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!
How To Prevent Rust on an Old 1920’s Train
Steven hasn’t supplied a photo, but sent in this question on how to prevent rust:
“I recently acquired an early 1920’s Ives standard gauge engine with 2 passenger coaches which given their age are still in good shape. There are some scratch’s and chips in the paint but there’s no rust on the bodies. This train was being set out in the trash by an older lady who said it was her late husband’s boyhood train set.
Depending on who you ask, doing a paint restoration would take away in the value of these as antiques, and repainting them at this time isn’t on my to do list. However, I don’t want them to start to rust.
I plan on storing them in double ziplock bags with a light coating of oil until I run them again, and yes the engine still runs which surprised me, and will be running under the tree next week.
I’m open to suggestions on what would be best to keep the train bodies looking original and not starting to rust, and also suggestions on keeping the track from rusting while stored. Thanks in Advance for your advice.”
Steve you can post a photo of the train in the comments section under this posting if you would like to share one.
Christmas Tree Arrives By Train
Perry sent is these photos of the Christmas Tree arriving in the town of Gungemyre on his Greater Muttering and Cussing (GM&C) N gauge layout.
Now Available – 7 New Wild West Buildings
Just Released! This video clip might look a hundred years old, but 7 of the scale models seen here are brand new to the series. Feedback on the quality of the 6 existing plans has been very encouraging, so we’ve increased the town size to 13 buildings by adding: the Palace Hotel, Dry Goods & Clothing Store, Barbers Shop, Telegraph Office & Stage Depot, School House, Church, and Land Office. The existing series of 6 western buildings includes: the Sheriffs Office, Bank, Blue Mountain Saloon, Gun Smiths, Black Smiths, and General Store.
Add a Funny Caption to this Photo
Here’s your chance to get those creative juices flowing. Write a funny caption for this photo and post it on the blog using the Comments link below. Photo by Anneli Salo.
Poll Results – Will your layout have a Christmas component this year?
The results are in for our Christmas train poll –
Readers to this blog were asked: Will your layout have a Christmas component this year?
Results were:
- No, my layout wouldn’t suit a Christmas theme (48%)
- Unfortunately I don’t have as yet have a layout (28%)
- Yes, I’ll add a small touch of Christmas to the layout (18%)
- Yes, my layout will have many Christmas elements (6%)
Using Old Doors as a Baseboard
Seb is planning to build N scale asks readers:
“A friend has offered me 3 very old solid timber doors for free to use for my layout baseboards. I’m thinking they might be too heavy when all the scenery and track is on top. Your thought?”
Should DCC Locomotives Still Work on DC?
Hayden asks readers:
“I have an HO loco fitted with a DCC chip that I couldn’t get to operate on a friends DC setup. Is this normal? Could I damage a DCC loco trying to run it on DC?”
What Train Gradients for Double Header Locomotives?
Although Scott focuses on HO scale, the answers to his question will no doubt be of interest to folk using other scale. Scott asks readers:
“Can double locomotives help out in steeper grade? Can you have two trains hauling many boxes? What is maximum number of boxes can one train can haul? Two trains? On gradients? Thanks.”
How to Wire Relays
Ted says his question relates to O or On30 and asks:
“I have been looking for a clear description of how to wire relays. The info I have found so far is not clear. I am looking to use relays to stop trains at stations – some sharing the same track. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.”
New Spot The Difference Puzzle
With Eagle eyes you’ll find 7 differences between these train scenes. Can you spot them?
Add your answers using the comments link here.
Questions on Installing Trestles
Gary is into O scale and seeks help from readers:
“I am installing Lionel # 111 Trestles on 1″ foam on 1/2″ plywood. The design for screwing the trestle upright is difficult trying to get a driver vertical. Bad design, any suggestions. Could it be glued to foam.
Another question. When the track connection is over an existing bottom track , the trestle will be too close for a train to pass. I would like to know how to support the area, when installing a trestle won’t work. Thanks for help.”
Modifying Bachmann EZ Magnetic Couplings
Szilard who models in HO has this question for readers:
“Hi! I have a question regarding changing or modifying of Bachmann EZ magnetic couplings for a Märklin short coupling. I have recently bought a Bachmann rail crane and would like to use it in a yard mostly parked up, but occasionally move it. So just wondering if its possible or I can’t make it work?”
Rewiring Tyco Chattanooga Tender
Lou asks readers:
“Does anyone out there have the correct info or know where to get a diagram to wire the HO Tyco Chattanooga Tender from the motor to the engine? I disconnected the wires and left the project sit for a month. I can not remember what went to what. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.”
Rivarossi Allegheny Locomotive DCC Installation
John models in HO and asks:
“I have a Rivarossi Allegheny Locomotive. Has anyone converted a recent model to DCC plus sound? I know space is tight in the loco shell when looking at the tender. Any advice out there please. I am looking at Digitrax decoder. Regards J”
This is what a 7.8 Magnitude Earthquake can do to a Railway Track
No, this is not an illusion. This is what a recent 7.8 magnitude earthquake did to a railway line in New Zealand. The earthquakes (there was actually two together) happened in New Zealand’s South Island on Nov 14, 2016.
The earthquake was felt across much of New Zealand including in Lower Hutt north of Wellington in the North Island of New Zealand. To see the action watch the following video.
Spot The Difference
I’ve received so many requests for more “Spot the Difference” pictures, so will add some over coming weeks.
Here is the first in this new series. Can you spot the 7 differences? Add your answer using the comments link.
How to Remove Rust from a #97 Coal Conveyor
Gary asks readers:
“I am working on restoring a #97 Coal Conveyor. It’s in bad shape with a lot of rust. I want paint several items. Is there a way of soaking the parts to remove rust? I think trying to sand them would be pretty difficult. Thanks for any suggestions.”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
