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!
Problems With #4 Switches
Ron asked:
“I use Kato N-Scale Unitrack and like it. I’m just not sure about Kato’s #4 Switches, because I have been having some problems. The back end of the switch is confusing and I’ve got several power sections otherwise the engine will stop.”
You can submit a question for publication, but make it as clear as you can so that others can easily understand your question and hopefully provide you with a better answer. There are many ASK A QUESTION links for you on this blog.
Just Released – Download Plans For 3 City Buildings
Just released are downloadable PDF backdrop plans to construct a cinema, department store, and two shops with apartments above. These plans are available to download in HO/OO and N scale. Exclusive to https://www.modelbuildings.org
How to Stop Decals Peeling Off
Online Model Train Club Member Allan posted this question:
“I have an old reefer that looks very authentic even with the decals flaking off. Trouble is when I touch the decals bits flake off so I fear being so brittle they will disappear completely. I applied several coats of Dulcote but the problem persists. I did a google search and couldn’t find replacement decals that I liked. Has anyone else had this problem and how did they solve it? I am not against fading or peeling decals and signages because it adds to the authenticity, but I am going to lose these decals forever if I don’t do something to keep them in place. Any ideas?”
Share your thoughts with the COMMENTS link underneath this posting.
New Website Has 12 House Plans To Download
EXCITING NEWS!
The https://www.modelbuildings.org website has just had a major upgrade to make it easier to find your way around the huge range of downloadable OO/HO and N scale photo realistic plans.
PLUS NEW DESIGNS & MORE ON THE WAY!
17 new designs have just been added with more on the way in coming weeks and months. You can now click on the various links on the HOME PAGE to check out the special buy bundle deals and individual plans in a range of categories including: Residential, Industries, Towns / Cities / Shops, Railroad Structures, Farm Buildings, Shipping Containers, Wild West / Mining, Wall / Tunnels / Bridges and more.
Here are 12 new house plans that have just been added to the range.
How’s This for a Huge Roundhouse?
You don’t often see a photo of the rear of a large roundhouse. Reg sent in this photo he shot at the Guilherand Granges Model Train Show in France. You would certainly need a lot of space to accommodate such a structure. Very impressive!
Using LED Loco Headlights
Ron posted this suggestion:
“Just to let everyone else know I used LED lights to upgrade diesel engine headlights. They are brilliantly bright white on my diesel engines. If you haven’t tried LED’s I recommend you give them a go. They even light up details on my structures and scenery when the room lights are switched off or dimmed. Just so you know they’re miles better than regular lights, and heaps more realistic. Well that’s my opinion anyway.”
Mixing HO Code 100 Brass and Nickel Silver Track
Terry’s question for fellow model railroaders is:
“I have been a keen observer of model train exhibits for many years and have finally decided to give it a go. I was given some brass track and wondered if I could mix brass track with nickel silver track? Thanks.”
Include your comments below.
Walthers Cornerstone Motorized 130′ Turntable Not Working
Wayne would like help with this problem:
“I have a fault issue, when I try to turn my non DCC 130ft Walthers turntable, it only moves about an inch then stops. I can then move it about an inch in the opposite direction. This happens when the turntable is placed on the pit in any position. It doesn’t appear to be jamming and I have cleaned the terminals. There doesn’t appear to be any broken wires. The turntable worked okay the previous day. Can you please help me? Regards Wayne”
Comment below.
Tell Us What Buildings You Would Like Added To The ModelBuildings.org Website
There are already more than 160 downloadable scale model plans available on the www.modelbuildings.org website, and soon another 10 new plans will be added. The question is; what plans would you like to see that are not currently available on the site? Add your suggestions in the comments section below and add a photo if want to.
Above are some the plans currently available. What else would you like to see on the site? Add your suggestion below. Include a photo if you have one.
Why Do My Loco Wheels Get Dirty So Quickly?
Aaron posted this question:
“I run two Atlas GP38s that can operate on DC or DCC according to the jumper setting. I have no problems with the engines but the wheels get dirty quick after about 5 minutes of running so they then start to run erratically. I share the track with others but haven’t heard of similar problems with their locos. When I clean the wheels I use a disposable tissue and mineral spirits. Feedback appreciated.”
Submit your suggestions on keeping Atlas wheels clean by pressing the COMMENTS link.
Maintaining Track for Smooth Trouble-Free Operations
Russell asks readers:
“My trains (HO) run pretty good but wobble a bit in places. They don’t stall much. I have rubbed the track gently with very fine grade sand paper and I think this has helped. A mate of mine here in Australia said I would be better off using rubbing alcohol. Now I don’t know what to do? Should I try both, or just stick with what seems to work already?”
Submit your question for publication below.
Trains Grind to a Halt a Few Days after Completing Track Work
Daniel is desperate for suggestions:
“Last week I was proud of myself for the job I did unaided on my track work. My layout is HO and I’m using Digitrax Zepher by the way. I wired everything myself (I thought I was really clever!!), and ran a couple of locos on the different routes and tested different turnout combinations. I powered things down and went to visit my daughter for the weekend.
Yesterday I powered everything up again and NOTHING! I thought maybe a short when the track status blinked. I then searched for a stray track nail and double checked each connection, but couldn’t see any issues. I just don’t understand how everything was working perfectly one day and not working a few days later?
I disconnected and reconnected the track wires from different sections, but I still have the same problem. I just can’t understand why it worked then it didn’t. I’m almost tempted to go visit my daughter again for the weekend and try powering up again next week. Maybe it will magically work again? Help please?”
Reserve Loop Wiring Advice
Ron Bailey sent in this question:
“I am working on my OO gauge layout in my garage and will have a reverse loop. I have been told about the Digitrax AR1 automatic loop. I am wondering how to wire things as there are a couple of dead end sidings in the loop? A portion of the loop is the main line so I was curious how the reverse loop would operate with these sidings?”
Drawing credit: digitrax.com
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