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!
Soldering Wires To Track
Kerry asks readers:
“Should I solder my wires in the track, or would I be better to install joiners with leads?”
How to Wire a No 6 Double Crossover
Gavin asks readers:
“I have a Walters shinohara no. 6 double crossover (HO/OO). I can make the frog live, but I have no idea how to wire it up? Any suggestions please?”
South Bay Historical Railroad Society Layout
The South Bay Historical Railroad Society is located in the historic (built 1863) Santa Clara Depot in Santa Clara, California, USA. Within the Depot is an HO and N scale model railroad layout depicting various railroad eras. The N scale layout in this scene is 11ft wide by 52 ft long with 3 mainlines, and helix’s at both ends to service all 3 lines.
This scene shows the residential area and part of the passenger station (right). The layout looks impressive, but I’m not sure I would like to be in one of those vehicles when that double header diesel roars through the town so close to the road. Looks like an amazing layout.
How To Make Locomotive Lights Brighter
Oscar asks readers:
“I have a Loco Bachmann H0 GP30 Diesel Loco DCC with a Digitrax DCS 50 Zephir. My question is: the lights, forward and reverse, are in a low intensity. How can I do to put both in high intensity?”
Minimum Turning Circle for Model Trains
Brian asks readers:
“What is the minimum turning circle (OO gauge). I have just had a new shed built it is 3m X 4m unfortunately it door opens inwards. I want to put a layout with the door open but don’t know what the smallest turn that I would need. Any help would be grateful.”
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?”
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