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!
Problem with DCC Programming
Steve sent in this question for fellow train buffs:
“My son recently purchased what he was told were HO DCC locomotives. One is a Bachmann that is DCC equipped and is working fine. The other is an Atlas FM Trainmaster that we can’t seem to program to run. I tried loco 3 setting as well as the road number. The lights will come on, but it sounds like a dial-up modem. So my question is, did Atlas offer this locomotive in DC? I looked for information on the web, but only found information on it in DCC with sound. Any help would be appreciated.”
Problem with Chattering and Oscillating Servo Point Motors
He is a question posted by Barrie:
“I have a problem with the servo motors that control the turnouts on our N scale club layout chattering or oscillating when an old type DC loco is run on the layout. This doesn’t happen if new type locos are run or the system is run as DCC (Our N scale Layout has been wired to operate as DC or DCC). The club N scale layout has a HO/OO layout directly below and when they run some of their old DC locos it causes their turnouts and ours to chatter. I think it may be RFI generated by the loco motor and the minute sparking that occurs at the loco wheels while running. We have used about 70 model aircraft type servo motors to control all the turnouts on both layouts. These turnouts are wired back to electronic control boards around the layout that can each handle 8 servos.
Each servo is then operated by single pole single throw switch on the main schematic panel which is wired back through the electronic control board. The N & HO/OO turnout systems are separate and each is powered by a 5v & 12v computer type power supply. The turnout power system is also electrically separate from the track power supply. Any suggestions how we can overcome this problem would be appreciated.”
Submit your question to the Blog Moderator. The best questions get posted on this blog (10,000 readers weekly). Use the link below any of the postings.
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.
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