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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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Readers Submits Easy Model Tree Building Idea
Max has submitted an idea he would like to share with others in the hobby:
“Experimenting the other day I managed to make some not exactly great, but easy and cheap, trees. Buy a nice bunch of grapes and some fluffy pom poms (green for spring, brown for autumn). Eat the grapes and leave the stalk in one big piece. After it dries it will turn brown and will break easily, so bend the stalks at the angles and directions you desire before it dries. After they are dried, rip up the fluff from the pom poms. Strech it out into a thin layer of green and loosely wrap around the outside of the trees. The fluff should stick to the ends of the stalks. You can add more fluff in the thin patches if required. They only take a minute each and I have about 30 of them sitting in the middle of my train set. I have not tried many colours, but the light green I use looks a little unrealistic when the light shines through it.”
Discuss Max’s suggestion using the green Comments link below.
Fixing Rails To Trackbase Board
Gordon want to hear from you if you are experienced in the hobby and asks:
“I am building a new HO set for my grandson and wish to use a 10′ x 4’6″ base board. As this is too big to get through doors etc I was going to cut it in half and then join it together on location. Does anyone have any ideas on an easy way to line up the tracks if I need to separate to remove them from the present room and reset up? Should I work on the basis that the board is permanently in one piece once joined and the rails are fixed? Aniticipating future moves of the board is my problem. The rails are not fixed to the board at this time but I am starting in next couple of weeks.”
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Wiring DCC Loconet
Jean has an HO wiring question for readers:
“What is the recommended wire gauge for connecting a DCC controller to a Loconet (phone line ok?) and to the track at several positions 6 to 10 feet away?”
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Bachmann 45T Switcher DCC
Jerome operates HO and asks readers:
“Has anyone had any experience installing sound in these DCC switchers? Bachmann says they are designed to have sound added but they don’t give a clue as to what will fit.”
Add your comments below.
Kaydee HO Couplers
Russ asks readers:
“I’ve been away from active modeling for a few years. Somehow I lost track of which Kaydee coupler is best suited for the different brands of RTR rollingstock. Does anyone know where that info is it be found?”
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State Your Scale When Submitting Model Train Questions
Here is a good suggestion from a regular reader who does his best to help others in the hobby. I fully understand his frustration as he wants to provide quality answers that will genuinely help others in the hobby. Here is what he has to say:
“Can you ask the people that submit questions to mention their scale? I have often responded with help/suggestions to many of the questions I see here but without knowing the questioner’s scale it’s counterproductive to the accuracy of my response. I know you have (from time to time) asked for clearer questions on this blog but the message isn’t getting through.
Maybe you should reject any questions out of hand that don’t provide this info (when appropriate). Again, maybe a statement saying that no questions will be posted unless the scale is provided would help this a bit.”
In response to the suggestion Robert replies:
I will add this suggestion to the submit questions link at the bottom of each page.
If you as a reader are going to submit a question please provide as much relevant information as you can.
Here are some tips if you want a good answer:
1. Add as much relevant supportive information to your question as you can. Include details of the scale, operating system, solutions you have already tried, brand & model numbers etc. Remember, the person attempting to give you a good answer is not a mind reader.
2. Don’t ramble. Good questions often get lost.
3. Don’t make your question too short, or too general. For example don’t just say “I am building a layout and want your advice.” We get hundreds of questions like that and they don’t generally get published.
4. Use proper sentence structure, use spell check and don’t use ALL CAPS as questions will not be published.
5. Address your questions to others in the hobby as they will be the ones answering your question.
6. Remember to thank anyone who answers a question. They do not get paid for doing this and they do it because they genuinely care and want to help.
7. Use the green comments link under your posting to add addition information when requested.
8. Submit answers to help others. Don’t expect people to answer your question without contributing your help with other questions. If you can help someone else, then please do so.
We already reject a lot of questions and we don’t want to be unreasonable, but as the reader said “the message is not getting through.” We will start rejecting more questions if necessary.
And remember, if you have skills and experience in the hobby, then please take part in discussions. Please don’t just sit there reading what others have to say – GET INVOLVED!
Use the green Comments link below each posting to participate in discussions.
Locomotive running with sound on Analog
Anton wants advice from readers for buying a steam loco with sound and asks:
“I have a 9′ x 5′ layout with 3 parallel elevated lines (ANALOG). At present I possess an Engine (SD40) running nicely with sound on this Analog layout. I am interested in buying a Steam locomotive with sound. Can anyone advise me what is the suitable Steam Locomotive (with sound) that can run on my Analog layout?”
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SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
