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!
Correct Power For Lights & Accessories
Kirk asks:
“I am just beginning to build a small [3′ x 7′] HO layout and I plan on having quite a few lights and accessories that will require a power source. What would be the best power source, and what voltage/ amperage would be required? I know that I may need to use resistors also. Thank you much for any suggestions you can lend.”
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Temperature For Soldering Feeder Wires?
Brian models HO and has this question:
“I always used a large Weller soldering gun. My birthday present was a soldering station with a variable temperature iron. The question is what temperature should I be using for soldering feeder wires to HO code 83 nickel silver track?”
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N Scale Bachmann
Roberto wants to model N scale and asks readers:
“I want to start laying a small track within a space of 24″x48″ I bought Bachmann tracks and wish to form a layout using these tracks. Someone could help me providing with some layout plans showing the tracks identification please?”
Turnout Confusion
George a newcomer to N scale poses these questions:
“I have a simple oval layout with two turnouts, both Kato #6 ( 1 ea. Left (R718-15^) and 1ea. Right (R718-15^)). The turnouts provide switching to an inside partial oval that parallels portions of straight sections in the middle of the oval, and the arcing section of the oval at only one end.
The problem I have is this:
1) If I throw both turnouts from the straight to switched position in preparation of my train accessing in the ‘inside’ leg, there is no power on my mainline and the train comes to a stop.
2) If I throw the first turnout (the #6 Left) to the switched position by itself to get the train onto the inside leg, I then have to throw it back to the straight position while simultaneously throwing the second turnout (the #6 Right) from the straight position to the switched position to get the train back onto the mainline.
3) There is no way to set the two switches so the train runs continually from the mainline to the inside leg without manipulating these turnouts as I’ve described.
I just started in this hobby a couple of weeks ago, so my ignorance is profound! But you see, I have a grandson ‘on the spectrum’ who is fascinated by trains and who I hoped would enjoy running trains with me, but this switching scheme is a frustration to him when he attempts to run the train.
Is there a remedy?”
Unsure of Train Scale and Model
Umbra asks readers:
“So my grandpa passed away a few years ago and one of the many items I received from his collection was a model train. It had 3 pieces of track, 1 Santa Fe locomotive, 1 Santa Fe Shipping car and 1 Union Pacific Coal car both cars being an almost brownish red. Up until now I’d been using them as display pieces but I’ve gotten more into model trains and would like to get them running. Only problem is I don’t know the scale or name of the train. He’d probably own it for years before I got it so there’s no box or instructions for me to check. At first I thought it was a Santa Fe F7 Warbonnet but the fans atop the train are bunched up at the rear of the train and not alligned in the middle, I’m almost 100% sure it’s O scale but I could be wrong. If someone could help me figure out what the train’s called it would help me a lot.”
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Derailment at Point on Curve
Richo who models HO would like suggestions:
“My loco has a habit of coming of the track at a point on the beginning of a curve. It doesn’t derail anywhere else. I ran my eye over the track and it looks okay. What else should I try please?”
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Using Automatic Transmission Fluid on Trains and Track?
Kerry shares this question and is hoping for answers:
“A friend swears by using automatic transmission fluid on his tracks to reduce the need to clean his rails and for better conductivity. He runs long trains and says there is no loss in traction. He only uses a thin coating of ATF. I am still a bit hesitant to use it because I know ATF can dissolve paint. If it gets on my locos or rolling stock, even from fingerprints, I still think it could damage the paintwork. He doesn’t use it to lube his gears, but he does know someone who uses plastic compatible ATF for that purpose. I would be concerned of the effects if a loco sat around unused for long periods. Am I worrying about nothing?”
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Comment on Kerry’s question (and view the comments) by using the “Comments” Link
TUTORIAL – Making Scale Model Shipping Containers For A Model Railroad
Making scale model shipping containers that actually look like mini versions of real-world giant 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft sea containers has never been easier. These 40 designs are exceptionally realistic (complete with rust from sea spray) and some even have refrigeration motors depicted on the ends. The best thing is; they don’t look like graphic color drawings. The photographic style imaging means these models actually look like real sea containers. These scale model shipping containers are perfect for positioning on flat cars, trucks, near industries, ports, and rail yards on OO gauge, N scale, and HO scale model railroads.
Which Sound Decoders Are Best?
Richard S who models HO wants to hear opinions on decoder types:
“I notice that sound decoders seem at least triple the cost of non sound. Are they worth it, and which are the best to buy?”
Use the comments link to submit your comment, suggestion, or opinion to assist Richard.
Are Track Screws Better Than Nails and/or Glue?
Kris would like to know what others think:
“In another week or so I will be ready to fix down my HO track. I saw several bulk packs of track screws for ho, n, z scale on Amazon and eBay. Prices varied, but around $15 seems average for 1000. Before I buy screws, nails or glue I thought I would see what others who have used screws or nails have to say. I suspect that screws, although very tiny, could be easier to remove than nails and glue? I could be wrong. What do others recommend?”
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NEW DESIGNS! How To Make Realistic Model Houses
New house designs add to the already wide range of downloadable plans.
Will Changing My Track Code Reduce Problems?
Mal asks readers:
“I have code 83 and use transition joiners to match code 100 turnouts. I have a couple of older trains which seem more problematic than my newer ones. The problems happen mainly on the code 83. Is this a common problem? Should I replace the code 83?”
Make Semi-Detached Model House For Your HO, OO, or N Scale Railroad or Diorama Display
There are several new house designs recently added to the range including plans for making semi-detached houses.
Transformer Cord Residue
Kim has this question for readers:
“When I unpacked my O gauge Pennsylvania Flyer Train Set for under my Christmas tree this year, I noticed on my transformer cord that there is some kind of white paper like sticky substance, here and there on the cord. Is it safe to use? I have been trying to peel it off with my fingernail and wondered how, where and why this has happened. I am very careful with my set and I don’t remember this on the cord when I boxed it up last year. Thank you.”
MTH Tripplex with Dropped Front Driveshaft
Dene asks:
“My 2 MTH Tripplex’s both have dropped the front driveshaft, so front drivers don’t turn round anymore. Does Anyone know how to dismantle the boiler to get into the front driveshaft please? Has anyone else had this problem? Any help would be greatly appreciated thanks.”
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