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!
Running DCC Trains With Old Transformers
How skilled are you with running DCC trains. Try answering this question for Al. Click the green comments link below to submit your answer.
Al asks you – “I have an HO train layout that I built over 17 years ago and it is still operating to this day. I still have the old transformers. Can I run trains that are dcc equipped on this layout, or do I have to rewire the mess to run a ddc train?”
Track at Baseboard Joins
David operates an HO layout and has a question for you about baseboard joins.
“Does anyone have a guide (with photos if possible)of the best way to lay track to span a baseboard join between two detachable boards – ie boards for an exhibition layout that needs to be broken down for transportation?”
Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club Layout Stretches 6,000 Square Feet
Photo shows Lehigh Valley train heading into West Portal NJ.
Jack the Secretary of the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club has kindly supplied this club information for publication.
The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club began the current layout in 1997. The original layout covered about 4,000 square feet. Work continues on the newest section, expanding the layout by another 2,000 square feet. The layout depicts the history of the Lehigh Valley Railroad circa 1950 to 1970 and details the route of the Black Diamond from West Portal NJ to Reading PA.
Work sessions are held every Wednesday at the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club. Operating sessions are held monthly. There are currently openings for new members. Contact the Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club if you are interested in a layout tour or in becoming a member.
The Lehigh & Keystone Valley Model Railroad Club is located at 705 Linden St., Bethlehem, PA 18018.
If you would like your model RR club featured on this blog go to http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-club.html
HO Scale Modular Model Railroad Group Scratch Build Bridges
The High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club (HDMMRC) is a HO Scale modular model railroad group that promotes model railroading in the Anelope Valley region of Southern California.
The High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club is continually expanding and creating new and interesting modular scenes. To help accomplish this, the High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club is always looking for prople who share their interest and commitment to this RR hobby.
One of the High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club President’s Modules depicting San Pedro Harbor early 1900’s.Picture taken at Anaheim Convection Center National Train Show. Vessels, dock & bridge are scratch built. Photo and information kindly supplied for publication by High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club member Lynn.
The High Desert Modular Model Railroad Club (HDMMRC) is located at 44814 Elm Ave. Lancaster, California (Test Pilots Associate Room).
Tell others in the hobby about your model RR club at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-club.html
How To Start A Grade
Joe asks a question about his HO layout.
“Can one of your readers tell me how I begin from the level surface of my train layout to add a grade for a new line?”
Wiring Points On RR Layout
Gilbert needs help with his HO layout. Add your comments to his posting by using the green comments link below.
“I have a digital rail set and would like some advice from other model railroaders on how to accomplish it.”
Electrics Causing Problem On Layout?
One of our readers Bob has a question for you about OO/HO Electrics.
“I continually have problems with electrics. I get cross polarity and also need a foolproof way of setting up sidings, turntables etc.I can find my way around electrics so long as the instructions are straightforward and do not assume a greater knowledge than I already have.
Please can one of your readers help? I have loads of railway items sat in my loft doing very little.The other thing is what type of track should I look at for best performance? Much of my existing track on the layout dates from the late 70s / early 80s.”
If you would like to help Bob, simply click on the green comments link below and adde your comments to this blog.
Laying Track On Layout
Stuart has a question relating to laying track he is hoping you can help him with.
“Cork or not to cork – that is the question.
Laying track should be simple, but I have as many suggestions and guaranteed methods as people I ask. I am leaning towards Homasote on top of MDF on a wooden frame. My first attempts used pre-bevelled cork without the Homasote (Homasote is compressed paper used by professional displays) and the noise level was horrible.
- If I use Homasote how do I fix track?
- Will the standard pins hold?
- If I use cork as well, will I reduce noise even further?
- What about pins with cork and homasote?
I asked a model railway pro about sidings vs. mainline and he said, use flat cork on sidings and create a transition to the thicker cork for the mainline.
I have seen other layouts paint ballast color on a band 0.5″ wider that the track and pin track without cork but glue and add ballast afterwards – not as realist, but WAY easier? The same pro told me they solder wires to every length of flex track and run thick copper wire feeds to each section (insulators and switches for control of course).
SO how do you all lay track? I would be gratefull since you can see I am confused (so is my chum who is also modeling and he is leaning towards flat thin cork cut to profile).”
If you have used cork and homasote you might like to suggest ways to help Stuart with his HO/OO layout. Click on the green comments link below to comment on Stuart’s question.
N Layout Track Spacing
Ted has an N layout and has a question for you about track spacing.
“When I am running two tracks beside each other, what distance should I allow between them?”
