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Installing Digital Into 0 Gauge Three-Rail Locos
Alan has a question and would like to hear readers views:
“Can someone please guide me re installing Digital into 0 Gauge three-rail locos? I have British prototype steam locos from ACE and Basset Lowke and am in set up mode, so it is opportune for me to go either way, and Digital clearly offers a whole new operational world, if it can be done?”
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Atlas, Marklin, Fleischman, Bachmann, Accurail, Aristo-Craft, Athearn, K-LINE, Lionel, Roco – What Is Your Pick Of Train Manufacturers?
Matt wants to hear from others in the hobby regarding their manufacturer preferences, opinions and stockist suggestions for buying train supplies:
“I used to have a HO set in Germany, but have not used it since I moved to Canada 20 years ago. Now with having a 6 year old son and a rather large basement I am absolutely looking forward getting into it again. I brought my set with me and I plan to set it up agin here as part of the ‘new’ big set, with the old one being the Europe section and the new being the Noth America section.
My question for the blog readers is -I would like to have their advice on what brand (for engines and tracks) to go with, as I live in a small town in BC and have no access to a store to compare and get advice. Also, can anyone recommend a store where I can buy all my supplies including buildings, landscape items, vehicles, trains etc. My first choise in Germany would be Marklin, with Fleischman being second, but here I have no clue what is available and what is good or not.Also, can different manufacturers be compatible among each other? Thanks to everyone who helps in advance.”
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Transbay Interwoven Layout
Doug wants to hear reader recommendations on building a layout his Grandchildren can enjoy:
“Perhaps someone can advise me on the following. I am looking atbuilding the Transbay Interwoven ( Atlas 7X7 step#13) but I cannot findanywhere a plan showing scenery or finished layout to give me finalperspective.
This is my first attempt at building, we had one as kids and now I wantto do this with my Grandchildren, or is there a better layout your readers can recommend that will give two trains agood run and rise through mountains and over rivers etc. Thank you so much for offering this service.”
About the Transbay Interwoven Layout:
Features one train passing over another. The Transbay Interwoven does this by using elevated track provided by the Atlas pier Set. A minimum table size of 6′ x 10′ is needed to construct the Transbay Interwoven with track around 79 feet.
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Transformer Power Pack Too Small?
Jerry has a quick question that has been covered previously on the blog:
“My engine runs fine on a short track but when hook it all together about 50 ft. it wont run. Can readers tell me, is my transformer too small?”
To add your feedback click the green comments link blow.
4008 and 4242 Locos Used In Australia By Pacific National
Colin has a question for Australian model railroaders about 4008 and 4242 locos used by Pacific National:
Your readers may not be able to answer my question about local railroad locos and rolling stock under Queensland Railways logos here in Australia, but here goes anyhow. I would like to find the big locos being used by Pacific National for freight services here in Australia at the moment, 4008, 4242 etc, even if I have to paint the decals myself. Does anyone have any ideas where I could buy these locos and rolling stock that are used on our local rail network? Everyone seems a little vague about where I may purchase these items here, there are very few around. I would like to build up a local railway yard and surrounds if it’s possible. Thank you in advance to anyone who answers.”
Also, to you Robert, I would like to thank you for your useful information on model layouts. The scenes I have seen are very good, I’d like to incorporate where possible.”
Suggestions from Australian readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Readers Views On MRC Prodigy Advance 2 DCC?
This model railroader is new to DCC and would like to hear from others with more experience:
“Firstly to you Robert – I bought you on-line book and it is great! I also have a DCC question I am hoping your readers can answer for me. Which DCC system do they recommend? I was a model railroad enthusiast as a boy (30 years ago) and now am picking up the hobby again. I plan on running some of my old DC locomotives, and I don’t plan on installing Decoders on them. I recently purchased new Atlas Decoder installed w/out sound locomotive. The guys at the train shop are pushing me to buy the MRC Prodigy Advance 2. They state that this system will give me the ability to use all 28 NMRA functions. I have looked into the Digitrax Zephyr and the Bachmann E-Z Command systems. I don’t see myself investing in many sound equipped DCC installed locomotive, well maybe just one in the future. So what does everyone suggest?”
Suggestions from readers experienced in DCC operation can be posted using the green comments link below.
