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Confusion Over Curve Radius
Dale has a question for experienced model railroaders and asks:
“Curve Radius – 15″ 18″ 22″ Is this radius measured from the inside of the curve; the center line of the curve; or, the outside of the curve? Does someone know?”
Riding In The Engine Cab At Age Five
Larry remembers the day he rode in the engine cab and writes:
Once my Dad let me ride in the engine cab with him while the coal tender was re coaled. He held me in his lap while he maneuvered the engine under the coal tipple. I was about 5 yrs old. This was one of the times I remember along with other times of going to the watering place to refill the reservoir where chemical balls were put in. I assume these were to treat the boiler water.
We traveled by train of course as Dad got passes at no cost. Our trips to town, vacations etc.,were on passenger trains and of course this was after WWII and during the Korean War so many soldiers traveled by rail also and they would give my brother and I “V” nickels and dimes along with “peegees” (wood marbles). I have some of these coins tucked away.
Denver Layout Wiring Diagram
A newbie to the hobby needs some kind reader to help him and asks:
“Can someone provide, or point me in the right direction to obtain a wiring diagram for ta Denver layout. If someone has or or know where and how I can get one, it would be appreciated. I am a newbie to the hobby so I need all the help I can get.”
Use the green Comments and Feedback link to add your thoughts and help out.
Weighting Trains
Here’s a reader question some helpful enthusiast might like to assist with:
“Can Locos be wieghted so that they are firmer to the track and make better contact without damaging the grears or gearboxes? Also is there a salution to coat wheels to make better contact for DCC?”
Use the green Comments And Feedback link to submit your answer or comment for publication. The first step is to register if you haven’t already done so (it takes only 2 minutes) and then you can participate in future model train discussions.
The 5:50 Steam Train And The Cows
Imagine this scene depicted by Kerry and how it could be recreated on a model railroad layout:
When I was a little lad, I would watch the interaction of the cows to the north field and the 5:50 steam train. When the cows had been milked (around 5:30) they would wander to the fence by the tracks. When the train came by the whistle would be really be blowing for a long time as it was crossing a road crossing and coming into the station.
The cows would run toward the barn and as soon as the whistle ceased they would wander back to the fence. This would be constant pattern of behaviour every day at this time as long as the cows were in the field. It was only with this train that this would occur – no other trains would bother them. Even when diesels would run at this time, the cows would not react. Occasionally when a steam train would operate as an excursion and pass by at this time the cows would behaviour and provide us with fond memories and wonder what made them act this way
Trains On The Missouri Pacific Railroad
Jack remembers trains on the Missouri Pacific Railroad and writes:
I have always had a love for trains, especially the old steam engine engines. I was 12 years old, when we moved to the farm, just out side of town. The Missouri Pacific Railroad ran the Belmont Branch through a field about a quarter of a mile behind the house. In the back yard sat an old wash house with a dog house beside it, and that sat next to a large maple tree. I would hear the train coming, and would make a run for the the wash house roof. I did this by jumping first on the dog house roof, then leaping for a limb on the tree, and swinging on to the top of the wash house roof. Then I would start waving as big as I could. What a thrill when the engineer or fireman would see me and wave back. It certainly made my day each time.
Magentic Switching
Don sent in this switching tip for readers:
“I had a problem with magnetic switching for HO & N scale trains. I have found that using door and window alarm switching magnets work well. They are small and easy to hide and senseitive. Give it a shot.”
If you have feedback on this posting use the Comments & Feedback link to add your comments.
Living In Two Wooden Boxcars
Larry has a great story from the late 40’s – early 50’s to share:
We lived in the Ky., Tn., & Va. area, all within 25 miles of Cumberland Gap during the late 40’s and early 50’s. My Dad was working on the L&N RR in that area,(as was both Grandfathers, who retired from the L&N).
At the time of my birth he was at a recoaling depot at Chasha Tn. The small “house”, we lived in was along the a siding two rails from the main line. Our house was actually two wood boxcars side by side joined together to form a 4 room house. This was typical for 3 or 4 other houses for RR employees. Our front porch was about 3-4 ft. from the nearest siding track.
Dad was an Engine Watchman as steam engines had to be kept with the firebox banked and ready to get a head of steam-up.
