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!
Power Pickup Hornby Elite controller
Rod has a common problem similar to many others already discussed on this blog (use search box).
Would someone like to offer some suggestions?
“I have a problem with OO trains not moving when power is applied. They move fine when given a push. What’s the problem? I am using a Hornby Elite controller.”
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Non Electrofrog Turnouts On DCC Layouts?
Brent has a DCC layout and wants to hear reader opinions on electrofrog turnouts:
“Some people suggest electro-frog turnouts should be used with DCC train layouts, whereas other resources say non-electrofrogs are more suitable with DCC operation. Why do views differ?”
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Lionel Icing Station Instruction Leaflet
Rose has a Lionel Icing Station
“I bought an Lionel Icing Station of Ebay. I have questions but no instruction leaflet or directions came for either set up or operation. Can anyone help?”
Rose, I don’t know if it is what you are looking for, but I just spotted an instruction sheet for a Lionel Icing Station on eBay.
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O Gauge Model Train Layout Track and Switches
Paul is working on building an O gauge layout and would like to hear from anyone else with experience in that area. Paul asks two questions:
1. I'm getting ready to set up a new O gauge model train layout. It will be app. 26' x 10' with two tiers. Total of 520 sq. ft. The last time I had a layout was back in 1990. I have lots of new Lionel stuff from that period plus older stuff. I have tons of Lionel O gauge track and switches. Is there another company that makes compatible track with that older Lionel track? I'm more concerned with the height of the track than anything else.
2. I plan to set up a second tier app. 3 feet above the base level to set up a large freight yard and industrial complex. I want to run track around the perimeter of the lower track moving up gradually until I get to the second tier. What is the maximum grade I can use to move a large loco with about 15 box cars? Don't forget, most all of my loco's are new Lionel of that 1990 era. Most of the more expensive ones.
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Turnout LGB Switch
Charles asks readers for help:
“What do others think is the best design to spring power LGB switch (turnout)?”
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wire LGB Stainz loco to LGB Model 2063 diesel switcher
Charles needs help with electrical pickup and asks readers for advice:
“How is the best way to wire LGB Stainz loco to LGB Model 2063 diesel switcher when double heading to improve electrical pickup from track power?”
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WINDIGIPET Digital Control
If my geography is correct, Jacques lives on a small island off the coast of Madagascar (Africa). Jacques operates program a WIN DIGIPET system to control model railroads, using Märklin-Digital/Uhlenbrock/Modeltreno Intellibox components. He has a question for anyone who operates this system and asks:
"I am from MAURITIUS and I am looking for someone who could advise me in entering information and electrical connections for the softwear WINDIGIPET ver 8.1. Awating your readers replies soon."
More info at http://www.windigipet.de/info/en/index.html
Making Track For Model RR layouts
Aaron wants to make his own HO scale track and asks readers for advice:
“I am looking for information on making track. I have looked all over and have not found much. Any additional information would be appreciated.”
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Powered By Analog vs DCC Controlled
Art has a question for experienced model railroaders and asks:
“Can an analog-based train system be powered and controlled by DCC? I’m sure it’s a simple answer but I’ve not found it so far. I have a combination of analog and DCC engines… am ready to begin building my layout… but need to know which control module to employ.”
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Conversion To DCC Motor Isolation Mantua steam engines
Bob operates HO scale and asks readers:
“I have 12 old Mantua steam engines that run perfectly. Conversion to DCC means I need to isolate the open frame motor. Can someone say, do I need to isolated the entire motor or just the brushes? Is there a diagram on the isolation of the brushes? Stall AMPS are below 2 running amps 1 to 1.5 amps”
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Tunnel Modeling
Mark wants to hear from anyone with experience building tunnels and asks:
“Hello, I’m building a layout for my ho/oe3 train I would like to build a tunnel but have no idea on how to go about it. Most of the layout is foam with plaster bandage over the top.”
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HO Diesel Maintenance
Michael wants help from those reading this model train blog and asks:
“Can someone help me and explain the proper way to oil and lube an HO diesel engine?”
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Night Sky On Model Train Layout
Larry wants to create a night scene for his model railroad layout and asks readers for advice:
“What is the most realistic way for creating stars in the sky at night for a layout?”
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4 wheeled Bobber Caboose
Bob sent in a question for readers to answer. There is quite a bit of info on google which I presume Bob has already researched. He asks:
“What are Bobber Caboose’s and what railroads had them?”
Old Couplers
Jim has old couplers and some new ones and wants advice:
“I have n-scale engines & cars that are 30 some yrs. old. The couplers on the newer stock look nothing like my old ones. Can the new be matched with the old?”
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Power Supply to HO Track
Tim would like to hear from anyone experienced in model train power supply and asks:
“How often should power be supplied to the track? Currently the track is 16 feet of total in length with one power supply connection.”
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Code 70, Code 83 and Code 100 Track
George wants to hear from anyone with knowledge of Code 83, Code 70 and Code 100 track:
“After decades of good intentions but little time, I have finally jumped into the water and started my foray into HO model railroading. I am ready to start building a layout with Atlas track, intending to use Code 100 for the main track runs and Code 83 for sidings and/or branch lines. I plan to use flex track as much as possible. It seems that the few references I have seen reflect the use of Code 83 and Code 70. Is there some reason that I should avoid using the codes that I want to use?”
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Buy Couplers Which Ones?
Bob wants advice from readers who have some knowledge of couplers and asks:
“I have some old HO cars, steam locomotive and have purchased a Broadway Limited diesel, and I want to convert all of these to the same couplers. I don’t even know what couplers (name brand, type) are on these products now. What would would be your readers choice for the best couplers available? There seems to be dozens to choose from so I need some guidance on this matter.”
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