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!
Digitrax System Problems with Power from Command Station / Booster
Aaron would like to hear from anyone who can assist with his question:
“I have issues getting power out of my command station/booster, to my breaker panel and to the HO track. Everything is hooked up correct from my power source to my booster, but nothing out in rail A and rail B to the track. What am I missing? Is there something I should know more about?”
Add your COMMENT below this posting.
How To Post Your Question – Free Service for Readers
Although a lot of readers know how easy it is to post a question on the Blog, many have never used this free service. Hopefully this short video will show how simple the process is; and also how to post and view COMMENTS; and even add a photo.
Unlike other forums this blog is moderated to eliminate abuse and annoying spam postings. I want to maintain a high quality, so ask readers to carefully think through their questions and spell check them before sending them to the Blog Moderator for approval and publication.
Poorly worded questions that have lots of errors, or lack detail, are unlikely to get published. I know this sounds a bit strict, but having this policy is one of the reasons for the Blog’s success (with 10,000 readers weekly). The quality of answers sent in by readers is generally very high, especially when the question is well worded with ample details to explain the problem. Keep up the good work!
Please share this posting with your friends on Facebook, by email etc. They might like to use this free service to assist them in the hobby.
Extension Plates for DCC System
HO enthusiast David asks readers:
“I have MRC DCC system and I want to put 2 extension plates in. My question is can I use telephone internet plates?”
A Train That Weighs The Same As 27,000 Elephants?
Here’s some interesting and strange facts worth sharing –
Ballast for O Gauge
Reader Rob T wants to hear your thoughts on ballasting:
“I am building a O gauge layout and ready to put down ballast. Is there a better source to buy ballast than Woodland Scenics? Woodland has ballast in fine, medium, and coarse sizes. What size of ballast would you use? I was thinking about going with the light gray coarse ballast since most of the roadbed here in Texas is from limestone. At $13.00/bottle I would like to get it right the first time. I enjoy this website and used alot of suggestions.”
Which Track To Use?
Louis would like to hear from readers as to what type of track they personally prefer:
“Which track would you use for building my HO layout – Bachmann E-Z Track Nickel-Silver W/Gray Roadbed, or KATO Unitrack or Atlas code 83 track?”
Use the ‘COMMENTS’ link below this posting to add your thoughts.
A Quick & Easy Way To Make Little Bus Shelters For Your Layout
Add small details can really add interest to a layout and make it more closely resemble a real scene. These little shelters are an example of a how a small object can bring activity to a railroad scene. They’ll need a bus and maybe some people waiting nearby or walking to a shelter to catch a bus… that’s activity… and that’s the kind of thing that will bring a layout to life. These shelters could also be used as small storage sheds in a farm scene. All kinds of options.
More info on how to make these little bus shelters here.
Problem with Timing & Quartering Loco Wheels
HO train buff Peter posts this question to readers:
“I replaced the small drive wheel gear on my Bachman 2-8-0. I have spent literally hours trying to get the timing or quartering right. The loco just will not run smoothly. I don’t want to purchase a quartering tool as they are super expensive to purchase where I live. Any advice will be appreciated.”
Locomotive Stalling But No Shorting
HO enthusiast Carl has this question for readers:
“Hi guys, I’m having trouble with my new BLI S-3. The loco runs fine, except on my turnouts.I have both Peco and Atlas,and it stalls on all of them. Not shorting though, as power stays on the rest of my layout. I’m at a loss, because my other steamers run fine. I have a challenger, a class A, and a 2-8-2. I’ve tried insulating the turnouts, taping over the frogs,and rewiring. It’s the only one of my 14 locks that does this. Any ideas would be appreciated, or has anyone else had this problem? Thanks.”
Go Pro Camera for Locomotive?
Another question from Rick:
“Hey guys, I need a recommendation on the best (and biggest bang for the buck) video camera (Go Pro?) to mount on an S scale locomotive, and why you think its the best.”
Transformer Keeps Tripping
Rick model S scale and asks:
“I am looking for a good strong 18 VAC transformer to power a lot of accessories and lights. My AF 30B transformer keeps tripping and I think I need more power than the 330 watts it puts out. Is anything available? I’m not having much luck finding a supplier on the internet, but maybe someone knows of a stockist.”
Back Wheels Derailing
Reader Rob L sent in this question:
“I’ve got some vintage HO track. When the train goes through the switch the front wheels go okay, but the back wheels go the other way and derail?
Which Kadee Coupler?
David who models HO sent in this question:
“I just got 2 Mantua wooden passenger cars. Can anyone tell me what Kadees couplers to replace them with?”
Solving Lighting Problems On Model Railway
N scale enthusiast Mervin sent in this question for reader:
“I have just recently started having trouble with my lighting. For some reason my lights burn out. I am using the small lights for housing and such, but all of a sudden my lights burn. I am not sure if it is the electric transformer or if the lights are getting too much power. I also have some street lights, to be exact 20 of them, with 2 wires coming out but no way to attach them around the neighborhood. I need suggestions on how to place these lights and how to keep them light.”
If you can assist Mervin, simply add you suggestions using the COMMENTS link below his posting.
If you have a question you would like to submit to the Blog Moderator for possible publication, then after thinking it through, you can submit your question using the ‘ASK A QUESTION’ link under any of the postings on this page. This model train blog has more than 10,000 readers weekly so someone will have the knowledge to help you if your question is well thought out and clearly worded with adequate details provided.
Backdrop Structures on Show in France
Here is an example of some background buildings sent in by club member Yanis G for France. Yanis shot the scene at his local train show.
Switches For Turnouts
HO enthusiast Paul has this question for readers:
“Simple question … for Tortoise switch machines what is easier DPDT toggle with 2 LED’ s or a dual color lit DPDT… if the later, any suggested source? Thanks in advance.”
Problems With Wiring
Bob M asks readers:
“I have a N scale 4’x 8′ layout that I am happy with, but I can only get small sections to work so I am clearly not understanding what I need to do with regards wiring. Thanks for any suggestions.”
Perhaps Bob M could add some more details to his question in the comments section as this will help readers better understand the problems he is having and know the solutions he has already tried.
If you would like to have your questions published, you can use the “Ask a Question” link below any of the postings. TIP – The best thought-out questions usually get the best answers.
Minimum Radius for Trains
Tyson used the link below to post this question to readers:
“I am new to model trains.What is the minimum radius i should be using on the main lines for n scale and what is the minimum distance i need to keep from the track to the edge of the layout. My layout size is 3 x 6.”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
