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!
Is it Safe to Modify a Train Controller?
Edward asks readers:
“Can you modify this model controller like the R965 one to boost the output.”
Lionel Silver Bell Express Won’t Move
Nancy is having a problem with a brand new Lionel Silver Bell Express and asks:
“We purchased an O scale Lionel silver bell express set yesterday. The track is together tightly, the lights and sounds are working, but the train does not move. We took it back to the dealer and it worked on his test track with no problem. Brought it home and it worked for about 2 minutes, then stopped and it won’t move again. Any ideas?”
Should I Convert My Fleet to Automatic Couplers?
Ryan models HO and asks readers:
“I heard automatic couplers are the go. Are they hard to convert to, and should I do wheel sets to? I’m not sure some of my cheaper cars are worth the effort. Thanks guys!”
How to Unclog Loco Smoke Unit
Jack S asks readers:
“I just dug out my old O scale loco that has a smoke unit and whistle. It has been sitting in a box for years and I think the smoker is clogged up. What’s the best way to fix it?”
Confused With Track Wiring?
Bill operates N gauge and is confused with wiring requirements. He asks readers:
“I am just building a two mainline track with two side tracks going to separate buildings and terminating at each. There are two points wired, but but they seem to operate the track… in other words when a train passes one point, I have to switch the other point to keep the train moving. This is possibly simple to some? Who knows? Can you help please?”
How to Power Bachmann EZ Track
Linda has a question for HO enthusiasts:
“Hi – I want to have 3 HO trains running on 3 circle tracks. I want the roadbed type of track and have only been able to find 3 different size curves in the Bachmann EZ track. 15″ 18″ and 22″. The 18″ has a rerailer section that I can get to power that track. But I cannot find how to power the 15 and 22… I saw on a site that you can get the atlas terminal joiners, but do not see how you can install them with the EZ Track roadbed. Help please.”
Adding an Elevated Line to Layout
Daniel models O scale and is confused with a project he is working on:
“I want to add an elevated line on my O scale layout. I purchased two sets of older trestles , 2110 & 110 sets. Both say can use for O Gauge. With plastic H shaped brackets there is no way three rail tubular track can be installed. What do I have? Have seen metal U shaped brackets on line. I would appreciate input and guidance from others.”
Animal figurines for Model Railroad
To look real a model railroad usually has an assortment of scale model people and animal figurines strategically located in appropriate positions on the layout. Dave has some specific requirements:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase HO scale figures of pronghorn antelope, mountain goats, bighorn sheep, and/or longhorn cattle?”
Replacing Cracked Driving Gears on Trucks of 3 Truck Shay Locomotive
Kevin (a regular contributor to this blog) finally gets to ask his own question:
“Hi, I live in New Zealand and model in HO scale, however I have a Bachmann 3 truck shay loco and the driving gears on the trucks have cracked, and as such do not drive the loco. I tried contacting the new Zealand agents for replacement steel gears, but they can only supply the plastic ones, and said they could not guarantee that the same thing would happen again. Does anyone know where I can get the steel ones from and approx cost thanks?”
If anyone can assist Kevin, please add a comment under this post.
How to Wire 350 ft. of Track (outside)
John has a question for G scale enthusiasts:
“How do I wire a garden railroad with 5 turnouts and 350 ft of track? Any suggestions on where to start?”
How to Stop Trains Stalling on DCC Layout
Ian models OO gauge (similar to HO scale) and asks readers:
“I have converted my circuit layout to DCC and sometimes trains stall. Usually a certain train will pause in a certain place on the layout but not all the time and not all my trains do it. One train pauses not far away from the main feed. Some pause on points, but I have clips fitted to create continuation of current. If anyone can advise on how to eliminate this, I would be grateful.”
Fun-To-Make Real Looking Silos
This short video shows plans for three scale model silos you can make yourself. They are already detailed to an exceptionally high standard, so you won’t need to do any airbrushing or painting.
- Silo facility No.1 (plan # B530) the Silo Storage Company Silos
- Silo facility No. 2 (plan # B531) the Advance Rail Forwarders Silos
- Silo facility No. 3 (plan # B532) the Bulk Road & Rail Silos Silos
The plans for making these silos in HO, OO, S, Z, or N scale are available from http://www.modelbuildings.org/industrial-silos-models-to-make.html
DC to DCC Wiring Harness
Robert P asks:
“Digitrax offered a wiring harness, DH123AT to convert HO DC locomotives to DCC. It has been discontinued. Does another manufacturer offer a similar product?”
Locomotives and Carriages (Cars) with Small Wheel Base
George asks readers:
“I have a small 7×5 oval layout 00 gauge with tight corners (bends). Does any manufacturer sell a small wheelbase engines and passenger carriages (cars)? I am okay with goods wagons.”
Yes or No to N Gauge for Starters?
Ian is interested in returning to model r
ailroading and asks:
“I have been a previously train buff but now after retiring I have caught the bug again after seeing all the action on this blog. The area I have is 5×5 meters (16 foot square) my ex computer room and I am thinking N gauge (N scale) for maximum track and rolling stock. Any suggestions please? In the past I have been involved in electronics. Regards Ian”
Locomotive Run Sluggish
Henry asks readers:
“I have an 50 year old DC layout with several different types of locomotives which run smoothly. However, I have a Marklin (3034) Class E41 Electric Unit that runs very sluggish. I have check the pick up shoe which seems to be ok. Why do the other locos run ok but this Marklin one doesn’t?”
Wheels Spin But Train Won’t Move?
A very brief question from Daniel who models 027. Hopefully someone can offer him some advice:
“My engine works but wheels just spin and train won’t move.”
Hornby Ringfield 3/5 Pole Armatures
John models OO Gauge and asks readers:
“Help please. I have an old Class 110. 3 car multiple unit Hornby R369 with a 3pole motor which could perform better. So I saw a video on how to change to 5pole, but on my motor armature the new 5pole (Part No X9024) shaft is only 1.99 mm diameter and the old 3pole shaft is 2.37 mm diameter. I am informed that bushes are or were available to fit. Can any one help to find or know who makes them.”
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