The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 DCC system is designed for the multi-user. It has 14-28/128 speed steps for precise speed control and can simultaneusly run up to 99 throttles using plug’n play technology.28 accessory functions to handle multi-function sound systems such as: Athearn Genesis and MRC Sound Decoders. The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 has a fast clock with adjustable ratios for running your railroad on an accurate timetable. You can program on the main or on the program track without affecting active locomotives. The MRC Prodigy Advance 2 has a quick readout on the value of each decoder and recall and stack features.
Saw Mill Logging Scene On RR Layout
Phillip would like to hear from others about gradients and a saw mill/logging scene he wants to have on his layout:
“I haven’t begun my model layout yet, I am busy researching as much as I can. I would like to include a saw mill/logging scene and a mineral/quarry scene and incorporate a change in level. Does anyone have have any pearls of wisdom on creating different levels and efficient and easy inclines? Also it seems that there is a greater choice of OO/HO kits in America and I am having problems finding any saw mill/logging kits – does anyone know of any?”
I wonder if Phillip got his inspiration for the saw mill/logging scene from the Mountain Ash Railway Tour on video 31 (week 18) at http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
Hornby Trains Down Under
Brian from ‘down-under’ in New South Wales, Australia wants to hear from readers with suggestions on the Hornby train he is looking at purchasing:
“I am looking to build a layout incorporating NSW trains & have seen ho models available in Hobbyco Sydney.I was also looking at a hornby set(virgin train in oo) with a digital transformer.Would a ho model loco & carriages run on this set.”
To help Brian with his Hornby Trains question, simply click on the green comments link below and add your feedback to the blog.
Reader Needs Help With Marklin Locomotives
Del would like to hear from anyone with experience operating Marklin locomotives:
“I bought some Marklin trains about 15 yrs ago and due to a number of moves am finally ready to get serious about doing a layout. The problem is that in the meantime the technology has changed to where all the Marklin locomotives have now gone digital, something I know little about.
If it were North Americal trains I was dealing with, there are any number of resources I could tap to gain the knowledge I need. I am located in Saskatchewan Canada and even with a population of 1M people, we have no Marklin dealer in Saskatchewan.
I have been trying to locate the names of some Marklin members to tap their knowledge re Digital etc but have not been able to find any. The nearest dealer is about 300 miles away.
When I know the layout of the tracks etc , I will concentrate on the scenery etc. If any of your readers can help me I would be very happy to hear from them.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Reverse Loops/Sections On RR Layout
A reader has this question for others:
“I will be using auto reverse units on a dcc layout with one loop and probably two reverse sections. I know I will have to block an area long enough for the train to fit in and it is isolated from the main bus wiring except for powering the reverse unit, and using a sub bus with feeders.
My question for others in the hobby is; when you get into the blocked area, the auto reverse unit tells the decoder in the locomotive of a polarity change. Does anyone know what activates the reverser? I can understand by using a DPDT switch, I need to just throw the switch in the blocked area and the decoder reads a short. Can some tell me from which side of the turnout do I need to wire in your sub bus for an auto reverse?
I hope I don’t sound to whacked out! Any help from others is welcome.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
N-Scale Automobiles
Leslie wants to hear from others in the hobby about n-scale automobiles:
“I am having difficulty finding classic and modern n-scale automobiles of all American makes and models.I am getting started in n-scale railroading and at present I have 6 sets of trains and plan to create a small town as part of my model railroad display. I have found kits at Michael’s Hobbies and Crafts to create mountains, streams, and waterfalls about this town. Now I face a dilemma of finding nicely detailed classic and modern American automobiles of all makes and models, with rolling wheels, to populate this town scene. I also wish I could find more variety of n-scale fire rescue vehicles. Can anyone suggest websites of companies that produce the items I am searching for? It would be greatly appreciated.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Electric Switch Machine
John wants to hear from readers on Electric Switch Machines:
“I have a train board having 1 1/2″ foam board on top of 3/8″ plywood. Does anyone know how best could I add electric switch machines to my switches? The Tortoise switch machine tells you to drill a hole from the top down and then drill a 1/4″ hole up to bottom of switch. The problem is I’m not able to find a drill bit .032-040 that long.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Scratchbuilding A Turntable
Maritz wants to hear from anyone who has scratchbuilt a turntable:
“Is there any modeler that can help me with plans for a turntable in HO scale. I can’t find any on the internet. I would like to scratch build my own turntable from wood. Any plans can help, doesn’t matter how complete. Your help will be appreciated.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Laying Curves On HO Layout
Mike is building an HO layout and has a question to test your knowledge:
“I am just starting my dream layout and my question for readers involves laying curves in HO track. I have heard that you should follow some procedure when starting a curve from a straight (tangent?) track. It involves measuring the curve to meet the straight track, with some kind of adjustment to it. I want to run long (20-30) car trains. Does anyone know of this procedure?”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Weathering Techniques For Model Trains
Adding Dents
At some time or another we’ve all stopped at a railway crossing and watched a train go past and probably noticed varying degrees of denting on the cars. Replicating dents on a model train can add to the realism, but be warned, this is not easy to do and there is the risk of causing unintended damage to the cars. If you are going to give it a go, start by removing the trucks and couplers from off an old ore car, gondola, or steel boxcar. Remember, the idea is to give the impression that the car has been dented by cargo falling against the inside wall of the car.