The engines were swapprd out at these stations to reduce time of recoaling. It was his job to re-coal, water and add sand to the engines and keep them ready for the next change-out. This included turning them around on the “Y” if necessary.
The houses were heated by coal stoves and had no water heater, so when my Mom washed clothes, Dad would run an engine up to the house and drain boiler water off into galv tubs.
We lived there until I was 5 yrs old then he was transferred to Pennington Gap, Va. and then back to Pineville, Ky. where they had originally began working on the RR prior to WW II.
Trains On The Crab And Winkle Line
Roy sent in this tale from his days growing up in the UK:
Just a little tale about the old days. I live in a little harbour town on the south east coast of England. About sixty years ago we spent many happy hours on the fishing boats and sailing barges even playing hooky from school to do so. To carry the cargoes away to other destinations we had the old steam trains, horses to pull the trucks along the harbour tracks for loading and an old victorian station with gas lighting.
Being normal mischevious boys we were often chased by the harbour master; mr couchman; he had a long stick and a big boot. The line ran from whitstable to canterbury and was known as the famous “crab and winkle line” with the oldest railway bridge in the world; sadly no more. Progress!! The line is now a cycle route. Those were the days!
Transformer For 2-3 Lines?
Arthur has a question he is hoping someone will be kind enough to answer:
“I purchased last year a train set for my grandson aged 5. I have been busy collecting some trains over the year and I am about to start on the layout.
Hoping to either have 2 or 3 lines going plus some sidings. Could one of your knowledgeable readers advise what can of transformer to obtain. I dont think the one I have is suitable (probably only for 1 line).”
To advise Arthur on transformers please use the green Comments & Feedback link below his posting. If you haven’t already done so you will need to register first (it takes only 2 minutes) – and then you can participate in future model train discussions.
Pennsy 2-10-4 Double Headers
Roger has sent in these great memories of watching Pennsy 2-10-4 double headers hauling hoppers:
The steepest pull in Ohio was from Westville west to St. Paris in Ohio.
In the early 1900’s brakes were poor and thus many wrecks occurred in the eastbound lanes. Westbound there was the long, hard pull up the hill and almost always had two 2-10-4’s on the point pulling about 100 loaded N&W hoppers.
I remember the hard chugging which was at times synchronous and at others not.
When diesels came on the scene you could tell they were coming because the ground would vibrate. Also the soot from diesels would not brush off the car but would smear its blackness into a nasty smear.
I do have one picture of a 2-10-4 on the point with a three-unit (ABA) diesel running second. Sadly I have no photos of the double steamers but the memories persist.
As a side note all the Pennsylvania tracks were removed approximately early 1990’s. The old DT&I (aka Grand Trunk) is still active running from Detroit to Springfield which passing under the Pennsy.
My father operated a grain elevator located on the old DT&I. I think he developed railroading in his blood and passed it on to me.
Trains I Have Known
B has sent in some fond memories of trains from his childhood and writes:
As I am in my mid 60’s most of my memories are bits and pieces.
Friday nite my aunt came down from Montreal. The train would arrive at 8:15 PM My Corgie dog would hope up on the sofa and look out the window at 8:05 even before we could here the whistle [yes it was steam]I was 5 at the time and my aunt always brought my 2 comics.
We always took the Train up to Montreal [about 2 hours] for Christmas to see the Santa Claus parade and to go to Eaton’s for there Christmas toy show. It was a whole floor with a train to ride on ,elves passing out toys and candy and of course Santa at the end to hear what I wanted for Christmas.
I remember how different it was when the Diesels came in. The horn was really weird.
Big Model Railroad in Germany On 6.8 Miles Of HO Track
Jim has sent in this info about a Model Railroad in Germany:
The “Miniatur Wunderland” model railroad in Hamburg, Germany is the largest in the world, covering 16,146 square feet of space with more than 10,000 train cars running around its 6.8 miles of HO scale track.
Now, the makers of this huge model RR layout have created a video that gives you a jaw-dropping look at the vast scope of this intricate work of art. Its construction started in 2000, and is still underway, with a tiny airport due for completion by the end of 2009. This is just the beginning — there are plans to double the layout by 2014.
I especially like the Las Vegas portion, complete with dazzling LEDs lighting up the night. You have to watch the new video above to get the full impact of this remarkable achievement, which has taken in excess of 500,000 working hours to build. There’s good reason why this is Germany’s most popular attraction, already visited by more than 5 million flabbergasted tourists.
