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!
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.
Affordable Nickel Silver Flex Track
Greg wants to buy some nickel silver track and wants readers to recommend where to buy it:
“I am building a N Scale layout and want to use nickel silver flex track because I’ve been told that it is easier to maintain than brass. Can someone say where I can buy nickel silver flex track for a reasonable price?”
Steel Track And Nickel Silver Track Mixed Together?
Beverly has an HO layout and has a question for others in the hobby:
“I am wondering if steel track and nickel silver track can be mixed on my HO layout.”
If you would like to give Beverly some track advice, use the green COMMENTS & FEEDBACK link below and add your thoughts to this posting.
Please note: Although I know many of the answers to the posted questions, I only submit the questions for others to answer. That way every reader can get involved and contribute to this model train blog rather than me doing all the work. I run this blog is a free service, so I would appreciate it if those of you who have some experience in the hobby would please participate and share your ideas and thoughts with others.
For those submitting model train questions, please use the search box on this blog as many of the same questions have already been asked by others. You may find the answer without having to ask. Also, read my Model Train Help ebook as it includes lots of answers to questions that are asked in this blog, along with useful tips and clever ideas for building a model train layout you can be proud of.
Happy Railroading!
Around The Wall Shelf Layout
Joe sent in this info for publication. He and his son are working on a shelf layout and it sounds like and exciting and creative project.
“I am running an around-the-wall shelf layout which I am building with my son Joe. Hence the name J&J Overland. We have a road running from one side of the layout to the other, but the autos had no where to go. They ended meeting the track. I painted a mountain on both sides of the road and put in RR Crossings. I glued a tunnel portal to each side of the road and painted the insides black. I took two cars and cut them in half. Used one half as a car coming out of the tunnel and the back end going into the tunnel. I did this to both sides of the road to get the desired look of a continuous road.”
If you also have a shelf layout you might like to tell others about your project. Submit details of your layout for publication at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html
Joining Rails
Harry has a question for readers about track joining. You can comment on Harry’s question by using the green Comments and Feedback link below his posting. Here is Harry’s track question:
“I am not the best when it comes to soldering so I wondered if there is another way to join the tracks and keep them together (epoxy)?”
How To Keep Tracks Clean
Marty has a question on a subject that is widely covered in the Model Train Help Ebook and asks readers to add feedback on his problem:
“Can some answer what is the best solvent to keep tracks clean? How do you keep your rails clean? My layout is in my garage. What solvent should I use and what to use to put it on with? Thanks Marty”
Positioning N Scale Telephone Poles
Jim has a question for you about telephone poles:
“Would some please tell me what is the proper distance between telephone poles on a N scale layout? What are the pro’s and con’s of using thread for wire or not to wire at all?”
Reply to Jim using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Would You Like To Help This Reader With His Flex Track Problems
Michael has a question for you about flex track:
“I am a first time user and have cork track bed, track nails, tack hammer, glue, etc. I would like some tips from others in the hobby on laying track, acceptable radii for curves, wiring for DCC, compatability with pre-bedded DCC turnouts would be greatly appreciated.”
O scale figurines
Jerry has a question about O scale figurines and asks readers:
“Can someone tell me where can I find O scale figurines that are formed in 1/32 scale size?”
Reply to Jerry using the green comments & feedback link below.
Magnetic Couplers Uncouple?
Dick is constructing his first HO layout and is having troubles with couplers uncoupling:
“I am building my first layout. I have used the Bachmann magnetic uncouplers on my spurs and I’m using standard Atlas 83 track. I cut out the cork roadbed and installed the uncoupler magnets directly under the cross-ties. When I back a locomotive and freight car over the magnet, sometimes they uncouple, most of the time they don’t. I can’t seem to find any help on this and would appreciate ideas anyone has.”
You can add your feedback to this posting using the green Comments and Feeback link below.
DC or DCC? The question that keeps being asked
Samuel faces a decision that many in the hobby decide to make – DC or DCC. Some people have been running DC for years and so it is only natural to fear (or resist) change. If you are comfortable with DC and don’t want to change, then why should you. However, most who are into DCC wonder why others continue to persist with DC. So, it really depends on the individual and whether you are one of those people who embrace change, or prefer you are the type who prefers to stick with what you know.
Anyway, here is Samuel’s question for readers:
“My question is what is the best system to for a train layout…DC or DCC? I am running DC for my layout.”
Samuel, thanks for submitting your question. The Model Train Help Ebook will more than answer your queries as it includes a good section on DC verses DCC and the advantages/disadvantages of both systems.
Before you get around to reading Model Train Help, some other helpful reader my like to add some comments for you.
Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace Maryland
Candis has sent in this information on the upcoming Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace to be held at the Timonium State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland on June 27-28, 2009.
The Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace
- June 27-28, 2009
- Saturday 9-4/Sunday 10-4
- Timonium State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland
- It’s the ONLY major train show in the mid-Atlantic this summer!
- Off-train season bargains
- Up to 400 vendor tables
- Door prizes all day, including “train show cash”
- All scales, from Z to large
- Air-conditioned
- Kids under 15 FREE, Adults $9, Family Pass $18
- Good for BOTH DAYS
- Each paid admission gets $10 in Free Vendor Coupons
Air-conditioned!
Enjoy you time at the Great Scale Model Train Show & Railroad Marketplace, Timonium State Fairgrounds, Timonium, Maryland on June 27-28, 2009.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
