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!
Woodland Scenics TT4560 Tidy Track Roto Wheel Cleaner Feedback
Kevin posted:
“I am thinking of getting a Woodland Scenics TT4560 tidy track roto engine wheel cleaner HO version and would like feedback on how efficient they are. My understanding is you put your engine on this device and it cleans the wheels. Sounds easy, but what happens when the engine is tender driven with the tender having rubber wheels? I’m just not sure how this would work?”
HOT! Plans For This Impressively Realistic “Advance Rail Manufacturing” Background Building Now Available To Build In HO, OO, or N Scale
You can download your copy of the latest UPDATED catalog showing all the new releases here https://www.modelbuildings.org/catalog
Download plans for these 6 new backdrop industrial buildings at See More Details Here
JUST RELEASED! Now Available – Plans For 6 “Impressively Realistic” Scale Model Background Yard Buildings
Watch step-by-step how this J.C. Walsh & Sons Engineering Co. building was constructed using corflute/foamboard and cardboard.
Plans for these 6 new background industry buildings are available now See More Details Here
Gift Cards Proving Popular
If you want to drop a hint to a family member on what they can get you for Christmas, then a Model Buildings Gift Card is a good option. They can nominate the value, and you can select which plans you want to download. Easy!
https://www.modelbuildings.org/gift-certificate
DCC Locomotive Problem
Shirish writes:
“I am fresh to this hobby. I bought an InterMountain Railway Co. Loco SD40-2(W). When I run this loco with any other loco, the other loco even when on the siding or stationed on the main, it starts running in reverse without any command. Plus, when both are running on the same track, the other loco stops and then starts running at full speed. Can someone suggest a solution to the problem?”
DCC Loco Control Problem
Andrew posts:
“I am currently using a Hornby DCC controller, with a GWR Castle class OO locomotive, It starts like it’s supposed to but once it reaches its running speed it suddenly accelerates to as fast as it can, even if I try to slow it down with the controller. It won’t respond until I use the emergency stop. Does anyone have any ideas as to what is happening? I currently have it running on the default number 3 DCC address.”
How to Run Two Locos in Different Directions
Peter posted this:
“I am new to this hobby. I just started working my HO layout. I have three main lines. I would like to know how to run one of the three locos in another direction. I have a Digitrax dcs52 command station. Thanks in advance for any help.”
Grading an Industry Spur
Ron models OO and writes:
“I’m planning to grade my roadbed down to the benchwork level at perhaps 45cm which I think in US terms is around 18 inches. With a vertical curve, I don’t want coupler issues and wondered if this is too short. What would be the shortest I could go to?”
Layout Photos Shared For Christmas
The Online Model Train Club wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a safe New year http://www.modeltrainclub.org
Bus Wiring Break In Circuit
Allan posted this:
“I saw somewhere online not sure of the website where with bus wiring a break in the track circuit ovals is needed because there is one in the bus wire. I get confused with wiring at the best of times and question whether this is really necessary? And if it is – can someone tell me why please?”
Problems With DCC Speed Control and Direction
Steven writes:
“I’m quite new to this and in the early stages of building a DCC layout, and just tested my first loco. I am experiencing a few problems with my Hornby Select Controller. My loco moves even when I have the speed controller is set at zero. The direction switches don’t seem to have any effect. This problem will be basic for some, but for me, it is a complete mystery. Help would be good. Thank you in advance.”
1:87 Scale Scratch Building Structures
Franklin asks:
“I going to have a go at scratch building my own houses and possibly other buildings for my 8 x 4 1:87 scale layout, but I don’t know how to calculate the sizes of walls, roofs, etc. Seems complicated. Can anyone help?”
Power Supply for Atlas Snap Relays and Turnouts
Jim asks:
“I am rewiring my HO layout and I have a switch to allow DC OR DCC running. I want to use separate power supplies to track LED signals and also for Atlas switch machines. I am having trouble figuring out what specs my power supplies (eg old phone chargers) should be. What voltage, current, and wattage? Thanks for any suggestions.”
Train Club Near Minneapolis
It is great to get new people involved in the hobby. John posted this question:
“I am new to the hobby. What I would like is a club that meets somewhere near Minneapolis where I live and has layouts to work on and show off. Is there such a clubhouse near Minneapolis?”
5 FREE TOOLS To Share With Friends In The Model Railroading Community
Test out the helix calculator, scale calculator, train speed calculator, scale to scale conversion calculator, track gradient calculator. These 5 tools are available free of charge with the compliments of ModelBuildings.ORG
These 5 free tools are available with the compliments of https://www.modelbuildings.org You’ll find them by following the ‘Railroad Resources’ link at the top of the website.
Non-Specific Locomotive Bodies
Barry asks:
“A question from Victoria in Australia. I am returning to the hobby after far too many years and have started to acquire some HO locos and rolling stock before I get started on a layout. I have an SD40 loco all decked out in the BHPBilliton livery so am wondering if there are any non-specific bodies available for this model? BHPBilliton was the company that ran ore trains in Western Australia so not really appropriate for my planned Victorian-based layout. Appreciate any suggestions.”
Locomotive Runs then Stops Dead
Phillip has O scale and wants advice:
“I’m new to model railroading and starting with basics. Fasttrack, CW-80, and a Lionel 8042 were all sold as working properly. Loco and coal car only makes about 5 trips around (40″ x 60″ oval) then stops. When I add a car, it runs a trip then start to slow. Add another car and it hums but won’t budge. I feel like I am not getting enough voltage. How do I test that?”
Add your answer or question below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
