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!
Switch Codes
A reader question:
“I am new to model trains. I have bought a Bachmann Empire Builder to start. I have a question for your blog readers. My question is what do the codes mean when used with switches?”
To help this newbie please add your feedback below this posting.
Durango Silverton Train Line
Ron has a question for readers on the Durango/Silverton train line and asks:
“What I am really looking for is a Durango/Siverton train set in N guage. The reason is, my grandfather had the first livery stable in the town of Silverton, CO. I visited that town in 1978 and saw a unique area surrounded by high mountains. I wish I had a lead on any model train builder that has the Durango/Silverton train line. Can anyone suggest someone they may know of?
Circuit Diagram For Steam Whistle
Philip wants to make a steam whistle and would like to hear from anyone in the hobby who has already gone through the process:
“I am looking for a circuit diagram for a steam whistle. I know I can buy them but what is the fun in that. Thank you.”
To help Philip add your feedback using the comments and feedback link below his posting.
Lionel 5690 Locomotive
Kevin is a model railroading beginner and has a question for readers:
“I am really new to this train hobby and this may sound silly but – Does anyone know if there is any significance to the number 5690 found in the keystone decal on the front of some Lionel locomotives. I have noticed it on quite a few. Thanks, Kevin”
Share your knowledge and help this beginner to the hobby. Add your feedback and comments below.
Pulse-Pack Transformer
Mike has a transformer question for readers to try and answer:
“I have a small transformer that I would like help identifying. The name on it is “Pulse-Pack”. Other markings are “Model HO” and “LpC” There is no manufacturer, model, or serial data on it. On the front there is a lever with Off, For., and Rev. indicators and a dial with numbers 0, 5 and 10. Also some kind of a external fuse and a red jewel indicator light. Based on this data, I believe it to be a hobby transformer but would like to know what for and how old it is. All help from someone would be appreciated.”
To add feedback to Mike’s posting click on the Comments, Feedback and Answer link below.
Turnouts On Planned Layout
Steve wants to hear from other model railroaders BEFORE he starts work on planning and building his layout. Steve has a question on turnouts:
“I have not yet started my layout because it’s possible we might sell and move if the economy ever changes. My question is what is the difference from a # 4, #6 or what ever the number may be, which # should be used for a turnout for a siding, or a turnout for just starting another run of track? This may sound silly, but if and when I do construct a layout these are the kind of little things I will need to really now. I built a layout years ago with my sons, but I don’t remember having a choice, we just bought some turnouts and they did the job. However, I would like to now why 4’s or 6’s turnouts could make a difference or not.”
To help Steve click on the comments and feedbacl link below.
Steve, can also refer to the section in my Model Train Help ebook for some assistance with his answer.
Powering Remote Electric Switches
Jim has a question to test readers knowledge:
“Can I pull power from my DCC electrical buss to power my remote electrical track switches or must I set up a separate electrical power source e.g., a small transformer?”
Have a go at answering Jim’s question and share your feedback with others by using the green comments link below. I’m sure Jim would like to hear your thoughts.
Atlas Supreme Powered Frog Switches
Paul wants to hear from anyone who uses Atlas Supreme powered frog switches and asks:
“I would like to ask others if Atlas Supreme powered frog switches can be used in a DCC system? I am building a new layout (finishing one started a long time ago) and I am using Atlas Code 100 nickel silver track and Atlas Supreme switches. I have not figured out what DCC system to use, so would appreciate suggestions from others on this issue also. Thanks in advance!”
Help Paul by using the green comments link below his posting.
Select Control
Ian has an OO layout similar, but not exactly the same as, an HO layout and asks readers this question:
“I currently have two circuits of approx 14 metres in total length. I want to join them together with an express lane, also a shunting yard consisting of a turntable. Would my select unit be capable of handling this or would I have to upgrade to the elite.”
Add your feedback using the green comments link below Ian’s posting.
Wiring Atlas Turnout – Switch Controls
Jake is a retired electrical engineer and needs some feedback from others with experience in the hobby. If you would like to help Jake, use the green comments link below this posting. Here is what Jake has to say:
“As a resurrected model railroader your ebook has been very helpful. My purpose for writing is a dilemma I have for wiring Atlas turnout machines that can use panel lights and toggle
switches. I was hoping one of your many readers could advise me.
I know the switch machines have to use momentary switches to avoid coil burnouts. No one in the industry that I have seen makes a switch controller (except maybe Acme) that can be applied to visual panel control.
I currently use the now defunct GH Products lighted switch controls for the mainline which have always been a pain to adjust and are not reliable. It’s no wonder why the company had difficulties. Good idea, poor execution.
I know the tortoise machines provide wiring detail for the above system but
- my layout begun in 1978 is traditional DC with Atlas products and is
track/wiring complete and - the installation of Tortoise machines would be hyper expensive for me and would require me to totally rebuild my 21 turnouts (9 mainline, 12 yard). However I am inclined to rebuild my panel if I find a solution to the switch control problem.
If someone could help an old retired electrical engineer solve this problem it would be greatly appreciated.”
