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!
Ask Your Model Train Questions Now
This blog is a FREE service for model railroaders to use. There is no charge to submit your model railroading questions at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/submit-questions.html Please note there is no guarantee that questions will be published on this model train blog.
All questions will be submitted to the blog moderator for approval and editing prior to publication. Please check your questions for spelling and punctuation as priority will be given to well written questions. Please give as many details as possible describing the problem as this will help other answer the question and provide quality feedback. Approved questions are usually published withing one week of submission.
Remember all questions should be directed to other readers to answer. The blog moderator does not usually answer the questions as this service is for everyone to share ideas with each other. If you would like to answer any questions and help your fellow railroaders, simply click on the green comments link below.
A request: Please do not get abusive with the blog moderator as the person is not being paid for this work. This is a FREE service and not all questions are approved for publication or answered.
We want to keep this service running so please don’t spoil it for others in the hobby.
Locomotive Pull Power
Rich is having problems with getting his locomotive moving and wants to hear from others who might know what he can do to improve his locomotive pull power:
“I have just recently put together some track and the old “O” model train. I know very little about special details concerning electrical requirements for this system. I have a power supply, ac transformer to output of 6 to 18v ac, but at full rotation of the supply knob, the engine can barely move the set of 8 cars on the flat surface. Can someone tell me do I need a heavier duty transformer, or what?”
Add your feedback on Rich’s locomotive pull power posting by clicking the green comments link below.
Track Layout
A reader asks:
“I would like to make an HO Mainline and Industrial layout, however I would like more detail on the track placement.”
HO Curve Radius
Ray has an HO layout and wants to hear from your on curve radius:
“Do any of your readers know what engine or engines will get around a 12 inch radius curves?”
To help Ray click on the green comments link.
Space Requirements For HO Track
John wants to hear from HO model railroaders about space requirements:
“Can someone tell me how wide must a table be to allow an HO train to make a turnaround? How much room do I need? I plan to put my layout on a banquet type table and the question is will the HO train make a turnaround on a 30″ or a 36″ table? Thank you so much for letting me post my question. I really appreciate it.”
Post your replies to John’s HO question using the comments link below.
Layout Lighting Control Systems
Bob wants to hear from anyone who knows about layout lighting control systems:
“Does anyone know if someome makes a product used to control the lights (like building lights, steet lights, etc) via a computer where I can program in timers to turn lights on/off or control each light by clicking a button on my computer screen?”
Add your feedback to this posting.
North Yorkshire Moors Railway With Steam
Bigcol has sent in this update on his layout plans for publication:
After having just sold my extensive oo layout for a good price Istarted looking at n gauge. Having dabbled in this format before 20 years ago with minitrix I thought it was a good idea to try again.
There have been improvements in quality and detailing, but I did not take into account how your eyesight changes boy do they look small after oo. Putting all that aside I set out a plan of action. I looked on the internet for inspiration and found a couple of good track plans and proceeded to build a baseboard in a horse shoe style.
I went down the Woodland scenics subterrain foam route and so far it is an excellent way of creating scenery that has interesting lifelike features instead of the usual flatbed layouts you usually see. I have been taking photos as I have progressed and so far no problems.
To keep costs down I collect foam packing from all the local stores Comet halfords etc. You will have some stores near you who are glad to get rid of poly foam, the stiffer is better.
I am basing my layout on the North Yorkshire Moors railway with steam, Fairburn tank, A4 Silver fox, jinty tank and Virgin voyager 4 coach dmu.
Thanks for publishing and I will upgrade when I finish part of the scenery and gradients based on Emmerdale farm. Bigcol
To submit details of your RR layout for publication go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html
Turnouts On RR Layout
Anthony has 3 questions for fellow model railroaders to answer:
“In the opinion of other model railroaders what is the best type/brand of turnouts for a serious modeler’s medium size layout? Do they know what is the different between Electrofrog and Insulffrog turnouts? Also, what size turn out would be best for passenger trains so they won’t derail?”
Anthony – Have a look at page 14 of part 4 of the Model Train Help Ebook for some help.
Blocks and Electrics On RR Layout
John would like to hear from someone who knows something about blocks and electrics on a model RR layout:
“I have been a model railroader for over 25 years and I now finally have a train spot in our new home after years of collecting with no layout other than a 4 x 8 that had to go when the kids arrived.
I now have a full attic 44′ long by 18′ wide with no obstruction as the stairway is in the middle of the floor. After revising track plan after track plan I have settled on a twin continuous main line with large yard & roundhouse. also several industries & loads of switching possibilities as well as the continuous operation on the main lines.
My question is in regard to the blocking and power I will need to operate over the distances I mentioned. I felt 4 blocks per main line would be sufficient and I have experiance with Atlas blocking systems. Is that enough to maintain two large trains on each main and what type of power do I need to sustain thos distances?
The yards, spurs & comuter auto reverse are under control. I just want to be sure the main lines are trouble free.
I have been planning this for almost 30 years and I don’t want to screw it up. I will use DC not DCC as my budget is rather small though I have been acruing the Track, turnouts, roadbed & trains over the years. What do other model railroaders think, thanks.”
Add your feedback on this posting using the green comments link below.
