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!
Convert Couplers to Magnetic Couplers
Wayne wants to convert couplers and asks readers:
“I want to convert all of my N scale couplers to the magnet type couplers. When I look at internet listings they show several different sizes. How do I tell which one that I want?”
Comment below.
Glues For Scenery Construction and Polystyrene
Thomas has a scenery construction question for readers:
“What type of paint can be used on polystyrene and what type of glue do I use on it when fixing the grass and trees etc.”
Comment below.
Cork Road Bed – Laying Track
Darrell is busy working on his N scale layout and is requesting advice from anyone with experience laying track:
“I finally got the major ‘Honey Do’ list of items done and now I have some time to work on my train. I built my board yesterday and am now ready to start laying track.
On top of the board I glued a 1″ thick piece of foam (I am going to cut it out where the lake will be so it will be recessed from the main level). Now I need to attach to cork road bed and then the track. I do NOT want to glue the cork down nor the track. I am not adding scenery at this time but need to flexibility to do it later.
I also need the flexibility to adjust the track as I go. I know there are a lot of idea out there. I would like to have as many opinions as I can get before I start.”
Add your comments below.
1947 Varney F3 HO Pot Metal Engine
Richards needs some guidance and asks readers:
“I have a Varney 1947 HO F3 pot metal engine. It went through 4 kids. It was played with all over the place. It didn’t work so I took it apart and got it working. I got very busy and forgot how to put it back together. Is there anybody that could direct me to plans to put it back together? Thank you very much.”
Comment below.
on30 Fourney Locomotive 2-4-4 Bachmann
Pete has a question for reader:
“I have just bought a Fourney 2-4-4 Bachman and it derails any following cars by excessive tailswing on curves. Is there a solution?”
Add your comments.
Constructing A High Level Station Above The Baseboard
Colin wants to construct a baseboard and needs help from those who have built one and asks:
“I want to build a high level station above my main baseboard. I am using sundeala on 2″ x 1″ framing for the main baseboard. What size and type of framing should I use to support the sundeala on the higher level tracks?”
If you think you can help Colin, use the green comments link below to add your suggestions.
Converting HO track to N
Rich (Charles) asks this question of readers:
“I have a 4×8 table built and want to convert an old HO under and over Dogbone layout I built in HO many years ago. I’m not sure about calculating how much track to buy. I have been 25 years or more just getting started again.”
Comment below.
Fastrack Accessories
A readers asks:
“What I would like to know is – are there many accessories for fastrack. I use to have standard “O” gauge. I switched to the new fastrack some time ago. Due to the construction of the fastrack I cannot seem to find any accessories that go with that track. All my “O” gauge accessories do not fit the fastrack construction. Can someone offer and ideas I will appreciate them.”
Comment below.
Weather Model Railway Trains
Paul has a question that he will find well answered in the Model Train Help ebook. Others might like to add some thoughts:
Paul asks: “What’s the best way of weathering model railway loco’s carriages, wagons, etc.”
Comment below.
Model Railroading Software Preferences
Phil asks for readers opinions on software they have used. Obviously there could be many different views as to which system is the “best” depending who is commenting and the nature of their set up. However, it would be interesting to hear some opinions regarding software. Leave your comments below.
Phil asks: “What is the best model railroad software for a beginner model railroader?”
DCC and Analog Trains
Butch has three DCC questions for readers and asks:
“How difficult is it to convert old analog trains to DCC? Are there trains just not worth converting? Which are the easiest to convert? Thank you.”
Comment below.
Bachman Track and Risers
Richard has a question for knowledgeable readers:
“I bought the Bachman nickel steel starter set and want to build an L (2x4x8) shaped layout with one of them having a multi-level mountain theme. Is it possible to do this with the Bachman track and risers, or do I have to go with flex track? Thank you to those who respond.”
Comment below.
Convert HO Trains To DCC
Daan wants to pick your brains regarding DCC and asks:
“I want to convert to DCC. What do I have to purchase to do this? I know my Loco will have to be fitted with decoders. Please note I have mostly Lima RSA locos with the old pancake motors. Is this feasible? By the way, I live in South Africa.”
Comment below.
Brown Paint for N Gauge Layout
Alan has a paint question for readers and asks:
“I have just finished hand laying some N Gauge Turnouts using ME rail and flex track. I am trying to match the (PC/wood ties) to the ME brown flex track color. Any brand paint as long as it is a GOOD match in the smallest can available will be fine, any help or suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks in advance ~Alan”
Comment below.
NE Line HO Layout
Paul asks readers:
I have track for a NE Line HO Layout. I presume it is designed with the 18″ curves to include the 6″ straights. I cannot get the layout to work on a 8′ x 4′ sheet, primarily due to the electrical actuators for the switches along each side. Does anyone have any thoughts? Thanks, Paul”
To help Paul add your comment below.
DCC Decoder Programming MRC Prodigy Advance DCC
Paul asks readers:
“I have a MRC Prodigy Advance DCC and I have purchased an Athearn Genesis loco with a Soundtraxx Tsunami decoder. I want to change the loco address from #3 (default) to #45. I have followed the instructions but the address will not change. I cannot “read” the address or the value of CV #1. The loco responds to address #3. I should be interested in receiving advice. Thanks.”
Comment below.
N gauge Track Geometry
Terry has a question for readers on N gauge track geometry:
“I am finding it very difficult to get hold of the track geometry for N gauge in peco. As I am just starting, I am unable to plan anything, Until I know the diameters of of the different track circles etc. Is anybody able to help thank you?”
Comment below.
HO Magnetic Couplers
Gary has a question for readers and asks:
“what size of coupler do I need to use with my HO scale train? I am using Bachman’s gray roadbed e-z track.”
Comment below.
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