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!
Model Railroading Questions
If you would like to offer some help to fellow model railroaders you are welcome to answer these questions submitted by readers. To answer these questions or offer suggestions simply click the comments tag below.
Model Railroading Question 1.
“My question is. Is there any chart to tell how many miles of track you would actually have if you converted your scale train setup to real life? I was wondering about this and what I come up with is that one piece of 6 inch straight HO scale track would equal out to around 1.18 miles in real life. Is this close to being correct?”
Model Railroading Question 2
“I’m impressed with your eBook. Where do I go to get plans on constructing a ceiling mounted double track? (yes, my wife likes the idea and thinks it would look better than on her living room floor).”
Rail Joiners On Model Railroad Layout
Robert is away this week so I am posting this question from a reader. If someone would like to help this model railroader they can click the comments tag below and submit an answer.
Adele
“I have a H.O. scale set that has a section that I want to bring back the opposite direction. I have the unit to reverse the polarity in the track. And I know how to wire it the right way. The problem I am having is trying to find where I can purchase the Plastic Rail Joiner’s.
I’ve tried everything from shaping a piece of wood to using a piece of wire coating, slicing the wire coating down the middle. To no avail has this helped me keep the track from touching each other. Would your readers please help to find these Joiner’s.”
8 Great Rail Journeys Of The World
If you are in good health and ready for a vacation then train travel is a wonderful way to see the sites. You can experience some of the world’s greatest rail journeys and travel on board legendary trains, such as The Ghan train in Australia, the Glacier Express in Switzerland, or the Palace on Wheels in India.
Here are 8 top rail excursions and vacation destinations to get you started (there are many more):
Enjoy your rail journey!
British Decide US Railroad Gauge
The US standard railroad gauge (distance between the rails) is 4 feet 8.5 inches. Yes, it is an odd dimension and comes from British history. You see, the English expatriates built the US Railroads and those were the gauge dimensions used in England. The reason why the English used that gauge is because the first railway tracks were built by the same people who built the pre-railroad tramways, and that’s the gauge they used.
To built the tramways, the English used the same jigs and tools and wheel spacing, that were used for building wagons. They couldn’t use any other spacing, because the wagon wheels would break in the spacing of the wheel ruts which were common on old roads around England.
Note:
Model Railroads is a US term
Model Railways is a British term
Model Railways is a British term
For information on HO Model Trains (OO in Britain)
Electrofrogs or non-electrofrogs?
A reader question about DCC and electrofrogs you might want to answer.
“Some books suggests that electrofrog turnouts should be used with DCC layouts whereas other sources I read suggest that non-electrofrogs are better with DCC. Can one of your blog readers please explain why views differ on this point?”
To contribute your answer simply click on the comments tag.
Model Train Videos With Australian Trains
Two of the videos in the new model railroad videos series are:
Video #7. Agriculture & Industrial Layouts
There are many clever model railroading scenery ideas in this video. Watch a sugar cane train on its journeys from fields to sugar mill. This layout features: a wheat growing district, a loaded coal train, open-cut mine and port facility. There’s even an outback town with livestock yards portrayed.
Video #8. Soldering The Track
In this model train video tutorial James shows you how to solder and wire track for a reliable connection every time. James talks you through the process step-by-step and reveals a little trick to get a good solder.
Feedback from model railroad fan Roger:
“I just wanted to drop you a line and say how much I have enjoyed your videos. I have already received the first 10 model train videos and they are great. When I received your first E-mail about the series, I was not sure as to whether I wanted to spend the money or not. I must say, just as your Model Train Help book is great, the train videos are great and well worth the money. Your videos have convinced me that I must visit Australia and see this stuff first hand.”
Roger B, Ohio
Model Railroad Layout Construction
Getting Started
Do some research and have a good long think before getting started on building a model railroad layout.
What you create (or recreate) is really over to you. You ideas can and probably will change and evolve as your knowledge of the hobby expands.
Most model railroaders make changes to their model railroad layout and add new elements as they progress.
Start by researching the section of full-size railroad that you will be modeling. Document it physically and operationally, and then scale it down to fit in a reasonable layout space.
The options are endless, but you will need to take the available space you have into consideration.
There is no point in trying to replicate hundreds of miles of mainline track if you only have limited space available. Your available space may also dictate, to some extent, which scale you decide to model.
Popular themes to consider include: an engine terminal, shunting yards, a horseshoe curve, town scene, industrial theme, or even an important railroading location from history. Researching your ideas before you get started can be a lot of fun and help you avoid making unwanted mistakes.
Two Model Railroad Videos
The new series of 42 model railroad videos is proving popular. They are not flashy productions, but the content of each video is helpful. The videos can be downloaded over the Internet. Here is a little bit of information about two of the model railroad videos:
Video #5.
‘My Railroad’ (Part 3)
On this video John shows his electrical setup and explains scenery construction techniques. He demonstrates a working crane and gives an interesting tutorial on lubricating a locomotive and how to use conducta lubricants for cleaning and lubricating commutators.
Video #6.
