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Recording Data and Inventory of Trains and Accessories
Robin asked:
“I did a few excel spreadsheets when I was employed and thought I should start a record of my growing collection of locos, cars, coupler types etc. I then started to think of all the other things I could record like where I purchased the item, price and date, manufacturer, model number, prototype length in feet, maintenance history, wheels configuration… there’s probably no limit if I wanted to go crazy. My question is this – should I use a spread sheet which I could backup on a cloud or portable hard drive, or should I purchase software that will do the job, if so what software? Also, what data should I record and how should I organize it into groups? A lot to ask I know, but I value feedback from anyone who has already made these decisions on where to start and where to finish. Thanks in advance.”
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DCC Decoder Selection
N scale enthusiast Michael has this question:
“I picked up an Alco 479 PA DCC ready loco – a pair of them with the road name Southern Pacific. I’m having a heck of a time finding the right sound decoder for this loco. I believe Alco is Atlas? The current non DCC board says CDN4 DCC Ready PCB. Guidance please?”
022 Lionel Switches
Gary who models O scale asks:
“You have probably answered this before. I have an 022 Lionel switch that the track arm will not fully move to the left or right. I have checked and serviced it three times. Any suggestions? I hate to just dump it. Thanks.”
Heisler Drive-Line Short
John asks readers:
“I have an HO brass Heisler with a square rod and tube for the driveline. I think it was insulated at one time but I can’t figure out what to use as it must slide freely. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.”
Weighting Wagons to Represent Prototypical Weights. A Good Idea or Not?
Garry asks:
“I’m not sure if I am wasting my time trying to replicate prototype weights of loaded/unloaded wagons. It might be best to weight them based on feel, the curves, turnouts, and engines I operate? I thought I was being clever trying to make things an accurate representation, but I’m finding this has its problems? Someone with experience advise please?”
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Reed detector
Daniel asks:
“Dear all model train guys, I’ve decided to built up my Marklin HO layout by myself. Big challenge! I am trying to understand digital and electronics, would you please give me an explanation about a Reed detector, how it works and how is connected to the CS 3 or K84? Deeply appreciate your suggestions.”
Z Scale Battery Controller
Phil a Z scale enthusiast asks:
“Is there a way to utilize a Rokuhan Z gauge battery train controller (RC03) to power non-Rokuhan accessories such as street lights and scratch built carnival rides, as well as power the train? Rokuhan does not sell the sockets separately that fit into their accessory power terminal (A016) which links to their RC03 controller…. Alternatively, I require a battery controller for a Z scale suitcase layout I am currently constructing. Is there any other battery controller that would do the job (power train and accessories) that anyone is aware of?”
Building a Display Case for Trains
Ed models HO and asks readers:
“I have a shelf to use for display case? What should I make it out of? I have about 10 foot shelf, and I will display a single train on the entire shelf length. It’s an H O Marklin peat train, Peat locomotive and peat wagons.”
Dimensions For Mountains and Hills
Ron models HO and asks:
“I want to add a small hill in the foreground and some mountains for my trains to pass through further back on the layout. I’m more concerned about the mountains because I will need probably two tunnels and am not sure of the correct dimensions to make the mountains so they don’t overly dominate the scene or take up too much space. I don’t have tall superliners, so working on an average height of 2 inches I thought the tunnel clearances should be another inch. I’m just not sure how tall, wide, and deep to make the mountains bearing in mind I’ll have a bridge crossing a canyon between the mountain tunnels as a feature. What would your readers suggest? I know I will need a couple of hatches to get to train derailments.”
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Constructing Super-Realistic Industrial Silos
Buying ready-made plastic scale model industrial silo kitsets can be very expensive before you even consider the cost and work involved in painting and weathering the kits with an airbrush to achieve a realistic representation of the real thing. The easier, and cheaper way is to download plans to make your own silos without having to do the painting or airbrushing. Plastic models when done well can look very impressive, as can models made from downloaded plans. It just comes down to which type you prefer, how skilled you are at weathering and airbrushing, and the extent of your budget. This video shows some silos you could make using downloaded plans.
3 Switches Without Track?
Gary who models O scale asks:
“I have a situation where I need to put three switches in a row, with no track sections in between. Will this arrangement give me a problem? Due to the design of the layout, I need this setup. Appreciate any suggestions or comments.”
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