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Dust Removal On Train Layout
Jay has a question that affects everyone in the hobby:
“Dust on my layout is my greatest problem. Will someone please let me know a good or even the best way to remove dust from my layout? I can remove it from the track, but scenery,( grass, trees, bushes, water, etc. ) is a puzzle.”
Jay, here is a snippet from my Model Train Help ebook relating to dust build-up. If others in the hobby would like to offer a solution, they can add their comment below this posting.
How do I keep my layout free from dust and cobwebs?
Dust and dirt, are any model railroad’s biggest enemies. The first step to keeping track clean is to eliminate the sources of dust and dirt. Among the best ways to do this is to put your layout in its own room (if possible). To cut down on dust and dirt, finish the walls and ceiling.
If your layout is in a basement or attic, consider installing a suspended ceiling in the entire room or just over the layout to reduce the amount of dust and dirt that gets on the rails and scenery.
A vacuum with a slit end works well for cleaning away dust. To avoid sucking up any parts of your layout try putting a piece of nylon over the end of the vacuum hose. A brush attachment can be used for removing dust from fixed structures. Also, sweep the surrounding area regularly to keep dust down.
Keeping windows closed also helps, as open windows let in a lot of dust and dirt. If possible, it is best to keep your layout and workshop areas separated to reduce contamination. Also, a no smoking rule is a good policy, because cigarette smoke can leave a buildup of grime on the track.
Running trains is the goal – not nudging stalled engines. By cleaning track regularly, you can keep your trains running smoothly. Dirty track is the result of dirt and dust that accumulates on railheads. Also, an oxide forms on both brass and nickel-silver rail over time. The oxide on brass rail inhibits electrical contact, whereas the oxide on nickel-silver rail is conductive. For this reason nickel-silver rail are preferable.
Dirt and dust are less of a problem with pre-molded roadbeds. The roadbeds hold the sections securely together to help prevent dirt from reaching moving parts.
If you have some other tips for Jay, click on the comments tag below.
Plans For HO Water Tower
“Can anyone tell me if there are any downloadable scale drawings or plans on the internet for an HO water tower that I can scratch build? THANK YOU, Ernie”
To help Ernie click on the green comments tag below.
DCC wiring Plans Wanted
Robbie asks for your help finding plans for wiring his HO DCC layout.
“Can any of your readers suggest where I could get plans for wiring a layout for dcc operation?”
HO/OO Horn Hook Couplers Causing Problems
Norman is having coupler problems on his HO layout. Can you help him?
“I am running Bachmann HO DCC and having problems with cars not staying coupled with my hook horn couplers. What am I doing wrong?”
To help Norman with an answer, simply click on the green comments link below this posting.
Concerning a landscape and the layout
Bob asks for your help:
“Does anyone know if someone has ever hot melted sheets and blocks of urethane foam (available up to 4″ x 48″ x 96″) and used a shredder file to roughly shape it in a normal type landscape and then gone in and carved out the road bed for their train? Point being, that’s the way it’s done in the real world. Mother nature didn’t lay down the rails and put hills and mountains around them like many modelers do.”
To suggest a solution click on the green comments link below this posting.
Linking DCC System To A Decoder?
Vince has an Atlas Commander DCC system and operates an HO layout. Here is his question for you:
“Thank you for taking my question. I am new to model railroading and DCC. I recently bought a DCC system (Atlas Commander and Atlas Generator) on Ebay. My question is: Do I have to purchase an Atlas decoder and install it in my engine or will any brand/style of decoder work?”
To help Vince click on the green comments tag below.
Pictured above – The Atlas Commander DCC controller. The Atlas is a command station and power station in one. Thi lightweight unit gives you the ability to control speed and functions – like headlights, ditchlights and sound – of up to 99 decoder-equipped locomotives and 99 decoder-equipped accessories (ie. – turnouts). So by turning a dial you control the speed, and by pushing buttons you can turn the headlights of locomotives on or off, or change the direction an engine is traveling. It supports up to five additional Commanders and/or walk-around throttles and three additional power stations (for added power).
Coupler Fastening Systems
Dorne is having problems with HO couplers. Can you help him?
“I have about 35 various freight cars and I have trouble with couplers. Almost all cars have different mounting, some are attached to the truck, nearly all have a different fastening system. I need some of these model dealers to come up with a package of assorted coupler parts. Several size screws, and several different mounting parts. Also, I never see trucks with coupler attached in their catologs. Thanks for your new HELP page.”
Click on the green comments tag below to offer a suggestion to help Dorne.
Lionel O Guage Restoration
Chuck is restoring a Lionel 773 Hudson and needs your help. To offer a suggestion click on the green comments link below this posting.
“I am restoring a Lionel 773 Hudson. After some considerable searching and procuring pieces to put the unit back to OE condition, I am looking for information about the paint for the boiler. Also, what coating was put on the powdered drive wheels? Three of the drivers had some rust on them and that has effected the black surface coating. Thanks in advance. Any help as to web sites, or other info for restoration would be great.”
Click on the comments tag to answer.
