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GP-7 Stalls on Atlas #6 Turnout
Bryan has 
this question:
“I have HO with NCE PC. After problems with my Atlas #6 turnout I added droppers and my engines stopped stalling on it – see my drawing. My GP-7 approaches from Kalmanazoo bound for Grand Rapids… no issues… but heading in the opposite direction it stalls. Doesn’t happen with my other engines. I marked it on the drawing where it stalls. It stops then restarts. I have 2 reverse loops.”
Bachmann GP-35 Buzzing
Max writes:
“I got my DCC Bachmann GP-35 out to give it a run after sitting it its box for several months, but the motor is buzzing and humming, and surged when I tried to move it. Maybe the voltage or the brushes are causing it?? I recently cleaned the track and originally got it with the decoder installed if that helps. Any thoughts?”
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EMD GP40 Factory Settings
Ewan posted this:
“I got a EMD GP40 not brand new but looks hardly used. When I first ran it the engine worked ok, then I removed it from the track to do some minor track adjustments, and that’s when the problem started. It seems to respond to all the controls correctly, but when the power is connected the FT-A starts to move forward very quick. It responds to the emergency stop but not other commands. Is there a way to reset to factory settings, or do I buy a new decoder maybe? I don’t have a programming track to test it on.”
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Tutorial – How to Make a 1950s Style Railway House 👍😉
This tutorial shows the basics of building a 1950s style house. The plans for this house can be constructed to HO, OO, or N scale.
Power Loss On Layout
Hans writes:
“Please help! My model-train layout spreads over 20m2. I have the transformer on one end. I noticed that when the locomotive is on the opposite side, approx. 6mtrs distance, the power supply weakens. So, I added another transformer to the opposite side and it worked for a while, but now the transformer is burned-out. What recommendation do you give me to have a constant power-supply across the entire network? Thank you for your help.”
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Sound Decoder Question For Kato SD90/43MAC Loco
Liam writes”
“I got a Kato HO SD90/43MAC on eBay (#176-5611) and want to fit a sounder decoder. Stupid question I know, but does a sound decoder also have a regular DCC decoder? Which one should I get and will the speaker, which I presume comes with it, fit ok?
Watch How A Beginner Constructs His First Scale Model 👍👍👍
This short tutorial was put together from video clips supplied by a proud newbie to model making. A good first attempt. He has agreed to make more.
Why Does The Train Stop and Power Up Again?
Victor from New South Wales in Australia asks:
“I run one HO engine on my modest layout and want to know the probable cause of it running a short distance then stopping and powering up again, then doing the same thing a metre or so later. I don’t know enough about trains, but I don’t think it’s a dirty track problem. It was going ok when I last ran two months ago. Any thoughts please?”
Trains Derailing on Switches (Points)
Neville wrote:
“My trains are derailing on the switch frogs and wonder if it has something to do with the old cars I am running… the switch in question is fairly new. The curve into the switch rail is quite tight, and wonder if this could be compounding the problem? Advice please.”
How Much Is My Layout Worth?
Stan from New Jersey in the US writes:
“I know this site doesn’t run ads for buying/selling used train gear and layout, but am curious where is the best place to sell old layouts, trains, and accessories. Has anyone had any success with eBay or Craigslist? What would a 4ft x 8ft N scale Digitrax layout with 4 locos and 28 cars be worth? What about packing and shipping it? It all sounds too hard. My layout also has scenery and several plastic structures? Would like to hear from others who have sold layouts and gear for their guidance. Thanks in advance.”
Tutorial – How To Construct A Railway Freight Depot
This short video demonstration reveals how to construct a strong, yet lightweight, freight depot from card.
Plan available for download at https://www.modelbuildings.org/rail-yard-pack-deal-pack-deal/
BR Class 44 with Steel HMRG on Show in Tasmania, Australia
Barrie kindly sent in this photo to share:
“Here is a photo my own N scale 1:148 trains I photographed on the Hobart Model Rail Group layout, Tasmania, Australia. This photo is a British Rail, Class 44.”
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