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Illinois Central 2363 Engine With Problems
William is having problems with his Illinois Central 2363 engine and seeks input from blog readers who might be able to help him:
“My Illinois Central 2363 engine will not run. There is voltage to the motors, but I cannot get it to run no matter what I try. Anyone with any ideas will be appreciated.”
Use the green comments link to add your feedback to William’s posting.
Electrical Hook Up
Bob has an N scale layout and asks readers:
“I need to know what is the best way to hook up transformer to my train display. Any good tips or suggestions from someone who knows would be appreciated. Thanks”
To help Bob, use the green Comments and Feedback link below.
Track Wiring Without Taking One Engine Off The Track
Does anyone want to help Harold with his track wiring question:
“I have multi-trains and I want to park one train on a siding and have that train stay while I start a train from a different siding without having to take one engine off the track. Can someone tell me how could I wire this?”
To help Harold use the green Comments and Feedback link below.
Tender Under Frame Causing Problem
William wants to hear from anyone who can help with his model railroading problem and asks:
“Dear One and All; I have asked this question elsewhere but not received imformation that I can make good use of. I have two identical “HO” IHC Southern Pacific style 2-6-0’s to convert. In attempting to install a Kadee compatible knuckle style operating coupler on the Moguls tender I let the truck become disconnected from its usual attachment spot on the underframe of this tender.
Both the tenders have snap on oil bunkers which are easily removable. I want to reattach the rear tender truck to its rightful spot on the tender under frame.
Since the tender wrapper is still attached to this underframe I have a problem in placing my full size fingers into the “HO” scale enclosed space left. Can someone please tell me how to safely separate the tender wrapper from the underframe?
The difficulty comes because two latches must be held aside simultaneously while the wrapper is rotated away from the underframe. I have thoroughly looked for and can only find three screws which go into the tender underframe. Two of those screws are used both to make connections with electrical wires inside the tender and to hold their respective tender trucks against the underframe of said tender. The last screw (a self tapping type) merely holds its end of the drawbar from the engine to the tender underframe.
I plan to install knuckle style couplers on both the engine fronts and tender backends and to add DCC decoders to each engine. Until I get a solution to this problem; I admit I am stuck.”
To help William or give some feedback use the green comments link below.
Laying Track -Straights Or Curves?
Eugene wants your suggestions on track laying and asks:
“Where do I start when laying track? Do I use a long straight edge to start to process?”
1940’s Trains
Nancy has a question about a train from the 1940’s and asks:
“I am brand new to this hobby and have just started a layout. However, my question concerns how to find out what train was running a certain route at a certain time. I would like to know what train ran between Hope, Arkansas and Houston, Texas right after WWII.”
Use the green Comments link below to have your say.
Soldering Clips To Track?
Chuck wants to here from you about soldering clips to track and asks:
“I am building a model railroad in HO scale with a combination of Atlas sectional and felx track. Since the clips do not seem to lock into place, do your experienced readers recommend to solder the clips to the track? If so, do they have any suggestions as to the type of solder to use and any other suggestions to get a good connection and excellent results? Comments are appreciated.”
To help Chuck use the green Comments and Feedback link below. I’m sure he would like to hear your thoughts.
O Gauge Track Difference
Gary has an O gauge question for those who have an interest in Lionel trains:
“I am trying to set up a track layout. Plans call for standard O gauge Lionel track. I have Lionel Fastrack. Can one of your O gauge readers tell me is there a difference between standard and fastrack? If so can I still use the track I have with the plans that I have? I was told it shouldn’t make a difference but I can’t figure it out with the plans that I have.”
Use the green Comments & Feedback link below Gary’s posting to reply to him.
Hiawatha Steam Locomotive
Ray has a question for model train manufacturers and asks:
“When is a manufacturer going to make available the very famous steam loco Hiawatha that exceeded 100 mph? Such a famous loco and no manufacturer has chosen to produce it recently. Walthers has recently manufactured the entire Hiawatha passenger train, but chose to put the later diesel loco upfront. A shame it is not available. Hope someone makes it available soon.”
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HO or N Motor Sizes
Marty has a question about motor sizes:
“There are many different engine sizes in real life that drive 4 to 10 axles each with increasing motor sizes. Do any of the models actually compensate in scale for the motor size of the engine?”
To add feedback to Marty’s posting click the Comments & Feedback link below.
Track And Structure Placement
Would someone like to help Jim:
“Talking with different people there seems to be variations as to layout and dimensions for buildings and other structures in proximity to the track as far as closeness. In other words how far is a rail station, loading platform, etc. from the tracks. Can someone give me some guidelines?”
Loops On Track
Would someone like to help Mark
“I have a loop track. I need a module device that shows a one way then loops around other way to back to the same track by show reverse current. Suggestions please.”
DDC Digitrax System
Randy has a DCC question for readers:
“I want to buy a digitrax system but my power suply is 220V 50Hz not a problem to convert to 110v but it will remain at 50Hz and not the 60 Hz that is standerd for 110V. Is this a problem?”
Steam Engines Derail
Would some like to help this reader?
“I have a Bachmann Northern Steam Engine, 4-8-4 that can’t seem to make it through my EZ switches without derailing. I have tried adjusting the space between the 4 by carriage and the body. Does anyone know a trick to solve this problem?”
Add your feedback using the comments and feedback link below.
Magnetic Couplers
George is trying to locate some magnetic couplers and wants advice from others in the hobby:
“I would like a magnetic coupler for a boxcar equipped with a track cleaner. The name on the box it arrived in is “Roco”. It’s made in Austria. The trucks are attached with plastic rivets. Conversion kit PMI FP-45 Kadee 1114 willl not fit. Neither will Micro-trains #1015-1-B. Can someone help me?”
N Scale Portable Layout
Bev is planning a portable layout and wants ideas from readers:
“I am planning on building a very small portable winter scene layout (about 26″ x 4 feet) that I can set up on a table at work during the holiday season. What is the best material to use as a foundation base for an extremely lightweight layout? Any other comments or ideas from anyone would be appreciated.”
To help Bev click on the green Comments and Feedback link below.
HO & N Layout Design Software
Gordon wants to hear from any readers who have used layout design software and asks:
“Can anyone recommend a layout design software that is easy and quick to use. I have a 4×8 layout and I have moved into a new home and I have a 10×20 ft space available. Can anybody give me some advice please?”
To help Gordon use the Comments and Feeback link below his posting.
Switch Trouble On RR Layout
A readers wants to hear from anyone who can help with his switch problem:
“I am having switch trouble, especially with my 4-8-4 steam engine, the front wheels don’t want to stay on the track.”
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