Atlas Switch Machines Have Malfunctioned
George is having problems with his Atlas switch machines and would like to here your feedback:
“I have a large HO layout and many switch machines which I have never had problems with. Last year I put together an n gauge layout and 4 of the 5 above table Atlas switch machines have malfunctioned. It appears the arm attached to the armature slips out of the groove of the slotted piece that moves the track points. Once they’re apart there is no way to reassemble them without a jig. I haven’t got enough room to install the under the table type. I have used one on the layout and it functions perfectly. Does anyone know if there are any other makes of switch motors that are more reliable?”
To help George click on the green comments link and add your feedback.
LGB Smoke Generator
Bill has a question for readers regarding an LGB Smoke Generator:
“I have an LGB mogul, # 23191, label reads 0-24vdc and the smoke generator has failed. I removed it and now I can’t find it for a reading for a serial # or voltage rating, if so marked. I see that there are several voltages available, 5v, 0-18 and 0-24. Can anyone advise which I should buy? I have read some threads that generally say that a 5v would last longer because of less voltage at ‘dry’ times. But, will it work ok with a 0-24v engine? I dont believe I have an on-off switch that is for the smoke generator, so I would like to get one that will have a long life.”
To help Bill with his LGB Smoke Generator question please click the green link below.
G-Scale Reversing Loop
Dick has a garden railway with a problem:
“I would like to add a reversing loop to my outdoor G-scale garden railway. Would a G-Scale enthusiast have any suggestions for the best (or alternative) ways of wiring to accomplish this? Not knowing a great deal about electrical matters, I’m confused as to how best to do the wiring.
I currently have about 150 ft. of track laid outside in an oval with a turnout into an enclosed area.”
To help out click on the green comments link below this posting.
Garden Layout Derailments
Tim has a garden layout and has a problem with derailments. Would anyone like to give him some suggestions:
“I have a garden layout G scale and I used preformed track and the train keeps derailing on one corner. Does anyone know how can I fix the problem with my garden layout?”
To help Tim add your feedback below.
G Scale Garden Railroad Crossing Gates
Gerri would like to hear from anyone who knows about G Scale Garden Railroad Crossing Gates:
“Right now we’re buried under about 2 ‘ of snow, so during the winter time I move indoors and work on structures, etc. I am a complete novice at this train stuff, and am finding it very interesting starting to learn about circuit boards, sensors, etc.
As of next spring I will have just a starter train set and about 300 ft. of track laid. Eventually I would like to move towards DCC and computer control.
I built a fish pond and with the dirt removed from it and I made a berm for the water fall. While I was building it I installed two 12″ PVC pipes that will serve as tunnels for the train.
The track will stretch across the back of the yard, around a pine tree and back again, then going through the tunnel, around the pond where it circles through a folded dog bone area with a 30 degree crossing. (this area will then be a townscape and this is where I need the crossing gates) on around the pond and through the remaining tunnel.
I run a G Scale garden railroad out back and I am wanting to put in a crossing gates/signal with bell sounds. I ran into Pro logic sensor system, that sounds really interesting in providing me with what I want, but in conversations with them, the sensors may not work great with ambient daylight interference. I also have seen where they are using a tortoise slow motor mounted under the bench work to raise the arms of the crossing gates. That doesn’t work out doors. So I am totally baffled and at a loss.
Can anyone who knows something about G Scale Garden Railroads recommend a source to purchase the crossing gates/signals and what circuitry I need to make them function automatically from sensors tripped by the approaching train?”
To give Gerri some suggestions click on the green comments link below this posting.
o Lionel Fastrack Layout Plans
Can anyone help this reader:
“Iam going be soon living with persons my own age have plan for lionel fastrck layout call for: 7 switch track remote, 1 left hand remote switch track and 6 right hand remote switch track. I was wondering how to wire them. Does anyone know the answer. The layout plans can be found at
www.thortrains.net/marx/48fastrack1.html The plan Iam looking at is a 4×8 layout the first one on the page.”
Layout Design In Small Space
Ted would no doubt benefit from viewing John’s layout in my model train video series as John has set up a very compact HO layout in a small space. Anyway, here is Ted’s question and he would like feedback and ideas from readers:
“I have a space approximately 14 x 8 for a new HO layout (first time for me), but I have walls on two sides. How do I solve the problem of access to all track areas but still make good use of the space? Are there any “classic” layouts that would work particularly well in this type of space?”
Z Scale Layout Track Question
Sherry is having problems with track on a z scale layout and wants help:
“After working with all the other scales over the years, I have been trying to get started with a little z scale lay-out and finding the resources are limited. I am having a lot of trouble with the track (Marklin). Before I go any further with purchases, I wonder if I would like the Micro-track better? Dpes anyone know are the two compatible?”
Sherry adds:
“I don’t have a train store near me to look at the items, so have to rely on catalogs and the internet. It looks like Micro-track has a built in road-bed which could be a little more stable. Any suggestions or comments from others doing z scale would be helpful?”
To add your comments or feedback use the green comments link below.
Scenery Foam Core On RR Layouts
“I have several articles on making roads, many refer to using foam core. I have gone to building supply stores (Home Depot,etc.) and noboday seems to know what it is or where to find it. Is it also know by another name? If you have used foam core please let me know where I can find it.
Thank you.”
To help this reader click on the green comments link below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