‘Trains In The Tropics’
The Cairns/Kuranda Scenic Railway in Queensland, Australia is an amazing example of engineering achievement. This is a fascinating look at the prototype and HO layout including the Skyrail and unique ‘Aussie style’ buildings. Very interesting!
Click here for more information about the model railroad videos.
Model Railroad Questions
Here are two model railroading questions from readers who would like your thoughts please:
Model Railroad Question 1.
“One term I expected to come across but which I really haven’t come across (except in one FAQ regarding N gauge) is wet water. I have a recollection of using something in the water that actually enabled the glue to penetrate the ground materials I was gluing to my table some number of years ago. For me it worked reasonably well, but I can’t remember the details now. Do you blog readers have any information on this?”
Model Railroad Question 2.
“I Received a marklin train set from my neighbor,Complete except for the power supply, it is an entry level with a small 3 wheel loco.If I am correct the power supply ” pn is 6648 “, that bought separately, costs more than a complete new set of the same,I am an electrician , I have HO trains and tacks , slotcars track 4 lane SCX 20 meterslong,I am building my own slotcar controllers, and are beginning to experiment with Pico micro computers.
Can one of your readers give me info or a drawing of how the Marklin control supply setup works (being 16 VAC instead of DC, and how the forward reverse select works)”
If you would like to answer these questions or offer your thoughts, please click on the comments tag below.
Amateur Model Railroad Videos Prove Popular
Thank you for all the positive feedback on my new model railroading video series. I am certainly no Steven Spielberg, and don’t pretend to be. It seems that the content of the videos is what people have been asking for, so that perhaps explains all the excellent feedback.
For those who haven’t yet seen any of the 42 videos here is a summary of what’s on the first four in the series:
Video #1. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 1)
75 year old John takes you on a tour of his HO layout. It’s remarkable how John has compacted so many ideas and featuresinto a small 10 foot x 8 foot room. If you are pushed for space,then you’ll be inspired by what John has achieved. Without giving too much away, I can reveal that John will tell you about the monorail he built, he’ll ‘double head’ a couple of steam locos and add smoke oil.He’ll also operate the ‘Big Boy’ locomotive and take you on a tour around the entire layout.
Video #2. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 1)
The C&SFT layout is modular, being made up of modules no more than 6 feet long. This makes it easy to add extra length at either end or anywhere in the middle by adding modules. Watch, as experienced model railroader James, shows you step-by-step how to construct a baseboard.
Video #3. ‘My Railroad’ (Part 2)
John has a lot for you in this video including his: GG1 locomotive, a level crossing, the 300kph Eurostar, a Union Pacific diesel, Stephenson’s Rocket, the John Bull steam engine, a service vehicle that gets stuck in a tunnel (and how he removes it), a jigger and crew, an SD70MAC loco and the engine shed. John also shows how he cleans dust from the track.
Video #4. ‘Baseboard Construction’ (Part 2)
James shows how to align the tracks between modules to avoid problems with erratic running and derailments caused by poorly aligned track. He explains how to test track alignment before ballasting.
For full details on what is included on all 42 model railroading videos have a look here http://www.model-train-help.com/member-only-videos.html
Model Railroaders Submit Questions
Here are questions from three keen model railroaders. If you would like to suggest an answer or share your model railroading ideas, simply click on the comments tag below to answer the question or add your thoughts.
Question 1:
“Can your blog readers tell me how do I change the address on a Marklin mfx loco?”
Question 2:
“A question for your readers. Can transformers for HO be used to power N gauge layouts, or must they say HO,N,O etc. on them?”
Question 3:
“I am a doctor working in a city at the southern tip of India. We have hardly any model railway enthusiasts here. I have recently updated to DCC. I have only Hornby systems. Can your readers advise me regarding a good shunter diesel.”
If you would like to answer one, or all three, of these questions simply click on the comments tag below.
42 Amateur Model Railroad Videos Released
After a year in the making a series of 42 amateur model railroading videos were finally released today.
These videos do not pretend to be Hollywood productions as they focus more on providing good content rather than flashy presentation.
The 42 model train videos cover a range of model railroading topics and include tours of several private layouts… not normally open to the public.
These videos, available by download, also feature visits to some train shows and include lots of useful ideas and tips to help hobbyists build, or improve their own model railroad. Other video topics cover baseboard construction, electrics, foliage making, DC and DCC operation. The series even includes three videos about building a garden railroad.
These videos range in length but average around nine or ten minutes each. The step-by-step tutorials in the videos provide answers to many common (and not so common) model railroading problems.
Access to these videos is by “membership only” so is restricted to a limited number of keen model railroaders.
To find out more about these model train videos and to read the list of contents and see a sample video click on this model train video link.
Happy railroading!
Layout With Turntable and Roundhouse
One of our readers would like your feedback regarding using a ceiling tile rail. If you would like to answer or offer some suggestions, simply click the comments tag below. Here is his model railroading question:
“I have started on my layout and I’m using Sievers Benchwork. I have started with a turntable and Roundhouse. The turntable is Walthers 130′ and I will sit it in 2″ foam and will use 1/4″ plywood/w/1/2″ Homasote. I will use ceiling tile rail to hold in place. That way I will be able to lift out and clean or preform maintenance when necessary. I just wanted to know if your readers think that should work?”
