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!
What’s The Best Train Set For Getting Started?
Dale is keen to get started in model railroading (either HO or N scale) and asks readers:
“I want to get a model train setup that I can operate. I’d like DCC with maybe two locos and an interesting track and stay under $500. Any suggestions?”
Spot the Difference in these 2 Layout Photos
A bit of fun to kick of 2017 with another train scene in our popular “spot the difference” series. See if you can spot all 7 differences. Add your answers using the comments link below. Have fun!
Solving Electrical Problem With Locomotive
Dennis models in HO scale and asks readers:
“One of my locos is playing up and won’t work when it’s on the track. If I lift it up slightly from the rear with the front wheels still on the track, the wheels start turning like normal. I’m only having this problem with one loco, the rest are fine. Does someone know a likely cause? Thank you in hope.”
Model Train Layout Photos Sent In By Les
Les sent in these photos of his layout to share with the comment “From Denver in my basement, where it is always a 1960’s summer day.” It would be good if he could add more information in the comments section below.
Ben’s Tenterden Model Railway Show Photos
Club Member Ben sent in these photos to share. He snapped them at the Tenterden Model Railway Show in the UK.
How To Wire For Switch Control
Club Member Allan asks readers:
“This hobby is quite new to me so I need some advice. I am a bit confused with turnouts and how to control them. Do I need seperate wiring to control the switches or can I control them with DCC? I’m ok with making scenery and woodworking joinery, but struggle to understand technical wiring issues. Please help.”
Lift Up Access Needed
Howard asks readers:
“I am getting to old (and decrepit????) to continue crawling under my OO table to get to my control panel. I thought of adding a lift-up hinged panel but wondered about movement, track alignment, connections etc. and how to hide the join. I haven’t built it yet, but I’m sure I can if I know what not to get wrong. Advice appreciated!!!”
Shoeburyness Model Railway Show
Reg sent in this interesting scene from the Shoeburyness Model Railway Exhibition at Essex in the UK.
Removing Excess Metal on Rail Joiners
Aaron sent in this tip to share:
“I have just recently gotten into railroading and I love it so much. I have run into multiple issues so far but see them as challenges and enjoy finding fixes for my issues. One thing I would like to share that I haven’t seen on any site yet that you will find your rail joining so much easier if you trim the little excess metal from the joiners after you cut them from the strip. This will guarantee that they don’t use up too much area in the joints and cause a gap. Thanks for letting me share and happy railroading.”
Lens for Louis Marx Signal Light
Reader Robert asks:
“My wife picked up a box of old train stuff in it was a signal light by Louis Marx. Does a reader know of a place I could buy the missing lens.”
Amazing Perspective in Wayne’s Photo
Wayne sent in this impressive photo he shot at the Warley National Model Railway Exhibition in the UK.
How To Stop Tunnel Derailments
Michael S asks readers:
“I thought I was doing the right thing by using flex track in my tunnel, but I am experiencing derailments. I do have a rail join in the tunnel curve and I suspect that could be the issue. Your help please.”
Problem Using LED Strip Lights in Passenger Cars
Cyril asks readers:
“This old dog put some modern LED strips in 2 passenger cars. I thought I was really clever, but they flicker so don’t look so good. My track is clean and can’t figure the cause. Any ideas? Thanks.”
Merry Christmas… I Hope Santa’s Not Too Late To Your House
Thank you to all those readers who contributed captions for the “Santa at the Station” photo. There were some very amusing captions so it was a difficult to choose a couple to include in my Christmas video. Captions from Bob and Mike were finally chosen after some discussions with “she who must be obeyed.” Another favorite was Jay’s “I can’t believe they left without me!” caption. I hope you enjoy my video below.
And, a special thanks to all those readers who contributed articles, photos, and answers to questions. You’ve made a valuable contribution to the hobby!
Also, very importantly, THANK YOU to everyone who purchased products advertised on this blog. Without your on-going custom, this website would not exist.
A very Merry Christmas to all… enjoy your trains… and have a safe and healthy new year!
Kindest Regards.
Robert
Santa at Station photo by Anneli Salo.
How To Stop Trains Uncoupling
Phil asks readers:
“How do I stop my N scale trains from uncoupling and jumping the track?”
Dismantling and Moving My Layout
Barnaby asks readers:
“I thought I would live in this house til I die, but we’ve decided to move interstate closer to the son and daughter. Problem is moving my layout (HO) which was not designed to be moved… BIG MISTAKE! I can’t bear the thought of cutting it up, transporting it, and then trying to put it back together somehow. I made the scenery from chicken mesh and plaster of paris. I really don’t know where to start and hate the thought of cutting or damaging the track, trees and scenery. It is 4 foot by 3 foot one way and from the corner stretches 6 foot by 3 foot the other way. Can anyone else who has been through this type of drama give any suggestions on how or where to start? Also how to protect it from getting damaged by the removalists. Thanking you in anticipation.”
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