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!
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.
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.”
Add your comments below.
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.”
Add your comments below.
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!”
Answer this question below.
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?”
Answer this question below.
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."
Add your comments below.
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?”
Add your comments.
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.”
Add your comments below
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.”
You can add your comments below using the green comments link.
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”
Comment below.
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