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Modeling Conrete On A Model Railroad
Here is a quick model railroading tip that you might want to try for creating realistic looking concrete.
As soon as you paint the base color of your concrete, lightly dust some baking soda onto the wet paint. This gives the surface some additional texture and the weathering will have more depth.
Use Floquil’s Antique White with a drop or two of Box Car Red for the base followed by dry brushing rust streaks as needed from attached iron parts, earth colours at the ground level, grimy streaks following water down the wall, and a bit of white where calcium would leach from cracks.
Simple but effective.
Unusual Spiral-Tunnel Found In Germany
The “Piggy’s Tail Railway Line” in the south of Badian, Germany extends 25.8 kilometers from Weizen up to Zollhaus-Blumberg. It was built in the 1880s for military (strategic) reasons and taken out of service in 1955 by the Deutsche Bundesbahn but not withdrawn. Ssince 1977 it has become well known as a museum-railway line with steam-locomotives in service.
The very unusual trackage of this line represents the only spiral-tunnel in Germany. The length is 1700 meters and radius is 350 meters. Only a portion of the 360-degree spiral is inside a tunnel. The altitude gained by this full circle is 15.5 meters.
The 60 meter tunnel known as ‘Grosser Stockhalde-Kehrtunnel’ contains straight track.
The idea of this trackage came from Mr. Robert Gerwig, famous constructor of the Schwarzwaldbahn (black-forest-line in Germany) and supporter of the Gotthard-line as well.
The Wutach Valley line (another name for the Piggy’s Tail Railway Line also has a 180-degree tunnel (called “Weiler Kehrtunnel”).
American Flyer Mechanical Train Question
Here is a question that a reader would like fellow model railroaders to help him with:
“I have an old American Flyer mechanical train that needs a new spring. It still works but it is too weak to move the train (it is fairly heavy).
Do you know anyone who works on these models. Someone suggested a clock repair service. “
Remember, this model railroad blog is for everyone in the hobby. For it to work well, we other to share ideas and offer answers. So, if you have a lot knowledge, please share it by clicking the comments tag on each question to offer your answer.
Making Signage For A Model Railroad Layout
If you want to make shop signs, road signs, railroad signs etc for placement around your model railroad layout, you might want to use your computer laser or ink-jet printer. Coat the ink-jet sign with Polly-Scale Flat Finish so that weathering will not cause the color to run.
Under no circumstances use the popular technique of dulling the sign with steel wool. The waterproof seal will be broken and the in-jet inks will run and ruin the sign. Instead use pastels for dulling the signs. This is less of a problem with laser printers or color copiers.
O Gauge, Layouts and Locomotives – Your Thoughts
Here is an interesting question from a model railroader about O gauge, layouts and steam locomotives verses diesel locomotives. He wants feedback and input from other model railroaders who want to share ideas. If you want to comment or offer some help to this fellow model train enthusiast, then simple click on the comments tag under this posting to have your say. Here is his question:
“I am a 59 yr old new model railroad enthusiast has built a 5′ x 12′ Table, Layed O-gauge track. Put in a 054 Curve Oval and a inner 026 Curve Oval with ability to switch from one track to the other. Then a 054 switch off the inner oval to a straight siding. Presently wiring the switches so they all work.
Bought a cheap Engine and Tender and find that everything so far runs smooth and level with minimum noise since this is in my basement.
Instead of using Homosaton top of the plywood can I just use cork strips under all the track??I am not against a wall so I have complete access to this table. I have been told to continue purchasing the items that will go into the layout, bldgs etc. this seems logical but it then could be a long time before I actually fasten the track down and put in the ballast.
I would think fastening the track and putting in the ballast then adding to the layout would be much more fun and keep the interest high.
Any thoughts or comments would be great! I have mixed feeling about Steam engines compared to Diesel engines, sort of like them both can these be mixed on a layout?”
Learning DCC Operation The First Important Step
For many model railroaders the big problem with DCC is leaning how to use it. For example, with DCC it is possible to run two trains head on into each other. So, learning basic DCC operation is an important first step.
With DCC operation there is the problem of modifying old locos to run with DCC and fitting DCC chips to DCC ready locos. Remember too, it can also be difficult to return non DCC locos that have been modified to run on DCC back to DC control.
