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.

Tom has a question about train control and wants to hear from others reading his posting:

“Can one of your readers tell me for radio frequency remote control of model trains, what frequency is used? What section of the FCC rules do these operate? What test equipment is used for testing and repairing the transmitters and receivers?”

I know from answers to previous questions we get hundreds of very experienced model railroaders reading this blog, but I think they must all be asleep. Several question have been posted by fellow railroaders that need answering, but no one seems to want to help others at the moment. I know things are a bit gloomy financially, but it is all the more reason why we should all lend a helping hand to others and try and stay cheerful.

The point is; if this hobby is to move forward we must all help each other… the newbies in the hobby are the ones who especially need help and encouragement.

I have said it before and I will say it again – I get dozens of emails from beginners in the hobby who feel excluded. One guy told me “model railroading is like a secret society” with many in the hobby not wanting to share their knowledge. Although I don’t entirely agree, I have seen some evidence of this attitude, and I must say it saddens me.

PLEASE- If you have can help others, or offer feedback, please add your comments using the green comments link below each posting on this blog. That’s all anyone expects.

This blog gets thousands of readers and I run it free of charge in the hope that as many model railroaders as possible contribute. The problem is that we get lots of questions from people who genuinely need help, but not enough other model railroaders are prepared offer feedback, comments or answers.

So, please help out if you can and prove that model railroaders are a helpful cooperative bunch of enthusiasts who welcome and encourage new people into the hobby.

Enough said!