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!
Using Shredded Cloth on Railroad Scenery
John sent in this request hoping a reader might be able to help:
“I was at the Amherst show several years back and there was a lady selling this scenery material. I believe it was made out of shredded cloth but I am not sure about that. All you had do was mix with water and apply.
It was nice material, if you wanted to re-work an area all you had to do was wet again and you could work it. I am hoping somebody is familiar with this product as I can not remember the name, I have tried searching the web for it but no luck.”
Wiring? Boosters? Circuit Breakers?
Aaron models HO scale and asks readers this:
“I am currently building a layout about 5 -6 pieces of plywood (standard size) formed in a horse shoe shape.. with a under ground staging yard to park the locomotives.. my question is how would I wire my system up? How many boosters? What about circuit breakers? Etc”
Search Railroading Words – New Word Search Puzzle
The feedback from the crossword puzzle on the blog a couple of weeks ago has been very encouraging with many requests for more puzzles. Here’s our first Word Search puzzle with some words that model railroaders might use.
If you would like to download the puzzle and print it out you can do so HERE. There is also a link to view or print out the solutions on the same web page.
Find these words:
AIR BRUSH, CAB, DECODER, FREIGHTYARD, JUNCTION, SCALE, SNAP SAW, TANK DOME
AMMETER, CONSOLIDATION, FLEXTRACK, FROG, MARKER, SCHEDULE, STYRENE, TRACTION
BALLAST, CROSSING, FLYWHEEL, HOMASOTE, REEFER, SLIDE, SUBROADBED, TRANSFORMER
BENCHWORK, CROWS NEST, FOREMAN, INTERCHANGE, ROADBED, FENCE, TAMPER
Print out puzzle and answers at http://www.modelbuildings.org/Puzzle-4-word-search.html
If you would like to see more puzzles like this on the blog, please let me know by commenting under this post.
Fixing Track Turnout Problems
Marshall models N scale and asks readers:
“I have laid ATLAS TURNOUTS and a lot of my rolling stock jump track when they get to the actual switch housing, so I changed to PECO. Now, my problem is that the power switch extension arm is too far away. Q) How do I make the extension rod longer?”
Tender for Lionel M1a 4 8 2 Steam Loco
Tom models O gauge and asks readers:
“I picked up a Lionel Pennsylvania M1a mountain 4-8-2 steam loco at an estate sale last year. It seems to work fine. The problem is it did not come with a tender. I thought no big deal I’ll get one from Lionel. Well they don’t have any. It was made in 2003. I’ve called all kinds of places with no luck. Does anyone know where I can get the correct tetherless tender for it? The tender has all the sound system in it.Hope someone can help!”
Planning a Small HO layout – Help!
Delford sent in this question to readers:
“I am trying to plan a layout and was planning to start with a 4×8. I would like a few tracks and a tunnel and bridge and some turn outs. I have a NCE controller so want to go DCC. Would anyone give me some ideas? I know there are many experts out there.”
Delford… the same advice I’d give to anyone in the hobby, is to learn as much as you can… and never stop learning. There are plenty of excellent resources available including several featured on this blog including the Beginners Blueprint and this one on DCC http://www.dccmodeltrains.org.
Loco Stopping Erratically
Paul K asks readers:
“My 8 year old Bachmann engine HO goes ok but then stops or stalls. It’s doing my head in because it doesn’t stop in the same spot so its not the track. It will do a couple of circuits then plays up. Not sure what to do.”
How Wide Should I Make The Station Platform Clearance?
Larry has an HO layout and asks readers:
“I have just made a passenger train station (got the plans from this site) and I’m really happy with it. My question relates to positioning the train platform close enough to look authentic (I don’t want my passengers leaping across a gap to safely board the train), but far enough away so the cars don’t hit the platform. What is the correct clearance?”
Submit A Question Or Answer A Question
If you have a question to ask others in the hobby, or if you want to answer or comment on a question, or if you want to publish a photo/description of your layout… then this is the place to do it. The Model Train Help Blog is read by around 10,000 railroaders each week.
To Ask a Question simply use the “Ask a Question” link found under any posting. There is also a link to “Submit Your Question” in the right hand column.
To answer a question click on the title of the posting and you’ll be redirected to a page where you can add your comment or answer. Or, you can simply click the COMMENTS link under any posting. By doing that you can see what others have to say.
To add a photo/description of your layout, or add a tip for others, use the “Submit Your Article” link in the right hand column.
PLEASE NOTE: All questions and comments get submitted to the Blog Moderator for approval prior to publication. Please spell check and proof read what you write before submission, as only the best comments, questions and answers will be published. We get a lot of questions and comments that don’t make sense so aren’t published. Poorly thought-through questions lacking in specific details run the risk of not being published or answered.
Solving DCC Programming Problems
Barry poses this question for readers:
“I am having an issue with trying to program HO locos on my DCC system. I am using a Hornby ‘Select’ controller. I understand that cleaning of track and locomotive wheels is very important to ensure a signal can get through to control unit. I have cleaned the track with a cleaning rubber block and wiped the wheels using a cotton bud with a medical alcohol base. What else should I be checking, cleaning or other actions to the message through?”
What’s Best – DC or DCC?
John asks readers about DC or DCC:
“I think I posted a while back. I am getting into model railroading (My age 60 plus years) after being out from my childhood. I have bought some DCC on board locomotives on EBay. I get mixed opinions from the only hobby shop in this area. Some say go with DC only as it is much simpler, others say go with DCC. Need opinions since I am getting back into this hobby. Am looking at setting up a 4ft x 8ft with 3 different locomotives. Thanks for any input/advice.
Adhesives and a Parts Lists for Old Locos
A couple of quick very basic questions for readers:
Dave asks – “What glue holds track to an HO atlas bridge?”
Craig doesn’t specify brands or model numbers in his question – “Can anyone tell me how I can get replacement parts lists for older HO locos that I’m trying to get back together?”
Dave and Craig you might like to add more details using the COMMENTS link below, as this might help readers suggest solution.
Railroad Crossword #1
Following a suggestion from club member Phil, here’s something new for blog readers.
Our first railroading crossword puzzle. You can download and print out the clues and a bigger PDF version here. There is also a link to get the answers if you get stumped.
You are welcome to add your answers using the COMMENTS link below this post.
ALSO, it would be good to get feedback on the idea of including the occasional Crossword or Word Search puzzle on the blog (relating to railroading). If you think it is a stupid idea say so. If you would like to see more – post your feedback using the COMMENTS link below.
Wall Weathering
Andrew sent in this photo he shot at the Pontefract Model Railway Exhibition in the UK. He was very impressed with the moss and weathering of the wall.
Simple DIY Ideas
Delru sent in these ideas to share:
“I would like to let folks know how easy it is to add many ‘accessories’ to your table without the train store pricing. For example, we wanted 6 spotlights to highlight various fair rides. Train store cost? $78. We took some small bells, clipped out the ringer, spray painted them flat black, and ran an LED light thru them. Set them upside down (wide bell facing up). Cost? $2.99 for a pack of 24. Just want to encourage people to think outside the box. Now looking for O scale swans to use as rides on an HO Tunnel of Love. Trains are expensive, but your layout accessories don’t have to be.”
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