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!
DCC Basic System
Jerry wants to operate 5 trains with a basic DCC system on his O27 layout and would like your feedback or suggestions:
I am considering purchasing a DCC basic system for my O27 layout. Layout size is approx 10 x 6 with 4 main lines. I usually try to operate no more than 5 trains at a time.
1. What DCC system do your readers recommend?
2. How much power will it need?
3. Can it be programed to work the signals as well, etc.
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below this posting.
Golf Course On RR Layout
James wants to hear from anyone who has added a golf course to their layout, or from anyone who has some suggestions:
“I would like to bring together my to hobbies, H.O. Trains and golf. I am putting together a new HO lay-out and would like to put in a 9 hole course with club house. Does anyone have any photos of this type of lay-out? I will use a u-shaped lay-out with the golf course at one end and a yard at the other end. Any photos or help on this would be helpful. Thanks.”
Add your feedback using the green comments tag below.
Old Couplers Causing Problems?
Tim is having problems with his 35 year old couplers and would like advice from a reader:
“I have just got started into model trains. I am using train engines and cars that were made 35 years ago. The couplers on them will not stay hooked. Can these old style couplers be changed to something that will not cost me an arm and leg?”
If you have had experience with old couplers and want give Tim some advice add your feedback below.
Work Bench Module
Paul would like to hear from anyone who has experience building scenery moduals:
“What do I need to use as the basic material to build a scenery module for a train layout?And how?”
Add your feedback below.
Switch Wiring
Trainbyte wants to hear from anyone with experience in Switch Wiring:
“Does anyone know if switches and turntables need to be powered by a separate transformer? How do I set up blocks on a 4 gang switch controller?”
Add your feedback on this Switch Wiring question below.
6-8 Door Round House & Turntable
Can you help Ron who wants to build replica structures:
“I want to build a replica of a CNR Route, Station; requiring a, Round House, Turn Table, Water-Tower and Sand Shed. Also a machine shop attached to the 6-door Round house.In the past I could find these structures in hobby shops. But now, I can’t even find them on-line. Does anybody still make these structures? Kit form would be perfect, and less expensive than ready-made! Can someone in the hobby please help me with a company name or Ideas? Thanks.”
To help Ron click on the green comments link below.
Transformer problems
Craig is having transformer problems and wants to hear from anyone who has experience solving transformer problems:
“I have an old Lionel RW type g transformer. Whether I use the U-A or U-B connections, the train only gets power when I press the ‘whistle’ button. All of the connections have power, based on my voltometer readings. Any suggestions from your readers would be appreciated.”
Craig wants to hear from you if you can help fix his transformer problems. Add your comments below.
Scratch Built Engines
Duane has an N scale layout and would like to hear from anyone who has sratch built engines:
“I am building a Z scale layout and would like to know how I can build a powered locomotive from scratch. Are there any parts available to do so?”
Post your feedback by clicking on the green comments link below.
Gradients
Peter has a question on Gradients:
“What is the recommended maximum gradient between levels on a 00 layout?”
To post your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Wiring Track For Rail Power
Henry would like to hear reader feedback on track power:
“When wiring track for rail power, what is the smallest gauge size wire that you should use so that you do not get to much voltage drop? Must this be a solid or a can it be stranded wire? I find that soldering the wire to the track very difficult, Does anyone know of an easy method?”
Add your feedback using the green comments link below.
Layout Plan
Bill would like to hear from anyone who can guide him with a layout plan:
A. I want to run N gauge – one passenger, one freight, and one switcher. Freight and switcher to start.
B. Initially one level with second level in future.
C. I have a fair amt of track (Atlas) switches (Atlas abt 7-8 l&R]
D. Space available – L shape 80″x36″, 36″x36″
E. What I’m looking for initially, I would like some of an idea OF A LAYOUT PLAN. I must start here in order to determine my costs. I’m 77 yo, retired on SS so I must work within a very tight budget. I’ve tried laying one out but get all messed up!
When you don’t know – go to the people who do know. CAN YOUR READERS HELP/GUIDE ME PLEASE.
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below.
