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!
N Gauge Steam Engines, Train Repairs, and Soldering Track
Bill has three questions for readers:
Are there any N gauge steam engines available?
Also - I've been looking for an old mine building - buildings suitable for an old NW track layout. I haven't had much luck with Ebay. Does anyone know where I can get engines repaired? I have an engine I bought on EBay, that may work if I could get someone to take a look at it?
Also, what are the pros and cons of soldering tracks together to prevent cars coming off the track at the point where tracks meet?
Scratch Built Trains Using Scrap Items
Subhash from India sent in these photos of his Darjeeling Himalayan Railway DHR under construction. The model is totally scratch built. Train supplies are hard to get in India and they are very expensive for the locals to buy. So, people like Subhash need to be resourceful and scratch build most things from scrap items. This model train (see finished model in other posting) is constructed from pins, pen refills, ear buds, U clips, networking cables, plastic sheets, non tearable visiting cards, old CD spindle for the boiler etc. Once it is painted no one can make out what was used and where is used. Here are some of the pics taken when the loco was under construction.
Comment below.
Hand Made Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) Trains
Subhash from India has amazing talents and makes his own trains from odds and ends he can get his hands on for little or no cost. He is incredibly resourceful and builds everything on his railroad from scratch. He would like to hear some feedback from others in the hobby, along with any suggestions to help him create other things for his layout out of everyday items.
Subhash said:
Toy Train is the nickname for the locomotives run on Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) due to its toy like appearance.The oldest running steam locomotive is 110. Due to deterioration, most of the locomotives now run on Diesel, but some are still powered by steam. This train is currently registered for a World Heritage Site. I have made a new model of DHR train and have added to my collection. It’s a still model in TT scale.
Please add you feedback and encouragement. This guy is incredibly talented and resourceful!
Old Time Train Accessories
GailAnn would like feedback from others and asks:
“My brother had an HO train where there was a building with a man that came out and a bell would ring and he had a latern swinging as the train went by. Also coal loaders and unloaders. Are they around any more?”
Comment below.
Transformer Voltage and Wiring Two Transformers On Layout
It sounds like Gerry is having power supply problems and asks readers:
“How can I tell if my transformer puts out enough voltage for my layout? If I have to use two transformers, how do I wire them?”
To see earlier questions submitted use the search box above. If you submitted a question earlier and want to see if anyone has answered it, simply type your name into the search box above, or type in a keyword relating to the subject. For example if you search the name Gerry you will get these results.
This blog is run on a voluntary basis and is a free service for people in the hobby.
If one of the readers is kind enough to answer another reader’s question, it would be good if that questioner would add a quick comment using the COMMENTS link to thank the reader concerned. There are several very thoughtful readers who regularly give their unpaid time to help others in the hobby.
How to Make Scenery Look Realistic
Jake is new to the hobby and wants some ideas from anyone willing to share their experience on building houses in a town scene. Jake asks:
“Hello, can someone please help me…I have just started my first HO layout and I don’t know how to get started? What is the best way to make houses?”
To set Jake on the right track (excuse the pun), please add your comments.
Peco Points and Surface Side Mounted Points Motors
David has a question for Peco users and asks:
“On my OO layout I have been using PECO surface side mounted points motors and Hornby points, no problem, but I now have started useing Peco points (sturdier) but I find the motors not powerful enough to switch the points. Does anyone have the same problem, or any thoughts on this?”
Comment below.
0-8-0 Engine Stopped Working With Smoke Unit Fluid Added
Rob has a question on S scale and asks readers:
“I just had my 0-8-0 Engine repaired and it ran good for a few minutes. Then I added some fluid to the smoke unit and it stopped working. The e-unit clicks when I operate the transformer and the light on the tender lights, but the light on the engine doesn’t come on and it did when it ran. Has anyone got any suggestions please?”
HO scale Bachmann GE U36B Diesel Locomotive Motor Assembly
Jim wants advice from others in the hobby about how to go about replacing a motor assembly and asks:
“I have an old train set that I took out of the attic hardly ever used and connecting it up for my son. It is an old HO scale Bachmann GE U36B Diesel Locomotive that needs the motor assembly replaced. The original Bachmann stock # was 3204 and it was listed as a Powered Truck Assembly. If these are not available would there be a replacement kit that would fit?”
