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 Sound Conversion
Joe wants to hear from anyone who has converted to DCC sound:
“I am looking to convert the 4 Howell Day Red Ball 4-6-0 CNJ Camelbacks to DCC sound. This conversion will include replacing the motor to a NWSL motor. Some advice/help from others would be appreciated please. Many thanks.”
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DCC Ready And Wiring Decoders
Joe has a question for anyone using DCC operation:
“Can anyone tell me what is the diffence between dcc ready and plug and play. I ordered a dcc thinking I could just plug it in as I am not good at wiring decoders. Thanks Joe”
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Two Trains On One Track
Lou is into O Gauge railroading and asks readers:
“Does anyone know if on a track with switch tracks, can you run two trains,with two seperate transformers? I am a new model railroader.”
Wiring A Model Train Layout
If you have experience with wiring a layout then Ken would like to hear from you:
“I really want to run more than one engine on my train layout but am confused on the wiring. Is it easy to put in those plastic joiners in certain places or just upgrade to a digital train layout?”
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Electronic Circuits For Traffic Lights On Train Layout
Ronald would like to hear from readers with experience wiring electrical circuits:
“I have gone on the internet looking for a traffic light circuit that I can build. I built two and they neither of them work.I am an electronic technician so if a reader could advise where I can source a circuit that works. I know I will be able to build it.”
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Covering Railroad Ties On Trolley Tracks
Rick has a question for you about covering railroad ties:
“What would be the best way to cover the railroad ties on n scale track which would be in the street (only the rails should show on trolley tracks)?”
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LGB Locomotive 2070
Leah wants guidance from readers on the vale of a locomotive (I presume he wants to sell it on eBay):
“I have an LGB locomotive labeled on the bottom 2070 and on the box 2070 D. I cannot find a value and want to trade it. Does anyone know what it is worth please?
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Autopulse Transamp Twin Controller Problem
Thomas is having a problem with his Autopulse Transamp Twin controller and would like to hear from others in the hobby using similar units:
“All of my model train equipment is analog. I have an Autopulse Transamp Twin controller that operates two trains independently. It is rated at 12 volts dc. My trains don’t creep along, but do not go very fast at all.
The controllers that come with a standard Bachmann or Model Power starter sets with 16-18 V dc way out-perform this dual operation unit. For this particular unit is this common or did I purchase a failing unit?
Just so your readers know; the track is clean and there is no halting (start/stop) sudden speed, nor is there a drop in power around the layout. I considered the possibility of bad reostats but with even speed acceleration and decel eliminated that possibility. Does anyone know the answer to my question please?”
Suggestions from readers can be posted using the green comments link below.
Joining Foam Layers On Model Railroad Scenery
David needs your feedback on joining foam layers and also share a quick model railroad tip:
“Can anyone tell me what does one use for a quick cement to secure foam together in layers?”
David also has a quick tip for fellow railroaders:
Tip — I am using one layer of 1/2 inch foam with light pine re-enforcment to cover tracks going into tunnels, So I can remove the whole mountain to clean track and fix a derailment. Seems to work very good and is light to handle. The mountains have been made on top and the whole thing is removable when needed.”
Signal Use And Placement
David has a model railroading question for readers:
“Does anyone know where do I find the signal use and placement? Also, what signal should I use for what purpose? My funds are limited so am looking for something not too expensive.”
Train Hobby Store Location In MI
Ernie would like to hear from model railroaders in the Muskegon, MI area:
“I’m new to model railroading and I am looking for a reputable hobby store in the Muskegon, MI area. I live in a town 60 miles NW of Grand Rapids, MI area. Can anyone help?”
Robert comments: Ernie, it sounds like you would benefit from reading my Model Train Help Ebook and there are lots of useful tips for beginner and experienced model railroaders.
Model Railroad Layout To Feature The Longest RR Tunnel In The USA
Bobby is planning an O scale layout in a room 20’x 15′.5″ with a 9′ ceiling and would like feedback from others in the hobby:
“My New Years Resolution is to make a strong effort to create my model train layout. I have decided to create the rail line that ran from Spokane, Wa to Seattle, Wa. which will take me across the Cascade Mountains. and through the longest RR tunnel in the USA.
When I was a boy I was facinated by trains and used to spend my mornings sitting alonside the tracks here at home in Pasco, Wa. watching the Great Northern (Rocky) pass by thus missing my kindergarden class, heh heh heh.
I have chosen O scale that I had as a boy. My first one was a Lionel and I still have the engine.
My question is…
I am going to construct this model train display in a room 20’x 15′.5″ with a 9′ ceiling. Do your readers think I will have enough room for my planned O scale layout? Also, does anyone have any ideas as to how I should begin?
Just getting started with the first step seems to be the most difficult. I realize I will need a plan to go by. My son will be drawing the scenery all along the walls and ceiling for me.
And, to you Robert, thank you for sharing all your expertise with the rest of us who love this great hobby. Keep up the good work and have a Great New Year.”
Recommended HO Steam Engines?
Larry wants to hear from model railroaders who operate HO steam engines:
“What are the best made DCC HO steam engine on the market as far as being trouble free?”
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Model Railroader Wants To Start An 0n30 Group In Melbourne, Australia
Neville would like to hear from model railroaders in Melbourne, Australia:
“I would like to hear from people interested in joining an 0n30 group here in Melbourne, Australia to help each other with meeting to disguss all points of this great hobby and to help each other. If you are interested contact me on Australia 03 9850 9550. I am building a train layout at the moment. All the best and a happy new year. Neville from Templestowe, Victoria, Australia.”
Problem Joints And Curves On Flex Track
Alan would like to hear from model railroaders who use fexi track:
“I am having a lot of trouble with smooth joints on curves where I have to make a joint in flex track. Even if I start with a fresh piece at the beginning of the curve I can’t make it all the way around. Then there is a goofy spot where ties have been removed and the track is joined. I have soldered the joints with a heat sink to prevent melting the remaining ties, but they still are not great. Does anyone know what I should do?”
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Hornby DC Controller and Electric Turntables
Leonard from the United Kingdom has a question for UK readers with an electric turntable:
“Someone bought me an electric turntable for christmas and, what I want to know is can it be wired up to the Hornby DC controller. I thought I may be able to take it off of the junction diode?”
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Hooking Up A DCC Decoder?
John has a DDC decoder question for those into electrics:
“Does anyone know, Is there a DCC decoder that works for a Bachmann Streamline Trolley and are there any tricks to hooking it up.”
75 Year Old Model Railroader Needs Advice On His On3 Layout
Mitch has a question for on3 enthusiasts to try and answer:
“Hi everyone. I have a concern regarding scale as I am interested in starting an on3 layout.
I have purchased an engine and a couple of cars and have done some research on the on3 scale. I am a bit puzzeled since on3 is considered narrow gauge for “o” gauge and the scale is 1/4 inch.
If I place an “O” gauge human figure next to the on3 engine and he would have to be on his knees to operate the engine. I also have found structures claiming to be for on3 but look like monsters next to on3 cars.
With out a lot of kitbashing can a reader tell me how does one figure the scale? I guess I would work with 3/16 inch scale, but not sure. Can someone advise me or lead an old modelrailroader of 75 years down the right path? Thanks again – Mitch”
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