Layout Drawings For N Layout
If you model in N scale you might have some suggestions for Mike.
“Does anyone know of an online source of layout drawings so that I might get some inpiration for a new small (8 foot by 3 foot) layout, please?”
If you feel you are able to help Mike, simply click on the green comments tag under this blog posting. It is as easy as that.
Explain DCC and Tortoise Switch Machines
If you operate Prodigy DCC and use Tortoise switch machines you might have some suggestions to help Francis.
“Can one of your readers take me step by step on how to use my Prodigy DCC system with an 8 amp amplifier to setup my Tortoise machines (14 in number) to be DCC controlled?”
To help Francis with his HO DCC setup, click on the green link below (marked ‘comments’), and type in your suggestions.
DCC Wiring And HO Gradient Confusion
Bob has an HO train layout and has some DCC wiring questions you might be able to help him with:
“I have been getting different answers re DCC wiring. Some folks have said that you only need one wire and others say that you need 2 – one for each rail. Can someone clairfy this for me? Also, what gauge wire should I use? My layout is about 12′ X 12′ with double track around the perimeter of the room and I have the controls from one end of the layout. Do I need a booster as well?”
John asks a question on gradient:
“Can one of your readers please tell me the suggested minimum gradiant for a HO track?”
If you feel you are able to make a comment on these questions, simply click on the green comments tag under this blog posting. It is as easy as that.
How To Build Mountains On Layout?
Can you guide Thomas with building mountains on his HO layout?
“I am modeling the Hedley crusher plant to HO scale. The plant produces copper, zinc, gold.and silver. The Canadian Pacific Railway serviced the plant. I need to know the best way to build a mountain. I sure need some help with this scenery,and mountain. Thanks in advance. Regards Thomas.”
Click the green comments tag to help Thomas.
How To Submit A Model Railroad Question
Would you like to know more about DCC operation, signal wiring, scenery building, locomotive power, choosing rolling stock, stuck couplers, weathering techniques, how to make an LDE project – or anything to do with model railroading?
Would you like to learn more about HO scale, Double 0, N scale, Z scale, O, S, HOn3, or G scale?
Perhaps you have a question about model train manufacturers like: Bachmann, Atlas, Hornby, Athearn, Kato, Marklin, Accurail or another brand?
Submit your model railroading question for publication on the Model Train Help Blog site.
Experienced model railroaders are encourage to help others in the hobby by sharing ideas and answers to the submitted questions.
DC or DCC Operation?
If you operate DCC you might like to add your thoughts to this posting. Click the green comments link below.
James operates HO and asks:
“Which is better too operate, dc or dcc and how do I get started? What equipment do I need to buy?”
James, the Model Train Help Ebook includes a big section about pros and cons od DC verses DCC.
Peter also has HO and asks:
“I have a locomotive with 2 motors. Do I need 2 decoders or 1 for a conversion to DCC?”
Terry has an N scale layout and is looking for a DCC control/sound board – can you help him:
“I have been looking for a DCC control/sound board for an Atlas GP-7 loco ph1 (N scale) (DCC ready)so far I have had no luck. I’m new to DCC and just trying to get started in it. Can someone please suggest something?”
To suggest an answer click on the GREEN comments link below this DCC posting.
Track Layout For Four Locomotives
Larry is operating DCC and wants to run four locomotives. Here is his question for you.
“I’m still in the planning stage of my HO layout. I have several books on track planning, but all are geared toward two locomotive layouts. I know DCC allows more than one locomotive on the same track, but this requires an engineer. Are there any track plans for four locomotives, that allows you to set set four different trains in motion and just sit back and observe them? I have room for a 12’x16′ layout, and I will be using DCC.”
If you want to add your thoughts, or answer Larry’s question, click on the green comments link below this blog posting.
Rail Descriptions Confusing
Railway terminology can be confusing at times, especially if you are new to the hobby. Mike has question for you relating to railroad terms you might like to help him out with.
“Hi all. I am relatively new to the world of model railways and I am unsure of the correct terms of various sections of rails. Some layouts show single track, others show two or even up to six. I have been told about the up fast line and the down slow line, could this be explained to me? Also other terminology like head shunt. Any information will be greatly recieved.”
Power Feeds For 84ft Layout?
Bob has an HO track layout and asks you this question:
“I am putting up an overhead track that will be 84 lineal feet. I know that one power feed to the track is not enough. What would other modelers suggest in regards to how many feeds and how far apart would be effecfive application? Thank you.”
Derailments Concern Railroader
Eric is having a problem with derailments on his HO layout. So much so, he is considering major layout changes to try and fix the problem. If you can help Eric with some suggestions, I’m sure he will be elated!
Here is what Eric has to say:
“I have a curved bridge on my lay-out … When my boxcars are pulled over the bridge they derail. When the boxcars are pushed they stay on the track. Adding or subtracting weights to the boxcars do not seem to make any difference. My question is; What other fixes could I try to solve this problem before I rip up my mountain layout and just go to a flat layout?”
Click link below to answer.
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