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 Stop Wheel Flanges Catching
Raymond has OO gauge trains and has this question:
“With some of my older loco’s I have problems with the wheel flanges catching on the sleeper chairs. As some of the wheels are impossible to change, is there any safe way I can reduce the diameter of the wheel flanges without too much trouble?”
There is a link below every posting to have your comments or answer published. There is another link below each posting where you can submit your questions to the Blog Moderator.
Do You Need Independent Bus Wires, and Boosters for DCC Wiring?
Ray with HOn3 asks:
“I have wired my new layout based on lots of advice I could find. I have one track that is 12mm gauge and a separate track on same layout that is 16mm gauge. So far neither loco will run. Should I somehow run 2 independent bus wires? Should I get a booster? I am trying to use a basic NCE unit. Hopeful.”
Skytop Observation Car
Tony models HO and posts this question:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase an HO Skytop observation car? It can be new, used, prefer unpainted (need yellow/grey scheme) or any other condition. I let mine out to get painted, now it’s mysteriously vanished…I am devastated. Thanks in advance.”
Hopefully someone can suggest a supplier for Tony. This blog does not do buy/sell/swap so personal contact details are never published.
Shay Logging Engine
Toni asks:
“Where can I buy an HO scale shay logging engine for my museum layout? They don’t seem to be available anymore in HO. Saw some extremely bashed on e-bay for over $500. Wonder if they even run. Any ideas? I do have a little grant money. Thanks.”
Hopefully someone can suggest a supplier for Toni. This blog does not do buy/sell/swap so personal contact details are never published.
Loco Only Operates for a Short Time
This question from Dwayne:
“I only have one loco and it will only work for a short period of time. I am 17 and really new to the hobby, so have a lot to learn.”
The ASK A QUESTION link is under every post if you have a question you would like considered for publication.
Using Hard or Soft Pastels for Weathering
Gordon asks readers:
“I looking at buying some pastels for weathering and I saw some advertised as soft acrylic pastics, some are described as hard pastels and some say chalk. I’m just not sure which is best for weathering plastic, wood, and card buildings and the track. I’ve also heard that people apply Dullcoat first so the pastels have some to grip to. Is that right, or would a simple paint base coat do the same?”
If you have a question you would like published, then please use one of the links below each posting to view the guidelines. Then submit your carefully worded question to the Blog Moderator for consideration.
Turnout Switching Compatibility
Ed who models N scale asks readers this question:
“I know I can connect my Atlas code 80 track to my Kato Unitrack. I’m running my mainline with Kato and going to Atlas for an inner loop and yard. My question is in regards to turnouts. If I have a Kato turnout connected to an Atlas turnout, Can I somehow connect both to a single Kato (or Atlas) switch so that a single switch will control both turnouts?”
Planning Super Elevated Curves
Ross M sent in this question for readers:
“I am planning an HO layout with super elevated curves of 28 inches to 30 inches in radius I think. My question is how much higher would the outer rail be than the inner rail?”
If you would like to have your question on this blog (10,000 readers weekly), use the ‘Ask A Question’ link below each posting.
Quartering a Locomotive – What is it?
Jim C posted this question:
“I overheard someone at the train show taking about “quartering the wheels of a locomotive”, but didn’t get the chance to find out what he meant. I’m just curious on what quartering is, how is it done, and if its worthwhile? From what I overheard, I gather it has something to do stopping a loco from swaying back and forth, but I’m not sure?”
Add your comments below.
How to Model a Decorative Fountain for My Layout
Fiber light
Pam sent in this question for readers:
“Our new HO layout will have a small park with seating, ornamental trees and shrubs, and a flower garden. I’m in charge of the scenery, and Bill my hubby, is the boss of all the tricky electrical stuff. Just as well because I have no idea on anything technical. Anyway, I thought it might be nice to add a feature water fountain (not real water) in the middle of a small pond in the park. Has anyone made a decorative fountain that looks like it’s spouting water? I remember those fiber lights that were popular a few years back and wondered it they might work? I was also wondering what to use for the concrete fountain itself? Any ideas please.”
Switch Wiring Problems
John model O scale and asks readers:
“My problem is that SW2 switches as if it didn’t have external power, and it does, as the train passes over. If I remove the connecting track to the switch from the saw mill loop there is no problem. That solution doesn’t allow a return from the spur to the main line. What am I doing wrong?”
John, you can attach a schematic if you think it helps. Just add a comment under your post and attach the schematic there.
Fixing Turnout Switch Failures
Ed who models HO scale asks readers:
“I am having problems with the switches pressed to actuate a turnout. I’m finding them staying stuck in the depressed condition causing the turnout motor to melt. Does anyone else see this problem. Its happened to me enough times to get expensive.”
Can I Join Two Track Brands Together?
Kevin asks readers this:
“Gday. I’ve saved 2 HO scale starter sets to my eBay but are made by different makers. Will, or can I, join the two track brands together? That is if I keep buying different starter sets can I add them to make a bigger layout or should I stick to one manufacturer? All will be HO scale . Thanks“
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