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!
Easy Way to Make Unpaved Areas
Neil sent in his quick tip:
“I discovered an easy way to make unpaved areas of ground surface such as gravel or sand. I now use differing grades and colors of sandpaper and adhere to your surface. I wish I had found out earlier. That’s life I guess.”
2 Minute Demo on How To Make This Background House Scale Model
CLICK THE VIDEO BELOW TO WATCH THE QUICK DEMONSTRATION.
Plans are now available for download at https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
Download, print, and construct these plans to OO, HO, or N scale.
Brushes for an AHM Trolley Motor
Bruce asks:
“I am searching for brushes for an AHM trolley motor. The originals burned – sizes are 2mm x 3mm and a guess of about 5mm or 6mm long, and of course, with springs. I searched eBay, googled the world…but cannot find any sources. The question: does anyone know where I can find some? Thanks in advance for your help.”
Preferred Track for Beginners Layout
Andy sent in this question:
“I am planning an 1800×1200 (6×4) N scale layout of logging & mining operations. It has been almost 40 years since I last had anything to do with Model RRs. What is the preferred track type for use that is available in Australia? Thank you in anticipation.”
Engine Maintenance
Frank asks:
“I have several HO engines that have been in storage for a number of years and now will not run. Are there any recommendations as to how to clean or lubricate them and is there information explaining cleaning and maintenance issues?”
Add your suggestions and see the comments by others below.
Signal Pilot to Control Railroad Crossing Lights
Ed models HO scale and asks readers:
“Can anybody tell me where or how to get a manual for a signal pilot to control railroad crossing lights? The one I have is in German and I don’t read German. I need all the info that I can get.”
Electrical Block Detection
Paul models HO and asks:
“I am still building my 5 module layout and plan to use electrical block detection in the future. I will run DCC NCE and operate a complete loop with an isolated section for each module as well as a siding. I want to include lights to indicate if the track is occupied or not. I would appreciate any thoughts on what I’ll need to make all this happen. Thank you in advance.”
Have your question published. See the link below.
Loco Speeds For Consists
Jamie is into N scale and posted this question:
“Is there a decoder that can regulate the speed of a loco in a consist? I only have two engines… an Atlas and a Kato… but the speeds don’t match well. I don’t want to risk damaging them. Any suggestions?”
To add a suggestion or see the answers, click on the COMMENTS below.
Fascia Material
Anthony posted this question:
“The edge of my 4ftx8ft layout is untidy so I’ve decided to add a facia of some kind to smarten it up. What material would you recommend I use without breaking the bank?”
Send in your question for publication (use the ASK A QUESTION link below), or add an answer/suggestion (use the COMMENTS link below).
Which Adhesive To Use?
Lester has this question:
“I decided to build a retaining wall on a longish section of my layout and want to use the right adhesive. I imagine it will need some clamping to the wood while it dries in place, but I am concerned that contact cement might grip too quickly and not allow enough time for me to adjust and check the positioning. By the way, I thought foamboard might be the best and cheapest material to use for making the wall. I would be interested to hear any ideas. Thanks.”
HOT! JUST RELEASED! 15 Scale Model City Background Buildings Complete With Ground Floor Retail Stores. Very Realistic, Easy To Construct, and Very Sturdy
Plans now available at https://www.modelbuildings.org/city-office-plans-background-scale-models
Download, print, and build these plans to OO, HO, or N scale. Plans can be purchased separately, or grab one of 4 discount packs currently available. Pack D is the best buy and includes all 15 buildings.
Amtrak Genesis P42
Newbie to the hobby Peter has started with HO scale and asks:
“I just got an Amtrak Genesis P42 loco. I run it on address 03 all good. The loco address on the engine is 77. My question is, do I program it with address 2? Or, should I set it as 0077 using the? Kindly a newbie. Thanks.”
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