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!
Connect Electric Switch Track
Ron has a question to test reader’s knowledge and asks:
“Can I connect two elcectric switch tracks together without placing a track in between and still have them work properly? I have space restrictions”
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Marklin M Track
Peter has a question for readers on Marklin M track and asks:
“I have received a Marklin M track starter set with extension kits E(5191) and T3 and I am wanting to expand track layout with other kits T2 and T1 especially the parts 5140L and 5140R. I know that C track has replaced M track but I would like to know where to find other M track along with Locos and freight cars? The sets where purchased in 1982, any feed back would be good thanks. “
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Great Northwestern Pacific Railroad
Dick has sent in these photos and article for publication:
The layout where I am locating the buildings is a large HO layout of about 1850 sq ft and is the product of the immensely talented Chuck Ellis, a published model railroader of 30 years. It is a somewhat freelanced cross country RR called the Great Northwestern Pacific. It runs from Duluth, MN to Seattle, WA. It is set in the 60's and actually owns no motive power but uses UP, Great Northern, Santa Fe, and various smaller roads. It is an iron ore hauler, a hot shot refer or two, passenger service and lots of local mixed merchandise trains. The central switching, classification, engine hostelling takes place in Great Falls, MT.
This is the location of the buildings I sent pictures of. I'm also enclosing some pictures of the deep pit ore mine just completed along with the new mountain area which is the home of the Cisco & Taliesin RR, a HO n3 narrow gauge scenic road. The layout is DCC and most of the motive power has sound. Many of the structures are Fine Scale Miniatures, many are scratch built, and some are contemporary Woodland Scenic already built and detailed structures.
The structures pictured are Downtown Deco kits. These kits are somewhat difficult to build owing to the fragility of the plaster cast parts. Easy handling and somewhat tedious clean up process is of primary importance at the beginning of construction. They are walls are extremely well detailed and accept acrylic washes and accents well. The kit has high quality signs and posters along with a concise instruction manual. This kit is not for beginners, however. One should have some experience with color mixing and weathering for an acceptable completion of the structure. They are some of the best construction kits available in my opinion.
Layout And Train Inventory Software
Billy has an interesting question some reader might like to help him with:
“Dear Model Railroaders: I have a 1952 Marklin HO train set that I got from Germany with my Dad when I was 15 years old. It still runs! I now have two grandsons who are now interested in trains too. I need your help if you can do it. I purchased Mr. Anderson’s e-book and it is great along with all the helpful e-mail updates. I am now interested in HO layouts and train inventory control software. I would like a good Marklin “M” solid third rail track layout software to document the complicated layouts I have used, and also a software program to keep track of all my various track, catenary, trains, and accessories so I can document them for the benefit of the next owners. Ideally, if I could get both in one program that would be perfect. If you can assist me in this I would be most appreciative. I have looked on the various web sites I have stumbled across in Google and I just can’t find what I need. Thank you in advance for you time and help if you can.”
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Atlas HO Quality Precision Snap Switches
Vince is hoping an experienced model railroader will advise him on snap switches and asks:
“My layout has 10 Atlas HO Quality Precision Snap Switches. When I run a locomotive at low speeds it has a tendency to stop on about 3 of the switches (the same ones). I only need to move the locomotive very little for it to start up again. Maybe it will run over and over the same switches time after time with no problem then the next time it will stop every time on the same switches. If I speed up the locomotive (say another 5 mph) I seem to never have any problems. All the other switches seem to work just fine. It seem that if I run the locomotive in reverse I don’t have near the problem. If I turn the locomotive around I still have the same problems. I have put power leads and the end of the switches with no help. Any Ideas?”
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Decoder Response Problem
Malcolm has a question for readers on Decoders and asks:
“I am testing a Lenz decoder and cannot access the address (decoder address number). I have a Digitrax Super Chief and am trying to change the address number. My answer on the control keeps on saying no pg. If I take the system out of programing and go to run I can get the decoder to respond to the forward command, but not reverse. If I can get an answer I will be grateful.”
