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!
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.
Securing Track With Track Nails Or Glue
Ray wants advice from other in the hobby on the subject of securing track and asks:
“I have Kato HO track on my layout which is on plywood with a 30% directly on the plywood while 70% is on Styrofoam, plaster covered risers. I would like to secure at least key places from movement. I would rather not use track nails – Would your readers recommend drilling a small hole through the reinforced plastic and placing small screws into the plywood on some key curves in order to keep the firmness? If I needed to further secure the track on the inclines would they recommend small amounts of hot glue or do they have any other suggestion? I would like to avoid having the permanency of nails (easier to remove screws) and also avoid continuous glue around the entire track bed – just secure enough for good traction and prevent derailments from up/down movement.”
Take part in this discussion. Use the green comments link below.
MRC Decoders and Voltage
Ted has an HO layout and a question about MRC decoders and asks readers:
“I am installing two MRC 0001007/1008 decoders in old brass engines. I think MRC may have failed to include instructions for installing relative to the DC operation. Apparently you unplug the DCC harness and hook up the three loose wires? But what are they and where do they go? Is the green wire for lights, and if so what is the voltage? The other two wires are black and orange. Does anyone have the answer to help me? I sent MRC an email last week, but I guess they can’t find the instructions either!”
Add your comments below.
Barrier Strip and Jumper for 3 Track Layout
A reader submitted this question for readers:
“I have a 6×10 model train layout and I have three train tracks. As I understand it, I need a barrier strip and jumper. My trains slow down at the far end of the train layout. If I need barrier strips and a jumper, then how would I hook them up?”
Add your answer below.
Banked Curves Question for model-train-help Readers
Ted has an HO layout and wants help from model-train-help readers:
“On a curve, say 24 – 32 inch radius what is the general bank angle for the train on these curves? I am assuming the greater the radius the greater the angle, but I am thinking of a 1/16 th of an inch bank over 1 1/2 inches on my curves on the main lines. Would that be acceptable?”
Answer Ted’s question below.
Rail Power Wire Gauge Voltage Drop
Bill asks readers:
“I am wiring track for rail power and want to know the smallest gauge of wire I could safely use? I don’t want voltage drop. Can I use stranded wire or must the wire be solid?”
Add your comments below.
Solder Rail Joiners – Solder Electrical Connections
Gerry has an HO layout and has a question for readers about soldering rail joiners:
“I know I should solder all other electrical connections, but should I also solder rail joiners to track sections?”
Take part in this discussion. Use comments link.
Audio in a Non dcc Locomotive
Krish sends in this question from India:
“I am a retired aeronautical engineer who decided to come down to ground level! I have just acquired bits and pieces to set up a reasonably realistic 4′ by 6′ layout. I am right now trying to understand the various intricacies of setting up a railroad layout- mechanical, electric, aesthetics and so on. Since I am a novice, I may kindly be pardoned for asking what may be a real layman’s question.
My short question is: can I have audio in a non dcc locomotive? I stay in India (Bangalore to be precise) and it would be almost impossible to procure a dcc system at the current prices. Model railroading is not at all prevalent in India and in fact should interest anybody wanting to set shop in this part of the world.”
To advise Krish, please use the green comments link below.
HO Locomotive Repairs
Danny has a question on HO locomotive repairs and asks readers:
"I have a late 50,s or early 60,s ho steam engine that has a gear on the one wheel. The gear is broken on the wheel. It is pressed on. Is there any why to fix it?"
Add your comments below.
Building Roads and Crossings On N Scale Layout
Jerry wants advice from others in the hobby about road building and asks:
"I am looking for the best and or easiest way to build roads on my N scale 4' x 8' layout. Additionally, how do you build crossings where the roads intersect the tracks?"
Note: There is an excellent section in the model-train-help.com ebook on road building ideas.
Distance between Tracks HO
Mike has an HO layout and wants to test readers knowledge by asking:
“What is the recommended distance between tracks on a straight and a curve?”
Answer using the green comments link.
HO Garden Railroad?
Peter asks readers:
“Is there any real reason I can’t use HO stuff on an outside layout, if I use brass, stainless or german silver track? I ask because there is a huge variety of HO stuff and its much cheaper than O or G scale.”
Take part in this discussion. Use the green comments link to have your say.
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