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!
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.
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.
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