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!
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.”
Add your suggestions below.
Digitrax DH165A0 Lighting Control
Jim asks
:
“I have recently installed a Digitrax DH165A0 into my Atlas C-425 engine. How do I set the direction of the engine to control the forward and reverse lighting?”
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?
N Scale Kato Unitrack Feeders
Colin posted this question:
“I just spotted Marks question on Kato Unitrack, so thought I would ask – will 24 American Wire Gauge be suitable for track feeders if I keep them reasonably short?”
Add your comment below.
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.
Kato Unitrack Question From Mark
Mark asks:
“I recently brought an N scale M1 starter set and was wondering what is the best track set to add to the starter set for someone starting out?”
Add your comment or answer below.
Room Conditions for a Train Layout
Ernie sent in this question:
“I have the opportunity to set up an HO layout in a room that is NOT heated or cooled. Will this affect the scenery or rails? Will it affect my loco’s motors? Please supply advice”.
Barber Roller Bearing Trucks
Barry asks:
“Does anyone know the difference between Roller Bearing Trucks and Barber Roller Bearing Trucks?”
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/
British Rail Class 24’s Fuel Train On Display In Australia
Another impressive photo kindly shared by Barrie from Tasmania at the bottom of Australia. A British Rail Class 24’s Fuel Train on the Hobart Model Rail Group layout.
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.”
Decoder Light Problem
Warren posted this question:
“I fitted a decoder to my HO Bachmann loco and the lights don’t work. Is it a voltage issue?”
Add your comments below.
Wiring Coils and What Else?
Doug H writes:
“I have some magnet wire on a roll used for wiring coils and want to know if I could use it for other purposes?”
Problem With Spinning Tender
Adam models HO and asks:
“I have a tender that at times stops and spins wildly. I disconnected some wagons on the train and that helped a bit. Am wondering if it is a wheel alignment issue or maybe the cogs?”
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