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 Resolve Rusted Track Problems
Dale asks readers:
“I live next to the beach in sunny north Queensland, Australia and have my layout setup in our garage. Temperatures average 28 to 36 degrees Celsius. I have an aircon but like to open the side door if it’s not too hot and let the gentle sea breeze in instead of running aircon. Problem is my track has growing patches of rust. Would this be the humidity or maybe the sea spray in the air? Any suggestions for coping with the rust and stopping it getting out of hand?”
Which Oils For Metal and Plastic Gears?
Dave H asks readers:
“What type of oil should I use for a ready-to-run loco? Should I use different oils for metal and plastic gears?”
Tiny Integrated Circuit Transceivers
Denis asks readers:
“Hi. I model British N gauge. In recent years there have been a number of tiny Integrated Circuit (IC) Transceiver/MCUs developed. With these small ICs circuit boards could be developed to fit N Gauge or smaller.
Has anyone tried this? Is there plans or software for sale”
How To Alter CV Values
Travis asks readers:
“Can someone explain about a CV value and how do I go about altering it?”
Sileby Model Railway Exhibition
Another photo from Damien of the Sileby Model Railway Exhibition in the UK. This is a busy scene some excellent natural weathered effects like the color of the track ballasting. Despite its compact size, the scene has a lot of perspective both height and distance. The low relief buildings add to that effect as does the photo backdrop with more terraced houses.
What’s The Correct Way To Do Railroad Wiring?
Anthony G asks readers:
“I am confused with what wire to use for wiring my track… I will run DCC. Should I use a different gauge for switches, signals, inside structures? What about color coding? I read something about telephone wire – that confused me more. Do I need a different gauge for 12 volt power supply and a different gauge to the track? Any safety issues to watch out for? Can people help coz it’s hard for me to get my head around all this stuff? A lot for me to learn.”
Why Use Cork For Underlay?
Bernie asks readers:
“Cork seems such an old fashioned product to be using for underlay in 2016. Surely there must be something newer or better, or is cork still the best? If so – why?”
Sealing and Painting Benchwork
Bryan asks readers:
“This is my first layout – HO – I’m working on so I want to try and get most things right. Is there any advantage in me painting all the benchwork including underneath, or is that a waste of time? Do I need to seal my benchwork before I attempt to lay any track or add scenery? I’m not trying to save work, I just want to get things right if I can.”
How Do DCC Decoders Compare?
Roger asks readers:
“Greetings from the Adelaide Hills. South Australia. My club uses the NCE control units. Is it possible for someone to give us a round down on the different DCC Decoders. I know you get what you pay for, however we live in a real world and that means budget restrains.”
60’s Marklin Train Layout Refurbishment
Aurélio asks readers for suggestions:
“I’m trying to refurbish a last 60’s Marklin train, a legacy from an uncle and that at its time, made my cousin’s and my youth quite happy. The layout suffered several “attacks” during all this years, as you can see from the attached photo. I will try to use the base and improve the layout and the details; let’s see if I’m able to do it. Suggestions appreciated.”
Red Ball Diesel Conversion
Steve asks:
“I can’t find any info on converting Red Ball locos. I have 2 C-Liners that need to be changed. Any suggestions please?”
Converting Athearn Engines from DC to DCC
David asks readers:
“I been trying to fine the kit to change HO Athearn engines from DC to DCC. Does any one knows will to fine the kits I need?”
Overcoming Derailments
Bill models OO gauge (similar to HO) and asks readers:
“I have a new system put up which runs very well, however now for some reason it’s starting to derail. Different types of locomotives run well for a certain amount of time, then they start derailing for no apparent reason. I am not a novice modeller, but I’m getting fed up with the continual derailment. Sometimes I can find a small problem which I put right, sometimes I find nothing, and I’m STILL getting problems. I have checked the back to back on all the locos and found that some were out and some were ok, which I soon put right with the back to back gauge. I’m thinking of giving the whole thing the heave-ho so if someone could come up with some suggestions, I would be much obliged. Thanks in advance.”
How To Make A Realistic Fall (Autumn) Scene
Simon asks readers:
“I have mountain and I’m trying to make a realistic fall theme. I have grand central jims pine trees and orange birch trees, but I don’t know how to make it a realistic fall scene with some bare spots at the top.”
Spot The 7 Differences in this Model Railroad Fire Scene
The response to our first SPOT THE DIFFERENCE photo a couple of weeks ago was amazing. In the reader poll a whopping 84% said they would like to see more spot the difference photos on the blog. So, here is a second photo which has 7 differences. Can you spot them? Click the COMMENTS link to list your solutions.
Cleaning Track
Alister from New Zealand asks:
“What are the pros and cons in using Automatic Transmission fluid for cleaning track?”
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