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!
The Layout Kim Is Working On
Kim sent in these photos and comments to share:
“Here are some if the things I have been working on lately. I am putting a green color over the pink, even though I am going to use some grass and other green turf and trees. I will be using some fine ballast in places as the affect of gravel. I think of stuff as I go along.”
Progressing From Starter Set To Bigger Layout
Mike posted this question:
“Hi, I’m a 59 year old double amputee who decided to get into model trains due to depression from limb loss. My question is this: I bought the Bachmann Chattanooga starter set that comes with HO scale EZ track. If I want to change engine and rolling stock in HO will they fit this track or do the single buys use a certain track? I like Bachmann and would probably buy that brand if this helps. Thank you.”
1960s South Wales Valleys Railways
Geoff asks:
Where can I get plans of 1960s South Wales Valleys railroads that can be downloaded to P.C? Valley Lines operated rail passenger services around Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys in South Wales, UK. Lines operated consisted of four northern branches to Merthyr Tydfil, Aberdare, Rhymney and Treherbert, which were interworked with the shorter Southerly branches to Barry Island, Penarth, and Cardiff Bay.”
Märklin Engine Question
Tom posted this question:
“I need help. I bought a Märklin 36712 about 5 years ago and I just got it out of the box. There is no paper work with it. I tried to read the decoder with my ECoS digital command station ESU. I would be grateful if anybody can help with how to DCC it? Also, where to get manuals from in English not German? I have some photos if that will help. Do you know is there any modification I need to do? Many thanks.”
Switch Lighting Question
Jim models HO and asks:
“I am using #200 Atlas snap relays and am trying to figure out the specs needed for green and red LED’s and the required resistors for each. I understand it is best to connect the 2 LED’s and appropriate resistor in series? I would appreciate any advice as I have never done this before. Thanks!”
Add your comment or suggestions below.
MRC Power Booster Hook Up
Dale has this question for anyone with MRC Power Booster experience:
“I decided to get back into Model railroading and bought a MRC Prodigy Express2 system. After finding out what I should have, I went with larger system for my layout. I would like to buy the MRC power booster and have a question on the hook up. Do I have to split my main tracks up by districts or can I just use the booster to increase my available amps?”
New Designs Include 2 Grain Elevators, a Rural Train Station, US Style Barn, and a Large Barn/Stables Building
The Combined Farms Pool Elevator and the Farmers Coop Store & Transport structures pictured below are among 7 new designs just released for railroading enthusiasts and diorama model builders. The downloaded PDF plans can be constructed using cardboard (a recycled cereal pack is ideal) to OO gauge size, HO scale or N scale. Although not really necessary, some modelers might prefer to glue scrap pieces of card or corflute inside the models for additional strength. It’s easy to do. Texture is provided for the posts pictured on the loading bay of the Farmers Coop Store & Transport building, but using pieces of balsa wood that can be painted to the color of your choice is probably the easiest method for making the posts. The designs are all pre-weathered with rust marks, windows, dirt and grime etc.
The new series also include a small country train station which could serve other purposes too, as well as a tall red stable barn building complete with outside toilet (or storage shed), and a tradition US style red barn structure. These too can be made to OO, HO, S, or N scale. The plans can be downloaded from the website https://www.modelbuildings.org See more on the website.
NEW! Just Released – Tractor Equipment Shed, and Rural Freight Depot Designs To Download and Build
7 new plans have just been added to the existing range of farm buildings that can be made to HO scale, OO gauge, or to N scale. There are two new grain silos, a tractor/equipment shed (pictured above), a traditional US style barn, a large red stable/barn, a small rural station, and a rural freight depot (which could have a number of uses). The PDF plans are simple and quick to download, print, ready for construction using card.
See the new designs at https://www.modelbuildings.org
Fleischmann Profi-Track and American Rolling Stock
Don who model in HO asks:
“I have a very large collection of Fleischmann profi track and turnouts. My layout is an around the room. My Walthers SD60 locomotives run without problems through all turnouts and track. My cars on the other hand derail almost everywhere even on some straight sections. I have inspected the track where the derailments occur and have discovered nothing out of the ordinary. I am getting frustrated. I have spend a great deal of money on the Fleischmann Profi. But I don’t want to spend all of my time fixing derailments. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I am using Walthers rolling stock of various sizes with metal wheels and Walthers couplers. Thanks for your thoughts and help.”
Power and Rail Length Limitations
Bob asks:
“Greetings, I am looking to return to model railroading after many years. Due to space limitations indoors, I am looking to build outdoor layout. Cost factors have me looking at nickle track HO. If I read correctly the newer DCC presents options. I am looking to see how many feet or meters of track can be supplied per power source? Any other support information is gladly welcomed.”
Converting Märklin Stock to Run on DC Platform
Ed asks:
“I have a number of HO Märklin cars that I would like to convert wheels and couplers to be usable with my DC engines and cars. Can anyone advise me how best to make these conversions – suggest the couplers to use and how to change out the wheels, including what wheels to buy? Thanks a lot.”
Locomotive Goes in One Direction Only?
Roger W posted this question:
“My Athearn DCC loco I picked up at a swap meet has issues, and I’m not sure of the cause. It has been sitting in a cupboard since I got it so perhaps I got a dud. It goes fine in reverse but won’t move very well going forward. I turned the power right up to 28 and it hardly moved before coming to a halt. The unit hums but nothing. I gave it a bit of a push and the motor tried to turn but it still hardly moved. I tried different decoders and even reset the factory values on one, but to no avail. I had a look under the shell and at the trucks, but could see any foreign objects getting in the way. What am I missing? Help appreciated please. Thanks in advance guys.”
If you can assist Roger please add a comment.
Helix Calculations For Double Track
Joe came across the free helix calculator and is interested to hear from anyone who has constructed a double track helix layout:
“Can a helix calculator be used for a double track layout? What modification, if any, would need to be made?”
Add your comments if you have any advice for Joe with the construction of his double track helix.
A link to use a free helix calculator is available for readers under the Railroad Resources tab in the top Navigation Bar at https://www.modelbuildings.org
A Issue With Drooping Couplers or is Couple Height The Problem?
Warren asks readers:
“I have observed that some of my HO Kadee couplers are sagging a bit low on two locos. I notice one coupler shank seems a bit loose in the coupler box and at times angles down towards the rail. Is there a way to fix this? How high should my couplers be? Advice please someone.”
Add you comments below.
Hand-Laying Track
Dale asks readers:
“Hand-laying HO track is fairly easy; simply spike the rails to the ties (sleepers). Does anyone have experience hand-laying N scale, code 80, track? Are the spikes going to be strong enough, or is it better to glue the rails down?”
Add your comment below.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
