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Hornby Locos From 1950’s 1960’s
David from Australia operates Hornby trains and would like to hear from anyone who shares his interest. David is trying to locate Hornby parts and asks readers:
“I collect, restore and use Hornby 3 rail loco’s which where made through the 1950’s and 60’s.(HO/OO). Although the track, loco’s and carriages are easily obtained, motor parts and front boggie wheels are hard to come by. I can remove them from other trains, but it means one less useable loco, and they are becoming expensive and scarce. Does anybody know where I may be able to purchase these parts?”
If you can help David – simply click on the Comments & Feedback link below David’s posting. Then register (if you haven’t already done so. It only takes 2 minutes and then you can join the discussions on this Model Train Blog site.
Electrocure Conductive Paint On Model Railroad Frogs?
Michael was having problem with the frogs on his layout and has found that Electrocure conductive paint forms a conductive pathway which solved his problem. Here is what Michael has to share:
“I have a tip that might be handy for other model railroaders. When older trains go over plastic frogs on points they sometimes hesitate. I painted the tops of my frogs with car rear windscreen heater repair paint called ELECTROCURE – an electrical conductor paint and it cured mine. Best wishes.”
Airbrushing Tips From An Experienced Airbrusher
Rick has emailed his thoughts regarding the bonus section in my Model Train Help Ebook on airbrushing and I am sure he won’t mind sharing them with you. Rick makes a really good point on avoiding damage from spray pressure on lightweight cars. Here is what he has to say:
“I’m glad to see you placing this segment on airbrush work in the book. I’ve done and still do some custom paint work and an airbrush can be a true gift if used properly. It can also be a curse if you think you can pick it up and use it like a spray can or brush. Your explaining the angle and spraying before and past the item being painted is a major benefit to all airbrush use. Also the paint thinning and proper air presure are of high importance. This is because if you don’t have an n-scale locomotive body secured properly it can be all kinds of fun chasing it around the paint booth to put the paint on, or having to completely start over, because it fipped over and messed up your paint job. Just some thoughts from learning trials.”
Thanks Rick for your useful suggestions. Airbrushing is a lot of fun and can take some time to master, but the results can be very impressive and rewarding. Airbrushing techniques can be effective on cars, structures, scenery and even backdrops.
Errractically Running Trains
Michael is experiencing a problem that most in the hobby will face from time to time. If he searches the blog he will probably find similar questions and answers dealing with the problem trains running erratically. If someone would like to give Michael some suggestions please use the green Comments link below Michael’s posting to add your thoughts. Here is what Michael asks readers:
“I have a DCC layout it all work OK for 10 to 15 min then the trains begin to stop and start in random places on the layout. Can someone help me?”
Paint For Model Train Cars
Don has a question for readers on paint colrs and supply and asks:
“I need tank car silver paint to redo several cars and don’t know what to purchase. Has anyone got any directions for me? Also, I would like to do several other cars, but I cannot find a source of correct colors and decals. Any help????? Regards, Don”
Track Conductivity
Richard is having a problem with track conductivity and wants to hear suggestions from others in the hobby. To have your say you can simply click on the green Comments & Feedback link below Richard’s posting. You then register if you haven’t already done so (it takes only 2 minutes) and then you can participate in future discussions on this site. Here is Richard’s model train question for you:
“I have a very basic problem with engines running smoothly, or at all, on the track. I am running mainly Hornby engines on a mix of Hornby and Peco track. I clean the track with a track cleaning block, and also the loco wheels as well as possible, but still very poor results. A new loco will run better for a short while. Any suggestions about how I can overcome this will be much appreciated.”
Kato Double Track With Problems
Rich has submitted this question for publication in the hope that some helpful model railroader will assist. Unfortunately Rich hasn’t given any details of the solutions he has tried so it may be a bit difficult for anyone to help him. Maybe someone might like to take a stab at answering and maybe Rich could use the Comments & Feedback link below his posting to add some more details so others will have a better idea on how they could help. Here is Rich’s question:
“My train set for the club use was working all too fine til today and now each engine is chugging 2 scale feet or just stops all together, we are using Kato double track and the wiring is also Kato, tried all we know and also some we learned from another member any other solutions that could help is wanted.”
