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!
HO Replacement Metal Wheelsets
Aaron wants information on replacement trucks and wheelsets and asks:
“I am looking for replacement trucks and wheel-sets for HO. I would like information on all metal trucks and wheel sets too. Also does anyone know of a resource that explains what types of trucks are used and in what era they were common? A timeline of sorts?”
Comment below.
Converting To DCC Operation
John is converting to DCC and asks readers:
“I have several old locos which I would like to convert for DCC operation. Are there any general rules to follow, or is each installation unique?”
Comment below.
Servo Mechanisms In O Gauge Layouts?
Bob has a question (or is he just passing on some advice)?
“Does anyone use servo mechanisms in their O gauge layout? I know that servos are used in HO layouts for track turnouts and semaphores, but I am not aware of any significant use in O gauge. I have used them extensively and they are a joy to work with.”
Comment below.
Model Railroad Club News
News from Model Railroad Clubs.
A depot of trains comes to Manassas | InsideNova.com
Model train enthusiasts with the Prince William County Model Railroad Club, the National Capital Trackers, the Piedmont Railroaders, Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area LEGO Train Club and other area groups set up displays during the …
Publish Date: 06/07/2010 9:43
http://www2.insidenova.com/isn/news/local/manassas/article/a_depot_of_trains_comes_to_manassas/58789/
San Diego’s historic places: Model Railroad Museum, Balboa Park
Currently the San Diego Model Railroad Club is working on a diorama that will recreate in miniature downtown San Diego as it appeared in the 1950s. Club members are working from photographs in the San Diego Historical Society’s archives …
Publish Date: 06/09/2010 4:40
http://sdjewishworld.wordpress.com/2010/06/08/san-diegos-historic-places-model-railroad-museum-balboa-park/
Model Railroad – how to become a non profit model railroad club …
I have been on the NMRA website and I have looked for a branch to Carmel, Indiana but couldn’t find any branch. So i decide that i would start my own model.
Publish Date: 06/15/2010 4:16
http://www.throttleup.biz/how-to-become-a-non-profit-model-railroad-club/
What To Put The Train On?
This reader is returning to the hobby and asks:
“What kind of table do I use to put my model train on. I have a large basement with plenty of room. What is the best surface for laying down track? I remember years ago using cork bed and nailing down the track to this on a 4X8 foot sheet of plywood. Is this still the way its done?
Comment below.
BNSF Railway Operations At The Golden Gate
Recent Model Railroad blog posts from across the internet.
BNSF Railway Operations At The Golden Gate Model Railroad Club …
My BNSF Railway mixed merchandise train traverses the Mountain and Valley Divisions of the Golden Gate Model Railroad Club with 4 EMD standard cab locomotives.
Publish Date: 06/17/2010 2:20
http://www.trainvideos.net/bnsf-railway-operations-at-the-golden-gate-model-railroad-club
The Train Fanatic!: Neat Train Picture and an upcoming Train Show
Last year, I was able to attend a couple of Model Railroad Prototype Meets (RPMs), as well as the Craftsman Structure Show (http://www.css2010.com/) in Mansfield, MA and the Great Model Train Show, in Timonium, MD (http://gsmts.com/). …
Publish Date: 06/17/2010 8:02
http://trainfanatic.blogspot.com/2010/06/neat-train-picture-and-upcoming-train.html
Tweets for 2010-06-16 | The Hobby Guy
Model RailRoad Podcast Show – Model Train Talk, News, Reviews and more http://bit.ly/9uWNV7 # Events > 21st Annual Strawberry Fest Model Railroad Show.
Publish Date: 06/16/2010 14:21
http://blog.thehobbyguy.tv/2010/06/16/tweets-for-2010-06-16/
Model Railroad – My MTH O Scale Model Train Layout 2 – Online
By making the outer rails the same polarity, there is no short circuit. The history channel has a show called, Trains Unlimited. There is a great episode called, Toy trains or model railroads. Check it out! …
Publish Date: 06/15/2010 18:53
http://www.throttleup.biz/my-mth-o-scale-model-train-layout-2/
Wire A Layout For DCC
Karl asks readers:
“I would like to see some specific diagrams or pictures regarding how to wire a layout for DCC. I have just completed my 5 x 10 layout table, and am ready to wire it. I would like to know how to wire it for the regular power bus to feeders, how to wire the tortoise motors to the switches, how to wire the tortoises to the DS64’s, and how to wire the digitrax PM42 to create the power districts?”
Comment below.
Model Railroad News
Recent postings from other Model Train blogs.
Owensville Terminal Model RR Blog: News and Views: Daily Musing 6 …
Seven day model railroad · Granite City Train show report. 1 month ago. Joe Daddy · Tunnels redux. 1 month ago. Drew’s Train Layout · New Photos of Layout with my Nikon Digital Camera. 1 month ago …
Publish Date: 06/16/2010 6:11
http://otrr.blogspot.com/2010/06/daily-musing-6152010.html
Model Railroad – My MTH O Scale Model Train Layout 2 – Online
By making the outer rails the same polarity, there is no short circuit. The history channel has a show called, Trains Unlimited. There is a great episode called, Toy trains or model railroads. Check it out! …
Publish Date: 06/15/2010 18:53
http://www.throttleup.biz/my-mth-o-scale-model-train-layout-2/
CP Rail Manitoba & Minnesota Subdivision: Model Railroad Lessons …
But 22 years ago, when I was ready to build my first “real” layout, I was as uncertain as any model railroad newbie could be. I had no carpentry skills to speak of, and knew almost nothing about wiring, scenery or any of the other …
Publish Date: 06/15/2010 9:33
http://cprailmmsub.blogspot.com/2010/06/model-railroad-lessons-learned-1-anyone.html
Model Railroad Tools For Metal Roofing
Patrick has an unusual question for readers:
“I am trying to locate a tool for rolling model corrugated metal roofing. Have seen a photo of one. It is hand held, and looks something like a can or jar top opener. The rollers operate by a thumb screw. The makers name looks like ‘Alexander’. If somebody can give the name of a supplier I would be very grateful. I have searched but no success.”
