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!
MTH Engines and DCC
William has a question for those experienced in DCC setup and asks:
“I have 2 MTH engines with rail sounds and DCC capabilities. I have a new Lionel engine with all capabilities. Legacy only works with Lionel I am told. Is there a digital command controller that works with both brands?”
Add your comments below
Wiring Terminal
Gary asks:
“How do I wire my fast track terminal wires to my ZW transformer post?”
Gary, perhaps you could provide some more details as this will help someone to give you a good answer. Use the comments link below to add more info.
Steam or Diesel
Roger is hoping an experienced model railroader can provide some guidance and asks:
“Hello I would like to start a model train layout someday but I can’t decide what type of layout to do. Should I do an old steam engine theme or a new diesel type? I am from North Central Pennsylvania, a small town called Johnsonburg, which has a long history of railroading. What should I do to make the choice?”
Roger, perhaps start by reading the Model Train Help ebook, as it sounds like you would benefit hugely from the information. You could also start reading info on the internet, and in books, magazines to see what takes your interest. I’m sure others will want to comment. If you search this blog I think you will find feedback on similar questions. There is no right or wrong answer, however there are several factors to consider. Keep reading and researching.
0n30 Turnable Wiring
Fred has an 0n30 train layout and asks readers:
“Can anybody please tell me how wire a turntable using DCC?”
Please comment below.
PFM Trains
Toby asks readers:
“I’m trying to upkeep my pfm trains/and sound system.I know PFM is NO longer around. I have parts to do one or two more engines, but I need instructions for wiring /assembly etc on these parts, maybe a small clue would help?”
New Year Resolution
How about making a New Year Resolution of helping others in the hobby.
Many people just read the tips and information on this blog without contributing to feedback etc. If you have some knowledge of model railroading then please help others who need encouragement. This is free service and all the time and effort put in by people to keep it going is 100% voluntary. Please don’t expect others to do all the work. A little assistance would be appreciated.
Make it your New Year Resolution to post some ideas on this blog to help others in the hobby.
Bachmann Knuckle Couplers
Michael has a question for knowledgeable readers about couplers and asks:
“I am looking for N-scale uncouplers that do not require changing… couplers on
locomotives or train cars. What can people tell me about Bachmann Knuckle
type uncouplers – how to use, reliability etc?”
Post your feedback below.
Track Wiring
Jeremy has a question for experienced model railroaders and asks:
“My model railroad features a scenic railroad with its own separate line. It is a straight segment with a siding at one end. Whenever I turn on the power [DC] the loco just shakes and I saw smoke coming off of one of my 2-6-0s. How do I wire this line so it runs properly without the hazards?”
Add your comments below.
O Scale Platform Supplies
Ruth is hoping some thoughtful model railroaders can help with her model railroading question:
“My husband and I (in our 60’s!) are beginning to build our first permanent platform. We have decided to use O scale as they are easier for me to handle (arthitis and RSD). I am doing the searching for landscape materials. I am having an extremely difficult time finding vehicles, etc. as most people seem to be into HO and N scales.
Our platform is going to take up a room 9′ x 11′ and we have found the smaller scales derail often, they would be very difficult to reach. Also, my husband had Lionel trains when he was a child. As we have already invested a lot of money in houses, etc., it is too late to change our minds now anyway!
Any advice on sources for buying supplies (not too expensive) and getting advice on constructing our scenery would be very much appreciated?”
Add your comments using the green comments link below Ruth’s posting.
Steam Loco Drivers
Randy is trying to locate some train parts and is wondering where to source them and asks:
“Where can I locate a set of drivers for my Samhongsa CN e10 mogul. The current drivers are not on center. They are cast zinc and have broken at a the screw hole of a link connector. The wheels are scaled to 63″ diameter. The current set comes with bushings to permit a spring movement.”
Add your suggestions below.
TMCC and Transformers
Dave has a technical question for anyone with a Powermaster.
“I have two Lionel 80W transformers connected to my Powermaster. Should the switch on the front be set at 135 or 180?”
Comment below.
CAD Programs
James has a question for someone experienced in CAD systems and asks readers:
“What different cad programs are out there that work effectively at designing trains?”
