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!
DCC Beginner
Jacob is new to DCC and wants to hear comments from others who operate a DCC system and asks:
“What do I need for dcc, and what are boosters? Also, how do I know if I need more than one booster?”
There is a whole section on DCC in the Model Train Help Ebook which I’m sure Jacob will find really helpful. In the meantime someone might like to give him some quick pointers.
Use the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Transformer Diagrams
Bill has a question relating to transformer diagrams and asks others:
“I was given a type V Lionel transformer that had been taken apart. There no a diagram made when taken apart. Does anyone know where I can get a diagram of this transformer please?”
To help Bill you can add your Comments & Feedback below.
DCC Z Scale?
Ernie has a DCC question for a helpful reader to answer:
“Can some say how difficult is it to use DCC on Z scale? I have a number of Marklin locos which I would like to retrofit with DCC. If it is possible to do it, who sells this type of equipment?”
Three Quick Model Train Questions
DCC Question
William has a DCC question for others in the hobby:
“Please can someone advise on a DCC system is the commands riding on a fixed DC level.”
Griadient On Layout
Ron has a quick question on track gradients and asks you:
“Can someone answer this O question please? On a 4′ x 8′ layout how much of a grade is necessary and how high can I go.”
Thomas Kinkade Christmas Express Train Question
Norbert has a question for others about buying a Thomas Kinkade Christmas Express Train and asks:
“I received an offer Hawthorne Village for a Thomas Kinkade’s Christmas Express Train. It would be a collector’s item? What do your many readers think of the train?”
To answer any of these brief questions use the green Comments & Feedback link below.
PLEASE NOTE: Brief questions with limited details are often not published. Detailed questions are usually published as a feature posting on there own.
Engine Power
Roger has a question for readers relating to engine power and asks:
“When consisting multi road engines, is there a general rule as how many cars an engine will pull to be semi prototypical. I’m designing a shelf layout and there will not be over a 2.5% grade, but would like to run more than one engine. I will have a couple of yards and interchanges. passing siding tracks and a lot of spurs to businesses. I plan on buying dcc controllers and sound equip the engines. Thanks for any help anyone can give me.”
To answer Roger’s question use the green Comments & Feedback link to add your thoughts.
Dead Spots On Track
Klaus asks a question that is regularly asked on this blog:
“I do have some dead spots in my tracks. Would someone advise me how I can eliminate them please?”
Klaus might like to do a search of this blog, or if you are able to help him with the answer, please use the green Comments & Feedback link below.
DCC Railroad From Scratch?
James asks readers a BIG question in one short sentence. If you want to help James – you can leave your message using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
“Does anyone know how or what is the smartest way to set up a dcc railroad from scratch from plywood and foam board to railroad empire?”
Backdrop Photos
Daiq wants to buy some photos to use as backdrops. If you have any experience with making backdrops you might like to give Daiq some tips:
“I hope one of the readers can help here. I am in need of some color photographs for backdrops. I need them to be 8.50″ x 11″. Hopefully larger if possible. I will blow them up to the sizes I require. I hope someone can point me in the right direction. Thanks.”
Add your Comments & Feedback below.
Train Layout Platform
Jim wants to hear from anyone who has experience covering a plywood platform:
“I am just starting to set up a new train platform for my American Flyer trains. Can someone with some experience tell me the best material to use as a covering for my plywood platform? I previously used the green grassy paper which looked okay, but continued to shed the grass for many months and I don’t want to have that mess again. I don’t want to paint it either, because I have no idea where roads, trees etc will be until I rearrange the track over several weeks or even months. Help please?”
You can help Jim by adding your feedback to his blog posting. Use the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Reverse Loop
Steve wants someone to give him some tips on wiring a reverse loop and asks readers:
“I am running a DCC layout and have just put in a loop off the main line so that when a train comes out of the loop, its direction is reversed. When the engine comes out of the loop, it dies. Does anyone know how I could wire this reverse loop?”