However, there are many advantages in DCC operation on a model railway layout. A DCC system removes the need for complex point work involved with operating more than one train on a model railroad layout. It also eliminates the problem of crossing the circuits by changing the points, or accidentally running two trains at the same time because one of the trains was isolated or you the wrong point was switched.
Lionel Polar Express Layout Ideas
Here is a reader question you might like to answer or offer ideas with (to contribute your thoughts simply click on the comments tag below the Lionel Polar Express posting):
“For Xmas my wife bought me a lionel polar train set, it’s beautiful, but I think that the new track looks so tacky, synthetic and artificual. This is my first train since being a youngster, I can’t visualize this track ever working in the intricate layouts. Went to the nearby hobby shop for layout plans, they told me they don’t have any as of yet. I really don’t think this will fly unless you can’t visualize real life in your own mind. I would like your readers opinions on this said track, would like their expertice on this.”
Here is a site that might get the creative juices going when building a layout for a Lionel Polar Express:
www.hobbiesplus.com.au/beginnersguide.htm
Civil War Battle Scene On Model Railroad
A lot of model railroaders choose to model particular scenes, regions and times in history. If you are interested in Civil War history then you might be able to help one model railroader who is having difficulty researching the paint scheme(s) used by the U.S.M.RR during the Siege of Petersburg. If you can offer an answer just click on the comments tag below the post to have your say. Here is the question:
“I am both an HO guage model railroader and a Civil War re-enactor. I want to incorporate a Civil War battle scene into my HO layout. Included would be an “American” 4-4-0 steam engine and several “U.S. Military Railroad” cars. My problem is all the photos I have found are black and white and I can’t seem to find any information on the paint scheme(s) used by the U.S.M.RR during the Siege of Petersburg.”
G Guage Rails Not Track Question
Can anyone offer some suggestions to this reader please…
“Where can ‘G’ gauge rail (just the rail…….not track sections) be purchased.The room will need 50′ of track around the ceiling and I am building theroadbedof 1/2″ oak railroad ties and want to lay rail down on the oak ties.”
Simply click on the comments tag below to answer the question.
Glue and Grass on Model Railroad Layouts
Here is a question on glue and grass and what works best. If you would like to submit an answer simply click the comments tag below the question and contribute your ideas. Here is the reader question:
“I have been working on cementing down the “earth material” as my base for the grass that I will be laying on top for my layout. However, the directions on the cement state that I need to use a sprayer to distribute the cement over the earth material so I can sprinkle the grass material on top.
I bought the sprayer and it sprays a nice fine mist when I tested it out with water but the cement does not come out as nice, even when mixed with water.
I am using the earth and grass materials because it was cheaper than using the grass mat you can buy. Now I know why it is cheaper!
It is very tedious work and wondered if your blog readers have any suggestions that might make this process a little easier.”
Submit your answer to this model railroading question by clicking the comments tag below.
HO F7A Santa Fe Coupler Question
A quick question that someone might like to answer for a blog reader. Remember, this blog is for model railroaders to share ideas and help.
Here is the blog readers question:
I have two HO F7A Santa Fe engines with horn type couplers. All of my rolling stock has knuckle couplers. How do I change the horn type.
Click the comments tag to submit your answer. All submissions are moderated.
Post-War To Pre-1960 Layout Question
“I received the ebook without a hitch and spent many enjoyable moments perusing it. There is a wealth of information in your book and I am very happy to have purchased it.”
Here is a question that a fellow blog readers might like to help with.
Next step is to actually start building. As you suggest stongly anyway we are doing our research and that is the freebie part of the project. There is plenty of research to do and it is turning out to be fascinating. My husband and I will be modeling post-war to pre-1960 working class/freight Montreal in N-scale and we will concentrate on the CP rolling stock along with its affiliated companies. All we need to find now is a layout that would be suitable as I like to run mainline and my husband wants to shunt. One of your layouts in section 6 would probably be a good compromise.
Here is a question your readers could answer for me – As it is given in HO scale, can I simply do a division by 2 for the size of the board and track sizes to get the same layout in N?
Would your model railroad blog readers have any other suggestions where I could find either layouts or layout building programs on the Internet?
