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!
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.”
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.”
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