HO Winter Landscape
Luca is having a problem with his HO layout and has this brief question:
“I have had my first read of your e-book, and I found it very interesting. I’m on my way to set up a modular layout restricted to the steam servicing area during a typical winter landscape. This is my actual problem! My ‘state of the art’ is not sufficient to face this problem: can you ask (through your blog) if one of your readers can help me out please?
Luca, perhaps you could log in to this posting (use the green comments link below) and provide readers with more details so they can give you the best possible answer.
Note to all readers: Please provide as much detail as you can when submitting your model train questions as you are more likely to get help if other model railroaders know and understand the precise problem.
MTH Parts
Here is a quick question from a reader with an O layout:
“Does anyone know where I can buy mth parts without ordering from the company its self?”
Newbie To Hobby Asks For Help
Milan is just getting started in model railroading and is hoping some of the “old Pro’s” will give him some help and encouragement. To help Milan add your feedback using the green comments link below his posting:
“I have a couple of questions if someome would please be kind enough to help with. I am new at trains and would love to get started with n scale. The train which is making me get started in the prr broadway limited.
My dilemma is this – I don’t like the g11 that pulled this part way but do like the e8 (tuscan red) engines. I would like to run two but cannot figure out on how one will run facing forward and the other back.
My plans are to start analog and then work my way into dcc. Is there a dummy of this engine? This would make it a little cheaper. Everything that I have seen and like is is from Kato. My hopes are to do the the right thing first time around even if I purchase one thing at a time.
Also, I would like to run the v11 configuration with the double track. Maybe somewhere down the road I can get my second train and run them with dcc. Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated.”
DCC HO Question
Norman wants to hear from anyone who can help him with his HO DCC problem:
“I am wanting to get instructions and drawings to install DCC in a Bowser Challenger and Big Boy. I understand the metal frame is one side of the motor so I will need to insulate the motor from the frame. As I understand it, the decoder should be mounted in the tender, which I do not have. Am I correct – can anyone suggest anything?”
Use the green comments link to add your thoughts to Norman’s blog posting.
RR Layout In Unheated Area
Readers in colder areas might have some suggestions for Jim:
“My son and I would like to put up our RR layout in our barn/workshop. We don’t have room in the house, and the barn is unheated. If we use a space heater to warm it up when we’re out there and it freezes otherwise, will we hurt our engines? Is there a temperature that they won’t run below?”
Building Mountains and Rocky Terrains
John has a question for you on using styrofoam to create scenery and asks:
“I will be building mountains and rocky terrains. In the pass I used the cardboard strip, plaster cloth and hydrocal method. Also used scultamould for final touches. But I’m reading that styrofoam can be used to create realistic scenery. Has anyone got any suggestions? Thanks John.”
Flex Track Or Snap Track?
Royce wants to here from other model railroaders who have an opinion on flex track or snap track:
“I’m really enjoying your book and updates. I’ve never had a hobby before but have real life railroad experience. I dedicated a room 18′ X 20′ for my model train. I plan to create stops,
towns, siding and etc that match my life history with railroading. I have just built a 4″ wide table all around the edge of the room and I’m about to get started. I plan to spend the next 20 years working on this and want it very nice.
towns, siding and etc that match my life history with railroading. I have just built a 4″ wide table all around the edge of the room and I’m about to get started. I plan to spend the next 20 years working on this and want it very nice.
I’m really having a hard time deciding rather to do the snap together track or the other stuff that’s more bendable. I’ve read the Model Train Help ebook and feel that snap together might match my personality the most but when it’s done I don’t want some purist telling me I really
screwed up. I’m sure others in the hobby have an opinion on snap together track verses flexitrack? I would like to here their different views before I decide which way to go.”
screwed up. I’m sure others in the hobby have an opinion on snap together track verses flexitrack? I would like to here their different views before I decide which way to go.”
Robert comments – Deciding between Flex Track and Snap Track really depends on your layout space and requirements such as whether you want the track to be permanent or temporary.
Flex track can provide a more realistic-looking railroad and, as the name implies, provides design flexibility as you are not limited to set track lengths. If you have a 4’x8′ layout (or larger)and want your layout to be permanent, then Flex Track may be your chosen option. Using Flex Track will mean less joints and fewer track related problems such as derailments, assuming you lay it carefully. Flextrack generally gives more flexibility with track curves, but take care to anchor Flex Track securely to ensure a smooth flow and good connection between sections of track.
If you are limited for space and want the track to be semi-permanent, then Snap Track may be your chosen option. Also, if you haven’t made a final decision on your layout design, then Snap Track provides options for changing your mind without too many headaches.
Others can add feedback using the green comments link below. I’m sure Royce would like to hear your thoughts and experience.
HO Turnout Switch With Light Indicator
Smitty would like to hear your thoughts on schematic diagrams and toggle switches:
“I’m wiring the turnouts on a DC HO layout and have used the simple Atlas slide switches but am not satisfied with them so I decided to design a layout control panel with Toggle switches and LED indicator lights showing which direction the turnout is in when the toggle is thrown.
I know I need to use a Momentary centered Toggles but I need to know which toggle to buy and how to wire them for the effect I want.
I know this can be done in DCC with the Tortoise Switches but I’m wiring a DC Panel only. I could use a Schematic diagram if one of your readers could help. Thanks Again for the Ebook and Blog, I’m slowly learning,”
To help Smitty use the green comments link below.
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