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!
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!
HO Track Radius and Extended Length Cars
John has some Atlas track and a Santa Fe 5018 steam loco but has a problem he is hoping some helpful reader will help him solve. John asks:
“I have a 22 inch radius Atlas track layout and recently purchased some walthers Heavyweight passenger cars to complement my Santa Fe 5018 steam loco. Problem is; Walthers recommend a 24 inch radius minimum track. They are right about the minimum. These carriages cannot run on 22inch radius.
Does anyone know is there some way to make adjustments to the wheels so that they will turn sufficiently to meet the radius? Is there another manufacturer who makes passenger cars to complement this engine that will function on 22 radius track?
Unfortunately my layout is limited to a four x six space so I cannot expand the layout to accommodate a greater radius track.”
Use the green Feedback & Comments link below to add your feedback or suggestions to John’s posting. I’m sure he would love to hear your thoughts. It takes only 2 minutes to register and you only need to do it once and then you can comment as often as you like on this blog.
Marklin Electric Engine Electric Systems Checkup
Charles doesn’t say where he lives (which country, state or city) but asks readers this question:
“I have an old (35 y) Marklin electric engine that runs on both AC and DC. Can some tell me where I can get a 1st class checkup of the engines electric systems? I am on a limited budget.”
Add your feedback to this posting using the green Comments & Feedback link. It takes just 2 minutes to register and you only need to register once to post regular feedback.
Making Sidewalks On A Model RR Layout
Jim wants to hear from anyone who has had a go at making sidewalks for their model train layout and asks:
“What is a good material to use for sidewalks? Also, finishes for these, such as indentations?”
Jim, if you haven’t already done so, have a good read of the Model Train Help Ebook as you will get some good ideas.
HO Trains With HO Slot Cars?
Brian has an unusal question someone might like to tackle:
“I am almost ready to start putting my first train layout and I want to integrate an HO
scale slot car track with the train layout but I am having trouble finding a slot car track fo a rr crossing and wanted to ask if and where I can get a couple of that track peices before I start hacking up track trying to make one on my own.”
American Flyer HO Scale Passenger Cars
Bob has a question for those who have American Flyer HO scale passenger cars and asks:
“I am trying to find American Flyer HO scale passenger cars with New Haven markings, or is there any other manufacturer that makes these cars? The body of the cars is rounded and the color of the cars should be green or maroon. Thank you for any information that you can give me. Take care all, Bob”
Control Systems
Mike has a question for anyone with experience of Control Systems and asks:
“Have built the Base Board and I have bought some rolling stock 00. I have a good idea of the layout I want to build. But, now looking for recommendations for the overall control system in DCC I think I need guidance on signalling systems and motorised Points/Switch systems leading to an integrated system with overall control and to include automated or semi automated systems for subsiduary events like a Tram system to operate alongside the main Railway system. Any help or guidance from those in the know would be appreciated.”
You can help Mike by adding your feedback to his posting.
Experienced Model Railroaders Can Help Others
We all started in this hobby knowing nothing about the subject. Fortunately many in the hobby are happy to help and encourage others who are just getting started in model railroading. This is essential, because for this hobby to survive and prosper, we need a constant flow of new people taking part.
The more that get involved in model railroading the wider the selection of supplies that will be available. If the hobby declines, then so too will the range of accessories that is currently available. By helping and encouraging others we are helping everyone (ourselves included) in the hobby.
I run this blog as a free service and encourage anyone who has any experience in the hobby to contribute ideas and help others by giving feedback to the various blog postings. It will cost you nothing but a small amount of time. And, by doing so, you could be a big help to hundreds of others in the hobby. Fortunately we have some really helpful regular contributors like Tony P and Herb Snr, but we can’t expect them (and me) to do all the work.
If you can help – then please do. It is as simple as clicking on the Comments & Feedback link below each posting. You then simply register just once (takes about 2 minutes) and then you can contribute to the blog discussions.
If you have experience – don’t keep it to yourself – help others and contribute to this model train blog.
A Question On Switches
Barry is going to construct an HO mountain layout but needs some help from readers on selecting switches and asks:
I think I am going to go with a ‘mountain railroad layout’ like the one in part 6 of the Model Train Help Ebook. Can someone tell me is a snap switch left & right the same as a remote switch left or right? I will need crossover switches (which are very expensive), but I don’t know what to buy. Can anyone who has built a layout advise me please on what switches I will need?
Readers can help Barry by adding feedback and thoughts to his posting by using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Cork Road Bed
Marty has a question about cork road bed for helpful readers to answer for him:
“A friend of mine told me he paints his cork road bed before putting it down? He uses some kind of paint from hardware store that looks crackled. Has anyone else used it? What is it called? Is it any good? Also, can you wet roadbed material to bend around corners? Thanks.”
Use the green Comments & Feedback link to help Marty.
Coupler Problems
Steven wants to hear from any reader who is willing to help him with his coupler problem and asks:
“I have touble with the couplers returning to the middle or straight when on straight track. What am I doing wrong?”
Joef Railway
Colin wants to hear from any reader with a Joef Railway and asks:
“Does anyone have a Joef Railway system? I have had this Model Railway since the early 60s. I just want to know if anyone else has a similar setup?”
To communicate with Colin use the green Comments and Feedback link below.
Dead Sections Of Track A Common Problem
Klaus has a question for readers that has been asked several times before on this blog:
“I do have some dead sections in my line so how can I overcome them?”
Klaus, if no one answers this question on your posting, have a search of the blog using the search box, or buy my Model Train Help Ebook as you’ll find that really helpful.
Remember, I operate this blog as a free service for you to use. I encourage all readers to contribute answers to help others. Although I know many of the answers myself, it is best for me to stand back and let others participate rather than me doing all the talking. So get involved and help others.
Trains In Boxes
Everette has a question for readers about the value of trains and presenting them for sale and asks:
“I will be inhereting my fathers train collection. My question is: Is it better to keep the original boxes for the engines and rolling stock or discard them? Does having the original box up the value of the trains or sets of trains that he has?”
Everette, there is a section in the Model Train Help Ebook that answers your question.
Readers can contribute an answer or suggestion using the green Comments & Feedback link below this posting from Everette.
Minimum Radius and Turnouts (points)
John is having a few problems with his newly completed layout and asks everyone:
“I have just completed my layout and electrics. I have trialed a 93xx class MOGUL around the layout and I am find the forward bogies have a mind of their own when going through points (turn outs). Does anyone out there have any suggestions? What is the minimum radius for this type of engine, could my radii be too tight. Thank you.”
Rack Railways Like In The Sound Of Music Movie
Warren has a question relating to trains and ‘The Sound Of Music” movie, although I must admit I can’t remember seeing a steam loco in the movie or in Austria or Switzerland when I visited. I know rack railways are found in the area as they are idea for steep mountain climbs. Perhaps someone else can help Warren:
“I would like to construct mountain scene with a rack railway in OO or HO gauge. Can anybody advise me where I can purchase the rack line, loco and carriage. If possible I would like to have a steam loco and carriage like the one used in the movie ‘sound of music’?”
A rack railway is a railway with a toothed rack rail between the running rails. The trains are fitted with cog wheels, or pinions, that mesh with this rack rail. Trains can then operate on very steep gradients like the found in mountain terrain.
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