HO Stanard Gauge Lightweight Retractable Platform
Richard is reasonably new to the hobby and is seeking advice from those who have more experience. Richard asks:
“I have limited space for a 6′ x 10′ platform. I haven’t constructed it yet. My space is in the garage but the car has to be in there too. I want to hang a track table platform from the exposed rafters. I’m thinking about some siccor hinges along the perimeter of the platform so that it can be pushed up & out of the way. I need very light weight & strong platform.
Is there some “super foam” or combination of plywood/foam, or some material that could satisfy this desire? The boarder frame could be either wood or flat metal bar (the kind with holes along its length). I’m still open to suggestions about this aspect too. In any case there will have to be some bracing underneath the platform itself. Any ideas? Any thoughts would be helpful.
I have not been involved with model railroading for a very long time, so I know that many innovations have occurred over the years that others may have found useful for or adaptable to such odd situations.”
To help Richard, please add your thoughts using the green comments link below.
American Flyer (AC Gilbert) S Scale Convert to DCC
Jim has a question readers may be able to answer:
“Is it feasible to convert old American Flyer engines to DCC operation? “
Examples of HO 8×12 Layouts
Pat wants to access examples of HO layouts and asks readers:
“I am finding it difficult to find examples of HO layouts in the 8’x12′ range. And if I do, they never show any graphics of scenery or buildings. Can anyone help me in finding such examples along with DCC wiring detail? Your help is appreciated.”
Track Switching
John has a question to test your knowledge on track switching. Can you help him?
“Is it a good idea to ‘gang’ more than one turnout switch to a single control. I have numerous stacked control switches handy and hoped I could make use of them in my ‘yard’ layout.”
Elevated Track Question
Derek is new to model railroading and asks for help from those who have some experience in the hobby:
“I am a beginner and am preparing a new layout and have planned an elevated track passing over a track on the base board. Please can someone advise how high would I need to set the top track above the base board for tunnel clearance, installing a bridge etc? “
To help Derek – add you feedback using the green Comments & Feedback link.
Beginners Need Help
Making Trees
Martin wants to hear from those of you who have experience making miniature trees and asks:
“Could someone out there please help me with making trees h.o. using lychen. I bought the stuff but I have no idea how to turn it into trees. Regards Martin.”
Turn Out Confusion
Howard wants a reader to help explain turnouts and asks:
“I am new to this fun hobby what is the diffrence in 4-6 and other turn outs?”
To assist either (or both) of these keen model railroaders simply click on the green Comments & Feedback link to add your feedback.
Rubber Traction Tires
Joe is building a new layout that he and his grandson can enjoy and work on together. He has a couple of question I’m sure many of you will be able to help him with. Please contribute your thoughts by using the green Comments and Feedback link below. It is really easy to join in and help others in the process. Here is Joe’s model train question:
“Hi Guys & Gals. I have older HO diesel engines that were stored in my attic. I have started a new layout that my grandson can use. I am planning to use the old engines and rolling stock. I have cleaned & lubricated the old diesels and they are running fine.
I did notice when I cleaned the wheels that the traction tires were dried and brittle and they fell apart. I have two inclines that are quite steep and I think that new traction tires would help on the inclines. Are there different size traction tires for the different brands of engines? I have Bachman, Life like, Model Power and Athern engines. Where can I purchase these tires? How do I install them? I can’t seem to get the wheels off the engine trucks. Are there split tires that can be glued to the brass wheels?
I know I’ve asked a look of questions, but any help would be appreciated. I live in Central New Jersey, USA”
Use the green Comments & Feedback link to add your thoughts.
DCC Power Units
Keith is new to the hobby and wants some advice from those who have been model railroading for many years. Keith asks:
“Hi, I am a beginner to the rail modeling hobby and my layout will consists of between 4 to 6 engines along with many cars. Does anyone know what type of a dcc power unit I will need to operate my layout, and will I need a seperate power source to supply the accessories (lights, turnouts, building lights etc)? Thank you to anyone who can help.”
To reply, use the green Comments & Feedback link below Keith’s posting.
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