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Adding Sound and Lights to P & D Hobbies F Units
Kenneth has a question O scale, 2-rail enthusiast might be able to assist with:
“I have a number of P & D Hobbies F3 and F7 locomotives that I would like to upgrade with sound and lighting. Are there any easy drop in electronics for this?”
Walthers ML SD70 Engine Issues
HO enthusiast Matt sent in this question:
“I have a Walthers ML SD70 that runs almost perfect around my track. Just purchased 2 Scale Trains and 2 Athearn SD40-2’s. All 4 stutter or just don’t go at all. I made a small round test track that I could get them all to work after a few min with help nudging them along and would run fine. put them on my long track even with 2 power points in the middle and nothing again. “
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Problem With Mantua 4-6-0 Locomotive Running Sluggishly
Dean sent in this question in the hope someone can assist:
“I have an HO scale Mantua 4-6-0 Rogers type steam locomotive and am having difficulties trying to figure out why it’s causing problems. It runs sluggish and almost stops at times. I did some troubleshooting by giving it an oil and cleaned the wheels but it hasn’t resolved the issue. I’m wondering if it could somehow relate to the binding? I admit it hasn’t been run much recently. I’m certain it’s not a track or power pack problem because I’ve operated larger engines on the same setup with any problems. It is sure to something that’s fixable, but what? Any thoughts would be very much appreciated. Thanking you.”
Send in your own question for publication using one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
Add a comment in answer to Deans post by using the COMMENTS link under his post.
Missing Couplings
Mark will hopefully attach a photo in the comments section of his post where he asks:
“ I purchased two HO 4-6-0 hornby steam trains with tenders but having just looked closely I don’t see how I can connect them as there appears to be something missing, am I correct? Will need to attach photos when I can.
See marks photo when he posts it in the comments section under his post.
LED Lighting Rectifiers
Bill models G scale and sent in this question:
“I am trying to utilize a KBP 307 rectifier to convert 15v ac to dc for LED light strip purchased from a train show vendor. When connected to my transformer the ac side shorts out and won’t light the strip. The strip does light on dc just fine. Followed ac + – markings on rectifier ( the out side leads one on each side, two dc leads in the middle. What am I doing wrong”
Electronics Engineer Shares LED Tip
Bob Rimm kindly shared this ip:
“Thank for the news letter! As an electronics engineer I have been using Led’s since they first came on to the market. Some additional tricks is take two LED’s, add a 1N4148 diode in series with each on and wire them so that the anodes of Led and Diode go in one direction and the second set goes in the opposite direction. This will give you a brighter light and if you use a pulsing source such as the output of a 555 timer, you can adjust the frequency. This will allow one to increases or decreases the light output. Usually a frequency of approximately 1 Kilohertz will give you a usable amount of light.”
Bus Feed Wires
This question from a reader:
“ I have installed a single strand, heavier than 18 volt bus line as my feeder throughout my HO layout. Are there any advantages of disadvantages to doing this? I have as of yet not hooked the wiring up but only have slung this wire for the length of the layout.”
Rocket Jet on Model Train Display
T
ed wants to add a jet model to his HO layout and seeks your advice:
“I would like to put a model of an X-15 rocket jet, like one I put together about 50 years ago, outside of a ‘Transportation Museum’ on my HO layout. All I have been able to find so far are models in 1:72 or twice that. Revell has made one that can still be found at 1/64th. I’ve found 1/200,1/100, and others more different from HO. Any ideas where I might find anything closer to HO, or ideas on how to make what’s there closer, or some way to make do. I have toyed with the idea of slightly one of the slightly smaller models somewhat in the background (much like putting N scale trains and buildings in the background to add depth.”
CDU with Terminal Blocks
Cliff sent this in to share:
Hi, my son and I recently designed a CDU with terminal blocks. See the following site for design files:
https://github.com/cbrake/hardware-projects/tree/master/model-train-cdu
Will a 1/76 Tank Fit a 1/87 Flat Car?
Miles sent in this question:
“I spotted a Sherman tank I really like for an HO scale flat car load. My dilemma is; the tank is not HO or 1/87 but is more like 1/76 scale. Will this still work on my HO scale flat car?
Submit your own question using one of the many ASK A QUESTION links on this page, or add a comment to help out Miles with his question.
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Mixing HO with On30. A Crazy Idea or Maybe Not?
Richo poses and interesting question:
“I am thinking of running HO trains above On30 trains around the wall. Would it detract and look weird? I am thinking of maybe a dog bone design, or possibly a continuous run with a swing gate on each level to get access through the door. Not sure, so would appreciate some feedback?”
Add a comment/suggestion to assist Richo below. Have your own question(s) published by clicking on the ASK A QUESTION link.
Beginner Needs Help With HO Tyco 897 Train Set Transformer
Brian needs advice on his Tyco train set:
“I have just inherited a small HO Train set from a family friend. Just wondering where to go to get info on hooking up transformer and testing engines to see if they work?”
Best Type of Lightweight Ballast Material?
David has this question:
“I am searching for good looking light weight ballast material for size N. I need to source enough for around 60 meters of track which I need to to ballast. I can’t have the weight of stone material is too high, as the whole layout is hanging in wires from the ceiling for elevation. Any experience shall be appreciated.”
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Re-Wiring Ballasted Track
Rudy models HO and asks:
“My system is all DC and my ballast is already in place. I realize only now, that I could use an 18 inch section of my layout where I could temporarily switch power, on and off, and let my 2nd engine rest, while continuing use of the first one. I already have a siding wired for this, but could use another. Is there any way to do this without ripping up my ballasted track ?”
What’s the Correct Track Spacing on Straights and Curves?
Lincoln sent in this question:
“I was wondering what is the correct spacing width between parallel straight tracks (HO), and does this differ from on curves? I presume curve spacing is different depending on the curve radius? I want to run some long freight trains and I am looking at buying some long passenger cars, so I want to have enough space between the tracks. Thanks in advance for publishing my question, and to any rail fans who can help out.”
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