At some time or another we’ve all stopped at a railway crossing and watched a train go past and probably noticed varying degrees of denting on the cars. Replicating dents on a model train can add to the realism, but be warned, this is not easy to do and there is the risk of causing unintended damage to the cars. If you are going to give it a go, start by removing the trucks and couplers from off an old ore car, gondola, or steel boxcar. Remember, the idea is to give the impression that the car has been dented by cargo falling against the inside wall of the car.
This effect can be achieved by using heat to deform the plastic outwards to simulate denting from the inside. Again, I warn that this can be tricky and the result is not always as planned. So, be warned, you might want to try out on an old piece of plastic before working on an expensive car. Use a soldering iron (not set too hot) to gently press against the inside of the walls. You could also use a heated screwdriver, but again you need to take care and don’t break right through the plastic.
You may be best to test different techniques on an old train/car before doing any permanent damage to your best rolling stock.
Model Train Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for the excellent feedback on my series of model train videos – I’m glad people are enjoying them.
If you haven’t already had a look at the free sample video you can access it here http://www.model-train-help.com/sample-video.html
Here is some info on a couple of videos in the 42 model train video series:
Video #17. Electrics Explained
In this video clip, James explains the control panel he built to control various points on his layout including the signals. He shows you how he has motorized all the turnouts on the main tracks and why he’s left all the other turnouts, such as the interchange, as manual throw turnouts. James has used different methods to attach the turnouts depending on their location on the layout and shows how he has mounted the DCC system under his baseboard.
After a quick tour James explains how to measure the track voltage and how to reduce the voltage to prevent decoders from overheating or failing. He then shows you step-by-step how to build a ‘diode matrix’ set.
Video #23. Making Scenery Foliage
Florist foam is an inexpensive, versatile material to use when making foliage and groundcover for your model railroad layout. Watch how to go about it step-by-step. Then, see a demonstration of applying ‘dried moss’ as foliage. It is so easy when you know how!
The model train video series is available at http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
Steam Engine Maintenance
Keen model railroading enthusiast Dick wants to hear from others on how to maintain his old Empire Builder (circa 1939):
“Almost 70 years ago I boarded the Empire Builder, leaving frozen Minnesota for the damp Northwest. I still remember that snortin’, fire-breatin’ steam-spittin’ monster that roared into the depot.
Overly long approach to the question, but I can replace my diesel stuff on my generous Social Security, but to replace some of this N scale steam iron would be a little tougher. I can’t afford another 4-8-4, let alone buying a Senator that would give me a pittance of the trillion gazzilion they are passing out for my pitiful little infrastructure.
So, short of a government bailout, what’s the best plan for keeping the old Empire Builder (circa 1939) rolling?
True disclosure: Years later I took a train to Texas. To Aviation Cadet pilot training. During the past 55 years as a professional pilot, I don’t recall seeing a steam powered airplane. But I did find some, like the old Great Northern fire breather, that sucked air in and spit fire out the back, and actually went a fair bit faster than a train. Thanks, guys for putting up with my ramblings.”
Plaster Of Paris For Scenery
I am confused with this question from Derek, but a reader who uses Plaster of Paris regularly might understand better:
“For scenery building I like to use plaster of Paris bandages off cuts (yes, as used with broken bones! and free of charge!). I wet the Plaster of Paris and form it into appropriate sizes/shapes to layout as suitable ‘topography’profiles. However, I can’t get such off cuts at present and wondered if – please – a reader could perhaps suggest any suitable options?”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
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