Model Train Smoke Unit Question
Here is a question submitted by a keen model railroader retating to somke units. If you can offer some suggestions and would like to share your ideas, please click the comments tag below.
He is the readers question:
“I have a couple of questions for your readers regarding the smoke unit in my LGB Mogul ; Mine has burned out, lasted maybe two seasons. Apparently , unless the local switch is in the 0 position, power is always ” on” to the smoke generator per the instructions.
1. Q: Does operating the engine with out ” smoke fluids ” shorten the generator’s life span?
2. Q Do I really have to use LGB’s fluid exculsively? Has my use of Aristo’s fluid shortened it’s life?
I think that we are talking just refined kerosene here not rocket science. LGB also warns of use of power supplies other than theirs. Heck, I had Aristo and have used it for 5 years without a problem plus there are pleanty of excellent after market independent units on the market.”
Click the comments tag to share your ideas.
Three Model Railroading Questions
Here are 3 questions you might like to think about and offer possible solutions. These model railroading questions were submitted by readers to this Blog.
To add your comment or to answer this question, simple click on the comments tag below.
Model Railroading Question 1.
What is the best way to clean that green build-up that occurs on engines and track from the electricity?
Model Railroading Question 2.
Maybe a reader can help me with decals for australian trains, ie. oil tankers & general sign for city areas buildings etc that could be used in the setting up of a purely australian scene?
Model Railroading Question 3.
I have a large n scale layout with a lot of trains and I want to go dcc. What is the best dcc controller for me to use under $200?
If you would like to help one or all of these readers, simply submit your suggestions by clicking the comments tag.
Three Model Railroading Questions
Here are 3 questions you might like to think about and offer possible solutions. These model railroading questions were submitted by readers to this Blog.
To add your comment or to answer this question, simple click on the comments tag below.
Model Railroading Question 1.
What is the best way to clean that green build-up that occurs on engines and track from the electricity?
Model Railroading Question 2.
Maybe a reader can help me with decals for australian trains, ie. oil tankers & general sign for city areas buildings etc that could be used in the setting up of a purely australian scene?
Model Railroading Question 3.
I have a large n scale layout with a lot of trains and I want to go dcc. What is the best dcc controller for me to use under $200?
If you would like to help one or all of these readers, simply submit your suggestions by clicking the comments tag.
HO Modular Railroad Question
Here is a question submitted by a reader regarding building a modular railroad.
If you wish to contribute your answer and share your ideas, simply click the comments link below and follow the simple instructions.
Here is what the reader has to say:
“I am about to start building a modular railroad. I planned on using a couple of dowels for lining up the modules together with hooks and eyes to keep the modules separating, or using flat or bent brackets with bolts and wing nuts in order to prevent movement. So far it has worked efficiently on my n-scale train.”
“I am about to build an HO scale modular set with 4 modules (due to space) and have been advised not to use dowels, but rather BRASS door slidingbolts. Is this a good way? What I am trying to describe is what is placed on the inside of a door to keep it closed and locked. It is NOT the mechanism wherein a key is required. Have your readers got any ideas on the matter?”
To offer a suggestion simply click the comments tag below and follow the simple instructions.
Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota Model Railroad Hobby Groups
Here is a list of model railroading clubs in Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and South Dakota:
Pennsylvania
Track2, Allegheny Northern Railroad Club, Capital PenNScalers Harrisburg, Williamsport North Branch Railroad Historical Society Hughesville, Carnegie Mellon Railroad Club Pittsburgh, The AMRS Hazleton, Chelten Hills Model Railroad Club Elkins Park, DARN NTRAK, East Penn Traction Club Philadelphia, GATSME Lines Fort Washington, Great All Saints Model Train Display Pittsburgh, Keystone N Trak model railroad club Kulpsville, Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society Mechanicsburg, Keystone Chapter of European Trains Enthusiasts Marietta, Lehigh Valley Large Scalers Lehigh Valley – Allentown, Lower Anthracite Model Railroad Club – Shamokin, McKeesport Model Railroad Club, Nazareth Area Society of Model Engineers Stockertown, North Penn S Gaugers Lansdale, Penn State Model Railroad Club University Park, Reading Society Of Model Engineers Reading, Southeastern Pennsylvania HO Modular Railroaders Willow Grove, St. Alban’s Railroad Fellowship Newtown Square, Strasburg Model Railroad Club Lancaster, Western Pennsylvania Railroad Society Hickory, Western Pennsylvania Model Railroad Museum Gibsonia, Youngwood Historical & Railroad Museum Youngwood, Pennsylvania.
Rhode Island
Providence Model Railroad Club Providence, Rhode Island Central Railroad Providence, RI Providence.
South Dakota
James Valley Model RailRoad Association Aberdeen, South Dakota.
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