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!
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.
Brisbane Model Train Show Draws The Crowds
The ever popular Brisbane Model Train Show has once again proven to be a huge success.
Dave has kindly given us permisson to publish these photos he took at the 09 Brisbane Train Show held at the Sheep and Wool Pavilion at the RNA showgrounds in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia on 2nd to 4th May 2009.
The Brisbane Model Train Show featured 110 + layouts and traders with 18 new layouts in 2½ halls over 4400 sq m.
The Brisbane Model Train Show was the 32nd annual show for the THE AUSTRALIAN MODEL RAILWAY ASSOCIATION QUEENSLAND BRANCH Inc (AMRA). The Brisbane Model Train Show is still the largest Model Train Show in Australia.
Thanks Dave for sharing by supplying these photos of the Brisbane Train Show for publication.
Tell The World About Your Model Train Layout Or Model Railroading Project
Tell others in the hobby about your train layout and have your layout featured on this model train blog site.
Don’t keep your ideas to yourself. Others in the hobby will be interested in hearing about your layout and the projects you are working on (they may be able to help and offer suggestions).
There is even the opportunity for you to have a photo (or two) of your layout, or building project, published FREE on my blog site.
The best submissions will be published. Submit details of your Model Railroad Project here.
Decals, Road Signs and Track Signs
John is on the look out for decals and road signs for his RR layout and asks:
“Can someone inform me where I can get European decals, road & track signs (Norwegian) if possible?”
You can help John by adding feedback to his posting.
Also, even if you can’t answer John’s question, perhaps you might like to comment on decals and road signs in general. Maybe you make your own road and track signs, or maybe you can share some tips for applying decals. I’m sure others in the hobby would be very interested in hearing your views.
To comment or add feedback simply click on the green comments link below this posting. Then simply register (you only need to do this once), and then you can add feedback and comments to any blog posting.
I Need Help From Anyone With Experience In The Hobby
Our recent reader poll results showed 75% of respondents thought other model railroaders were willing to share ideas. Unfortunately, 23% thought some people in the hobby could be more helpful, or that many resist sharing their ideas and knowledge. So, here is your chance to prove the 23% wrong!
If you have any knowledge of model railroading you can contribute your ideas to this blog and help others in the process. Without help some beginners may simply give up and leave the hobby through sheer frustration.
You will know from previous postings I always encourage people to join their local model railroad club, and this blog is also a way you can interact with the wider model railroading community.
Your Thoughts Matter
The problem is, I don’t have the time to continue running this free service on my own. I need others in the hobby to step up to the mark and start helping with answers to questions etc.
At the moment this blog is available as a free service to everyone, but one option is to make it for private membership only. That way I could generate some revenue to cover some of the costs of my time spent running this service.
However, my preference is to keep it as free access to everyone, but I need others in the hobby to contribute their skills and knowledge to keep it going. Fortunately, we do have some very generous, regular contributers like Tony P, Hank, Herb Snr and others… but, they can’t be expected to do everything.
The first thing you can do is register as a contributer and blog member. That way, I know you are seriously interested in helping others in the hobby and helping me (and others) to keep this blog as free access for everyone.
Then, you can simply add your feedback and comments to various posting and share your thoughts and ideas with others. We need this hobby to grow and prosper. We need to continually attract and encourage new people into model railroading. Without them, the manufacturers, suppliers, retailers etc won’t do as well… and we all know what happens when people don’t make money.
I am sorry for the lecture, but it is best I speak my mind, rather than just make changes without giving everyone the opportunity to participate.
So please, we can all help each other. We are all in this hobby together. Don’t just sit there, register now and help others!
Click on the green Comments and Feedback link below this posting to register as a contributor and blog member.
Removal Of Train Body From Chassis
Gerry is new to model railroading and it sounds like he is trying to remove the body from the chassis. He will probably need to remove the couplers and squeeze the shell together at the rear and at the front to release the locking tabs. Perhaps someone might like to walk him through the process step by step. Here is his question:
“I need some help getting the shell off a Athearn SD40 model 93567 engine. I am mew to this hobby and need to install a decoder in this and another engine. Does anyone know how to do this?”
Come on! Don’t just sit there. Add your feedback to help this beginner. He needs help and encouragement. Click on the green comments link below and register.
Power Bus And A Complete Continuous Loop
Gerry has a technical question for those who understand model train electrics and asks readers:
“The Internet book has been very helpful with our project … being first timers at this my wife an I have lots to learn. We have completed the train platform/table in an L shape 11 x 7 x 4
feet. We did that so we can access it from all sides. We have been working on buildings for the layout as we waited for the platform to dry etc.
feet. We did that so we can access it from all sides. We have been working on buildings for the layout as we waited for the platform to dry etc.
I purchased a NCE Power Cab DCC controller and am now going to wire the layout. I think I understand the wiring from the Power Cab control panel to the wall and to the hand controller and the two wires to the track.
Here I have a question about the Power Bus that run around the whole track under the platform/table. Is this Power Bus a complete continuous Loop with a connection running to it from it from the control panel. I would think that I just can’t start the Power Bus at one point and run it around the platform without connecting it to where it started.”
Tell Gerry what you think. Click on the green Comments and Feedback link, register and then add your thoughts. If you haven’t yet helped anyone on this blog by answering a question, please do so now. Others want to hear your feedback.
British Graham Farish Locomotives
Michael is new to model railroading and has British Graham Farish locomotives and asks:
“Hi can anybody give me some tips on servicing Graham Farish N Gauge Locos. I am new to the hobby and I could do with some good advice.”
