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!
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.
O and O27 Track Confusion
Paul has a question for Lionel enthusiasts:
“I have been given my dad’s old Lionel train set, less the track. I have been looking for some basic track set ups and I have run into a question on track sizes. I understand the train is O scale and was wondering if there is any difference between O and O27 track (I think 27 is the right number)? I was looking at using Fast Track as this is going to be set up and taken down on a regular basis.”
Anyone who has read my Model Train Help Ebook will know the answer to this question. If you have some suggestions to help Paul simply click on the green comments link below.
Richard has a related question:
“Why don’t more people use 0 or 027 gauge size railroading? I don’t do HO gauge anymore because it is too delicate for older people to work with.”
I suspect that available space will be an issue for many in the hobby.
To comment click on the green comments link below and add your feedback.
Which Switch On RR Layout?
Here is a reader question you might like to comment on:
“How does one know when to use ‘what’ switch and ‘why’ when building a layout? For example: Should I use a #4, 5, 6, or 8; Should I use a Wye switch or a LH or RH; When would you use a Single Slip versus a Double Slip switch; When should you use a 3-way switch?”
To give your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Switches On RR Layout
Roy is having switch problems and would like suggestions from readers:
“I have 2 o 72 switches that operate together but they have stopped working when I throw the switch. Both switches just chatter and do not switch. I have removed the part with the light or directional and I tried it on another switch. It works fine so I think it must be something under the track part of the switch. I hope someone can help?”
Roy then added a second blog posting:
“I have mth and I have been set up for the past year. When I operate my double switch (2 o72 switches) they stopped switching and just chatter. If I try to switch manual by turning the lt does the same thing. I pulled both lights from the switch and put them on another switch and they work fine so it must be under the switch I think?
To help this fellow model railroader click on the green comments link below and add your comment.
Separating IHC Mogul Tender
William needs to hear from someone who can help with his IHC tender:
“How can I finish separating the tender wrapper (both sides, front and rear) from an IHC 2-6-0 tender and its underframe. I have successfully removed the fuel oil bunker top from the top of the this wrapper. I need to re-attach the rear tender truck to this tender; but cannot get my grossly (not HO scale) oversize fingers to fit inside the tender wrapper in the space available. I have examined the tender and it appears that this should be possible; but it does require that two mounting lugs have to be released simultaneously.”
William adds:
“I have not yet figured how to accomplish this task. Has anyone done this? How did you do it? Did you break any thing while doing it? I got into this prediccament by attempting to add a semi-scale operating coupler to the rear truck of the tender. I have since acquired a second identical engine and will need to convert it as well and that means in my case that I plan to modify both the pilot on the engine and the tender ends of each model. Any help from a reader is gratefully appreciated.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Sub Roadbed For Model Railroad
Todd has an HO layout and has a question about constructing roadbed:
“Does anyone know what type of foam and how thick of foam should I use for sub roadbed construction?
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Corner Clamp For Building Construction
Timothy wants to locate a corner clamp to help with his model railroad building project and wants advice from others in the hobby:
“I am looking for a tool called a corner clamp. It is a clamp that looks like an ‘L’. You place one wall of a building in the clamp and then you place the other wall at ninety degree angle to it. You then you tighten the clamps to hold it in place. It has an opening in the middle so you can glue the two walls together. Any help from your readers would be much appreciated!”
To guide Timothy click on the green comments link below.
Train Around The Perimeter Of A Basement?
Lance has a question for you:
“I have a question for your readers. I have a remodeling company and one of my customers wants to put a train around the perimeter of his basement and I was wondering the easiest way to do so Ithought bout nailing a 2×4 up bout 12″ from ceiling and then putting a 1×6 nailed to top of it to hold the track? Has anyone got any good suggestions?”
To comment use the green comments link below.
Lighting a Building On A RR Layout
Jim has a question for readers on lighting a window in a building on his layout:
“I have two model railroading problems to overcome. Firstly, I have a building on my layout that I want to be a showroom. I am making a rv showroom. I want to put several campers inside. I am wanting a big picture window. I have not seen any kind of window frame that will work. Secondly, if I get a window that works I want to put a light inside that wont bleed thru the plastic. Any sugestions from other in the RR hobby would be appreciated.”
