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!
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’?”
Scratch Built Train Runs On Scratch Built Track
You may have already read earlier postings about Subhash from India. He finds it difficult to access model train supplies, and when he can, they are very expensive. So, his solution has been to make his own trains from any local materials he can get his hands on. He not only scratch builds his trains, he also stratch builds his tracks… and, best of all, they work!
This video shows a first test run of his scratch built Suburban AC/DC EMU train. Subhash’s uncle made an AC/DC adapter from a kit running from 1.5V to 12 V. He is obviously very talented and industrious.
Scratch Built Train Runs On Scratch Built Track
You may have already read earlier postings about Subhash from India. He finds it difficult to access model train supplies, and when he can, they are very expensive. So, his solution has been to make his own trains from any local materials he can get his hands on. He not only scratch builds his trains, he also stratch builds his tracks… and, best of all, they work!
This video shows a first test run of his scratch built Suburban AC/DC EMU train. Subhash’s uncle made an AC/DC adapter from a kit running from 1.5V to 12 V. He is obviously very talented and industrious.
U.S. Military R.R. 0-4-0 Locomotives
Palmer has a question for anyone interested in military trains and scenery and asks:
“I am an HO model railroader and a Civil War re-enactor. I want to add a Civil War tv show battle scene to my layout (the siege of Petersburg). My problem is that I can’t find the color scheme used by the U.S. Military R.R. on 0-4-0 locomotives and rolling stock. Can anyone help me please?”
Add your thoughts using the green Comments & Feedback below Palmer’s posting.
Overberg Modular Railway Club Runs Trains In Aid Of Local Hospice
A member of the Overberg Modular Railway Club in Hermanus, South Africa has submitted this club information for publication:
The Overberg Modular Railway Club HO layout features mainly South African Railways. The HO stock is mainly of a good supply of Lima SAR stock (Blue Train, Trans-Karroo, Goods and Container traffic). There is also a good spattering of Fleischmann, Hornby consists and a lone DCC Bachmann locomotive.
Most of our club members bought trains “for our sons” when they were young (30 + years ago) A fixed-board layout was constructed that worked for a few years and when the son became more interested in the-girl-next-door, the layout was dismantled and the trains etc packed away.
Does that scenario sound familliar?
Well that is exactly how the Overberg Modular Railway Club based nearly at the most southern tip of Africa, was formed.
After getting to retirement age, these boxes that were packed away in the attic or garage, were eventually unpacked, the rolling stock dusted and the old (very badly corroded) tracks, dumped.
A 12 section modular layout was constructed and we had our first public run in September 2008. On 1 May this year, we had another public run at the Showcase of Hobbies here in Hermanus in aid of the local Hospice.
Tell Others About Your Model Train Club Or Upcoming Model Train Show
Here is your chance to promote your model railroad club or upcoming model train show for FREE on my model train blog site.
Tell readers about your Train Club and the projects your club is working on. The best submissions will be published FREE OF CHARGE on my model train blog site. If your submission gets approved, I will even include a layout photo (if you supply one). This is a great way to get some FREE publicity for your club and share ideas with others in the hobby. I get a lot of visitors to my blog site.
http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-club.html
Toowoomba Model Train Show
If you live outside Australia you’ll probably never heard of Toowoomba. Well, now you have. The Darling Downs Model Railway Club Inc. is located in Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia. Fact is; The Darling Downs Model Railway Club has a membership of over 100 members and is the largest Queensland model train club outside of the National Body AMRA. The Toowoomba club has extensive model train layouts in Z, N and HO scales.
The Darling Downs Model Railway Club is hosting the Toowoomba Model Train Show on Saturday the 13th and Sunday 14th June 2009. The Toowoomba Model Train Show runs from 9am to 5pm and Sunday the 14th June 2009 from 9am till 4pm. The location for the model train show is the Founders Pavilion at the Toowoomba Showgrounds in Glenvale Road, Toowoomba.
Modular Layout Coupling Sections
A member of the Overberg Modular Railway Club in Hermanus, South Africa has sent in this question for readers:
“We are experiencing difficulties getting our modules to connect successfully with adjoining modules using ‘conecting pieces’ of 110 mm (4.5 inch)Atlas track. We usually insert the connecting pieces into each of the 2 mainline tracks on the module and then slide the fishplates (with the assistance of a small flat screwdriver) over to the fixed track.
Is there an alternative or better method of connecting the rails? Thanks to readers in advance.”
To help the club add your feedback using the green Comments & Feedback link below.
Electronic Steam Whistle
Can anyone help Philip?
“I am looking for a circuit of an electronic steam whistle, perhaps built around a 555 timer.I can find heaps of circuits of train horns but not train whistles. Thank You.”
HO Athearn Genesis
Johnny has an Athearn Genesis and is having problems:
“I have an Athearn Genesis f unit with dc and dcc sound. Everything works great in dc but in dcc I have sound but the loco will not move. I have a digitrax system. I have tried to reset the cv125 to 1 several times to no avail. I even emailed Athearn and they said to reset in dc which I did but all that did was reset the dc only.”
You can add your thoughts and possibly help Johnny by using the green Comments and Feeedback link below this posting.
Wiring HO Layouts
HO Layout Wire Gauge Size
Jim needs help from readers in wiring his HO layout and asks:
“I need help with my HO layout. Can someone tell me what size/gauge of wire do I need to use in wiring my HO layout?”
Wiring HO Turnout Switches
Al needs your help with wiring turnout switches and asks readers:
“I am trying to wire my turnout switches and can only get three to work. I have the control buttons for the switches in one line attached to each other. I can not get them to work. Does anyone know what I am doing wrong?”
To help one or both of these keen model railroaders please use the green Comments & Feedback link below this posting.
NOTE TO ANYONE ASKING QUESTIONS
It is in your best interests to add as much detail to your questions as possible. Also, 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.
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.
You can submit your detailed model railroad questions here.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