Trains At RR Crossing
Keith sent in this story of climbing aboard a loco at age six:
I remember as a small child stopping at a RR crossing in the car and watching this monster go by shaking the ground. The loco was the hissing, there were huge clouds of black smoke, and the train wheels made a clacking sound on the tracks as the train went by. When the cars passed by, it seems as if they would never end. I would always watch for the caboose.
It was during WW2 and there were few places to eat. When we did eat, it was with friends and it always seemed to be near a RR track, and when the train passed by the place would shake and rumble.
The highlight of my young life was the day I got to stand next to the biggest (to me) train that I had seen in my life. I didn’t stand to close as the heat from the loco was to much (ouch!).
One time I was about to leave my Mother and she stopped me and said that the engineer was talking to me and was asking me if I would like to climb aboard and see what goes on inside the cab?
I think at that point I nearly wet myself with shock and excitment ,but I didn’t, or my Mother would have said something to me. Anyway, up I went in to the train cab. I just stood there in amazement ,not knowing what I was looking at. The one thing I did know was that I was hot(ouch ouch), but I stood there asking questions and not understanding a thing the engineer told me. I was only six at the time.
S.A. Rail & Habour Company
Chris from South Africa send in his memories of working on the Railways:
I’m from South Africa and work 31 years for the S.A. Rail & Habour company. Although I work in the clerical departments I’ve also work for 6 years on various stations, where I had to attend the load & offload of traffic from goods trains. These trains were steam, electrical and diesel engines with trucks from hopper, parcels, grain, farm animals, mass load etc. I’ve also deal with mainline & suburb passenger trains.
In the early years of the rail road service to and from Cape town the train (steam/diesel) had to zigzag on a single rail from the bottom to the top of a mountain (visa versa) before continue to the north/south of the country. In later years they changed this route only for tourist. Ever since this route has been closed.
Booster Units Create Power Districts On Layout
Malcolm contributes these thoughts on DCC:
Power loss can be a problem on large layouts with a large amount of track to feed when using DC control.
On a digital layout booster units solve this problem. A booster unit can create a power district with its own power supply. The booster unit takes the digital signal data and adds the new power supply across the layout.
Accessories such as turnout motors can be powered from a booster unit making their operation independent to the track.
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Robert adds:
If you have knowledge of model trains and would like to help others get started in the hobby, then please add your best tips or suggestions at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
Please don’t be secretive and keep your ideas to yourself. You can really help and encourage others by sharing.
Ballasting Tips From Ben
Ben has sent in these suggestions for giving ballast a realistic look:
Be careful when applying ballast if you want to avoid track damage or poor running of trains. To get a tidy finish take your time ballasting and revisit areas as the adhesive dries to ensure a good, clean finish.
You can then add general grime and oil marks (using an airbrush), over the ballast, to make it look like trains have used the track.
Oil stains would be deposited from standing locomotives and general grime would accumulate, in different amounts, in certain areas over time.
Use your airbrush lightly to add the appearance of track grime over most of the ballasted area. Then apply a heavier application on where more dirt may accumulate.
I usually blend several ballast colors together, to make it look authentic, rather than just a plain gray mix. Use a quality ballast, like Woodland Scenics, and be sure to choose the right grain size (fine ballast for N gauge, medium ballast for HO/OO and coarse ballast for O).
I then wait for the airbrushed grime to dry properly before I weather the rail faces with a rust paint. I then wait for the paint to thoroughly dry before cleaning.
Send in your best model train tip and have it publish. Go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
Model Train Tips And Railroad Memories
Your railroading memories continue to flood in. So much so, that I have been flooded (excuse the pun) with stories to publish.
I am also getting lots of amazing feedback from others in the hobby who are thoroughly enjoying the series. It seems that the articles have bought back many great memories for everyone.
If you have sent in your railroad memories…
PLEASE NOTE it will take a while to get them all published. So keep watching the blog as it is updated frequently and your memories will be published (provided they meet the publishing guidelines).
In the meantime I would like to hear some more from those of you that can help others with model train tips and advice. After all, that is the main purpose of this Model Train Help blog. So, if you can please send in your best model train tip it would be a big help to others in the hobby. Please submit your best model railroading tip at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-tips.html
That would be a big help. Thank you.
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