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!
Loco Made Using a Stanton Drive 4 Wheel Truck and Dummy
Reader Robert models HO and asks this question:
“I have made a loco using a Stanton drive 4 wheel truck and dummy. It runs OK on the flat or running up grade, when descending grades it runs with a very jerky motion. Any suggestions on how to remedy the problem?”
Railroad Crossword Puzzle #2
This is the second railroading crossword puzzle in our new series. You can download and print out the clues and download a bigger PDF version here. On that page click on the Puzzle #2 link where there is also a link to download the answers if you get stumped.
Print out the PDF (see link above) to print out the puzzle and answers, or you can post your answers using the COMMENTS link below this post.
ALSO, it would be great to get some feedback on the idea of including the occasional Word Search or Crossword puzzle on the blog (relating to railroading). If you think it is a crazy idea say so. If you would like to see more crossword puzzles – post your feedback using the COMMENTS link below. And, if you have any other bright suggestions, you can post those too.
Powering LED Lights for Passenger Coaches
Schalk models N scale and asks readers:
“I want to install LED lights in my N Scale (DC) passenger coaches (Atlas, Bachmann, Model Power, etc.) without using power from the tracks. I want the lights to remain on when a train is stationary (waiting for signals, standing in a station). Is there an easy way to install LED’s with their own power source in passenger cars, and most importantly how can they be switched off? Thanks.”
Using Crushed Limestone Parking Lots and Roadways
Richard sent in this question for readers to comment on:
“I have been using ‘Chicken Grit’ to form side roads and parking areas around grain mills, and other rural buildings. The ‘grit’ is usually mixed with chicken feed since they need a form of ‘grit’ to aid digestion. Grit can be granite, sea shells, etc that is ground, however I have been unable to find small enough grit (HO size) in familiar yellow/brown colors of crushed limestone used here in upper Midwest of USA. Thus I have had to airbrush the grit to the proper color and then when dry (had to spread to paint) then collect and spread on a base of white glue and water to allow it to adhere to the sub-base of lot or roadway. Just wondering if/what others might use to obtain similar lot and road cover in the light yellow/tan color. Most grit is a bit too large and sand seems a bit to fine. Thanks for any comments of suggestions.”
How Did You Get Started In Model Railroading?
In the 6 April Posting we asked “What Do You Like Most About The Hobby?” and got some great feedback from readers.
This week the question is “How did you get started in the hobby?” Feel free to share your story using the COMMENTS link below. I’m sure others would like to hear what got you started with model trains. Submit your comments to the Blog Moderator using the link below.
Atlas #205 Connector Wired to Railpower 1370 Powerpack
Gary models HO and asks readers:
“I have an Atlas #205 connector wired to a Railpower 1370 powerpack to control my lights and accessories. Would there be any problem if I connected a 12-position Miniatronics Power Distribution Block to one of the 3 switches on the 205 connector, and then connected the lights and accessories to the PDB? In other words, would it be too much on one circuit if 12 lights/accessories are on that one circuit? I have a lot of wires under my layout and I’m trying to simplify things. Thanks!”
Returning To Hobby After 40 Years
Steve wants readers ideas for a new HO layout:
“I am getting back into model trains after 40 years (O gauge) before. I have a space in basement for an HO layout that is 12′ by 9′ by 5′. There two doors almost side by side in left corner of room plus electrical panel opposite hall way door. I am stumped an hot to make my layout and still be able to have grandchildren enjoy hobby with me. Any help will be greatly appreciated.”
Add your comment or suggestions below.
Atlas Turnout Wiring Problems
Scott models HO scale and has this question for readers:
“I’m venturing back in to model railroading after a 50+ year absence, and I’m stymied with a very basic problem. I’m using Atlas Tru-Track for my layout, which is a simple double oval with DC control. My turnouts are Atlas Tru-Track Remote Snap-switches. The wiring from the switch machine seems to be smaller than 22 AWG (that’s as small as my wire stripper will grip). The amount of stripped wire that comes on the switch is not much more than 1/8″. So far I’ve used up about an inch worth of wire on one of the turnouts trying to connect it to a longer wire running to it’s controller. I need suggestions as to how I can get such a small wire stripped so I can make connections to my controllers.”
