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!
Wire Connections – 12 Gauge, 20 Gauge, 22 Gauge
Gary models in HO and posted this question:
“I will have drops 20 gauge to 22 gauge wires and will run a 12g buss. I presume I can’t use suitcase connectors to connect the 20g or 22g to a 12g wire. However, I can only locate yellow t taps for 12g which need a 10g or 12g connecting wire on a spade. Can I use yellow t taps for 12g with 20g or 22g wire on the spade? I hope this doesn’t sound too confusing because I am starting to get confused myself now? HA! HA!”
Contribute your thoughts below.
NEW Background City Series – Pack B
Types of Bachman Track
Vic models HO and writes:
“I have an older Bachman train set that has track that uses track connectors. I cannot find this type of track anywhere. All I can find is the EZ Track type that snaps together. Does anyone know what the type of track I have is called and where I can buy more?”
Download – Print – Build
ON SALE – 13 Plans To Make A Wild West Town Complete With Saloon, Sheriff Office, School House, Telegraph Office, General Store, etc.
https://www.modelbuildings.org/wild-west-town-pack-deal-c/
The street scene photo above was kindly supplied by Mike Racine.
Mike said, “I named the town Racine City Nevada. I built this for my Pop because he loves old west stuff. The buildings were awesome and easy to build. It just takes a little patience, a steady hand (sort of), and a bit of creativity. The cool thing is you can add whatever woodworks on the outside and the combinations are endless. I just wanted to that with your products and a good imagination you can make any train layout or diorama a beautiful work of art.”
Double Shelf Layout
Hanks asks readers:
“I am building an HO double shelf layout in a small room. The question is, how high should the second shelf be if I am going to use a helix to reach it? If possible please be specific and detailed in your response. Thanks.”
Contribute your suggestions below.
Turntable Reverse Polarity
Tony models OO and asks:
“Having got my Arduino-controlled Turntable working at last, will I have to reverse the polarity of the complete railway setup when the engine does a 180-degree turn on the turntable? And, if so, how do I do it? Ta in advance for your help.”
Making Hay Bales For A Diorama Scene
Mark asks:
“In the scale HO I wish to create hay bales… any suggestions will be helpful. I have constructed a stable and have horses. I am looking for a felt-like fabric to paint maybe? Like the stuff hats are made of. Any ideas please?”
DCC Engine Sounds Working on Older MRC Command 2000 Control
Chris models HO scale and asks:
“I just bought a beautiful CSX broadway limited rolling thunder engine, so I’m wondering if the sound (not the thunder part) will work on my old MRC Command 2000 controller?”
Add your comments below.
No Track Power After Ballasting
Darryl runs HO and would like some help:
“I ballasted about a third of my track and have tried to run a train, but no power to the track. It worked before with good voltage, and I haven’t changed any wiring. I have DCC and the cab still has power. Where should I start? Hoping for some help.”
Add your comments (or view comments) below.
Tall Warehouses Make An Impressive Backdrop
Watch the construction demo and view the scale sizes of these background warehouses on the chart at https://www.modelbuildings.org/tall-warehouses-pack-deal
Upgrading Horn Hook Couplers to Knuckle Couplers
Richard posts:
“I have an old Macy’s Holiday Lane Express HO Set # 1 by Bachmann, with a 2-6-0 locomotive, tender, and three cars. It has horn couplers. Does anyone know what trucks I could use to upgrade to knuckle couplers? I just opened this set. I have had it for a long time and it is like new, still in box, but needs a coupler upgrade.”
Engine and Track Problems
Jim models in HO scale and writes:
“Here’s a goodie – a problem half solved that created an even bigger problem. I had a 19 degree crossing (code 83 ) installed on the layout. I filed the track down to make everything run smooth.
Finally, I found a steam engine, a 4 – 6 – 2 that I liked. I started running it with some wood reefers. It seems every time that engine came to the crossing, it needs a push to get it through! UUGGHH! Only to discover that all of the other track I had on the shelf that I used to build this little 4′ X 4′ layout was all Code 100 track.
I found a new 19 degree crossing at a hobby shop, so bought it and removed the code 83, and installed the new code 100 crossing in the same location. Problem solved???
WRONG!!! The engine still needs to be helped through that crossing. WHY???? Otherwise, the engine runs just fine throughout the rest of the layout.”
Any thoughts to assist Jim please?
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
