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!
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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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.”
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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”
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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.”
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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?”
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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.”
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HO 5 Trains
Jo asks readers:
“I drive a show train on a siding, unhook the cars and drive the engine onto the turn table and then into the roundhouse. Then I an reverse the procedure, but the problem is I want to do this with 5 trains. Is it going to be possible? How do I set up the track to run them all on one track afterwards, one behind the other, all being show trains. I have 3 other working trains.”
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U.S. Military Railroad Colors
Palmer asked a similar question on Jan 25 (search civil war in search box) and Ken had a go at answering his question. Maybe someone else would like to contribute an answer to Palmers latest question:
“I am an H.O. modeler I want to make a Civil War scene as a part of my layout. I want to include a period loco and several U.S. Military Railroad cars. I have not been able to find out what color were used by the U.S. MRR. during the Civil War on rolling stock.”
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Notice to all Questioners – please remember to thank anyone answering questions. They don’t get paid and are genuinely trying to help. Use the green comments link to add comments, suggestions, answers etc.
Cleaning Loco Wheels – Peco Lube pl-64 – Grime and Track Dirt
John has a question on cleaning locomotive wheels and asks:
“Could a reader please tell me, what is the best way to clean loco wheels, both diesel, and steam? Also Peco advise that you use their power lube pl-64 on the track after cleaning. Would this not attract dirt and grime to the track?”
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Tender Drive Flying Scotsman Locomotive Decoder Installation
Edward wants advice on a DCC conversion and asks:
“I have a tender driven oo Scotsman with only one black pick up wire to the motor. I think its 5 pole and looks like the motor in the hornby chip conversion diagram but has only one black wire to the right motor conection.Look at the link. http://www.hornby.com/digital/guides/tender-drive-flying-scotsman-decoder-installation,123,HAR.html I would like to convert it to dcc, its a good runner and looks good. Can someone help please?”
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22 1/2 Radius Curves and Truck Mounted Couplers
Ned is hoping someone with experience in the hobby will help him and asks:
“I’m working on passenger car kits of 85′ streamliners. Unfortunately, my layout has 22 1/2 radius curves. I understand truck mounted couplers can lead to derailments. Is there a body mounted coupler that will do the trick? If the truck mounted coupler is my best bet, which one should I use? It’s for a Union Station kit.”
Use the green comments link below to take part in the discussion.
OO / HO Track Radius Confusion
Paul has a question for readers:
“Can someone tell me why the manufactures of the different tracks like Hornby, Lima, Triang do not use a similar code which would help get my layout together? How can I know what the radius is if the code on the track is different from one manufacturer to the other?”
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Platform Access Problems
Jack wants to hear from anyone who has built a platform and overcome access issues:
“I plan on building a 9 feet wide and 7 feet deep platform. The back and left wall are solid and the right side is fixed window. I don’t want to crawl around on the platform, but how do I get to the back? I plan on mountains along the back but while I can crawl under I don’t want to see an opening or have a trap door that is visible or crosses tracks. Any help out there?”
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