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Switch From Track A to Track B
Charles wants help from any reader who knows about switches and asks:
“I have an inner (track A) and outer (track B) of O gauge track. They are connected by a pair of right handed switches connected to each other. With separate power to each track the object is to allow the train on the inner circle to switch to the outer circle. I am having trouble with how to pin the switches to get the train from track A to switch to track B.”
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DCC Confusion
Mark is hoping someone experienced in DCC with guide him through the process and asks:
“I have just tried to build a layout, and up to now it seems fine. All the joins are ok, however, I have a DCC controller, and I just do not know how to connect the wires to the track and where? Also, what about when the track splits of to another loop, does it matter about the wiring? I am thinking I should wire the track about every 18 inches or so all the way around even on the different loop, although I dont know what type of wire to use? Is it better to solder the wire to the track? Please help as I am getting really confused and have come to a stop, as I dont know what to do?”
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Engines Not Running
This is a question that has been asked several times before. Ed asks readers:
“I have three engines that have been stored for a few years and will not run. Can someone suggest what I can do to get them running.”
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Live Frogs or Insul Frogs?
If you think you have the knowledge and experience to answer Dave’s question please do:
“Can any one tell me which are the best points to use on a DCC layout please live frog or insul frog. I am building an end to end layout OO gauge.”
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Your Model Train Question Has Been Answered
This is just a little courtesy reminder for those who have their questions answered on this blog.
Please find a moment to post a quick ‘thank you’ to anyone who has taken the time to try and answer your question. These are helpful people who do their best to help others. They don’t get paid and do this out of kindness and a dedication to the hobby.
PLEASE PLEASE – I’m sure a quick simple ‘thank you’ posting would be much appreciated. As the old saying goes “courtesy costs nothing!”
Add your thank you, or comments, to the bottom of the relevant posting. Use the green comments link. It is really easy and I’m sure it will be appreciated.
N Scale Gradients
Bill asks a question similar to others that have been asked on this blog (use the search box). Would someone like to answer this for Bill:
“I am about to build my new N scale railroad, can one of your readers advise me the gradiant ratio as i wish to climb into a mountain terrain?”
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Benchwork
Sam wants to hear from others in the hobby and asks:
“I have started on my layout and I’m using Sievers Benchwork. I have started with a turntable and Roundhouse. The turntable is Walthers 130′ and I will sit it in 2″ foam and will use 1/4″ plywood/w/1/2″ Homasote. I will use ceiling tile rail to hold in place. That way I will be able to lift out and clean or preform maintenance when necessary. I just wanted to know if your readers think that should work?”
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Loss Of Power On Layout
Cosmo has a question that has been covered several times before on this blog (see search box). Would a reader like to comment and offer further help:
"My layout is on a 4X8 plywood. At the end away from the transformer, train slows and stops. Why?"
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Running Two Train O Gauge
Lou has a question for O Gauge model railroaders and asks:
“Does anyone know if on a track with switch tracks, can I run two trains, with two separate transformers? I am a new to model trains.”
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35 Year Old Train Couplers
Tim wants to hear from readers who can assist him with couplers and asks:
“I have just got started into model railroading. I am using train engines and cars that were made 35 years ago. The couplers on them will not stay hooked. Can these old style couplers be changed to something that will not cost me an arm and leg?”
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Z Marklin Diode Equipped Tracks
Max is hoping someone with experience in the hobby will answer his question:
“I have two Z Marklin Diode-Equipped Tracks and I don’t know how to use them in a layout or what the are exactly used for. Can someone Explain them to me?”
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501 Pulse Throttlepack
Colin wants advice from others in the hobby and asks:
“Im trying to restore my train set I had as a boy. It used a 501 pulse throttlepack. Are these still available as secondhand packs, as mine has been mislaid over the years.”
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