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!
Install A DCC Decoder
Dave wants ideas from those who know how to install a DCC decoder in a locomotive and asks:
“I want to install a DCC decoder in a small HO gauge model switch engine that does not have much room. Can I use an N gauge DCC decoder that might be small enough to fit?”
Add your comments below.
Pictured above is a Bachmann E-Z Command DCC Decoder – HO Scale
MTH and Lionel Train Gear
I think readers may need some more detailed information to offer any advice to help James. Readers can give ideas and suggestions by using the green comments link below.
James asks: “How do I plan a O gauge layout? I have Lionel tube and fastrack and have a 8′ x 12′ table. I have the Hell Gate bridge and the over/under MTH mountain. I have some carnival music boxes, a NYC building area and want two or 3 sidings long enough for a passenger set each. Should I go with the new digital stuff? Years ago it was simple, now I got MTH and Lionel stuff and things seem more complicated.”
James you can add more information to your posting by using the green comments link below. Readers can use the same link to discuss the topic.
OO/HO Track Choice
Dave is soon to start his 'dream' model railroading project and asks readers:
"I am about to begin my 'dream' layout which will be on a grand scale (I hope). I am torn between PECO 100 or Finescale 75 guage track. I realise that fine scale is no doubt more realistic, but am worried about reliability as some of the track will be hard to access behind scenery. What do others think I should do?"
Comment below.
Bent Track On Layout
Jerry has track problems and wants help from readers:
“The track I installed has a kink in the track. What should I do to get the kink out? Is there a tool I can buy to take the this kink out?”
Add your comment below.
Lionel Fastrack Electrical Setup
Herb wants some wiring help from others in the hobby and asks:
"It has been many years since I last set my train up. I will be using the new Lionel Fastrack and I need help with the wiring. What or were can I get some help?"
Comment below.
Bachmann 4-8-4 Northan w/52′ Tender
Louis asks for information from readers:
What time frame applies to this train?
Where was the train used?
How can I find out about this train and its reputation?
If you can answer those brief questions please use the comments link below.
Height Of Benchwork – Baseboard – Platform
Buzz has a question that has been asked before on this blog (use search box to see previous postings on the subject). Readers are welcome to give their thoughts on the most appropriate height:
“Can some please inform me what is the finished height from the floor to the platform for ho scale. I am now in the process of putting the legs on my frame.”
Add your comments below.
Homasote, Cork or Rubber?
Barrie has a question for readers to try and answer:
“As a beginner in the model railway hobby I am just about to begin to lay track. The person who sold me my 36″ track also suggested a ‘rubber’ type of underlay. The difficulty that I have is that the underlay does not bend around even slow corners without crinkling on the inside of the bend. Is there a way to rectify this or is cork a better article for curves?”
Add your comments below.
Lionel 4-8-4 Daylight Loco On eBay
Richards wants to hear opinions from readers on buying Lionel 4-8-4 Daylight locos and asks:
"What do people think of Lionel 4-8-4 Daylight locos? I just bought one for $36.00 dollars on Ebay. It is supposed to be in good working order. I had read that Bachmann had some trouble with this loco so I am avoiding them. Did I make a good buy or am I wasting my time and money?"
I am sure readers will have varied opinions on different brands. Have your say. Use the comments link below.
DCC Decoder Installation
Mike is a beginner to DCC and asks readers:
“Are all of the decoders that are installed the same with all the functions, or are there different classes, and how do you tell the difference?”
Add your thoughts below.
30-11012 and 30-1104 Parts by RailKing
Mike is new to the hobby and is hoping someone can guide him:
“I am new at building a model train layout and I am about to install crossing gates and flashers. The part numbers are 30-11012 and 30-1104 respectively made by RailKing. I need to know what ITAD is opposed to TAD. I want to use the rail power to activate these devices on the single line where they cross a road and the instructions that come with these assume that the reader knows all about it. Can someone help me with this? How I am to hook these up?”
Add your comments below.
Cork Roadbed
Melvin asks readers:
“What else can I use for roadbed, other than cork?”
Comment below.
Turnout for Medium Size Layout
Garry asks readers:
“What do people think would be the best type, or even brand, of turnout for a serious model railroaders medium-sized layout? Also, can some tell me what size turnout would be most suitable for my passenger trains so they will not derail?”
Comment below.
Beginner Avoids Model Train Mistakes
Janet wants to avoid mistakes building her layout and asks readers:
“I am a total beginner. I have always fancied a model train set up, so I purchased a box set containing 2 trains & wagons & 2 oval tracks with sidings. I would like to know everything there is to know for the beginner. I realize this is a big ask but I am afraid of making mistakes. I am planning to increase the size in time, but need a *don’t* list. I am intending to build a bridge and a viaduct. Any suggestions from experienced railroaders would be greatly appreciated.”
Janet, I presume you have purchased the Model Train Help ebook. It has many good suggestions for avoiding costly time-wasting mistakes.
Reversing Loop Reverse Polarity
Michael seeks help from others in the hobby with experience insulators, reverse polarity and other technical issues:
“I am having trouble wiring a reversing loop (HO scale) – following the first switch there are 2 insulators (the switches are PECO). Where the loop rejoins the main line I have an additional switch to a second line – how many insulators do I need? – a diagram would look like an E with the 2 insulators on the top – the middle leg turning to the top with a switch that allows the choice of going up to the top or on out the bottom (hope this makes sense) – if I run into the E and go down the middle everything works to the insulators – If I start at the top just past the insulators I can go through either switch with no interuption – I know this is an issue with reverse polarity but don’t understand it – is there an easy fix?”
TO help Michael, add you comment below.
How to Connect Points and Switches
Emmanuel is a beginner seeking guidance from others in the hobby and asks:
“I am new to train modelling and need help on connecting points and switches for 3 Hornby standard trains. Can someone offer me some quick tips please? Thanking you in advance and hoping for your kind help and assistance.”
Comment below.
Civil war Railroading
Palmer wants help from anyone interested in railroads during the Civil War and asks:
“I am a Civil War re-enactor and I am adding a Civil War scenario to my layout. This will include a 1860 era loco and several U.S. Military Railroad cars. I have not been able to find any information about the color scheme used by the U.S.M.RR. All the photos I have found were black & white. I would appreciate any help.”
Comment below.
O Gauge Wiring – Engine Speed
Bill is having a problem with whistle sounds and locomotive speed and asks readers:
“I have an 8′ x 24′ layout with 7 different blocks. When the train goes from one block to another the whistle sounds and the engine slows down and then speeds up. The strange part is that it only does this when going in one direction. When it is going in the oposite direction through the same block it does not slow down and the whistle does not sound.”
Add your suggestions below.
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