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!
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.
Shortage Of Space For HO Layout
Carl has a small space for his HO layout and asks readers:
“My HO train radius layout is too small for a 1960’s aluminum passenger train set which I cherish. I run it very slowly to avoid derailments. I can’t enlarge the train table. Can anything be done to improve the situation? Someone please help?”
Loco Jumps Track
Mel is having a problem with his loco coming off the track and wants to hear from readers who have experienced similiar problems:
“My N-scale train doesn’t stay on the track well. One or more of the wheel sets will get off and then will disconnect from the car ahead or behind of it. If it happens to the locomotive, the rest of the wheels don’t maintain enough contact to make it run.
Someone told me that it is because the engine is too lightweight. One time I pressed down on the locomotive with my finger as it was running and it did a lot better. Can I add weight to the cars to give them better traction? I don’t want to put anything on the outside of the car to mess up how it looks and there’s not much space between the bottom of the car and the track. I thought of maybe gluing some fishing weights underneath. Any suggestions from anyone?”
Use the green Comments link below Mel’s posting to help him out.
Note: There is a really helpful section in the Model Train Help Ebook on buying a locomotive and what to look for – available at http://www.model-train-help.com
DCC Locos Stop Frequently
Charles has a question for those of you who have experience with DCC operation and asks:
“I recently installed 2 decoders MRC1651 in 2 different locos. For one of them, the loco seems to work pefectly, but from time to time it stops for a few seconds and it restarts usually by itself (sometimes I have to push it). The other loco has the same problem, but it will stop less frequently and for less time. I cleaned the rails and wheels several times, but the problem still persists. Any suggestions from others who have experienced similar problems would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.”
Add your feedback to this posting using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Multiple Trains Run Uninterrupted
Phil wants to run several trains and asks readers:
“I’m new to layout design and would like to know how to wire for multiple trains (2-3) in order to go from one circuit of track to another without an interruption in motion. I am using AC transformers as with the original American Flyer system. Does someone know?”
Add your feedback using the Comments and Feedback link below.
Marklin Problem
Suba has an HO Marklin layout and asks other Marklin fans:
“I have the K, M and C tracks also the 6021 and mobile station together with signals for K, M and C tracks. I have the mobile station 18 and 60 va the 6021 32 X 2 units transformer.
Can someone tell me what is the best possible way to use all these items and not burn anything out?”
Voltage Reducer On RR Layout?
Would anyone like to help Larry with this problem?
“I need some help that I hope your readers can furnish. I am redoing a Marklin Z guage layout. The original Marklin transformer #6727 is too clunky and heavy, so I purchased a modified for Z…MRC Railpower 1300 which runs the trains fine. Problem is the AC output for the accessories is -19V. I need 10-12V for the turnouts and lights. Can someone tell me how I can get a voltage reducer to bring the volts down? I was told the lights would run on DC and use a 12Vdc transformer, but what about the currrent/milliwatts? I have 10 house lights that run 12-16V and 10 street lights that are 12V. Can someone help?”
To help Larry use the green Comments and Feedback link below. Simply register (if you are not already registered) and then add your thoughts or advice.
HO OO Aspect Ratio
Drew has a question for readers:
“Does someone know the aspect ratio of OO gauge? Is it compatible with HO gauge (i.e.: HO’s aspect ratio is 87:1)? Thanks very much in advance.”
Amy writes…
Drew, the answer to this question is clearly explained in Roberts Model Train Help ebook, however I’m sure one of our readers will happily explain the difference through this blog. I think it has also been covered before on this blog so so might want to do a quick search using the blog search box. Signed Amy (on behalf of Robert)
HO Turnout
Osmond operates HO and has a quick question for others in the hobby:
“Does anyone know why I am experiencing a short circuit when the loco engine runs over a turn out? Can anyone help me?”
To answer Osmond’s question click on the green Comments and Feedback link.
Tunnel Portals and Building Doors and Windows
Charles has a question for readers relating to different scales:
“How can I figure out the size of HO – O & G scale buildings doors, windows and walls etc. and also tunnel portals? Also, is there a scale ruler I can use?”
I hope Charles is not mixing his scales as that could look a bit strange. However, if you can help Charles, use the green comments link below to add your thoughts.
Track Forms A Circle
Andrew wants to know how many pieces of track you need to form a circle and asks readers:
“Who knows what is the smallest circle n gauge can go around? And, how many pieces of track does it take to make one circle?”
If you think you know the answer to Andrew’s question please let him know. Use the green Comments & Feedback link below Andrew’s posting.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