Add your comment below.
Overhauling and Renovating Current Layout
Harry has several questions which experienced model railroaders might find difficult to answer without further details (Harry you may want to add more details to this posting – use the green comments link below). Harry asks others:
“I have been looking for information in regard to overhauling and renovating my layout which is over twenty-three years old. Much of the work would center on the back drop and much of the wiring (a mess to say the least). I just need a sense of direction and advice on where to begin, best course of action and definite “product improvement”; not too mention saving money while doing the work.”
Several of the regular contributors are on vacation so it would be helpful if some other experienced model railroaders could help out with guidance. To answer a question use the green comments link below each posting. It is quick and easy to register and participate. You will be doing the hobby a great service!
Build A Tunnel Through A Wall
Some our regular contributors are away on vacation at the moment so it would be good if some other experienced model railroaders could step up to the mark and answer some questions from others in the hobby. To answer a question you simply click on the green Comments link below each posting.
If you are not already registered it takes only 3 minutes and is really easy. After registering you can participate in blog discussions and answer questions if you can.
On behalf of all the new comers to the hobby, thank you in advance for help.
John asks:
“What is the best way to build a tunnel ,going through a wall in a room (like from in the room to the closet and how do I finish this so it looks nice?”
To assist John with ideas please use the green Comments link below.
Adding Lights To Locomotives And Rolling Stock
Ron has a question for others in the hobby and asks:
“I purchased the E-Book and really enjoy it and have learned a lot. I am in the process of building several pieces of rolling stock and a couple of engines while working on my first layout. I would like to ask your readers for some ideas on how to add lights to rolling stock and engines for a more realistic look and performance.”
Add your comments below.
Only Carefully Worded Model Train Questions Will Be Published.
Unfortunately several questions have not been published because they didn’t make sense.
If you have a model railroading question please think carefully about the wording BEFORE submitting your question. Start your posting with the question and then expand on it to provide good detail to help someone to answer it accurately. If you fail to provide adequate detail, then it is likely your question will not be published, or the answer might reflect the quality of the question, or the question will not be answered at all.
The Blog Moderator rejects around 50% of questions because they use ALL CAPS, have bad spelling/sentence structure, or just don’t make sense, or have inadequate details.
We want to help people to have their questions answered, but it is not fair to expect experienced model railroaders to waste their time trying to guess what the person is asking. The people who answer the questions do not get paid, and help out because they genuinely want to assist and encourage others in the hobby.
We want to maintain standards to keep the quality of content high. If your question has not been published, you are welcome to reword it and resubmit it again for review. This is a free service so help us maintain the quality.
Length of Sections Cut Rail
Anthony has several questions he is hoping someone with experience will help him with. He asks –
“How long should each cut section of earth rail be? Can you have only run/stop sections? OR do you have to have, run/brake/stop? This is for three rail K-Track to be with Viessmann Commander 5300.I am looking for anyone running this combination. Also, knowledge of feedback decoders with above equipment would be appreciated.”
To assist Anthony, simply add your comments using the GREEN comments link below this posting.
For those who haven’t heard of the Viessmann Commander here is some product information –
The Viessmann COMMMANDER colour Digital system features:
>> Control of locomotives & accessories in all digital protocols
>> Joystick control
>> With Double heading
>> Has two speed-control knobs with two direction-buttons
>> Colored representation switch positions and signal aspects
>> Color track diagram in three zoom steps
>> Colored programmed switched routes (yellow) and occupied track sections (red)
>> Time table operation with control of blocks and shuttle trains
>> Terminals for a programming-track
>> Connection to a PC possible
>> Integrated booster
4 Way Crossing
Bob has a 4 way crossing and wants advice from experienced model railroaders and asks:
“I have a 4 way crossing on my layout that will have any four trains going through the crossing at the same time. What I need is some way to stop two trains, say east and west bound, if I have a train going north or south bound. The trains that will be stopped might have several dcc engines or even a helper engine in the middle so I can’t have it stop the first engine because it would cause the other engines to try to push the train through. What do I need to do please?”
Add your comments below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
