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!
White Metal Kit On Double O Gauge
Oliver asks:
“I was wondering is there any other way to construct a white metal kit other than soldiering it is a 121 class loco. You would call it a switcher. It was built for Irish railways by General Motors emd division in the USA.”
To answer this posting click on the GREEN comments link below this posting.
Module Question
Paul has a module question you may be able to help him with:
“I would like to know how to construct a side of a mountian via a module on a workbench. I heard you use pink installation board if this is correct how do you construct the frame?”
Track cleaning G Scale
Jerry wants to use a railcar to clean track. Do have any suggestions to help him?
“Does anyone have the plans to convert a railcar into a track cleaning tool?”
To answer this posting click on the GREEN comments link below this posting.
Engine Wheel Traction
Roger asks this question about engine wheel traction.
“I have some older (more than 25 years) engines that had rubber ‘O’ rings on the traction wheels. The traction wheels had a recessed area where the rubber rings would ‘snap’ into place. I have been to my local hobby shop and searched through the Walthers 2008 Model Railroaders Reference book, and I can’t find them anywhere. Are there any suggestions from your readers? By the way…thank you, so much for putting this blog up on the Internet. I’ve been wanting to ask many questions, but, did not know who to ask or where to look. Thanks, Again!!”
Train Signal Setup
Michael has an HO Märklin Setup and has some questions about signals.
Is there information available which clearly explains :
[A] How signals function
[B] Where signals are best placed
[C] Wiring,connection and operation of signals
[D] The differences between signals ie. pre and main signals
[E] Books / Information which simply and clearly explain any of the above
If you know a lot about signals setup and would like to help Michael, then please click on the GREEN comments link below.
O Gauge Future In Question?
Ed has an o gauge layout and asks this question about the future of O gauge, technology and model railroading in general:
“I have been into o gauge trains for over 60 years. Having said that if you buy trains today, which I have many, the value seems to drop faster and repairs are very hard to do unless you replace the expensve componants.
With the old trains you can fix this, or get a few new brushes, and you were back in good shape.
What do your readers see as the future of trains? How can more young people be attracted to the hobby?
And, making parts available, that can be replaced easily by the owner?
Hope you understand what I am trying to say. Train prices are very high and the money is getting tight. Now, what will be the future of o gauge trains?”
Thanks Ed, I sure there will be someone who would like to share an opinion.
Kadee Wheel Cleaner Brush Question
Have you used Kadee Wheel Cleaner Brushes? If you have, then you may be able to help Peter with his problem.
Peter with an HO layout has a question about Kadee wheel cleaner brushes:
“Has anyone used the Kadee wheel cleaning electric brush on their DCC steam or diesel engine? Can it be done? Will it destroy the decoder?”
To help Peter and offer a suggestion, click on the GREEN comments link blelow this posting.
Atlas Remote Snap Switches Question
George asks about atlas remote snap switches.
“Is it possible to wire lights to atlas remote snap switches that use a momontary switch? These lights would be used to indicate whether switch is open or closed using red & green led lights.”
Feel free to contribute your ideas on Atlas Remote Snap Switches.
Feel free to contribute your ideas on Atlas Remote Snap Switches.
Click on the GREEN comments tags below and type in your thoughts and suggestions.
Problem with Bachman 3 truck Shay
Jerry has a question for you to try and answer:
“I just purchased a Bachman 3 truck Shay and can not get my Prodigy Advance to program a new address. It stays on three. Have tried both main and program track. Can your readers suggest a solution?”
Over the past year or two this FREE blog has proven to be a help to many, but I need your help and suggestions to keep the blog going.
Please join in and contribute your thoughts and together we can help others. Click on the GREEN comments tag below each posting.
Problems with Flying Scotsman Locomotive
He is a question from a 15 year old from the UK – can you help?
“I’ve been having problems with my flying scotsman locomotive that I bought second-hand from my local model shop for just £25 I am only 15 and not very knowledgeable about the workings of model trains and why things go wrong.
My flying scotsman locomotive always makes a rattling sound from the tender.
I have tried taking the tender casing off and running it without it, but it still rattles. I have also tried putting oil on the gears, but there is still no luck and it also has trouble picking up electricity from the tracks.
I don’t know why it does this as I have cleaned the track and the wheels of the locomotive both on the main train and the tender and it still doesn’t work very well. I have considered buying a new one as it is very irritating.
I have also recently purchased a ‘virgin class 47 diesil’ locomotive from the new hornby railroad collection which constently clicks whilst moving, but only in one direction. Iwas wondering if it is normal for all trains of this kind, but I am also to worried about taking it apart to take a look as it is relatively new and for £45 it is quite a lot of money to me as I get £5 a week pocket money and took nine weeks for me to save up.
