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!
1960’s – 1970’s Diesel Engine. Which Model and Manufacturer
Club member Daniel has this question for readers:
“I would like some suggestions to help me select my next locomotive to run on my 1960’s – 1970’s DCC HO layout. Any suggestions on the best manufacturer or model? I understand this is a very wide ranging question, so I’ve thought a bit about what I really want:
- Price – maybe $150 to $250USD range.
- Reliable performance needs to be a priority as I would would rather have fewer, better engines that can do the job and won’t cause me headaches.
- Style of diesel is not so important. It just needs to fit the era of my US railroad.
Any ideas please?”
Planning a Super Elevation
Club member Lawrence has this question for readers:
“How much should I super-elevate my curves? My plan is to use 1/32 inch thick basswood for my super-elevation at the outer end of the ties. I calculate that at around 3 scale inches in HO scale. Is that sufficient to make it worthwhile, or is it too much? I’m just not sure.”
Locomotive Cleaning, Lubricating and Maintenance
Club member Cameron asks this question:
“I have a number of steam and diesel HO scale locomotives of varying quality from different manufacturers. I’d really appreciate some hints on cleaning, lubricating and correct maintenance procedures of engines before I stuff things up. Thanks.”
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Scratch Building A Critter… and What is a Critter?
The term “Critter” is one of those not so common model railroading words that confuses many in the hobby.
It is hard to put an exact definition on what a “Critter” is, but generally it could be any self propelled locomotive that runs as a support engine to move other cars around as opposed to being in regular mainline operation. Critters are often reasonably small (3 tons or less) with a small cab, or in some cases no cab at all. Most have a x-4-x wheel arrangement but some in the hobby would argue there are no hard or fast rules on what defines a locomotive as being a “Critter” or not. Some would say a double trucked locomotive of any construction could fit the definition whereas others might disagree. Could a small lightweight piece of MOW equipment that is not considered to be a “locomotive”, but is still capable of pulling cars on a mainline, be a Critter? Would a “Shay” fall under the definition, or would only a small Shay fit the definition? When is a critter, a critter, or not a critter?
Over the years I have heard people define a variety of locomotives as being “Critters” when others might disagree, so it is one of those railroading terms that perhaps we could do without? You might disagree. Anyway, it would be interesting to here what others think, and how you might best define a “Critter.”
That brings me to a question posted by William who asks others:
“Howdy, this is William and I have been busy with trains again. I have this project…an On30 mechanized bugger. Here is a photo of it that I found on-line. The driver sprocket is covered by a plated cover. I have seen this part and want to purchase one and can’t remember where I saw it. Please help with identification: manufacturer, item#…thanks in advance!”
If you would like to answer the question from William, or give your thoughts on what defines a loco as a “Critter”, then used the COMMENTS link to have your say, or to see what others have to say.
Distance Between Rail Height and Lighting Above
Wayne posted this question and is hoping for some help from others in the hobby:
“I am building an HO shelf layout. What is the recommended distance from the top of the rail to the valance above where the lighting source will be located? The shelf will be approx. 28″ wide. I am thinking of bringing the valance out 14″ from the wall? Thanks.”
Tamper Track Machine Question
Sam posted this question for readers:
“I recently purchased an n gauge tamping machine Hobbytrain. Does anybody know how to fit a DCC chip into it?”
If you have a question you would like considered for publication, please use the ASK A QUESTION link below any posting.
Mixing India Ink With Isopropyl Alcohol For Weathering
Koot posted this question:
“The India ink I use for a wash with 
Isopropyl alcohol separates and black sediment settles at the bottom of the container. On the label it says that the ink can be diluted with distilled water. Why the separation?”
Add your COMMENTS below or post your own question using the ASK A QUESTION link.
You Can Make the LONGEST Background Building in the World with these Plans for just a few $$!
Download the plans just once and you can print out several copies to make a VERY LONG scale model backdrop building in OO gauge, HO, or N scale. Just extend the backdrop building as far as you want. You can even join the red brick building to the gray brick building (both are the same size) to are variation. Easy to follow construction diagrams included.
http://www.modelbuildings.org/Pack-K-Industries-Backdrop-Structures.html
Problems Setting DCC Address For Locomotive
Roy has this question for readers:
“I have an HO steam loco with sound and am having a problem setting a long address. I use NCE Power Cab. I reset the address from 3 to a long address of 5063 and it runs well on that address. I turn the layout off but next time I run the loco in question the address has reverted to 3. I have tried to change it several times on the main but after turning the system off it still reverts to 3. Any suggestions to solve this annoying problem? Thanks in advance.”
How to Make a Sandy Desert Scene
Dennis from Brisbane in Australia sent in this question for readers:
“I am planning my layout around an Australian theme and thought I would include a Aussie desert scene. Has anyone any ideas for making realistic looking reddish sandy scenery like in the Australian outback. Could I use real sand? If you have any thoughts then please tell me the answer. Ta.”
If you would like to have your question on this blog (10,000 readers weekly), use the ‘Ask A Question’ link below each posting.
Trains Stopping Intermittently With Peco Switches
Club member Marcus J models N scale and poses this question for readers:
“My Peco switches is causing me problems with trains stopping at times when they seem to short out. I fix it by slightly moving the throwbar on the switch to get the train running. It happens intermittently, so it’s not a constant problem but annoying enough to know I need the problem solved permanently. I’m sure someone out there will know what to do. Thanks in advance.”
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What’s The Best Couplers For Superliner, AMFLEET and Viewliner Cars?
Buford models HO and posted this question:
“I need to replace all my couplers on my Walthers Superliner and AMFLEET and Viewliner cars. Can someone please recommend the best couplers for these types?”
Train Slows and Stalls
“I have a problem with a slow section of track. I have a very powerful transformer, but about a 6 inch section of track the train slows or stalls. I have checked the track, put on an extra transformer, no help. I tried running power to that section of track, but no change. I put the transformer on the curve, still no change. I am at my wits end. Please help if you can. Thanks, Jim”
Changing Couplers
Here is a question from Ron who is new to HO trains:
“I’m totally brand new to HO modeling … after sorting about 6 locomotives and about 40 misc cars (that I bought at a garage sale), I realized several need wheels and/or couplers … I see that all couplers are not the same … do you advise changing all of them so they are compatible … also how do you change the dang things! (I’ve tried) … thank you”
Question About 16V AC or DC Power Supply
George who is new to model railroading has this question:
“I am very new to the model train world and I’m hoping you can help me out. I recently purchased the HO Bachmann Echo Valley Express with Digital Sound (HO Scale). I now purchased 22 radius track to add a second oval. I also purchased a left and right #6 Remote Crossover Turnout. There is a note on the instructions for it that says: All analog turnouts (non-DCC) require 16V AC or DC accessory power supply for operation. Where do I buy this additional power source? Do I need more than one? And how do I set them all up? Any help would be very appreciative. Thanks!”
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