Can You Mix Brands of Track and Turnouts?
Tonif models HO and has this question for readers:
“I’d like to use curved turnouts to save space on my layout. I have Micro engineering flex track but they don’t make curved turnouts. Can I use Atlas or Peco turnouts or will that cause problems? Thanks.”
Building a Locomotive
For those who have never heard the term ‘Cab Forward’, it basically refers to various rail designs that place the driver’s compartment further forward towards the front than is usual practice.
Peter is building a loco and asks readers:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase a cab for an HO/OO ‘cab forward loco’ as I am building a cab forward loco depot.”
As I’m sure Peter understands, we don’t do Buy, Sell, Or Swap on this blog, but readers might be know of some online or local stockists who could supply the item.
Looking for Great Northern Woodside Caboose
Gerry wants help locating a retailer or online stockist:
“We recently received a very nice G read Northern (GN) Mikado Steam engine but can’t seem to locate an era specific Woodside Caboose to go with it. Does anyone know where we could buy one”
Layouts in a Loft or Attic
In 2013 The Daily Mail in the UK ran this story “End of the line for model railway fan as housing association demands he dismantle £10,000 train set in attic on health and safety grounds”
Retired builder and father-of-three, Robert Burdock (61 at the time), had been into model railroading for 40 years. His model railway which had been in the same location for 15 years had 70ft of track with 63 locos.
Whether Robert Burdock was right or wrong, it does highlight the importance of safety when constructing layouts in roof cavities. Obviously the weight of the finished project including benchwork, scenic features, rolling stock, structures, electrics, accessories etc. as well as the weight of the engineer and any visitors all needs to be taken into consideration.
Results of a recent poll I ran showed that 5% of layouts were to be located in roofs/attics/lofts. When space is limited in the family home, model railroaders of try and think outside the square when locating layouts. A lot of people decide that a loft is a great ‘out of the way’ place to set up a model train set.
Ye
s, a loft can be a good solution, but be careful and do your homework first. Unless the loft has been properly converted there is a danger that you may overload the ceiling joists (resulting in cracked ceilings in the room below). There could also be the possibility of overloading the entire roof trusses resulting in a collapse… far worse scenario. Always seek professional advice, because some roofs cannot be modified safely to accommodate a load bearing down from “inside” the roof. If in doubt consult an engineer before locating your train set in a loft.
Randall, a reader to this blog also sent in this advice:
1. Consult a structural engineer, not an architect. The architect is about use of space and how humans and buildings interact, but knows very little about structural loads.
2. If you use a loft or “attic”, make sure it’s inside the insulated envelope of the home. If it isn’t, two things can happen:
A. In the summer it can get hot enough to deform plastic parts (shells, couplers, track ties, etc.)
B. In the winter it can get cold. The problem isn’t the cold itself, but what happens when the warm air of spring (or that comes through the trap door) comes up against cold materials: condensation. The water will condense wherever the warmer air can get to, not just on the outside of the model or box. This can happen in unheated garages, as well.
Hythe Pier Railway Hampshire UK
John has an unusual question:
“Has anyone completed a model of the historic pier train from Hythe in Hampshire? We are hoping to put together an exhibition to celebrate the engines manufacture in 1917 and would like to borrow a model if possible. Alternatively does anyone have any suggestions as to which kits could be used to form the basis of creating such a static model? Any advice would be much appreciated.”
What Do You Like Most About The Hobby?
We’re all in this hobby because we enjoy it, but each of us probably enjoys different aspects of the hobby more than others. With that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on what it is that readers most enjoy about model railroading. It will be interesting to see where the common ground is.
Post you thoughts using the COMMENTS link below.
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