Thank you for offering this service for me to ask other modellers for help. I hope they can help me.”
Parts Wanted For HO Scale Steam Engines
Tom wants to know where to purchase small parts for his HO scale steam engines.
“One of my steam engines has lost a piece of linkage in the drive train. I am wondering if anybody know who sells small parts like that.”
Can anyone help Ken with this question:
“I am looking for a source for LNG – Propane delivery trucks (I have an N Scale layout). These trucks are used for refilling large propane storage tanks at homes and industries.”
To help either Tom or Ken with their model railroading problems click on the GREEN comments link below this posting.
DCC and Live Frogs Need Explaination
Bill asks about DCC and live frogs:
“Which is better if building a DCC layout: live (powered) frogs in switches or the non-electro frog type? I see many different opinions about this in the trade press but no definite answer.”
Frogs are the frog-legs shaped rails towards the wide end of a turnout and they get power from the points (the moveable rails that you switch with switch motors).
To answer Bill’s question simply click on the GREEN comments tag below.
Helix and Connected Level Confusion
Tom has a question on HO & HOn2 Helix:
“Has anyone had success creating a layout with 3, or more (?), connected levels without the use of a helix?”
Quick Helix Definition: A Helix is spiral of tracks, raising or lowering on a model railroad. A helix is used on multilevel model railroad layouts.
Automated HO Railroad At Train Shows?
Bruce asks a question about the HO automated railroad he is building:
“Is there a catagory for a completely automated railroad system in train shows? I have one that I am building and it is run with a PLC and a robot for loading and displays and things of that nature. Don’t know what it will be like when I am finished but will be off the charts. Still in the planning stage at this point but getting closer all the time.”
If you visit a lot of train shows or have some suggestions to help Bruce with his automated railroad, simply click on the GREEN comments link below this posting.
Experienced DCC Operators Can Help
Do you run DCC? If you do, then you might be able to help Donald, Raju, Al and Peter with their DCC questions. To suggest an answer simply click on the GREEN comments link below their questions. I’m sure they will be very happy for your help.
Donald has a question on DCC switching points in HO/OO:
“In the DCC world using the Accessory controller for point control, and using a CD unit – how many switching points can be safely operated? I am using Seep point switches, and am proposing say 6 units in the operation.”
Raju has an N scale layout and a question on DCC track sections:
“I am planning to use DCC for my railroad model. I would like to know if I need sections of the track for DCC, or can I use complete single circle track to run my DCC equipped Train?”
Al asks about DC and DCC:
“I have been collecting a few components to build an HO model railroad. Will a DCC locomotive run properly on a conventional DC power pack?”
Peter has an HO layout and a question about DCC decoders:
“I have a locomotive with two motors. Do I need two decoders or one for a conversion to DCC?
65 Year Old Starts New Hobby
Thanks to George who has very kindly sent this testimonial. Your encouragement is much appreciated.
“I have downloaded ‘Model Train Help’ and am amazed at the numerous items that you cover and at a level that all can relate to and understand. I am a 65 year old university professor and recently picked model railroading as a hobby I can take into my retirement years. I wish I had started years ago. In just a short period of time this has become a hobby that both my wife and myself have come to cherish. Your e-book is an outstanding contribution to the world of model railroading and is worth much more than what you presently charge. Especially for a beginner, it is priceless. “
About Peco Electrofrogs and Hornby DCC
David has a question for OO/HO modelers:
“I am using Peco electrofrog points. Electrical contact between the toe and the stockrail is frequently not satisfactory and that gives poor running. Has anybody got the answer please?”
Clive asks about OO Hornby DCC:
“Why do all my locos with a Hornby DCC ship reset to 3 when I have a derail. The ones with a bachmann DCC chip are okay. Thanks.”
If you have had similar problems and can give a solution, please help Clive and David by clicking the GREEN comments link below and giving your answer.
Questions For HO Modelers
Even if you don’t model in HO scale, you may well be able to help these fellow enthusiasts with answers to their questions. To offer a suggestion or two, simple click on the green comments link below this posting.
Michele is working in HO and asks a question about laying ballast:
“When making ballast, I add water before putting the glue. I get water bubbles and all my ballast gets out of place. I tried to add a bit of soap to the mixture but still no luck. Is there any other way to glue the ballast without that problem?”
Bob asks about an HO scale rolling lift bridge:
“Does anyone know of a manufacturer that makes a kit or built up rolling lift bridge?”
Trevor has an N scale layout and has question on weathering railway architecture:
“I am wondering what would be the most accurate way to weather railway architecture. Most literature covers locomotives and stock, but just where do the weather marks go on viaducts, stations, engine sheds etc.”
To answer one or all of these questions click on the green comments tag below.
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