DCC Electric Turntable
Leonard would like to hear from anyone who can answer his DCC question:
“Can I connect my Electric turn table up to my HORNBY DCC system? I thought I could possibly connect it using a junction diode?”
If you think you know the answer to Leonard’s question click on the green comments link below this posting.
Converting Locos To DCC Operation
Damian would like to hear from anyone who has converted locos to DCC:
“I have several N scale locos that I would like to convert to DCC operation.
Question 1 – Does anyone know of a listing somewhere which would provide the type of DCC decoders might be used in each of these locos?
Question 2 – Is there a listing of firms or individuals who could perform the conversions?
Thank you to your readers for whatever help or suggestions they may provide.”
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Programing Track For DCC
Ronald would like to hear from readers about programing track for DCC:
“I only plan on having 2 locomotives on my set and wonder if I should still put in a separate programing track for DCC?”
To add your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Numbers on Locos And Code 100 Term?
Here are two reader questions that are answered in the ebook. If you would like to have a go at answering them without looking up the answers, click on the green comments link below:
“I would like to know what is the difference in code100 and code 83 track”
“I would like to know how locomotives get there numbers? I my case it would be steam.”
Two Quick Model Train Tips
Here are two quick model train tips from my ebook:
1. Running your trains at least once a day helps keep the rails from getting dirty in the first place, so that’s a fun way to keep rails clean, and feels less like work.
2. Many model train passenger cars that are being retailed don’t have interiors. As a result when you look inside them they look like a toy train. One simple solution is to buy some commercial window tinting film from a hobby, hardware, or car accessory store. A small strip of the tinting film can be attached to the inside of the clear plastic that makes up the windows of most passenger cars. The tinting film can look like polarized glass which is very difficult to look through.
How To Get The Most From Your RR Layout
Here are 7 quick tips to help you get the best from your layout:
- Aim to have a heavy locomotive with adequate power available.
- If you want to run really long trains then it is best to have clean track that is level or with only gentle curves.
- Keep your trains well maintained.
- The wheels on the locomotive should be kept clean, traction tires clean, bearings lubricated (including side rod linkage on steam).
- Have the locomotive motor checked regularly.
- Rolling stock should have clean wheels and lubricated bearings.
- Couplers should move freely to maintain alignment.
For more model train tips go to http://www.model-train-help.com
Thank You To Model Train Enthusiasts Across The World
Every week I get hundreds of emails and unfortunately I can’t reply to them all. So, I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their kind words of encouragement. It is so good to know that so many people are benefiting from the tips and ideas in my Model Train Help ebook. It sounds like some of you are constructing some amazing layouts.
I’m really pleased to hear the ebook is ‘hitting the mark’ regardless of readers individual preferences for particular brands, scales, or operating systems. I must admit I was conscious of this when writing the ebook, so I tried to make it suitable for everyone rather than limit it just one scale or system. Here are snippets from some recent emails:
“Hi Robert. I just can’t express how much I’m getting out of your book. The part in the book on electrically joining two baseboards saved me from making a big mistake, so I’m really glad I bought it. It’s a really great product and I’d recommend it to anybody who wants to avoid making mistakes.”
S Taylor, UK
“Thanks to Model Train Help, I’ve learnt the correct way to take off decals without damaging the paintwork on my trains.”
B Moore, USA
“Over the decades, I’ve bought many books and railway plans. This is, hands down, the best and the most comphrensive resource of them all.”
P Evans, NSW, Australia
“I got your train book as a birthday present for my husband 🙂 He is always talking about it. He enjoys it sooooo much!!!”
Julie B, UK
“We have not many train supplies here. I like reading your book and build a railway with friends. It help me very much.”
V Sharma, India
“I downloaded the e-book and the additional material without any problems. Not bad for a 79 year old dinosaur. The section on making trees showed me some things that I wasn’t doing presently. Easy to read and I like the big print.”
T Edwards, CA, USA
“I have not had the chance to thank you Mr Anderson for all the help you have given me. Your book has been by far the best money I’ve ever spent on my layout”
R Tremblay, Quebec, Canada
“All I can say is AWESOME, I feel like an expert after reading your model train book.”
R Patel Wolverhampton, UK
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