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!
Building A Layout
Kathy is new to the hobby and would benefit from getting my Model Train Help Ebook as the questions she asks are addressed in it. However, some of the readers might like to offer Kathy some suggestions and tips to get her started in the hobby:
Kathy from South Africa asks:
“Where does one start with building a model railway set up? Does one design the track and build the scenery around that, or do the scenery first and then the track? And how big should one make your first layout?”
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Surface Coating To Reduce Sound
Several readers will know the answer to Andy’s question and I’m sure one or two will be prepared to share their thoughts so that other readers can benefit too. Here is what Andy asks about finding a suitable surface coating for his O layout:
“I am building a new table and keep getting different opinions about what the top surface should be. One is (A) two inch foam (B) Homasote (C) fake green carpet grass (D)regular plywood. What I am looking for is something that will help with cutting out a lot of the loud sound. The foam and homasote do cost quite a bit. Please help, I want a nice looking table without spending a lot of money. Plus I need a surface where I can glue and screw landscape and buildings, water towers… radar… beacon and what nots… Thanks for any advice anyone can give!”
You can add your thoughts and help Andy by clicking the green ‘Comments, Feedback and Answers’ link below. Simply register (it takes only 2 minutes), then you can participate in future discussions on this Model Train Help Blog.
Drive Gears
Pete needs help from some friendly mopdel railroader who is prepared to guide him. Pete asks:
“Can I buy replacement drive gears to axle/s on engines/locos. Who can tell me if I can get brass to replace plastic/nylon ones? Also, what is the best way to install gears and how are the gears numbered or named? I need help please.”
Dedicated Model Railroaders Share Their Knowledge
If you have submitted an question to this Model Train Help blog and if one of our other readers has kindly answered it for you, then we would like to hear from you.
A lot of readers spend a lot of their time thinking about how to answer questions clearly for those who need help. It would be really good if you would not only thank them for their help and thoughtfulness, but I’m sure they would really like to hear if the solution worked and how you are progressing with your layout.
The people who answer these question are fellow model railroaders – they don’t get paid – they just do it out of a genuine desire to help others in need.
So, please participate in the discussions on this blog and, if you can, try and help and encourage others in the hobby.
To participate in discussion simply register using the green Comments link. I takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can join in on future discussions.
HO Gauge Model of a GM MP15 Dummy Undecorated
Frank want to get an HO GM MP15 and asks readers:
“Where can I acquire an HO gauge model of a GM MP15 dummy undecorated? Athern used
to manufacture it but I am told that Athern does not at this time. Does one of your readers know who may have one?
Loop Tracks And Reverse Circuit?
Mark has a question for readers about loop tracks and asks:
“I have track that goes one way and loops around and back to the same track. Not reverse as back or forth on same track like a trolley system. I need a device to goes one way and loop around and reverse the circuit to continue to other side. Can anyone tell me how to do this?”
You can take part in blog discussions by clicking the Comments & Feedback link below. It takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can participate in all Model Train Help blog discussions.
Motors Running Warm
Lindsay from Australia is having a problem warm motors and asks readers:
“I run the older Triang locos and use feedback (can switch on or off) controllers from Kent Panel Controls. These make the locos run very well, except that the motors run much warmer than with analogue controllers. Does anyone know is there any reason for this and will it harm the motors?”
Add your feedback to Lindsay’s posting using the GREEN comments link below this posting.
A quick note for readers: This Model Train Blog is read by people from all around the world. For the purposes of simplicity I generally stick with US spelling and terminology. However, like in this posting, you will probably spot the occasional variance from this rule.
If you didn’t spot it; Lindsay from Australia used the British spelling of “Analogue” whereas in the USA the spelling is “Analog”. Readers in Australia, New Zealand and the UK also generally use the term “model railway” or railway modeller”, whereas in the USA and Canada the terms “model railroad” and “model railroader” are more widely used. In the USA HO is the most common scale whereas the closest eqivilent in the UK is called OO scale.
Despite the occasional difference in spelling and terminology, most aspects of the hobby are very similar regardless of where you live on this planet.
Converting Analog To DCC Operation
Tom has an HO layout and wants to covert from Analog to DCC and wants to hear from others who have gone through the process. You can share your experiences, views and ideas with Tom by clicking on the green Comments & Feedback link below his posting. It takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can participate in future discussions on this Model Train Help blog. Tom asks:
“I have accumulated a great deal of analog HO rolling stock. Can I convert most, or all, of the engines to DCC, no matter if they are cheap stock or not? What’s the approx cost of conversion kits? Is it a reasonable DIY project, if one is pretty savvy? Can I wire the layout to run both analog, and DCC, at separate times? “
If you can help Tom convert from Analog to DCC operation please add your thoughts using the green Comments & Feedback link below. I’m sure Tom would really appreciate hearing from you.