The Bachmann UK website describes Graham Farish models as N scale. Graham Farish locos are “British N Scale”. British N Scale is a little different from N Scale in Europe and the USA. British N Scale runs on 9mm track as do all N Scale Railway models. That is at a scale of 1:160. However, the models themselves are manufactured at a scale of 1:148.
You can help Michael by clicking on the green Comments & Feeback link below and adding your thoughts.
Why Older Model Railroaders Need To Pass On Knowledge To Younger People In The Hobby
Have you got any experience building or operating a model railroad layout?
What can you do to help others in the hobby (especially beginners)?
If you know a little (or a lot) about model railroading, then please join in and add your comments and feedback to the various postings on this Model Train Help blog.
There will be lots of others in the hobby who could benefit from your knowledge and experience. Please don’t just read these postings and think to yourself “I know that answer”, but then do nothing. A little time and effort on your part could hugely benefit several others in the hobby.
We are all getting older and it is critical that experience and knowledge is passed on to younger ones in this hobby.
Please! Please! Share your knowledge and experience with others. We are all in this hobby together. We are not commercial competitors, so what does it matter if someone else knows how you did something and solved a problem? Share your knowledge.
Please help!
Athearn Bachmann Parts
Mike has a problem with getting model train parts and asks:
“I’m retired operating engineer (Heavy Equiptment Operator) 67 years old. My question is why is it so hard to get replacement parts, I have bought a few Athearn, Bachmann locomotives and you call to get replacement parts and the first thing they tell you is there are out of stock and they no longer make that part. It seems to me that the manufactors sell these locomotives with on problems why can’t they make sure they continue to supply the required parts we need to keep our trains running? In the Caterpillar world you can still get parts for tractors made in the late 50’s, and I think the Model train business is as demanding as the Caterpillar world. I really enjoy the modeling world of the HO gauge trains.”
Join in. Comment on Mike’s blog posting using the green comments and feedback blelow.
Track Gap Between Connecting Rails
Al is new to model trains and would like help from anyone with some experience in the hobby and asks:
“I am new to this great hobby and having purchased a used layout from another train hobbyist I encountered a slight problem with a bit of track gap. I seem to lose some electrical power where this occurs which causes my locos to stutter before continuing on around my layout. My question: is there something that can close this small gap between the 2 connecting rails. Is there some kind of filler, connector, or insulator.”
To help Al, use the green Comments link below to register and add your feedback and help.
Operating Multi Train Control Systems
Nader is wanting to operate multi train control and asks readers for advice:
“I’m looking for a computer/electronic multi train control. I’m trying to build an outside railroad (G sacle) and would like to power and control the train via remote control. Would anyone have a few suggestions? Thanks!”
Click the green Comments & Feedback link, register and then add your thoughts to this posting.
Homasote on MDF Board
Stuart has two questions for anyone who has used Homasote and asks:
1. I plan to lay on Homasote (compressed paper) supported by MDF boards. Should I use cork underlay as well?
OR
2. If I mark parallel lines just outside where the track will lay and paint glue between the lines, could I lay track then ballast in order minimize the use of track pins which will not hold very well in the Homasote?
All opinions very welcome – I am old but “beginner” status.
Definition: Homasote is a pressed paper construction board often used for model railroad roadbed.
Rail Weight And Crossings In Question
Al wants to hear from anyone with experience with tracks and crossings and asks readers:
“My last layout was made back in the 70’s and it was torn down for a move. I am starting a new layout and wonder what weight rail to use and, once decided, if there is any problem matching it up with turnouts.”
To advise Al, click on the green comments link, register and then add your feedback.
Scratch Built Crossing
Here is something really interesting. Subhash is a keen model railroading enthusiast from India, but the problem is train supplies are expensive and hard to get. So, Subhash not only manufactures his own rolling stock, he also builds his own track.
When you think about it, most of us would never dream of scratch building track, let alone a locomotive. We simply go out and buy it. So, Subhash is to be congratulated for his efforts and persistence. He is an inspiration to us all!
Subhash tells me his whole train layout is scratch built including scratch built tracks and crossings. He has made dies for sleepers, and aluminium strips for tracks. Subhash admits it is difficult as he has to search hard to get the raw materials.
Subhash builds to TT scale because he says you get more space work in TT than HO.
For the tracks Subhash has used Aluminum sheets 4ft x 8ft, gauge 1mm, trimmed in 3mm height. He creates rails of 3mm x 8ft. He has also made a die for sleepers for HO & TT now he can make as many sections of track as he wants.
Subhash uses normal tools as he doesn’t have any high end tools. He just uses whatever tools he has available at home. He says if you have diagrams the track is easy to build. And, the important thing is; the track and the trains work!
Subhash has two locos and some passenger carriages, different kind of wagons, a caboose, and two suburban EMU trains and all are scratch built. I’m sure you’ll agree they look very authentic.
I’m sure Subhash would welcome your comments and questions. Click on the green comments link, register and then add your feedback.
HO Layout Track Planning
Dick wants to build an HO layout and has a question for other HO enthusiasts:
“I am just starting to research things before buiding an HO layout. I am an experienced 64 yr old modeler, but have not done railroading in many years. I built highly detailed wooden ships from scratch for years. I’m in to detail. I want to do a train layout with similar detail. I’ve looked at track and some of the combination track (with roadbed) looks toy-like to me. Can someone please give me some specific advice about track ie. Manufacturer, 83/100, track alone or roadbed/track combination, type of roadbed. Thank you.”
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