To answer Teds question click on the green comments link below this model railroad posting.
Bachmann E-Z Track Causing Problems For Jesse
Have you used Bachmann E-Z track? If so, you might be able to help Jesse with his Bachmann E-Z track question.
“I use N scale Bachmann E-Z track and have a problem. The grey snap together roadbed bends up a little bit making sidings look very unrealisitc and making operations a little harder. I have read about Atlas snap track, Kato Unitrack and have read about flexi-track. What should I do? Should I switch to one of those or keep using Bachmann? I don’t have grass, ballast or trees on yet and have decided not to do that until I figure my track problem out.”
Make your suggestions by clicking the green comments link below this posting.
Problems With Loco Stopping
If your locomotive stops or slows down in the same spot on the track frequently here’s some things to try:
1. Thoroughly clean section of track
2. Check for “dead spots” a bad track connector or glue from scenery can disrupt power flow
3. If problem persists track may be too large for the size of transformer/power pack
Another quick model railroad tip:
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.
G Gauge Derailments
Ray has a question for you about trains staying on the tracks.
“I am new to g gauge. When my train runs over a switch I cannot keep the cars on the track. The engine and caboose do fine. What am I doing wrong?”
To help Ray click on the ‘comments’ link below and add your thoughts.
Advancing Model RR Clubs
I encourage all model railroaders to join a local RR club, because the benefits of shared experience and networking can be hugely rewarding.
Model railroading clubs around the world are generally not-for-profit organizations, so don’t have the funds to advertise and promote the benefits of membership. I would therefore like to help local clubs get some publicity and share ideas with others in the hobby.
If you would like some free publicity for your model RR club complete the form at http://www.model-railroad-resources.com/train-club.html
The service is free to approved clubs.
Code 55 track Derailments
Don needs your thoughts on Atlas 55 track. Here is his question.
“What do your readers think of Atlas code 55 N scale track? I can’t get turnouts to be smooth without derailing with Bachmann, Athearrn & Life-Like locomotives. No problem with Atlas & Kato. Is there anything I can do to use all manufactures?”
To help Don, simply add your comment using the green comments tag below.
Beginner Needs Help With Scales
Brian is a beginner in the hobby and, like many others, is confused with scales and where to start. Those who have purchased my Model Train Help ebook will realize that these and answers to other questions are well explained in the ebook.
If you would like to give Brian some tips of your own, simply click on the green comments link below this posting. Here is Brian’s question.
“I am getting ready to retire and have been interested in starting model railroading for many years. I do not know anything about scales and am wondering where to start with this so I can end up with something that can be enjoyed, added to and not have more than one scale involved. Any help from your readers would be appreciated.”
Answer using the ‘comments’ link under these words.
Trucks and Track Joints
Nick operates HO and has two questions for you:
1. Do your readers think I should use steel trucks on all cars?
2. How do they feel about interchanging track. ie, Lifelike, Bachmann etc? Should every joint be soldered together?
To help Nick, click on the green comments link below.
Rise And Curves Of HO Helixes Unknown
Larry has a problem with building a helix on his HO layout. If you have built a helix you might want to share your experience by helping Larry with some tips and advice. Here’s Larry…
“Hi, am planning on building a Helix for my bench and this is a new critter for me….making sure I get the correct grade as well as the correct radius or diameter of the curves. I know they have pre-made ones you can get, but it won’t work for me so am building my own……or attempting to.
I will be using 3/8 inch threaded rods for the uprights and masonite for the trackbed between them. I have been experimenting with different grade percents and plan on using a easy grade rise of about 2 inch rise for every 12 feet.
My engines are not expensive ones and it seems anything greater than that the engines have issues with.
I was wondering if anyone out there has built a helix and what rise you used and also the diameter or radius of the curves in the helix?
The widest area of my bench is 5 feet, or 60 inches, and the bench is 10 feet long and that is where I plan on putting the helix. I also have an area that is 46 inches wide x 9 feet long and I was wondering if that area would be wide enough for it?”
Help Larry by adding your comments using the green comments link below.
DCC Control Problem And How To Wire A Wye
Harsh has a problem with his Bachman DCC controller. Can you make any suggestions.
“I have a bachmann dcc controller which is malfunctioning. What do I need to do check what is the problem?”
Jon asks about wiring a wye:
“I recently purchased an AR1 auto reverse controller from Digitrax. It shows how to wire for a reversing loop but not how to wire a wye. I’m not sure where to put the gaps.”
To answer click the green comments tag below.
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