Follow-Up On Funicular Rail Cars
Thomas asked in response to the earlier posting on funicular rail cars:
“I saw a picture of some funicular cars in the Q & A section of this site. Can someone tell me who makes them? I am going to build the Johnstown PA Inclined Plane in my layout and would like to buy cars to run on it.”
Please note: If you want to comment on this posting (or a previous posting), please use the Comments and Feedback link below the particular posting. It takes just 2 minutes to register and then you can participate in future discussion on this blog.
Confusion Over Track Switches On HO RR Layout
John is confused with track switches and asks readers for advice:
“On the subject of track switches, is there a light that indicates a left or right signal? What is it name? Can someone tell me please?”
Engine Wheel Cleaning
Can you help Dan with his question about cleaning engine wheels:
“Can one of your readers please recommend/suggest the best way to clean engine wheels? Also can they suggest cleaners?
You can help Dan by using the green Comments & Feedback link to answer his question. Click the link and register (it takes only 2 minutes) and then you can participate in all future discussions.
MRC 1644 DCC Sound Decoders
If you have used sound decoders you might be able to answer Jeff’s question:
“I am about to equip some of my Kato N scale diesels with MRC sound decoders, starting with model 1644 in a SD70MAC. I have an old first-generation Atlas DCC throttle. Can someone with experience advise me do I need to upgrade to get the best out of the MRC 1644 decoder?”
Points Wiring
Eric has a question for readers to get their teeth into:
“In building a new HO train layout I need advice regarding the best wiring arrangement for the connection of a loop line from the main line. I am using Hornby type points as well as another type. Both of these have been satisfactory on a previous layout. Can someone help?”
Use the Comments link below to add your feedback. It takes only about 2 minutes to register and then you can take part in all discussion on the blog.
Derailments A Common Problem
Derailments are a common problem for model railroaders and many of the likely causes and solutions have been widely covered in the Model Train Help Ebook and on this blog over the past year or so. Here is the most recent question submitted on the subject:
“When my engines and certain cars come to a switch track (it doesn’t matter which one
right or left turnouts) they derail all the time. I am very frustrated and wondered if another person reading this could give me some advice please?”
To help this reader you can submit your thoughts using the green Comments & Feedback link below. We encourage readers to help each other and participate in this discussion.
Funicular Railway
Following on from an earlier question (published a couple of weeks ago), Warren has a question for readers interested in building a Rack Railway and asks:
“I intend building a vertical layout (Swiss Mountain) due to limited space. I need to know where I can buy the track, a locomotive (steam type preferable) and carriage for a rack railway. Also I wish to put in a funicular railway on the same layout. Can anybody help with sorting out the cable and passing loop . Also where I can purchase the right carriages to suit the funicular railway (cable railway)? “
You can help Warren by adding your thoughts using the Comments & Feedback link below.
Beginner Has Track Question
Djon is new to the hobby and wants help from those who have more experience:
“I am very new to the model train hobby, I am wanting to learn all I can. I am trying to understand the difference between track that is 100 versus a track that is 83. Can some tell me is one better than the other?”
To help Djon use the green Comments link below.
N Scale Questions
These questions are from readers with N scale layouts. They are asking advice from anyone who can help.
Arthur asks readers:
Sections Of Track
“How many sections of curved track does it take to make a 180 degree turn?”
Marshall asks readers:
Power Box
“Hello, my train track is only getting about 3 volts and my power box says that its supposed to put out about 15 volts and my train is barely moving on the tracks. Does someone know what the problem is?”
To help either of these train enthusiast with their N scale questions please use the green Comments & Feedback link to add your thoughts. It takes only 2 minutes to register and you only need to do it once. Then you can participate in future discussions.
Decals Made Easy?
James is having trouble with decals and is wondering if others experience similar problems. If you can give James any advise – please do, as I’m sure he (and many others) would like to hear your thoughts on decals. James asks:
“Is there a definitive source that will demonstrate/explain the art of decaling? My skills are horrible at best and I want to learn/master the intricacies of decaling.”
Register (it takes only 2 minutes) and then add your comments by using the Comments & Feedback link below. EASY!
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
