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Can I Operate Locomotives Purchased in the USA on European Track?
Paul has this question for readers:
“I’m looking to purchase N scale locomotives on ebay in the United States. Can these be operated on European track? If not, what needs to be done to make them run on European track?”
Tricks to Maximizing Layout Space for More Trains and Scenery
Plans for background buildings – Click Here
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Peco 3-Way Electro Frog Turnout (SL-E99) with a PL-10E Turnout Motor
Lou models in HO and asks readers:
“I just installed a Peco 3-way electro frog turnout (SL-E99) with a PL-10E turn out motor. The motor is fitted directly to the turnout and dropped into the base table through a 40mm x24mm hole. Before installing the motors to the SL-E99, I wired the motors and tested them before attaching them to the track. All worked well.
When I attached the PL_10E’s to the SL-E99 the motors would bind. One in “right” direction when I activated the switch and the other in the “left” direction when I activated the switch. If I gave the motor a little help when I activated the switch it moved the point rails in the proper direction. No problem going in the other direction, and without any help other than the switch motor.”
House and Garage Plans To Download
Plans for 8 Houses & 4 Garages – Click Here
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Starting a Layout with 3 Modules
Steve is planning to build that is divided into three modules and would like some words of wisdom from those in the know:
“At long last, I am going to start an HO layout(s). When I was young, my dad wanted to have a layout – he bought a lot of components, but we never got around to it. My kids are grown and grandkids are coming, so I want to do a layout for them. I would like to do the layout in 3 components so that when the time comes, each of the kids can have a layout. The question(s) are how do I start and do you have any suggestions for 1 large layout that can be set up to be split. I have an area about 12×15 for the layout(s).”
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Altering Train Layout Configuration
Patricia has an N scale layout and asks:
“I have my dad’s train set which I have had since before his death in 2002. It is on a 3’x8’piece of plywood with mountains and buildings. The central part of the display is a mining town and this takes most of the display. On one end is a very small New England town and the other end has a more modern residential area. The mountains are along the rear 8′ length. My dad was very creative and he made the mountains. The two residential area are slightly elevated over the mining area and have a Styrofoam base. Because of the space the train occupies, I have been trying to think of a way to make the display take less space, possibly by moving the two cities upward to a higher level, but this would entail redesigning the track. I have never actually worked on a model train set and I have no idea how to proceed. Also, there may be a time in the future when the train has to be moved again and I would like for it to be somewhat more portable. We had to rent a U-Haul to move it to my house. Any ideas”
Reverse Loop Switching
Don models N scale and asks:
“Some time ago I saw a circuit which used a double break in each rail, the small isolated piece of rail would then go live when a metal wheel hit it, which would trigger a latching relay to set the correct polarity on the loop track. It proved almost impossible to cut and solder to that tiny bit of track. Any ideas or do most people use infra-red train sensing? Any other thoughts? Thanks.”
How to Install Guard or Check Rails
Andy models HO and asks readers:
“Guard or check rails are parallel rails on the inside of the wheel carrying rails; they help prevent derailments, especially on bridges and in tunnels. I seldom see them used on model railroads. Has anyone found an easy way to install them? In particular, I’m looking for a way to add them to Marklin C track.”
Is it a Problem with my NCE Powercab or is it a Problem with the Loco Decoder?
Bryant asks readers this question:
“Hi and Thank you in advance. I am using NCE Powercab and attempting to change the volume in my Walthers Proto loco. I am successful at lowering the volume but at the same time changing the volume also changes how my cab works e.g.(the bell button turns on and off the headlights). Would that be a problem with the decoder or would it be a problem in the Powercab? Thank you for any help.”
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Designing an Oval Helix
Chip is hoping a reader might be able to supply some advice:
“I plan on building a helix for my HO layout. However, instead of building it circular, I am going to build it in an oval. Has anyone got a formula or a plan that would help me plan out what I need to do?”
Scene Master Knuckle Couplers
This blog doesn’t do buy/sell/swap, but someone might know of a supplier or store where this reader can purchase some Scene Master knuckle couplers – “Where can I get Scene master knuckle couplers. They seem to be non-existent.”
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1960’s Train Tracks
Johnny models HO and asks this interesting question:
“Back in the early 1960s I had some track for my HO scale train that consisted of a wooden bed that had sections (app. 3 ft. long) and rails that were one piece (app. 4 ft. long) that you used miniature spikes to install the rails to the bed. I don’t see this being used anymore. Am I remembering something that is of my imagination or has anyone else ever seen this type of track?”
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Can I Run a DCC Engine on DC?
Henry models N Scale and asks readers:
“I just purchased a DCC switcher for my small Switching layout. My layout is DC. When I try to run the engine it is either to fast or stopped. The engine is a Backmann Spectrum with DCC and DC operation. The engine will not move on DC until I have almost full throttle. Is their any way to lower the starting voltage in DC operation so that I can use it as a switcher for a john Allen Timetable game?”
Buying Experience on E-Bay Model Railroad Products
I’m now retired and have been researching everything needed to build an HO layout in a 12 x 9 space. I’m new to this E-Bay thingy.
1] What to look for when shopping for diesel Locos on E-Bay?
2] Any reputable E-Bay store recommendations that anyone can share w/me & others.
I live in Philly, and am not sure whether I have necessary skills to build a complete layout from start to finish, so need recommendations for reputable layout designer/builders on the east coast.
I have many more questions and appreciate any advice given.
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