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!
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.
027 Repair of Lionel TrainSounds
Russ has a problem with his TrainSounds system and asks for advice from others:
“I have a Lionel 4-6-4 Hudson with the TrainSounds system in the tender, with bell, whistle, and chuffing. All the sounds have stopped. I have tried on three different transformers and tried other sound systems on all three; all others work. Does anyone know if there is a schematic to follow for repair? Is there a repair service center your readers would recommend? I live in South Carolina.”
Comment below.
79 Year Old Builds O Gauge Train Layout
Franks sent in this story and photos for publication:
Building a lay out for my O Gauge train set seemed an impossible task. However, when I purchased the set, in the box was a brochure entitled “Rail Road in a Box.” Wow this was something I knew I could do. I called the company and asked a lot of questions and decided to purchase the plans. The plan came in full sized sheets that you laminated on 17 sheets of 32x40x3/16 core board. You cut out the pieces and assemble. It takes some doing. But I found it to be worth the effort. Of course I am 79 yrs old and retired. From then on it’s kind of up to your imagination. Mountains, lakes, town etc. I had my moments.
The lay out is two levels layout. Starting at the lower level it goes up a grade through a mountain to the second level. It then switches to go around a small town switches back on to the main track goes through a second mountain down a grade to the first level where it switches to go through a mountain pass and back to where you started. All this within a space of 40 x 64 inches. And you can run two trains at the same time.
Now they try and tell you it’s so easy a kid can do it. To that I say - I’D RATHER DO IT MYSELF. Now all of you may not have a sweet wife who allows you to build it in the living room … but … I DO.
You may enough of an engineer to venture out on your own. GOOD LUCK! For me, I say thank you RR in a BOX.
Reversing Loop
David need help with his reversing loop and asks readers:
“I am looking for info sources for wiring a dogbone reversing loop – one way travel in the loop is 40 feet. This is two track, alternating current. My track is American S scale and American Models. My turnouts are American S scale, s helper, Toms, American Models. My rolling stock is all of the above plus old Flyer and a Lionel 4-8-8-4 Big Boy.”
Add your suggestions below.
Model Train Show Maryland State Fairgrounds
Candis has sent in this information about an upcoming train show:
The Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace
Venue: Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium MD
Dates: Saturday February 6, 2010 9AM-4PM and Sunday, February 7, 2010 10AM-4PM
- Dozens of operating layouts
- 800 vendor stations
- Many hands-on exhibits
- Free train movies all day
Special features for kids:
“Thomas” Play Area
Circus Train Displays & Circus Wagon
Vintage Self-Propelled Handcar Rides (Additional Fee)
One-of-a-kind full-size “McDonald’s Engine”
- Up to 400 vendor tables
- Door prizes all day, including “train show cash”
- Air-conditioned
- All scales
Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium MD
Candis has sent in details of this upcoming train show:
The Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace
Venue: Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium MD
Dates: Saturday February 6, 2010 9AM-4PM and Sunday, February 7, 2010 10AM-4PM
- Dozens of operating layouts * 800 vendor stations
- Many hands-on exhibits
- Free train movies all day
Special features for kids:
"Thomas" Play Area
Circus Train Displays & Circus Wagon
Vintage Self-Propelled Handcar Rides (Additional Fee)
One-of-a-kind full-size "McDonald's Engine"
- Up to 400 vendor tables
- Door prizes all day, including “train show cash”
- Air-conditioned
- All scales
Railking 031 Switch Problem
Paul wants to hear from anyone with a Railking switch and asks:
“I have a Railking left hand switch that has gone ‘dead’. Even the red/green lights on the ‘throw’ dont light. Checked wiring and don’t see a problem.”
Add your comments below.
Section Frames On Pulleys From Ceiling
David asks readers:
“I am only getting ready to start a layout. I have built 3 section frames (two 7′ x 8′ and one 7′ x 14′) in my garage that I have on pulleys raised to the ceiling. My question is what tips can people give me for making the sections come together and work properly?”
Add your comments below.
Lionel Fastrack Track Cleaning
Jim has a question regarding track cleaning and would like to hear what others think:
“I have the Lionel Fastrack. What’s the best ‘thing’ to use to clean the track; center rail and outside rails? The engines have a rubber band on the drivers for tracksion and the outer rails do get dirty too.”
Add your comments below.
HO/N Small layout
Richards asks for help from readers:
“I am interested in building a small layout for my grandchildren to enjoy. When I say small I am thinking in the range of 3′ x 6′,that will probably be wall mounted to save space and 3′ deep so I can reach all parts of the layout. I currently have both HO and N scale engines that I have found at garage sales. Has anyone got any ideas?”
Add your comments below.
Magnet and Electromagnetic Un-couplers
John has a question to test readers. Add your comments below.
“I have both the permanent magnet and electromagnetic un-couplers and am having difficulty with both.
I have the electromagnetic coupler under my track but unlike the old Lionel uncouplers I grew up with does not immediately uncouple when energized. I see the small things below the coupler move but it does not uncouple. What am I doing wrong?
Is there an uncoupler that will work on HO that is similar to the old Lionel did, just push a button and pull over to uncouple instantaneously?"
Model Railroad Questions
Here are two brief questions from readers:
o-scale
Frank asks readers: "When installing the fixed voltage plug the switch will not activate the switch track(0-22 switch track). What am I doing wrong?"
Tool Needed
Elton asks readers: "Where can I locate an HO track gauge? I have been looking at my hobby shop for six weeks and he cannot locate one for me."
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
