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!
Drummer Creek Garden Railroad Video Series
| Learn about the Greatest Hobby in the World! Large Scale Model Railroading | |
Narrow gauge model exhibition
| Model railway exhibition in the “smalspoormuseum Valkenburgse meer”, a narrow gauge railway museum in the Netherlands. The video contains photo and video material of most of the great layouts. As a bonus, I’ve included video of a trip with the 1:1 reail narrow gauge trains that were running at the museum. | |
O Scale Amusement Park Theme
A reader asks this question. Any model railroader who can help is asked to leave a comment on this blog.
“I was wondering if your blog readers know of any websites with layouts having circus or carnival themes. I am building my O scale layout and I want to add my amusement park rides. Lionel ferris wheel, scrambler, swing and merry go round. I was thinking of building above my trains and having them go underneath the amusement park. Any information would be appreciated.”
Aztec Trains Model Railroad Track Cleaner
| John Claudino shows some of his model railroad track cleaning cars that he designed and manufactures. His track cleaning cars can be used on HO and N Scale model railroads. | |
Locomotive Numbering Question
Here is a chance for fellow model railroaders to help each other by sharing answers and ideas. This reader has a question for you on locomotive numbering.
“What do the 3 or 4 numbers that are separated by a hyphen mean in the description of a locomotive? You always see these numbers when the ad lists a locomotive for sale?
What does it represent and what numbers are the best, if there is such a thing? Thanks.”
Harry Potter Train Has Problems
A reader has submitted this question:
“I am having trouble in getting the passenger cars of a Harry Potter train set to go around a tight corner. How to I do this, so the cars will not hit the side of the mountain or de-rail? My layout is 30″ wide by 8′ long and the turns a very tight. Hope this is ok. It was hard to put this down in only one question.Thanks, Pamela”
Pamela, there is a section on “clearances”in the Model Train Help ebook. You will find this helpful in solving the problem.
Other readers are welcome to contribute there ideas.
Code 83 And DCC Question
Stu has this question for readers:
I’m starting to a build a second HO layout (15×16). First one was completed 20 years ago. Things have sure changed. I plan to use code 83 track & DCC. Question 1. Is one brand of track better than another? Question 2. Where can I find an honest comparison of the different DCC equipment available?
Thanx
Stu
Adding A Yard To Layout
If you have the space you can have a yard like this on your layout. While this size of yard on a prototype railroad would not be considered overly large, for a model railroad this size yard is quite large and offers a lot of operational possibilities. Notice the tracks in the foreground which are used to store trains, and the industries in the background. There is also a passenger depot behind the foreground tracks.
Click the link for more information about how to build a yard for your model train layout.
Australian Model Railroader Has Question
Here is a question that experienced model railroaders might like to offer an opinion on. This reader is returning to the hobby after a long break. Here is what he has to say,
“Coming back to this interest 25 years on I immediately became aware that in the intervening period there have been major jumps in technology,DCC, sound cards, decoders etc. “
His question is this:
“I want to create a good model railway, not a toy, but like everyone I don’t have unlimited cash to waste on a whim. Returning to the market after this time I see that Fleischmann continue to put out an impressive product,and surprisingly Hornby are still in the game, to all appearances quite healthily. The model which I hope to build will either be British orGerman so that also limits my interest. What seems to be the case with them (because priced catalogues and information about local availability is patchy) is that Fleischmann will require a considerably greater investment, even in things like track, but on the other hand their DCC technology and range of enabled locos issubstantially greater. They also seem to have more product available on the Australian market and one of the dealers told me that lack of stock and range is a problem with Hornby (he was a Hornby dealer). So without putting readers in too difficult a position which direction should I head in to build a good value-for-money model?”
If you can offer some advice then I sure that this will be helpful to our contributer and others reading this model railroading blog.
Model Railroader Has Wire Question
If you are an experienced model railroader you might like to contribute some ideas and help
to this reader:
“I have just downloaded the 4th ebook and looked at just parts of it. This is GREAT!!!!!At 54 years old I am just getting ready to design a layout to be built after I retire and move to a bigger location. I have a lot of plans and at this point I have several HO locomotives and rolling stock in storage. I plan to do the design on 8×4 styrene sheets and store them until building time. All of the info will help me plan for the future.I do have one question right now. I use to work with telephone equipment and have some 25 to 75 pair wire. It is just single strand and I was just wanting to know if it is good enough to use even with DCC. Any info you can provide will be a great help.”
Making Snow For Model Railroad Layout
Here is a question that readers might like to have a go at answering:
“I have a question. I am starting a small HO layout with my 11 yr old daughter. It is for Christmas time but will be up all year round. It is going to be a winter theme with snow ice etc. How would you go about 1) Putting snow down and 2) Make a frozen pond? I have a little bit of idea but could use some experienced help.”
Your contributions to this model railroading blog are encouraged and appreciated.
Model Railroad Enthusiast Has N Scale Question
Here is a question from a fellow modeler that readers might like to offer help with…
“I’m building a new N-scale railroad modeled after the Santa Fe. I’m usingKato track. I’ve already installed side-by-side a single track trestle anda double track trestle. What I need to find is a double track mountaintunnel. I haven’t yet got a copy of the new Walthers catalog. Do your readers have any suggestions?
