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!
Construct Tunnels and Tunnel Portals for Your Model Train Layout. Watch These Quick Tips and Ideas.
If you want some color plans to make your own tunnel portals go here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/walls-tunnels-bridges
Download your Free Catalog here http://www.modelbuildings.org/Free-Catalog.html
Fitting a Decoder to a Tomytec Chassis
Geoff runs OO9 (OO narrow gauge – runs on n gauge track) and asks readers:
“I am trying to fit a decoder to the Tomytec chassis TM-07R. The chassis works fine on my DC test track, and the decoder is fine on my decoder tester. But when I put the two together, everything is fine at first, then after a few minutes it slows to half speed, then it randomly starts and stops, and then it goes to full speed, at which point it doesn’t obey commands to slow down, and I have to use the emergency stop button.
I’ve tried with two different chassis, and two different decoders (same brand), same result. My system is the NCE Powercab with their SB5a booster. All my other DCC locomotives (that were fitted with decoders at the factory) work fine.”
DCC for Brill Trolley
Dale posted this questions for readers:
“I have a Bachmann N scale Brill trolley that I’m thinking of converting to DCC. Can anyone give me a suggestion for which decoder would likely fit in the really small space? Speed, direction, and headlights are the only functions I would need.”
Please post your relies below.
A Solution for Athearn Diesel Short Circuits
Robert M shares this tip:
“I have a couple of DC Athearn HO scale diesels that periodically stop while running around a bend. The ‘?’ shaped contact on the truck under these conditions will make contact with the metal plate of the other polarity on the truck. I found by bending it slightly at the base away from the metal plate solves the problem.”
NEM Pocket Kadee Couplers Problem
Phillip models OO and asks readers:
“I converted my Bachmann locos and rolling stock with Kadee couplers that plug into the NEM pockets. I find that when shunting in reverse, some of the rolling stock will get forced off the track and detail. They do not get caught between the buffers. It is frustrating and I was thinking to converting back to the hook and bar couplers that came with the locos and rolling stock. Any one had this problem. Note. I had to do a lot of adjustments with shims to get the right height but checking with the coupler guide, all okay.”
Please add your comments or answers below if you are able to help Phillip.
Adding Telephone Poles To A Layout
Glenn who models in N scale asks:
“My layout is set before the days of mobile phones or underground electrical wiring to houses, so I thought that adding some telephone phones and wires would help authenticate the scene. But then I started to think about the practicality of stringing wires along roads and how they could become a problem if they get snagged. What should I use to replicate the wires? Also, I wondered how far apart to position the poles? Has anyone else worked through these issues? Any guidance in advance would be appreciated. Thank you guys!”
Please add any suggestions to assist Glenn below.
Which scale of model trains do you operate or prefer?
Here are the results of the lastest poll which sought to confirm the popularity of the various scales of model railroads.
Blog readers voted as follows:
HO (41%)
N (25%)
O (9%)
OO (9%)
G (4%)
S (3%)
TT (3%)
Other (2%)
Z (2%)
HOn3 (1%)Total Voters: 314
Authentic Looking Scale Model Railroad Warehouse – Easy To Make – WATCH THIS QUICK DEMO
You can download the plan to make this Gainsborough Group Industrial Equipment Building for display against a backdrop on a OO, HO scale, or N scale model railroad here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/6-railroad-industrial-background-ho-scale-models
Triang OO Engines Stalling
Alph writes:
“As an absolute first starter,the basic layout I’m trying to operate uses modern Hornby track. However, the locos are all 60s-early 70s Triang. When I fix 2 Hornby r8201 connectors from the main line to the siding track the locos run for a few secs then become inoperative. I’m concerned I may damage them. What causes this and how do I fix it?”
Running Problems Track Cross Overs
Stuart model in OO and asks readers:
“Hi, has anyone experienced problems with Track Cross Overs (diamond crossings)and short circuit issues?
I operate my layout using DCC Control which works well except that two new locomotives that I’ve recently purchased (Hornby class 90 and a class 92) when crossing the crossovers create a short circuit, none of my other locomotive experience this issue. I’m at a bit of a loss to be honest so any ideas and hints would be welcome. Thanks in advance Stuart”
Proto 2000 Engines Manufacture
Jim poses this question for readers:
“Another of those questions that was sparked previous to a purchase. I saw a number of HO Scale Proto 2000 engines (different types in original boxes) and when looking at the guts of a few of the engines, I saw wires to a PCB. The question becomes; are all Proto 2000 engines DCC? If not, why is there a PCB on the top of the weight in any of the engines?”
Please comment below if you can assist Jim.
Old Dilapidated Industrial Building Brand New To Make in HO Scale, S, OO, or N Scale. WATCH THE QUICK VIDEO TUTORIAL 👍👍👍
You can download the plans for the DERELICT BUILDING SERIES #1 here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/derelict-railroad-models
Plans for the SERIES #2 DERELICT BUILDINGS can be downloaded here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/railroad-industry-models
You can explore many other background building plans here
https://www.modelbuildings.org/background-buildings
Enjoy! 😄
Model Railroaders – Where Do You live?
The results of our latest reader poll are in. The question – Where Do You live?
Results were as follows:
USA (51%)
Australia/New Zealand (16%)
United Kingdom (11%)
Canada (11%)
Somewhere else in Europe (6%)
South Africa (4%)
Asia (1%)
Loco Wheels Trying to Run…But The Loco Stays Still – Why?
David writes:
“I have an HO Scale KATO 37-6110 Amtrak Phase V Late GE P42 Genesis Diesel #19 Standard DC. I have had this engine since Apr. 18, 2023 and purchased it online. It stopped running after about 5 months and passed the warranty date. I didn’t know how to fix the problem.
Is it possible my layout, is causing the issue as it has a grade % of a 3-inch drop and a run out of 10 foot? Could the problem have been caused by the engine running faster downhill and laboring going up? The wheels look clean.
Can that damage the engine in some way? If we cannot find the problem should I replace the truck motors front and back? I can do that because I have found the truck motors online. Thank You much!”
If you can assist David, please add your comments under this post.
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