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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.
56 Percent Of Model Railroaders Use HO or OO?
Our recent poll on this model train blog site surveyed 954 respondents and found that 48% (459) people operated or prefered HO scale and 8% (78) selected OO as their choice. HO and OO are not exactly the same but are similar in scale.
In response to the poll findings here is an email I got from keen model railroader Ken. He makes some good and interesting points and has a question someone may be able to help him with:
“Thanks, I enjoy the blog, the site, and the links. I have a set of good-performing (but inexpensive) HO diesel locomotives. Over the years I’ve patiently rebuilt the mechanisms, which include some older (and newer) Athearn, Bachmann, Model Power and Tyco (all older).
I have a couple of locos due for rebuilds soon, and I’ve been wondering for some time whether it might make sense to add a second powered truck so the locos are dual powered (instead of just front- or rear-powered. All of the above-mentioned.
Does anyone have any experience with this sort of thing? It looks pretty straightforward from studying the parts diagrams of the different locos, especially the same model that came/comes in both dual drive and single drive.
Any suggestions would be most welcome. Thanks in advance.
Best, Ken”
To answer Ken’s question, or to comment on the points he makes – add your feedback using the green comments link below this posting.
Edwyn also has some interesting comments on the poll results:
“Thanks for sending me the results of your survey. The figures were really, not all that surprising. What they did confirm to me, was the definite popularity of HO, as number 1. Was the survey mainly structured from NZ replies, or were they world-wide?”
Edwyn – the results were from all over the world.
Edwyn continues:
“This brings me to a big beef I have with many retailers of model railway material…their seeming insistence that there is little or no difference between HO and OO SCALE and their continued advertising of locos and rolling stock as “OO/HO” scale.
Many model train retailers confuse SCALE with GAUGE and whilst modern HO and OO scale stock all now share HO gauge rail, there is still a considerable difference between the two SCALES. After all, OO is 1/76 and HO is 1/87 and the difference is nearly 12%!
Lineside material, buildings etc, don’t seem to matter too much but when you put locos and rolling stock together for comparison, the size differences become very apparent. Place an English OO ‘Jinty’ shunter next to an American HO 4-6-2 Pacific and the Jinty looks disproportionately large!
Could you please use your influence with some of these people and try and make them understand that HO and OO are NOT THE SAME!
I wonder if you could also help me with my search for a good repair/serviceman, in the Brisbane area of Queensland. I desperately need assistance with a couple of items and any help you can give would be much appreciated. Many thanks.”
Add your feedback and comments to this posting using the green comments link below.
Schematic, Contact Switch And DCC Digitrax
Charlie wants to hear from anyone who can help him with schematic plans and asks:
“Can some one please tell me where to get a schematic of how to wire a stationary decoder, a momentary contact switch and a turn out using DCC Digitrax. I want to operate the switch from my throttle, but also have the option to operate it manually. I am using PECO turnouts and Peco switch machines. Thanks a million.”
Add your feedback and help Charlie using the green comments link below this posting.
Also please add feedback to other postings on this blog. Lots of beginners need help from experienced model railroaders.
Rusting Track Problem
Dave has a U shaped 4 level, 4 station layout with a harbour (english spelling) and 6 industrial areas and is having a problem with rusting rails. To help Dave click on the green comments link at the end of this posting and add your feedback:
“I have HO gauge Marklin and have been involved with Marklin for 49 years. I have a total of 62 locomotives dating from 1957 up to and including 1998. I do not do digital although this method is the way to go. I prefer to stay with the old system .
My layout is U shaped 6 x 3 , 4 levels with 4 stations , a harbour , 6 industrial areas and a rail bus secondary line, . Although not entirely complete as most model train enthuiasts never seem to complete a layout as there is always something that needs to be done.
However , what I would like to know, is how does one prevent track from rusting as I live less than one kilometre from the sea with the climatic conditions averaging between 20 degrees on a daily basis. At this time of the year the temperature is higher with high humidity and this does cause chaos with regard to smooth running of the system. I have tried methyolated spirits to clean track with success but all track under mountain areas and tunnels is difficult to reach which is a problem “
Track Selection
James would like to hear from anyone who can offer suggestions on track selection:
“I am a novice train collector building an O gauge layout and am looking for recommendations on what track to use since there are so many different types and styles out there … ex. MTH, Atlas, Lionel, etc”
Add your feedback using the green comments link below.
Problems With GP40 Santa Fe
Mark is having lots of problems with his GP40 Santa Fe and wants to hear readers ideas on where he should start:
“I have a problem with my GP40 santa fe. The hand rails are snapped, the wheels need cleaning, the coulpers are broken and I havent got it lubricated, so how do I fix all of there problems?”
Use the green comments link below to add your feedback and help Mark.
Layout Built Without Track Plan
Earl wants to hear from anyone who can help him solve a problem with his layout:
“I have a big dilemma…I’m building a railroad based on childhood memories while spending the summers at my grandmother’s home in Rocky Mt., VA. The Norfolk & Western trains passed about thirty yards from the house and the rumble of the long freight trains would rock me into a very deep and peaceful sleep.
I think my layout is taking great shape. My track is laid and finally smooth but I didn’t use a track plan.
My dilemma: I just mentioned that I didn’t use a track plan and although my trains were running and jumping the tracks on my original layout, I fixed that problem and now am not able to get any movement. I think I’ve crossed a wire or missed some step. Although I’ve gone through the entire schematic several times, I still can’t locate the problem. I’ve been extremely patient (started project last July) but am becoming really frustrated and I need help. Any suggestions from anyone who is reading this please?
To help Earl add your feedback using the green comments link below.
Beginner Needs Help With Raising Track
Michael is new to model railroading and would like some help from more experienced people in the hobby. He asks:
“I was wondering if anyone has used any accessories for raising a model railway track? If so what have you used and where do I get them? What Iam trying to to is make my train set go from ground level and raise it higher so I have two levels. Is there some kind of accessory available to support the upper level of rail track.
I am realy new to all this and don’t know the correct names of the accessories required. Can someone help me out please?”
You can help Michael by adding your feedback using the green comments link below.
Model Trains Run On Solar Power?
I got an interesting email from Dan of Arlington in Texas who has built a solar generator in his backyard and is using it to power his model trains. He tells me he got the idea and plans from Michael Harvey who runs a web site about building wind and solar generators to save on electricity bills.
It is a subject I don’t know much about, but it sounds interesting, even if it is just to provide electricity to light up a garden layout. Michael explains how to build the solar generator in his step-by-step videos.
Train Repairer Wanted
Henry wants to hear from someone who can recommend a good train repairer:
“Can some helpful person in the hobby refer me to a topnotch repairman/restorer for damaged/vandalized vintage NWSL, PFM etc, brass locos c. 1959 – 1980, preferrably in the US?
Thanks.”
To help Henry add your feeback using the green comments link below his posting.
Note – This is a blog FREE service so please help others in the hobby who are asking questions and who genuinely need help. Don’t keep your knowledge to yourself – help others, as I’m sure they will appreciate your help.
Jumpy Locomotive Stops And Starts
Shane is experiencing a common problem with his new loco. If you have had the same problem you might like to explain what you did to fix it:
“Hi, I have just been to a train show and bought a santa fe engine bachmann is the brand. I have done what the instructions said but it is very jumpy when it runs. It just stop starts all the time.”
For lots of helpful tips on the smooth running of locomotives refer to the section in the Model Train Help Ebook.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