This RR is on a 4’x8′ table. There will be 6 freight trains and onepassenger train. Since I’m retired, I’ll have plenty of time to work onthis project; there is no hurry.”
This blog is for all model railroaders, so feel free to contribute your ideas and help others in the hobby.
Decoder Questions For Fellow Model Railroaders
Here is another opportunity for readers to share their knowledge of model railroading. A couple of questions from a fellow railroader for you to consider – can you help this reader:
“I’m trying to get as much information possible on getting sound on N guage. I’m just getting started on model railroading, and have chosen to do it the DCC way..I’m told that SoundTraxx and Digitex are doing some things, and it is possible on some N locomotives, steam and deisel with some decoders. “
The reader asks:
- What models and which manufacturers of decoders?
- Who can wire them for me?
- Or can I buy them installed?
- I’ve also heard that it is best to have “sound only” decoders installed on a freight or passenger car immediately hooked to a locomotive?
- I’ve also heard that you can get sound under your layout if you get the right equipment and throw toggle switches on your control panel. What kind of equipment? Where do I get it? Where do I get information how to do it this way?
If you can help this reader then please feel free to contribute your thoughts.
Model Railroading Question For Readers
Here are a couple more questions from South African model railroading ethusiast Hettie. (see earlier blog posting).
Readers are welcome (and encouraged to contribute answers).
Hettie asks:
IS THERE A WIRELESS DIGITAL DEMAND CONTROL AVAILABLE THAT IS COMPATIBLE TO MARKLIN?
OUR SETUP IS ABOUT 20M LONG AND WE HAVE A PROBLEM SEEING AROUND THE CORNERS AND CHIMNEY WALL THAT’S DIVIDING THE ROOM IN THE ATTIC. MARKLIN APPARENTLY DO NOT MANUFACTURE A CORDLESS CONTROL TO CONTROLE THE TRAINS ANYMORE. IN THIS DAY AND AGE EVERYTHING IS WIRELESS… IS THERE A NEW PRODUCT THAT CAN BE INTEGRATED WITH HO SCALE MARKLIN PRODUCTS?
WE WILL BE VISITING THE STATES NEXT YEAR JANUARY. WILL ANY OF THE TRAIN ENTHUSIASTS SHARE THERE SETUPS WITH US TO VIEW? WE INTEND TO POP IN AT VEGAS, LOUISVILLE ATLANTA NEW YORK AND SCRANTON.
South African Takes Railroading Vacation To USA
Here is your chance to contribute a suggestion or two.
Can a model railroading enthusiast in the USA help Hettie?
MY NAME IS HETTIE AND WE LIVE IS SOUTH AFRICA.
WE ARE BUSY BUILDING A HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD AND LOVING IT.
IN JANUARY \FEBRUARY 2007 WE WILL BE VISITING LAS VEGAS, NEW YORK AND ATLANTA. WE PLAN TO SEE THE TRAIN SHOWS IS LOUISVILLE AND ATLANTA. I AM REALLY STRUGGLING TO FIND WHERE WE CAN GO ON A STEAM TRIP IN THAT AREAS. I DO REALISE THAT IT IS IN WINTER THAT WE WILL BE THERE, BUT ANY NICE…EVEN A DIESEL TRIP WILL DO.
WE ARE ALSO INTERESTED TO SEE DIFFERENT LAYOUTS OF ENTHUSIASTIC MODEL BUILDERS IN THE STATE.
Can you help Hettie?
Model Railroad Clubs In Michigan And Minnesota
Membership groups to join in Michigan and Minnesota include:
Michigan:
Ann Arbor Model Railroad Club, Ford Model Railroad Club Dearborn, Glancy Trains Modular Club Birmingham, Grand Rapids Model Railroad Historical Society, Gratiot Valley Railroad Club Mt. Clemens, Kalamazoo Model Railroad Historical Society Kalamazoo, Lansing Model Railroad Club Lansing, LanNTrak Lansing & Livingston County Michigan NTrak Model Railroad Club, Michigan Small Scale Live Steamers Lake Orion. Northern Michigan Railroad Club, Peninsular Modular Railroad Club (PMRC) Battle Creek – Kalamazoo, Rails On Wheels HO Modular Model Railroad Club Ann Arbor/Washtenaw County, Raisin Valley Model Railroad Club Blissfield, Riverbend Model Railroad Club Hudsonville, Society Of N-Scalers Royal Oak, South Oakland County Model Railroad Club Hazel Park, Stoney Creek Model Railroad Club Rochester, Tri county model railroad club Saginaw, West Michigan Chapter of the Train Collectors Association Grand Rapids, Western Michigan Railroad Club Grand Rapids.
Minnesota:
Crow River Junction Model Railroad Club Monticello, The G Whiz Gang The G Whiz Gang of Minnesota, Luce Line RR Club Inc. Hutchinson, Minnesota Central Model Railway Club, Minnesota Free-Mo Modellers Twin Cities, St. James Model Railroad Club, Twin City Model Railroad Museum, Railroad Club at the University of Minnesota Minneapolis, West Side Lumber Co Rochester, Winona Railroad Club Winona.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
