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!
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.
Model Railroad Track Operation
Poor track work can lead to ongoing problems and frustration with a model railroad layout. It is well worth spending extra time to get the model railroad track work just right. It is no fun when trains keep derailing every time they go over a bad turnout, or over a spot that’s out of gauge.
Despite your best efforts train derailments can still happen, so it is important that every part of the track is easily accessible, either from the front of the model train layout or from an operators aisle behind.
Color code the track lines to differentiate what each track is for and install a large, easy-to-read schematic control panel. As an example, you might want to make the body tracks white, the yard lead blue, the A/D tracks red, etc. The next thing is to label anything that might be confusing.
I guess what I am saying is to think through whatever it is you are planning to do. It is better to spend some extra time in the planning stages than trying to fix problems that could have easily been avoided with a little forward planning.
Connecting Operating Crossing Gate
Roger is new (a neophyte) to model railroading and has this to say:
“This is from a neophyte model railroader. Does someone know the best way to wire an MTH Crossing Gate? I remember when I was a child my Lionel crossing gates worked with a pressure device attached to the track, but that doesn’t seem to be an option with the MTH gate.”
If you would like to help neophyte Roger (that’s how he describes himself), simply click on the green Comments and Feedback link below and add your thoughts.
Model Train Questions Answered
If you have submitted a model train question and it has not yet been published, you might want to submit it again (see link at bottom of page). Not all questions are approved for publication because many fail to meet the required guidelines.
Many questions are rejected because they either don’t make sense, or are in text message format, or are submitted ENTIRELY IN CAPS. Proper sentence construction is required.
Make Your Model Train Questions Clear And Thorough
The important thing is to add plenty of detail and background information to enable someone who is unfamiliar with your layout, or objectives, to answer you question. It is important to remember that others are not mind readers.
Explain the problem as clearly as possible – you can even mention solutions you have tried that haven’t worked. The important thing is this; if the person answering the question doesn’t clearly understand your problem, or know what you are trying to achieve, it is likely the answer will be incomplete or even inaccurate.
The very kind people who share their time answering questions (and giving feedback) are genuinely trying to help, but sometimes it is very hard to offer any suggestions due to a lack of clear information in the original question.
Help Others In The Hobby
Also, if you do use this free service to ask a question, it would be really helpful if you could add feedback to thank the contributors. They are helping out voluntarily because they genuinely want to help others in the hobby.
One more thing; if you know the answer to any questions posted by others or can add some feedback to a question – please do. This service will only continue to operate if everyone contributes fairly. So, if you ask a question – have a look through the other postings to see if you can help someone else.
We All Need To Help Each Other
Use the green Comments & Feedback link below any posting to add your thoughts.
Model Train Yard Construction and Design
Bill wants to hear from any reader who has built a classication yard and asks:
“I was wondering if someone would have some pictures of train yard layouts. I am new at this hobby and I would like to see how a classication yard is made? Any suggestions would be helpful.”
Three points:
1. If you would like to add your thoughts to Bill’s posting you can do so by using the green Comments and Feedback link below this posting.
2. If you would like to submit detailed information about your layout, or more specifically, a classification yard you have built, or are working on, go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html You can even submit a layout photo for publication on this blog.
3. The Model Train Help ebook includes a very good section on yard design and points to consider when building a classication yard.
Copper Tracks With Nickel Silver Tracks On Double Reversing Loop?
KC desperately needs help from readers before he decides on buying more track for his planned layout. Do you have any suggestions for KC. If you do, you can add your thoughts below this posting. Use the green Comments and Feedback link.
KC asks you:
“What kind of equipment do I need to run a layout with a double reversing loop? Can I, or should I, mix copper tracks with nickel silver tracks? My friend gave me enough copper tracks to build quite a large layout. I would hate to buy a whole new set of nickel silver tracks if I don’t have to.”
Signals and Terminus Stations
Subhash wants to hear ideas from readers on his planned layout and asks:
“Does anyone have any ideas to help me with my signals? I am planning to make a layout for my suburban train. It will be to and for double line, one for up direction other for down. Four trains will run at a time. The layout will have two terminus station and I want ot make automatic signals. Once the train jumps the first signal it will turn red – the train behind should automaticly stop. When the train reaches the terminus station and if the platform is already occupied by another train, it should switch to another platform.”
To guide Subhash in his planning, add your thoughts using the green Comments And Feeback link. Have your say and help others in the process.
O Gauge Command Control
Arthur (Art) wants to hear your thoughts on hands free command control and asks:
“Has anyone figured out a way to run multiple consists on a layout with command control and have it hands free? Years ago we used to use block systems and disable the e-unit but with the new tmcc I cannot figure out how to do it. I even tried to set up a block system and reduce the voltage to the respective blocks. However, the engines do not respond to lower voltage until you get down to around 10 or so volts and then they shut off. I would like to be able to run a bunch of trains and not have to worry about what engine is where. Thanx-art”
Add your thoughts using the green Comments and Feedback link to register and post a comment.
HO Train Problems
Shell Removal 2000 Series SD45 Locomotive
Gary asks readers for help removing the shell on his loco:
“My Proto 2000 series SD45 loco met with a slight accident and I need to remove the shell to do some repairs. The paper work that came with the unit is so vague I do not like to continue until some advice is forth coming. My nearest hobby shop is some 500km away and the staff there are more into things that go fast. Can any one help please?”
Power To The Main Line
Another reader asks:
“How often should power be added on a Main Line to prevent ‘line loss’?”
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