Readers can comment below.
G Scale Garden Railway Layout Power Source and Track
Tom has a question with a knowledge of garden railways and asks:
“I am designing a garden layout (outdoors) using electric for my power source. What is the best track to use? Also, what is the best way to insulate the wires? G scale and going outdoors are all new to me. I just thought someone might be able to give some good advise. Thank You.”
Comment below.
00 Conversion to DCC 11001 Pannier 0-6-0 GWR
Richard wants advice from anyone with knowledge of a 11001 pannier 0-6-0 GWR conversion to DCC and asks:
“I want to convert my 11001 pannier 0-6-0 GWR ‘shirtbutton’ 7768 to DCC. I know there is a web site that lists and shows many conversions but I cannot find it. Can anyone help me please. Thanks.”
Bachmann HO Trolleys Auto Reversing e-z Track 90 Degree Crossing
Bill has a Bachmann HO trolley and wants help from anyone with experience in that area:
"I want to put in a 90 degree crossing on my layout so my trolley can cross my regular train track. The trolley is Bachmann using the auto reversing e-z track. Will this affect the working of the trolley?"
Add your comment below.
Lionel Culvert Loader & Unloader #6-12983 and #6342 with Legacy System and SC-2 Accessory Channels
Larry has sent in these photos of his layout and has a question for others in the hobby.
Larry said:
Thanks for your Model Train Help ebook. It has been a great help in building my first set. (See attached photo). I’m now in the process of installing the accessories.
My question is this: I have the conventional culvert loader & unloader #6-12983 and #6342. Can someone tell me, is it possible to operate these through my Legacy system with the SC-2 accessory channels. The instructions for the unloader indicate NOT to connect to the SC-1. Has anyone tried this and if so, can they tell me how. I do not want to damage the units. Thank you in advance for any help in this matter.
To assist Larry, please add your comments below using the green comments tag.
HO DCC Roundhouse Rail Power Tracks
Charles operates HO DCC and has a question for readers:
“I have a DCC system and I am trying to decide what is the best way to get power to my roundhouse tracks. Any suggestions from anyone will be appreciated.”
Comment below.
Charles, perhaps you could use the Comments link below and add some more details to your question as it might help readers with trying to answer your question.
Finescale Trains
Steve from the UK has a question about finescale (for those in other parts of the world there is an extract from Wikipedia below). Steve asks:
“I am helping make a layout that is finescale, now I cannot see the differance between standard oo and finescale. However, none of my stock will run on it as the wheels are catching the chairs and they lift up at the points. what canI do?”
According to Wikipedia: “Finescale standards are model railway standards that aim to be close to the prototype dimensions. Reduction in toylike, overscale flanges, pointwork, etc. In Britain it is particularly used because small British prototypes meant that track gauge is underscale. Modelling to finescale standards requires skill, so modellers usually start with the coarse standards applied to ready-to-run models suitable as toys. Standards are set by modellers’ societies.”
0 Gauge 3 Rail Two Train Operation On The Same Track Section
Brian wants to run two trains on 0 gauge 3 rail and asks readers:
"If I have two train sets, each with a controller can two train run on the same track at the same time but not in the same section? Do I need a special connection to be able to do this?"
Comment below.
MTH Track Layout Mainenance and Control Switch Problems
Jack needs help from anyone who operates a MTH track layout and asks:
“I have a MTH Real Track layout. It has several track switches. I am having a huge maintenance problem with the switches and the control switch that is used to operate them. Is this a common problem, or is my experience unique? Any suggestions for a cure is welcome.”
Participate in the discussion below.
AC, DC and DCC types of locos
Mikey asks a question similar to others that have been posted previously on this blog (use the search box). His question relating to DC and DCC operation is also well covered in the Model Train Help model-train-help ebook which has an great section explaining analog and DCC as well as all the advantages and disadvantages of DC and DCC operation.
Mikey asks readers:
“What is the difference between AC and DC/DCC? I’m looking at making a Model Railway based on the theme of WII using DRG era II. However I’m unsure of the AC and or DC types of Loco’s. Also, I am unsure of how decoder’s work as well.”
It sounds like Mikey is reasonably new to the hobby, so I am sure others will be happy to point him in the right direction.
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