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!
How To Prevent Dull Solder
Erin D asks readers:
“I am new to soldering and wondered why my solder finish is kinda dull and even a bit grainy in appearance. Is that how it should be or am I doing something wrong?”
Send in your question to our volunteer Blog Moderator and have it published on this Blog. The link is directly below.
Adding Weight To Tank and Passenger Cars
Online Model Train Club Member Larry has this question:
“I saw somewhere something a while ago about the weight of HO cars and I can’t remember if they said they need extra weight added? That’s okay for flat cars or box cars because you can add a load and disguise the weights. I wondered how to weigh down a tank or passenger car? How much weight would I need to add?”
To submit a question for publication, simply use the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link under any of the posts.
Members Heartbroken By Loss Of Their Life’s Work on Club Layout Destroyed By Senseless Vandalism
Bill Sowerby, exhibition manager of the Market Deeping Model Railway Club in the UK is seen here clutching one of the damaged structures.
Four teenage boys have been arrested, and bailed, following the vandalism at the Market Deeping Model Railway Club. Well-wishers and fellow model train enthusiasts have already donated over £80,000 in just two days. Sir Rod Stewart who said he “feels the club’s pain” donated £10,000. Fellow model train enthusiast Pete Waterman who also generously donated said members’ had “lost their life’s work” and that they would be “heartbroken” by damage.
Read the full story at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7052557/Police-arrest-four-teenage-boys-model-railway-wrecking-spree.html
Rod Stewart donates £10k to model railway enthusiasts after shock vandal attack
Well done Rod Stewart.
Rod Stewart donates £10k to model railway enthusiasts after shock vandal attack
Switch Wiring Question
Ren T models in N scale and asks:
“Can I wire a red & green LED signal status light to DC Bachmann turnout control switch? I want a green light for mainline direction and and a red light when the switch is not in position to direct trains off the mainline?”
Send in your question for publication. There is a link below.
View the comments, or add a comment to Ren’switch wiring question. There is a link for that below too.
Should I use Code 75 or Code 100 Rails?
Should I use Code 75 or Code 100 Rails
Jacob from Ispwich in the UK wants to know:
“I am planning for OO gauge which I read is like HO overseas and want to know if I should go for code 100 or perhaps code 75 rails? Not sure?”
Submit your question to the Blog Moderator for publication by using one of the ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
Correct Flange Distance?
Online Model Train Club member Roger S asks readers:
“What would be the right distance between truck flanges in N scale?”
Submit your answer, or view the answers to Rogers question on flange distances by clicking the COMMENTS link underneath.
Submit your own question to the Blog Moderator for publication by using one of the many ASK A QUESTION links.
Adding A Residential Street Scene To Your Layout
The modelbuildings.org site has a range of plans for making a residential street scene including 3D UK and USA style houses as well as a range of space saving scale model houses in low relief for positioning against your backdrop.
The feedback on these 8 scale model houses has been excellent with many readers telling their friends about them. The designer of these 8 plans certainly spent considerable time perfecting the accurate and intricate details… and it shows.
The 8 scale model house plans are available now for 70% off the individual listed price.
Verandas and posts can easily be made using balsa wood and then be painted. You can print out extra windows and doors and glue then behind cut out doors and windows to give an added 3D effect, or you can cut out 3 sides of a door or window and leave it slightly open… again adding to the 3D realism. Ground cover is obviously not included, but most in the hobby will want to do this themselves anyway.
LED Electronic Resistors
LED Electronic Resistors
Andy G asks this:
“I have a few 3 volt street lights (LED) that came with separate resistors. Does anyone know how to wire resistors to lights? Thanks in advance.”
Send in your question by clicking on the ASK A QUESTION tag below.
Isolating Heisler Drive Line
John has thus question:
“I have an HO brass Heisler and need to isolate the drive line. It consists of a square brass tube and a square rod smaller than the inside of the tube. I can’t seem to find anything to allow the slide and keep it insulated. Any suggestions please?”
Removing Shells From Engine For Repairing Inside
Micky sent in this query:
“Is there an easy way or are there any clever tricks for removing engine shells. I want to do some repairs on two locomotives? The shells are only plastic and I want to avoid any damage.”
Submit your question for publication to the Blog Moderator by using any one of the many ASK A QUESTION links on this blog.
To comment on Micky’s question about removing engine shells, simply click the COMMENTS link below.
Chassis for Shell
John has this question:
“I have just purchased a nicely detailed new (old stock) HO Athearn GP7 GP9 shell. I would like to pair it with a powered dual flywheel chassis. Does anyone have advice on a brand and model that will work? I have not received it yet so I don’t know the dimensions. Thanks.”
Fitting HP0587 Undercarriage to Engine Chassis
Ranjay models HO scale and asks:
“Hi, I purchased HP0587 from aliexpress. Now, clueless how to fix it to engine chassis as the undercarriage does not have any screw/nut or slot to do this. Plese help me on this if someone has got any ideas/experience”
Add your comments below.
Will all HO tracks connect to each other?
Kevin is a beginner to the hobby and is looking for some guidance on mixing HO scale track brands:
“I have seen tracks under different names/sellers/makers, but do all tracks connect with each other?”
If you want to assist Kevin with his HO track connection question, just add your comment using the COMMENTS link below. The Blog Moderator approves most answers within a few hours depending on the time zones around the world.
Curved Track Rails Not Connecting
Online Model Train Club Member Warren submitted this question for blog readers on connecting curved track:
“Derailments are my worst nightmare so am concerned with two curved HO sections of track that don’t want to connect neatly. Would like views on how to improve the join on the two curved pieces please?”
Send in your question to the Blog Moderator to have it published on this Blog. The link is below.
Also, you can read the answers, or post an answer to Warren’s curved track question by using the COMMENTS link below.
Tools for Track Laying
Bobby has only started in the hobby and sent in his first question about laying track hoping for feedback from experienced pros:
“Hi, I’m not flush with cash and thinking ahead I know I’ll need to buy/borrow tools to put down my first sections of track. What will I need to do this?
Click on the COMMENTS tag below this posting to view the track laying comments, or to add a comment or answer to help Bobby.
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers
Model Train Help Ebook