Track Codes
Jim has a question for readers about track codes and asks:
“I had a model RR many yrs ago, I am 70 and starting over. My question is, why the different codes for track? Is one better than the other? Does prototype have these codes? Is it important to my n scale opperation? Thank you to anyone who can help me.”
To help Jim you can add your thoughts by using the green comments link below.
Waterfall Construction
Alex wants to hear from any reader who has experience constructing waterfalls and asks:
“I’m in the process of finishing off a mountain scene and I want a double waterfall. I have a mountain built on a 4×8 sheet of plywood and want a water fall to a pond from the mountain to a pond. Then this piece of plywood is elevated 8 inches off a second 12×16 foot layout and I am trying to install a second waterfall to a second pond. I have the magic water but I don’t know how to put the waterfall together. Can anyone help?”
Marx Engines
Larry asks readers for help:
“Does any one know where I can find a good repair manual for marx engines 666 999 333”
Climate Control And Computer Control On Layout
Mike from Toronto in Canada is hoping to hear from someone who can help him with two model railroading problems. Mike asks readers:
Climate Control Around Layout
“Please advise the best climate control conditions for a layout in terms of temp humidity and the impact of adverse conditions on rail corrosion; loco damage; decoder damage.”
Computer Control Layout
“Although I have a DCC (NCE) system I would still like to have a computer control layout eg for CTC and to control both mobile and stationary decoders. Which software system would your readers recommend? I am playing around with JMRI but I am concerned about the loss of functionality using the USB interface. Would you recommend the CTI technology or the RailRoad Company (?) for computer control?”
To help Mike you can add your feedback using the Comments & Feedback link below his posting.
O Gauge Layout Problems
O Guage Track Connectors And Signals
Charles has O gauge and would like to hear from others who have some experience with signals and using track connectors. Charles asks readers:
“Is it possible to have an O Guage train operate 151, 152, 153 signals without using track connectors”
Fast Verses Regular O Gauge Track
Larry also has a question for anyone into O gauge railroading and asks:
“Can fast track be joined with regular O gauge track?”
If you think you are capable of assisting either Charles or Larry with their O gauge layouts please use the Comments and Feedback link to add your thoughts. You will need to register first – don’t worry it takes only 2 minutes and then you can participate in future model train blog discussions.
Marx Switches
Larry wants to hear from you if you know anything about Marx switches and asks:
“I have 027 marx 666 & 999 engines that go through marx switches fine but my 333 engine
derails about every 3rd time through. What if anything can I do – does anyone out there know?”
Use the green comments & Feedback link below to register (it takes only 2 minutes and then you can participate in future blog discussions).
O27 Switch Track
Dwayne has two questions for readers and asks:
“1- Does anyone know of an authorized dealer in the NY metro area that will modify the O-27 switch track to operate under TMCC?
2-Is the modification listed on Lionel’s site for the O-27 switch track to operate w/ TMCC’s Switch Controller really necessary? Doesn’t it work ok without the modification? Or, just set up with fixed voltage and keep a panel of toggle switches to control the switches.”
Use the green comments and feedback link to add your thoughts to Dwayne’s posting.
O27 Switch Track
Dwayne has two questions for readers and asks:
“1- Does anyone know of an authorized dealer in the NY metro area that will modify the O-27 switch track to operate under TMCC?
2-Is the modification listed on Lionel’s site for the O-27 switch track to operate w/ TMCC’s Switch Controller really necessary? Doesn’t it work ok without the modification? Or, just set up with fixed voltage and keep a panel of toggle switches to control the switches.”
Use the green comments and feedback link to add your thoughts to Dwayne’s posting.
HO Couplers
Richard has a question for readers with experience on couplers and asks:
“As a new model railroader, I’ve been busy buying a fair amount of rolling stock. Some have knuckle couplers, some Kaydee, some a circle with hook. I’m not interested in magnetic or electrical solutions. So,what is the favorite type of coupler for HO gauge? Thanks”
Homasote
Sy has a question for anyone who wants to help him and asks:
“In my area I cannot find homasote. What would be the best substitute?”
LED, Resistor, DC and DCC
Tim has a question for anyone with experience with LED’s and asks:
“Does anyone know what LED’s can be used for HO engines and what size resistor is needed for both DC and command control operation?”
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