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!
Buy Train Couplers for Aristocraft, LGB and RailKing
Steve has a question for readers on train couplers for LGB, Aristocraft and RailKing and asks:
“In the past I have purchased only LGB, however my taste is changing and am looking for more contempory trains. I have purchased several deisels and cars from Aristocraft and am looking at products from RailKing and USA Trains. Since all these manufactures use different couplers, I would like to zero in on one type of coupler that will work on my set up. Can anyone recommend one brand that crosses all manufactures? I would like to mix and match my train combines.”
Comment below.
Laying Track Curve – Track Radius Measurement
David would like guidance from those in the know about track radius and asks:
“Another newbie here. Can someone please tell me where the radius of a track curve is measured too; ie is the measurement to the inside rail, the middle of the track, or the outside rail. There seems to be a wide range of ideas on this subject, but no specific answer I can find.”
Comment below.
Wiring Track for Power Continuity On Layout
Eric is having a problem with wiring and seeks help from someone more experienced in the hobby:
“My question is how many power connections do I need on my 027 4×8 layout? Where should I locate them? The layout consists of a figure-eight within an oval within an oval. The figure eight connects to the outside oval on the bottom and to the inside oval at the top, approximately. Six remote switches and one 90 intersection allows this to work.
I can wire the outside and center rails at intervals for the outside oval. My question is if I need to wire power to the inside oval or figure-eight, which rail is now the same outside rail as I wired when I did the outside oval?”
Comment below.
No Power To Track
Larry wants advice from readers and asks:
“Try as I may it seems like I can’t get my HO trains to run. I have bought a new power pack, but I don’t seem to have the juice throughout the system. Man its frstrating. I have taken down my layout and then put it up again many times due to family needing the spare bedroom. Maybe that is part of the problem?”
Readers can advise Larry by using the green Comments link below.
Electrofrog Turnout versus Insulfrog Turnout
Jack asks if a reader can “please help me understand the advantage of using an electrofrog turnout versus the insulfrog turnout or vice versa.” If you think you can advise Jack, then please use the green comments link to answer his question.
N Scale 4 x 8 Layout Planned
Carl has submitted this layout construction question for publication, but it might be useful if he could supply a little more information to help anyone trying to answer his question. Carl maybe you could enlighten us as to the type of scenery, cars you already have and what you have already done. What would you like to do?
Carl asks: “I am limited on space, I have collected scenery, some cars and so forth, but what can I get away with? I have an area 4×8 to start with but that would put it in a corner.”
Add to this posting below using the green Comments link.
HO Train Outside?
Peter asks a question that has been asked before (use search box):
“Is there any reason I can’t make an HO layout outside? I know I have to use aluminum or stainless track. My house is too small and I’ve got lots of stuff to use. I know I have to keep the locomotives inside. HO stuff has much more variety and is very much cheaper…hence my question.”
To answer this question use the comments link below.
HO Scale NY City Subway Layout with Underground Girders
Marty is about to start a new model railroad project and is looking for guidance from those in the know.
“I am just startng an HO scale NY City subway layout. I am looking for suggestions on what to use for the underground girders and other supports for the tunnels. I wish to make it look realistic with a plexiglass top which will have city street scene on it.”
Offer suggestions below.
Steepest Rate of Incline on Bridge
Bob wants help from readers and asks:
“I have a limited area for my model set up of 8×9 feet. I want to add an incline to a bridge and would like to know what the steepest rate of incline can be over the shortest distance and still work properly?”
Comment below.
Hard Insulation Board and Track Clearance on N Layout
Darrell is building an N scale layout and is hoping someone with experience will offer some guidance and words of wisdom:
1. I plan on using the hard insulation board to raise my track. Is there a preferred thickness, brand and type?
2. How do I cut the board for the slope?
3. It has been recommend 2″ clearance for bridges over other track. Is that from top of lower track to bottom of bridge or is that from top of track to top of track? Using the 2″ thick foam board or doubling the 1″ would give me the 2″ But when I add the cork roadbed I loose some of that clearance.
4. What is the best way to attach the track to the cork roadbed and the cork roadbed to the foam board or the plywood decking?”
To advise Darrell, use the green Comments link below an add your comments after registering (it takes about 2 minutes if you haven’t yet done it.)
DCC Decoders for Accessories
Dave wants to pick reader’s brains and asks:
“Does anyone know of a source to purchase accessory decoders for my N scale railroad? I have tried searching the internet in as many ways as I can but so far all I have found are sources for locomotive decoders. Any help would be appreciated.”
Comment below.
Installing a DCC Decoder Lifelike Berkshire N Gauge Steam Engine
Nicholas wants advice from knowledgeable readers and asks:
“Does someone have some suggestions on what decoder and how to install it on a Lifelike Berkshire N gauge Steam engine?”
Comment below.
O-27 Slow Train On Track
Cos has a similar problem to many others (see earlier postings) and asks readers:
“I have an O-27 4’x8′ layout. At the far end my train slows and comes to a stop. What is the problem and how do I fix it?
Add your suggested answer below.
Trucks for Trains
Ray would like to hear some personal opinions on buying trucks and asks:
“When my dad, a model RR’er, passed away, I inherited his layout. He has a lot of cars, and some of them consistently go off the track. Are there some trucks which are “el cheapos”? If so, which ones should I get so my trains will stay on the track?”
Take part in this discussion. Use the green Comments link below.
Lionel and Marx o Gauge Three Rail Tube Track
George asks readers:
“I have two sets of o gauge – Lionel and Marx. Can I use the same set of three rail tube track for both if I run them separately?”
Comment below.
DPDT Switch Between 2 Main Lines
Tom asks readers:
“Does someone have a wiring diagram for an HO North East Line layout for DCC? And suggestions on gauge of wires to use (from feeders to main lines running to DCC power pack). And, should I use a DPDT switch between the 2 main lines and the power pack? I will be using DCC only. My last question is, should I do soldering or use suitcase connectors? Thanks for any help on this.”
Comment below.
HO Track Spacing and N Scale Houses
Two readers are hoping someone can guide them.
Bill asks:
“When running two HO tracks side by side how much space should I leave between them?”
Pat asks:
“Where can I get an n scale house built from a picture I have? I have a small budget. Thank you in advance.”
Use the green comments link below to answer one or both of these questions.
Bachmann DD40AX and MRC Railpower 1370
Rick wants to hear from those with experience of Bachmann DD40AX and asks:
"I've been around the hobby all my life and right now am deeply confused. My wife bought me a DD40AX for Christmas. I'll tell you right out, Bachmann has never impressed me. The unit ran great for less then ten hours, then it stopped. All the lights work from the track but no movement. I can put power to the chassis and it runs. Now Bachmann says to use their power supplies or NMRA approved packs.
I'm in a little 'hic' town with no hobby shops. I would believe MRC Railpower 1370 would be an approved pack. Now the unit is set up for DC and DCC and I understand many of your readers are masters of DCC and may have an answer?
To advise Rick, use the green COMMENTS link below.
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