G Scale Layout – Track, Electrical, Structure and Scenery
Tom has a question for anyone with a garden railroad and asks:
“I am going to enlarge my G scale layout. What do your readers think are the best design systems for an intermediate knowledge base – track, electrical and structure/scenery. “
Comment below.
DCC Wiring
Herb has a wiring question to challenge readers knowledge:
“Can I use 14/2 wire for my main wire and what gauge of wire do I use running from it to my tracks? Also, how far apart should my wires be on my HO track?
Add your answer below.
Buying Parts – MTH General Locomotive
Neil wants to know where he can buy some parts for train set. Can he purchase them on eBay or would he be best to buy from one of the many online train suppliers? What do readers think? Neil asks:
“I need marker lights and piping detail under each side of cab for a top of line Norfolk and Western J to add to my Williams model. Also MTH General locomotive only (I have the tender). I have contacted MTH parts department but they can’t help.
Comment below.
Athern HO Locomotive Stops & Goes
Raymond from Nonthaburi Thailand asks a question that has been asked many times before on this blog (search results). Would someone please like to offer some suggestions to help Raymond solve his problem?
“I have a Athern HO train set from the States. It worked fine for a couple of days then it would stop , slow down and then speed up. I have a oval easy track. I finally soldered the tracks together but still have the same problem. The electricity here in Thailand is 220 so I use a transformer to connect the train transformer too. Now the locomotive is only powered by the last set of wheels and they work fine when held off the rail by the electrical train hook up. I do not want to continue to build my layout with out having the train working properly. In Thailand it is hard to find model rail road shops & they are very expensive. Can anybody help me to find a solution to my train problem.
Comment below.
Which DCC Products To Purchase?
Don wants to hear reader’s brand preferences and opinions regarding DCC operation:
“I’m very close to making my first purchase of DCC. I have a moderate understanding of DCC but still the most difficult question to answer is ‘Which Brand To Buy’. I live in the UK where, at the moment, we no not have a ‘home -grow’ system. I’ve read many reviews and looked up many web-sites but there is still doubt. To me, it’s a balance of (i) cost; (ii) functionallity; (iii)future proofing; (iv) looks and feel. ZTC stopped manufacture in the UK sometime ago. Their product did have some questionable technical problems but (for me) it was, and still is, the best looking piece of equipment on the market, anywhere. “
Comment below.
Duchess of Montrose 46232 British Railways
David wants an idea of valuation for his train set. As most will appreciate it is only worth what someone is prepared to pay for it. Researching recent eBay sales can be a good starting point.
NOTE TO READERS: Remember we do not publish postings for buy, sell or swap – so do not include contact details in your reply as these will not be published. David (who submitted the question) understands this and is only looking for your personal opinion about the train set and what it might be worth if he sells it on eBay or through a dealer.
David asks:
Can one of your readers please give me some advice on this one. I was given a train set some time ago and now I am thinking of selling it and to use the money to purchase new equipment for my current setup. If possible please advise me to as what I have and what I should accept for it. I was told it was from about the 1930’s and is a collector’s item.
This what I have.
> An HO loco and tender wagon – Duchess of Montrose 46232 British railways.
> A diesel loco – D3763
> Open wagon – Brick empty to Fletton E163535 ( Printed on side)
> Tank wagon – Royal Daylight paraffin ( Printed on side)
> Passenger wagon – M413 ( Printed on side)
> Passenger wagon – E42759E ( Printed on side)
> 2 Passenger wagons no markings
The wagons and locos seem to be made of solid metal and no plastic at all. The underneath is marked Hornby Dublo Made in England by Meccano Ltd Liverpool I find no dates.
The set has a complete lay out with bends, straight’s and turn outs. The track has a center rail too. There is a power control unit. I have not ever set it up but was told by the person that gave it to me it still runs. The tracks too are solidly built metal with no plastic, in fact I don’t seem to detect plastics anywhere on this set.
Add your comments below.
N Gauge DCC Problem
This question is a bit vague so I suspect readers will need to guess at an answer.
Keith asks:
“My Question is about the train stopping at the station and moving on. By using DCC can you help me here to fix the problems. “
Perhaps Keith could use the comments link below to expand on his question to help readers provide the best possible answer.
Peco Point Motor Problems
Stephen is hoping for some help from those who know about switches, wiring and all the technical stuff:
“Having carefully installed some 14 point motors 6 Peco PL11’s and 8 Peco PL10’s all of the later, bar one surface mounted, the moment of truth was to switch them electrically. Regrettably most will only throw one way and some not either way. The assembly of all in exactly as the manufacturers instructions and I am using a 16volt AC supply. All motors when activated are very noisy. What have I done wrong?
Comment below.
Power Failure at Points On Layout
Mark is having points problems on his 00 layout and asks readers for help:
“This maybe difficult to explain but will give it a go. I have two junction lines coming off a main line, one line powers well when used with the points going straight, however, when I switch the points to go left the power cuts out, therefore no engine movements. I have had the points tested by a friend who assures me the points are fine.
The points maintain continuity but the power shows no reading. This is the only switch points that this occurs in the whole layout which would have about 10 points. Would a bigger amps transformer be an answer? I hope your readers understand my problem as it sure has got me beat.
Cheers.”
Comment below.
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