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Block Control
Anthony
“With all the latest MOT/DCC capacity to run multiple shuttles and predetermined routes/Block control etc. Three rail needs one of the Earth rails cut in many places to link with decoders for feedback. the more the better. Looking for anyone doing this set up. Experience in determining section length. Can you do; stop/brake/run or can you do stop/run without brake? How long is best for each section?”
Well Cars For Container – Stackable
Bill is hoping a reader will be able to help with his problem and asks:
How can these be double stacked so as they will not come off the top of the first container like pins? The ladders are on the ends and the Hand Brake and Brake wheel.”
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4 x 8 Layout Planned
Jim is hoping to get some layout concept ideas for his planned project and asks readers:
“I have three Lionel Locomotives and Railroad Cars that were made in the mid 1950’s. I would like to make a layout of about a 4’x8′ or 4’x6′. I would like something that really looks neat and doesn’t look out of place because of my trains age. Thought you guys might have a idea.”
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Program DCC Long and Short Address
Joe has a question for the DCC pros and asks:
“I have an Atlas dash 8 with DCC and Sound and a few days ago it was running the way it should be, but I had to do some work with replacing some track. Over the Christmas I didn’t get anything done. Tonight I put the loco on the track and it will only work with the short address of 3.
I started over and programed the short address. I then put it on the main track to program the long address and it said the long address when I hit enter. However, it won’t do anything but sit there with the long address. If I put in the short address, which I don’t want to use because I am going to a train show in the morning to buy another Atlas with DCC and Sound and can’t keep two with the same short address. When I run it with the short address it won’t go over 28 MPH using the NCE Power Cab which is the same one it used to run okay with about a week ago. Can someone guide me please?”
Answer Joe’s question using the green comments link below.
Operating Height
William has a question about O and G scale and asks readers:
“I have lots of space for my layout, but am unsure as to the recommended height for my operating height!”
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22″ Radius HO Track
Kenneth asks:
“I am building a 22″ radius HO track alongside my 18″ radius HO track but cannot find on the Internet 22″ track items like turnouts (manual or remote) or even a 22″ rerailer section with provision for attaching the DC wires. DO these accessories exist and if so where can I get them?”
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Making Signs
Mike has an unusual question for readers:
"What is a good font size to make names on buildings and signs for your layout? I have some Hobby Cal item # 7 inkjet water-slide decal paper I have purchased and want to try it out. Thanks for any ideas I can get."
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N Scale Light Bulbs To Limit Current
Alan has a lighting question for readers:
“The standard for current limiting and to keep the entire layout from shutting down because of a short is to use a 1156 12V tail light bulb out of a car for HO. What is the standard bulb for N Gauge because of the lower voltage and current requirements?”
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LGB Starter Set
Marc is hoping some LGB model railroader will help him out with this question:
“We have a LGB starter set with no instructions and we do not know how to set up the electrical wires. How/where to the clips attach to the track? How to connect the red/blue wires to the box? We are obviously novices. Thanks for any help.”
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DCC Chip
Graham wants some guidance from ‘those in the know’ and asks:
“I have a hornby select and I am trying to find an idiots guide to putting a DCC chip into a X03/X04 motor, yes I can solder but I’m thick when it comes to diagrams so if any kind person has photos of this procedure I would be very grateful.”
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Electrial Wiring For Bigger Layout
Loren is expanding the train layout and asks readers for help:
“I am expanding my lay out and use multiple trains and need more electial current to the far end of my tracks. I am wondering how is the best way to gain more current throughout my track”
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Old Train Track
Ronald asks readers:
“Five years ago I have received a complete dismantled NN model train track from my late father. The locs (10) has not been worked for over 15 years. The rails are dirty and has been dismantled without cleaning etc. My main concern are the locs, do I have to dismantle them, are the EM and bearings still OK I do not know. What I can do?”
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Benchwork, Styrafoam, and Wiring
Mark is planning a DCC layout and wants to hear from anyone who has DCC and layout building experience:
“I am re-entering the hobby after a few years. I am going DCC, and looking at using foam rather than plaster – better for the system. What I don’t understand is the use of foam and wiring through it. Should I put down a plywood base, then add 2″ of foam? How do you anchor the risers on top of all of this, and how difficult is it to run wiring through the foam?”
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Dead Spot On Track
Mike is hoping for some free advice from others in the hobby and asks:
“Why do I get a dead spot on one of my tracks? Its only half a section, and the Locomotive light will go off. If the train is going fast enough, it plows through and gets a live wire…but if its going slow enough it will come to a halt. Obviously, I checked the rail and connectors.”
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Track Ties
Joe asks readers:
“What is the best way to tie tracks together from table to drop leaf?”
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Walkersville Southern Railroad in Maryland
I have a 17 x 29 foot layout in the basement but only work on it for about one or two months out of the year. The rest of the time I am an engineer at Walkersville Southern Railroad
in Maryland.
The guy on the caboose coming across Routre 355 is me as Fireman before I became an engineer. We run an EMD40, Devenport four wheel gear shift, A 44ton center cab switcher and another Davenport four wheel automatic. I also am one of three people with the Friends of the Warrenton Caboose in Warrenton, Virginia.
I also helped lay the ties and put the rails in to include a #10 switch that came from the Potomac Yard in Arlington, VA. This was given to us from NS Railroad, they also gave us the caboose and were there for the dedication. We also were told it looked better than when it was new.
I also do about 11 module shows a year with the Potomac Module Crew MidEastern Divison of NMRA. We are part of the three HO groups on the East coast that hold the record for the largest HO module layout in the North Eastern part of the states.
If you would like to tell others about your model railroad layout and share one (or two) photos, please go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html and submit your details.
Isolated Fast Track Section
Philip is hoping an experienced Model Railroader can help him and asks:
“How do I create an isolated fast track section? I can’t figure out how to block the power transmission through the middle track section. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.”
To help Philip, you can add your comments below.
Two Train Wiring
Leon wants some free advice from others in the hobby and asks:
“Can anyone help me wire this layout for 2 train operation? Here is my layout. On the plan, each square is 12 in. by 12 in. The actual size of layout is 8 feet N to S, 7 feet E to W, at widest points. Colour code: green is lower level; orange is up and down grade; red (pink) is upper level. Scale is S, American Flyer, old type track.”
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