Model Railroading Questions
I know how fellow model railroaders like to help each other, so a couple of questions from blog readers that you might like to get your teeth into and contribute an answer.
Question 1 from Fred:
I have read about “Battery-Powered Locomotives” I have not been able to get a clear picture of what this technology can do and what it can not do compared with “Track-Powered” system.
Can your readers help me please?
Question 1 from Richard:
I’m a mechanical designer and always work with angles when it comes to slopes of de grees or E.G 1′ over 12 ‘ etc. but reading in most train magazines for quite some time now people refer to the “percentage” of slope. e.g. a 2% slope etc. Do readers know what it is and how do I translate a 1 or 2% slope into degrees? Its much easier to use angle and distances I think.
N Gage 611 Engine and Blue Ridge Mountain Questions
A reader from Virginia has a couple of model railroading questions for other model train enthusiasts to answer. This is your opportunity for you to share your ideas and experience with other model railroading hobbyists. Simply click on the comments link below to offer help:
1. Does anyone have a layout/scenery plan for “n gauge” with a city and country side. We live in an area of Virginia that is farmland with the trains going through and that is the type scenery we want–a city and farmland with mountain, lake and streams. . .Blue Ridge Mountain type; not the western mountains.
2. Does anyone have information on the new N Gage 611 Engine (Norfolk and Western)? I know the old one has major problems and a new one was just released but am a little leary?
O Guage Polar Express Has Problems
Here is a chance for readers to help a fellow enthusiast with the problems he is having running his Polar Express train set.
Here is his question about the running of a new Polar Express, if you would like to help out with an answer.
Phil asks:
“I want to know how to make my eng.(o-guage,polar express) run smoothly at low speed. Also will it help if I remove the rubber tires.
My problem is I bought the Polar Express RTR with a couple of extra short straights to make a slightly bigger oval for under the xmas tree. It get’s to the far end of the oval and starts to slow down.(slow speed it will almost stop).
I’ve cleaned the track,wheels. Measured ohms, voltage. Tried a friends loco,does better,but it’s dual motor and alot lighter. Took my loco to a LHS and tried it there and it runs fine. Tried bigger power pack, jumper wire to the other end of the track. Checked track connections.
I’m becoming very frustrated because this is a brand new Polar Express set. I don’t want to go out and buy new track. The fast track is brand new or would I have better luck with regular o guage track.”
That is his question. I know that experienced model railroaders like to help each other (especially newbies to the hobby), so here is your chance to contribute some help.
If you would like to offer a solution simply click on the comments tag below and submit your comments for posting to this model railroading blog.
Track Problems Cause Trains To Stop
Another problem faced by model railroaders is when a locomotive frequently stops or slows down in the same spot on the track.
This usually indicates a track problem.
In this case thoroughly the clean section of track. Check for “dead spots”, a bad track connector, or it could even be glue or debris from scenery disrupting the power flow.
If problem persists it could be an indication that the track may be too large for the size of power pack/transformer.
A more powerful transformer/power pack may be required if the problem section is at the opposite end of layout from transformer/power pack. The alternative is to use less track or run a second set of wires from the transformer/power pack to the problem section.
IMPORTANT: when running two sets of wires DO NOT CROSS WIRES. Label or color code wires so that each rail is linked to only ONE post on your transformer/power pack.
Spluttering Loco Causes Problems On Track
Sometimes a locomotive will sputter, stop and start, hesitate and speed up on a section of track for no apparent reason.
If this happens, usually the first thing to do is to thoroughly clean the track. The Model Train Help ebook includes several methods on how to clean sections of track including using a pencil eraser or track cleaning eraser to clean wheels of a loco and tender (if needed).
If the problem persists and if other locos run smoothly on the same track then this is an indication that the locomotive might need servicing.
Weathering Level Crossings On Model Railway Layouts
Model Railroad level crossings definitely look too clean when taken out of the packaging. However, sometimes level crossings on model railway layouts also give the appearance of being “over weathered”. So what is the answer?
Try to apply a small amount of dark wash (a watered down black) only to the hinge and connecting rod areas of the gates. On a prototype railway level crossing they are the parts that are greased regularly and so it be right to assume that they would generally appear greasy.
Over weathering can make the gates look simply “grimy” and “uncared for”. This also can be a pleasing effect in older freight yards etc.
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