives and an electronic turntable.
So in a nutshell I am asking, where to start with DCC. Methods in wiring up my track, turnouts, and turntable for and in DCC mode? Recommended DCC Manufacturers for both Command Control and locomotives? And is it easily expandable when I expand by adding the other scenes over time?
Help Ben by adding your comment below.
4×8 HO Layout
Larry asks several questions which are answered in the Model Train Help ebook:
“I am considering getting back into model railroading and have to limit my layout to no more than 4X8′. Can a decent layout be made for HO gauge, or must I downsize to N gauge. Also, is there more reliability to the larger stock of HO? Is there more of a variety of buildings and other scale items for HO?”
If you wish to offer Larry some helpful advice, then please comment below.
HO Kato locos on 00 Gauge Track and Heljan Turntable
David has two questions to challenge readers:
1) I have two very nice Kato locos, (HO Gauge) which run very smoothly on my 00 gauge model, unfortunately they refuse to take some of the 20 + inch curves on my layout. I have heard that it is possible to increase the boggie size? Can anybody give any info re this problem?
2) Has anybody got any instructions for fitting the gantry to a Heljan turntable? It was found not to have any instructions for this operation after it was purchased. Thanks for any help.
Comment below.
Louis Marx Train Set Transformer
Gerry wants some advice from readers on transformers and wattage:
“I was recently given a Louis Marx train set in OK shape but minus a transformer. How can I tell what wattage transformer it uses? I googled marx and found out that there are many transformers and many wattages. When I hook my newer ho gauge transformers up to the set the overload circuit kicks the transformer off. I don’t want to keep doing this or I will ruin my newer transformers. Please help me find the right transformer.
The train was given to me by someone dear to me and I would like to get it running. When I took the loco apart to clean it I didn’t see any numbers or plates inside or outside it. Thanks in advance.”
You can help Gerry and comment below.
Some Questions Rejected
Not all questions get published. Some are rejected because they are too vague and lack detail. Others use text language, have spelling and grammatical errors. Some use ALL CAPS and get rejected for that reason.
If you want others to put time and effort into answering your questions, then please put some effort into thinking about what it is you really want to know and writing your question clearly. As the old saying goes – Garbage in – Garbage out!
If your question has not been published you are welcome to reword it and resubmit it.
DC and DCC Sound
Mitch has a DC DCC question for readers:
“I am operating on DC. I am considering purchasing a couple of engines with sound. My question is : Can I use the sound that is incorporated in an engine with DCC on my DC layout? And, what if any, modifications would be required?”
Amazing South African Layout
“I work as an actor and this scene commemorates a TV serial in which I played the lead, shot in 1990. I was the owner of the plantation as well as the sawmill, etc. The rear of the pic features a felled area where just the tree stumps and branch debris remain. To the right and above that you can discern a firebreak.”
Frank from South Africa has kindly sent in these photos for publication. Here is Frank’s story:
I am a 65 year old South African living in Durban on the east coast and have been involved in this fascinating hobby for 19 years. I should have, would have, started earlier but was convinced I couldn’t do it but only then realised what a superb support group we had in this city at the time.My layout is very large; it occupies 3 rooms in the apartment I purchased in 1991 opposite the one I live in. The track plan is relatively simple but I designed it so got what I wanted.
The scenery is “generic” as I run American trains, Continental trains and South African trains … just never at the same time. I am not a “rivet-counter” and as long as what I see pleases me, that’s fine.Th emphasis is on fine detail and developing that has given me a lot of pleasure. I now append a few photographs and hope that you find them pleasing to your eye.
“The beach resort of Uvongo some 140km south of Durban inspired this scene: a waterfall at rear with a river running into a lagoon with a peninsular beach on one side. I replaced the very boring road bridge with a dressed stone double mainline bridge, as well as a high trestle carrying one of the layout’s two branchlines, this one leading to the plantation, sawmill, lumber storage facility and furniture factory.“
I have four of these beautiful Class 23s as I love them to bits, especially the look that the smoke deflectors give/gave them. With tender they weighed about 185 tons and although their drivers are only 5′ in diameter, they could and did thrash through the Western Transvaal and the Karoo at over 130km/h. Impressive for 3’6″
The Industrial area east of the city of Douglas. There are an even dozen factories and warehouses etc. here, each served by at least one siding. The container terminal has 5. They’re pretty short, but they’re there!
The four-track tunnel portal linking two rooms in the apartment. This junction is one of a few on the layout where all four mainlines come together. Featured here are South African trains: two 5E electric units in charge of South Africa’s famed Blue train (this is the pre-1972 version and you’re seeing 4 of the rake of 12 coaches); to the right of it is a Class 36 diesel hauling a petrol tanker train; while a main line passenger train drifts downgrade behind a massive Class 23 steam loco. One must remember that while these locos were every bit as big as their British and European counterparts, they ran on 3’6″ gauge, not the world standard of 4’8½”.
Right Hand Drive Models For Railway Layout
Ben has a question that will interest readers in the UK, Australia and New Zealand:
“While building my HO Model Rail layout my wife pointed a rather critical limitation to most commercial products. I am from New Zealand and am building a freelanced ‘coal to synthetic-oil’ refinery layout and realised most, if not all, model vehicles and accessories like road/rail-level crossing electronic part (eg flashers and gates) are built for right hand drive (USA/EU style driving). My layout is left hand drive (New Zealand, Australia, UK, Japan) and so a shortage of stock to import and use on the layout unless I want drivers technically sitting on the wrong side. Does anyone know a place that sells vehicles and accessories suited to left hand drive layouts?”
To help Ben you can comment below.
Programming Bachmann Locomotives
Jerry wants to know what he is doing wrong with programming his Bachmann locomotives:
“I have five new Bachmann gp40 gp30 loco’s and a new EZ command station. I programed an Athern loco with out any problem but I can’t get any thing on the Bachmann loco’s. They will run on analog but nothing on station 3. Is there something I’m doing wrong?”
Add your comments below.
No Mess Way Of Ballasting Track
Sohan wants to hear suggestions from readers on ballasting track:
“I’m finishing up my first permanent HO layout and I wanted to see if you guys had any tips on pouring ballast on the track evenly. My question is to find out how much I need because I have already started and in some areas it looks overdone or underdone. Most of the time the ballast sticks to the rails and I have to spend hours getting it off. I’m on a tight budget, so I can only afford having a can with few holes in the lid to spread ballast and spray-on glue to keep it down. Any tips or tricks?”
Comment below.
Dogbone Layout With Figure Eights And Outside Loop Track
Norm has a progress report on his layout:
“I am working on a 6 foot by 16 foot layout with about 240 feet of track laid down in two folded dogbone figure eights with one simple outside loop. Track switches allow for access across all three main line runs.
I have been working on this part time (remember, this IS a hobby) since November of 2007, with a timeout period of 6 months while upgrading and rewiring the house electric system. I have been taking photos of the project at various stages of the build. I currently do not have any scenery in place yet. Except in a very few spots, the layout has 22 inch radius curves or larger and all grades are less than 2%. I am currently in the process of attaching wiring to the track switches.”
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