To give your feedback click on the green comments link below.
4×6 layout Construction
Ron has a construction question:
“I am not that handy, but I am trying to find out how to build the table my layout. It needs to be 4×6 with legs then I can maybe build two and put them up together. I have seen some and they do not look complicated but I do better following plans.”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Model Railroading Hobby A Big Help In Difficult Times For One Couple
Judy would like to share this with others in the model railroading community:
Our layout began after my husband started to recover from cancer treatment and he needed something to get his teeth into and his mind busy as he is unable to work again. We started off with rolling stock that had been purchased many years ago and left in boxes on top of the wardrobe and the day came when my sister suggested to him he needed a hobby.
From that we have built a shed to house the layout; bought one layout – table and tracks only which measured 1.5m x 1.5m; then bought another layout (table and tracks only) measuring 3 x 1.5. We now had a layout of 5m x 1.5 and he joined all the tracks to make the one layout.
We now have all the wiring done, painted the base; erected buildings; cars; trees etc. The next step is the ballast, mountains; lake/river etc.What a godsend this has been to us both. It now consumes our lives and has been so rewarding for both of us. AND WE HAVE DONE IT TOGETHER!
We now have all the wiring done, painted the base; erected buildings; cars; trees etc. The next step is the ballast, mountains; lake/river etc.What a godsend this has been to us both. It now consumes our lives and has been so rewarding for both of us. AND WE HAVE DONE IT TOGETHER!
Photos show the shed before construction began on the layout and some recent photos of layout progress to date.
If you would like to share your railroading experiences with others in the hobby go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/my-layout.html
Constructing Tunnels and Different Levels On A Model Railroad Layout
Larry is new to model railroading and would like to hear from experienced model railroaders before he starts his construction project:
“I am building a dedicated ‘train room’ in a new retirement property in Colorado and am a RR novice although the core of my set up will be a 55 yr old Lionel set gifted me in 1952. I need real guidance from a reader on how to build the basic infrastructure that will lead to tunnels and different levels. Thank you in advance.”
To guide Larry click on the green comments link below.
Using Gallery Glass On Model RR Layout Winter Scene
Tim is having problems using Gallery Glass on his model railroad layout and would like feedback or ideas from others:
“I am trying to make a pond with ice for part of a winter skating scene on my RR layout. I had read about Gallery Glass and have had trouble using it. Straight out of the bottle was too thick and did not flatten out. I tried diluting the Gallery Glass with water and it shrunk too much. I am almost thinking about making a small batch of magic water to pour over the rough pond to smooth it out.
Has anyone else used Gallery Glass and do they have any tips for using Gallery Glass or any ideas on an easy way to make decent ice?”
To give your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Radius Measurements, Curves, Angles and Distances On Model Railroad Layouts
Australian reader Glen has a question for others in the hobby:
Could someone reading your blog please point me to a source where I might be able to ascertain:-
1. Tolerances HO and N
2. Minimum Radius of curves
3. Minimum angel of curves and switches
4. Distance between a pair of rails.
5. Measurements for under/over rails and tunnel portals
6. Line distance from platforms and other line side structures etc.
7. Also are their handy tables available to indicate the proper measurements of a layout when considering a conversion from say yards to meters – for example, in HO 1 yard represents what?
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Scenery and Reverse Loop Polarity Problem
Herb has an HO scenery question and a track wiring question for readers to try and answer:
1. “How closely does 1/100 figures fit into a 187 layout?”
2. “Does a frogged wye solve a reverse loop polarity problem? Is their anyway to make a loop that comes back into the same single track line? Thanks!”
To give your feedback click on the green comments link below.
Starting Off In The Hobby
John is a beginner to model railroading and would certainly benefit from the Model Train Help ebook. Here is his question:
“I have been wanting to start my HO layout for some time now. I have constructed an L shape 8×8 table, purchased track etc. Could someone please guide me through the steps of construction through finish?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
