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!
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.
Three Level Model Railroad HO Layout
Martin wants planning advice from readers and asks:
“I am planning to build a three level HO (underground, street, elevated) subway system. I would like to know what material to use and how to create a realistic underground effect and structure for the elevated portion?”
Comment on Martin’s posting below.
Two Inch Foam On Layout?
Bruce needs help and advice and asks readers:
“I am curious why people are telling me to use two inch foam board to put my lay out on – why?”
Give Bruce advice by using the green comments link.
LGB’s MTS System
Paul has a question for anyone with experience of LGB’s MTS systems:
“Where can I get the specific details about LGB’s MTS system so that I can compare it to DCC?”
Comment below.
N Scale Roads and Cityscape
Bill has a question for N scale enthusiasts:
“How wide should I make the city streets and a dirt road on my N-Scale layout?”
Comment below.
HO DCC Piko Locomotives
David from South Africa wants advice from anyone who knows about Piko compatibility and asks:
“I started my HO DCC railway project with the PIKO starter set which I must admit it is a great product and I have found it very good quality. It is a digital system. Sadly they do not stock any american products and I really want to include american stock into my setup. I am hesitant to order any products as I do not know if it will work on the existing PIKO system. Can someone please advise which DCC products are compatible with my existing Piko system. I live in South Africa and obtaining products locally is very difficult, so I am dependant upon ordering items from either Germany or the United States and I have to ensure that I order the correct products.”
For those who are interested – Piko has been in the model train business for more than 50 years and manufacture a selection of locomotives and cars. The Piko locos and Piko cars include coupler pockets and a close coupling mechanism.
O-Gauge 1-Gauge O-27 Gauge
Sam wants to hear opinions from others in the hobby and asks:
“What is the difference between O-gauge, 1-gauge, O-27 gauge, and which of them is best?”
Add your thoughts below.
S Gauge Layout with Mountains and City Buildings
Jim wants ideas from readers for construction an S gauge layout and asks:
“I am looking for the best S gauge layout for a 15′ by 15′ space. I would like my layout to contain a mountain, a plain, and some city structures. I would welcome suggestions.”
Add your comments using the comments link.
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