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Locomotive Operational Problems
Frank has HO and asks readers:
“I purchased a used loco that moves reluctantly: on powering the lights go on, it makes realistic idling sounds and then cuts off. It had moved slowly previously. What may be the problem here? Thank you.”
If you have a question you would like to have considered for publication (10,000 readers weekly), then submit it using one of the “ASK A QUESTION” links on this blog.
Helix Construction
Reader Bob models S scale and asks:
“I have an open helix to a shelf at the moment. I would like to cover the core of the helix and make it look like the train is climbing a mountain. The helix has a flat circular top to finish off too. What would be a couple of methods to accomplish this?”
Building a Scale Model Dam and Power House
David is hoping someone can help with this:
“I am working on building a 1970’s HO Badger paper mill on the Peshtigo river. This particular project includes a dam, gate control house and a hydroelectric plant besides the papermill. I am looking for a source of plans with measurements for a dam. Can be any scale, All my photos have zero info regarding the measurements. From what I can determine from the state’s highway department that the bridge crossing the river a little-ways away is 500 feet long. There are no pictures, that I can locate, of the dam itself. There are snippets of the gate house and powerhouse, but none of the actual dam with the gates or mechanisms. Reference sites would be helpful.”
Problems Lionel Fast Track on Christmas Layout
Wes sent in this question for readers:
“I’m having an issue with my Christmas lay out. My O gauge Lionel fast tack loses power in one spot. I did a voltage drop test but there is conductance. I have 2 power wires hooked to a MTH Z1000. It will only run at half throttle or higher. But if you have fast track you know how loud that can be. I think I may add 7 more power wires to help with this. I tried the bending the prongs and that did nothing. It’s only 7×7 layout. Besides the additional power wires and maybe taking the track off and insulting the track. Any other ideas?”
Fixing a Digitrax Problem
Billy asks readers:
“I just replaced my Bachmann EZ command system with a radio equipped 8amp system from Digitrax. My many HO engines ran fine on the ez command system, but I couldn’t run many at a time. I bought the Digitrax system so I could. But the only engine I can get to run properly is my sound equipped Proto 2000 SD-40-2. All others either don’t run or run erratically and a lot of functions don’t work. Anyone ran into this before? I am new to Digitrax and would like any ideas.”
Make Your Own Scale Model Old Wild West Town or Mining Town
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Running Locos on Bluetooth
Paul has HO and posts this question”
“A few years ago, I saw a video of a beginners HO set with a Bluetooth loco that could be controlled by any phone or tablet. It ran on standard DC rails and they said it could do anything DCC can do. The video said you could run several different locos from the same “controller.” I called my local hobby shop and they never heard of it. Has anyone else heard of, or used something like this?”
MTH Real Track 0 54 Isssues
Alan has O gauge and posts this question to readers:
“Have been setting up two tracks under the tree for 18 years, outer loop 072 curves for premier engines and o54 with switches for inner loop. For the life of me, cannot get the O54 loop to match up with even numbers of curves and straights. Feel retarded.”
Helpful Tools for Planning Your Perfect Layout
One of the keys to success in creating your perfect layout – the one you always dreamed of owning, is knowing exactly what you want… or more importantly, what aspects of the hobby give you the most pleasure.
Is it building magnificently realistic scenery, planning and laying track, or managing realistic train operations? Given the choice; would you prefer more yard switching, or mainline operations? There is no right or wrong answer – we all look for different things.
For most layouts you can’t really treat each of the above in isolation. To a certain extent they interrelate, and the emphasis you place on one aspect of your layout will potentially affect what happens to another aspect of your layout.
It is a case of knowing what YOU want, and what YOU enjoy most, and then deciding the “Relative Emphasis” you’ll place on each aspect of your railroad. After all most of us have limited space available, so prioritizing each aspect of the layout is a necessary part of the hobby.
For example; if you like a lot of track work, then you might need to limit the space allocated to scenic features like rolling farmland, or maybe a harbor scene, or mountain range.
Here’s where these two sliding cursor drawings will come in handy to help define and clarify your ideas.
How to Use These Charts to Create a Better Layout
Lo
oking at the first drawing (the blue one), imagine you could move the cursor to the left or right. Moving the cursor to the left would place more emphasis on having more scenic realism on your layout; and moving the cursor to the right towards the track / operation end will potentially be at the detriment of scenic realism. On your perfect layout, where would you place the imaginary cursor – at number 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or maybe at number 10?
Similarly, on the orange drawing, imagine you could move the cursor to the left meaning your ideal layout would include more switching operations; or you could move the cursor to the right indicating you would prefer more mainline running. The imaginary sliding cursor won’t actually move, but it will help you get your operating balance right.
This is a great exercise to help clarify the mind, and decide which direction you want your layout to take.
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When To Use Magnetic Couplers?
HO fan Andy asks for comments:
“I am installing eastbound and westbound track for building trains in my yard. I intend too have magnetic uncouplers at each end of the two tracks. Should I do so and should I have an uncoupler in the middle of the track for the convenience of those building a train?”
Will a Loco with Digital Installed Run on Regular Analog DC Track?
NRC asks readers:
“Will a loco with digital installed run on regular analog DC track?”
Add your answer using the COMMENTS link below.
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