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!
Computerized Railroad Programs
Here is a short question from Steven:
“What is way or best program to computerize my h o train.”
It is a shame Steven didn’t give us some more details about his layout and what he is trying to achieve. However, readers with experience in the area might want to offer some advice.
Use the green comments link below.
Constructing Balsawood Buildings
Pieter wants to buy some plans for constructing buildings and wonders if readers have a supplier they can recommend:
“I am interested in constructing my own buildings using balsa wood (as I know it in South Africa) and then covering it various with printed designs. Can one of your readers perhaps advise me where I can purchase construction plans of various buildings that I can download to work from?”
As regular readers will be aware this blog does not list buy, sell or swap second-hand items, however readers are encouraged to recommend suppliers who sell reliable products.
DCC Upgrade
John wants to hear from the DCC experts out there and asks:
“I have 3 Athern DD40 2 motor locos from the 70s that I would like to set up to run on DCC. As these are older higher current draw motors is there a decoder up to the task? “
Add your comments below.
Track Pliers
Kermit wants to know where to buy track pliers and asks:
“I have am trying to find a pair of Lionel track pliers. The hobby shops around here hardly know what I am talking about. They have a track cutting and reshaping feature which would be very useful in reshaping bent track ends. I live in mid Michigan. Does anyone have any ideas?
Add your comments below.
Wiring of Turnouts
Ken wants to hear from anyone who knows about electrofrogs and asks:
“I have all Peco turnouts in my layout. How can I tell an electrofrog from a insulfrog without removing them from the track layout? Most of my other wiring is complete. All I need to do is the turnouts”
Add your comments below.
Outer And Inner Track Switching
David has a question for readers with a knowledge of switches and asks:
“I have an outer track and an inner track. Trains run well on the outer track. When I add electronic switches to move to the inner track, the switches move one way only. In moving to the other position, it tries to move but bounces back to straight position. If I disconnect the switch and add a straight section on track to hook the power to, the switch will work well. I have checked the voltage and there seems to be no problem. Any thoughts?”
Add your comments below.
Automobiles On Train Layout
Barry asks a question that was covered in a recent blog. Perhaps someone would like to add some comments to help Barry.
“Is there a means to move automobiles in an N Scale train track system by using electricity? I prefer to use (adapting with magnets or whatever) the inexpensive model cars.”
Barry have a look at this earier posting http://modeltrainsetshelp.blogspot.com/search?q=miniatur+wunderland
DCC Setup With Loops
Barry wants to hear from readers with knowledge of DCC setup and asks:
“I am preparing to use DCC in my N scale setup. Does using DCC change the requirements for using turns and loops in the track?”
Add your comments below.
Frame Repair
David wants help for anyone with experience of repairing loco frames and asks:
“I have a lionel 262e with a broken frame. I want to try repairing it with epoxy and wonder which epoxy would be the best. Has anyone had success repairing frames?”
Use the green comments link to help David.
Semaphore Signals
Ralph has a second question this one relating to semaphore signals:
“I see only a very few semaphore signals on the market and those are about $25 dollars or so each. I guess this high price is due to the brass construction. For now I’d take non-working signals as temporary scenic displays. These were such an integrable part of the steam to diesel transition era operation there must be some out there somewhere. Does anyone know where Thank you for your time and attention to my questions.”
Add your comments below Ralphs posting.
Constant Directional Lighting
Ralph has a question he is hoping someone with experience can answer:
“I have acquired a few locos in which I would like to install constant, directional lighting, that I don’t need a Wells Fargo Truck to pay for. Some of these locos have lighting in one direction, others have no lighting at all. Is there a kit out there for this, or can I get the parts, (and what parts are they) to accomplish this?”
Use the green Comments link to help Ralph.
DCC Beginner
Phil has a question that has already been covered on this blog (see search box). If you have some further suggestions for Phil you can use the Comments link below:
“I don’t know what DCC is apart from it is some kind of automatic controller which allows trains to run on same track indepently. What would be the jump for me to go from standard DC control to DCC and what would be the main benifits to a low level model train user?”
Phil, DCC stands for digital command control. A constant voltage is applied to the entire track and locomotives are fitted with digital receivers. These ignore the track voltage until the digital command control sends a signal to the locomotives unique address. The locomotive will then respond to the commands. As each loco has it’s own unique address, it means more than one loco can be operated on the same track.
Phil, I would strongly suggest you read my Model Train Help ebook as DCC is fully covered step by step. I explain the advantages and disadvantages of DCC as well as warn what to watch out for. If you are new to DCC then this would be a helpful starting point.
Locomotive Headlight Assembly
Bob wants to know where he can purchase a locomotive headlight assembly. If you have a favorite supplier you might be able to help Bob:
“I have a Rivarossi 2-8-8-2 (mallet) loco. I am trying to locate a head light assembly for it. Can anyone help me with that?”
Add your comments below using the GREEN comments link.
MTH Scale Wheel Engines
Walter has a question for readers who know about MTH Scale Wheel Engines and asks:
“I did not know that MTH made engines, etc with ‘scale wheels’ that came without couplers and the couplers that were available would not work with regular Lionel and MTH couplers. Is this true, or is there a coupler that you could put on these engines that would work with regular ‘O’ gauge cars?”
Use the green Comments link below to add your thoughts.
Durhams Water Putty
Richard has a question for readers and asks:
“I understand you can use Durhams rock hard water putty to stucco a building. Has anyone done this and what is the procedure as far as mix and getting the stucco look?”
Add your comments below.
Laying Out Track
Pam is starting off in the hobby and asks readers for help:
“What is the best way to start laying out a track?”
Add your comments below to help Pam get started.
Kadee Couplers
Charles has a coupler question for readers:
“Recently I purchased (from a dealer), two sets of two old fashioned passenger cars, (from the steam era), but the couplers did not always match up. I raised the ones that were too low, but now I find that the knuckles seem to be too loose to remain coupled. Also, the forward bogey takes the switch curve correctly but the rear bogey decided to not turn. (I have lost more passengers that way). Any and all advice will be most welcomed.”
Add your comments below.
Transformer Power
Rodney wants to hear what people think about his transformer capabilities and asks:
“I`m building an HO scale railroad. The problem is that the train seems to stop, like it is as if there is no power. I have my switches and my lights connected to the transformer. Do others think that I might need to buy another transformer? It is a 6 foot by eight foot layout. “
Add your comments below.
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