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!
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?”
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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.
Frogged Wye
Herb has a question and is hoping someone can help:
“Does a frogged wye solve a reverse loop polarity problem? Is their anyway to make a loop that comes back into the same single track line? Thanks!”
Add your comments or suggestions below.
Code 83 Or Code 100?
Ray would like advice from more experienced model railroaders and asks:
“I would like to know from the readers which track most HO people use – code 83 or code 100 and brass or steel? I have some bits of everything.”
Use the green Comments link to add your feedback and suggestions.
Which Switches?
Mike asks for help from those who understand switches and asks:
“How do I know when to use which switch when building my layout? For example: Should I use a #4, 5, 6, or 8; Should I use a Wye switch or a LH or RH. Also, when would you use a Single Slip versus a Double Slip switch? When should you use a 3-way switch?”
Add your comments below.
Kitset Structures
John wants to hear from readers regarding their opinions on structure kits. Obviously many in the hobby scratchbuild their structures and others prefer to buy kitset models. John asks:
“Who makes the best structure kits as far as detail, realistic look and price?”
If readers would like to give their opinions then please use the green comments link to do so.
Track Sparking
Judy wants to know readers opinions on the cause of sparking on her layout and asks:
“Could someone please tell me what causes sparking between the locomotive and the rail and how do you fix it?”
Comment using the green Comments link below.
Removing PVA Glue Left Over From Track Ballasting
John wants to remove some PVA glue and asks readers:
“Hi, I hope someone can help me because I have just put dowm some ballast with PVA glue and some of the glue is now on the track. Is there any quick way of getting this stuff off.The trains do not like it to much!”
Use the green Comments link to add your suggestions.
Track Cleaning
Jim has a question on a subject that has been asked many times before:
“I have the Lionel Fastrack. What is the best way to clean the track and what product do your readers suggest?”
Use the green Comments link to add your answer.
Loco In Reverse
Ken would like your help please:
“My HO train layout was shut down for about a month due to building a mountain which three trains and a trolley run through or over it. I cleaned the track, but on one line I can’t get the loco to run at all and on another line the loco goes in reverse only. I tried two different locos and both would only run in reverse on this line, but would run normal on a different set of track. Can someone advise?”
Use the green Comments link below.
Which Transformers To Use?
If you have years of experience working on, or operating, a model railroad layout then it would be good if you could share your talents and experience with others who desperately need help and encouragement.
Here is an example. Cameron is a newbie to the hobby and asks:
“Can transformers for HO be used to power N gauge layouts, or must they say HO,N,O etc. on them?”
Although some of the questions on this blog might seem basic to you, for others the questions are particularly difficult and a great cause of frustration. So, do a good deed today and answer some of the unanswered questions on this blog. Others will really appreciate your help and admire your talent and experience.
Use the green Comments link below to REGISTER (it takes only 2 minutes), and then you can participate in future model railroading discussions and answer questions.
Mulberry Leaves Into Grass
Doreen has kindly sent in this tip for readers to use:
We live on a lifestyle block and have 3 mulberry trees. We picked fresh mulberry leaves and dried it in a microwave oven and then put the dried leaves in a blender and hi presto, we had fine, beautiful grass for the scenery costing us next to nothing. Just bag it and keep it until you need it. The first batch was done about 4 months ago and the color is still absolutely perfect.
If you are prepared to help others and share a clever tip or two go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
The best tips will be published.
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