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Turnouts and LED Lighting
Frank has some questions for readers:
Hello everybody, fairly new to model railroading (had Plywood Summit Lines layout for over 20 years when father built it when I was a kid), but I’ve seen a major advance in technology since the layout was first constructed. I’m looking to start the Oregon Pass Lines, and here’s where the questions come up:
- On HO turnouts, would it be easier running above table switches for the yard, and under table switches for mains? Or leave them all above table? Tortoise available?
- Regarding turnouts, I’ve got a general idea for my control panel, but I’d like to use toggle switches instead of the Atlas switch. Is it possible to add a 3mm LED into the equation for each leg? I’d like to be able to tell which way the train goes
- If I’m using the Atlas turnouts, basically same as #2, can I add an LED to the panel, if I run the Atlas switch as well? (2nd choice if toggle isn’t an option)
Thanks for any and all help.
Locating Specific Building
Dan asks readers:
“Hi was looking for an N scale Santa workshop building and/or village for my layout. Does anyone know were to buy theses items? Thank you.”
One option for Dan would be to simply adapt another building by adding a festive theme to it. Even something such as one of the barns seen here could be adapted with snow added, decorations, glitter, and maybe colored leds added http://www.modelbuildings.org/Barn-and-WC-B444.html It really comes down to whether you can find something ready-made, what it costs, or whether you need to get creative and design your own.
How to Decide Which Train Track to Buy
Thelma asks readers:
“I am totally new to model trains. My layout will be 4 x 8 to begin with and not be from a kit. How do I select the manufacturer/company for buying individual HO train tracks? I read there are various types, too…flex, snap, etc. Please educate me so I make the correct 1st choices. I don’t find information explaining “the good, the bad and the ugly” of HO tracks. Thanks!”
Finding Locomotive Parts
John is hoping a reader will be able to point him in the direction for sourcing some loco parts:
“Is there a list of detail parts for the following HO locomotives: GE U30c, GE U3ob, GE U28b, FM H-24-66 Train Master, EMD DD40, EMD GP35, EMD GP30, EMD SDP40, EMD FP45?”
Where To Buy Vintage Model Vehicles For a Model Railroad
Roy has a question for readers:
“Does anyone know where I can purchase N Scale model vehicles from the 1880’s to the 1930’s? I would prefer already assembled.”
Perhaps Roy could add a comment below this posting confirming whether he is looking for USA scale models, European, or maybe vehicles seen on roads in other parts of the world.
London Bridge Model Railroaders Seek Help
Jim asks readers:
“Our new model railroad club, the London Bridge Model Railroaders, is building the Needles subdivision in HO. We are having a lot of trouble finding our centerpiece, El Garces Hotel in Needles, Ca. We would love to find a kit or at least plans for the building. Any suggestions would be appreciated.”
How to Fix Problem When Locomotive Passes Over Remote Switches
Kevin asks readers:
“I have an N-scale railroad which includes about a half-dozen Atlas remote switches. When the locomotive passes over a few of the switches, there is unevenness that causes a brief interruption in the motion of the locomotion. Is it possible to use a fine sandpaper to smooth out the track so that the locomotive passes over the switch smoothly? Or is there a better solution? Thanks in advance for any advice that is offered.”
Steam Engines in South Africa
Geoff sent in these photos to share:
Your readers may be interested in the pictures (sent by my brother) taken in Pietermaritzburg (50 miles inland from Durban, South Africa) altitude 2500 ft. The gauge is 3’6” to accommodate the hilly country. The line runs to Johannesburg (6000 feet) so the engines were big.
I am not sure when they were taken but probably in the late 1960’s early 1970s.
What is Tsunami Sound?
John has a question for readers:
“I am thinking of getting into model train hobby again after several years absence. I notice many of the diesel engines are now listed as Tsunami sound along with DCC. What is Tsunami sound? Just asking. Been out of model trains for years.”
Diesel Heritage 0-6-6-0 Locomotive Won’t Work
Miles asks readers:
“I have problem with a diesel Heritage 0-6-6-0 locomotive. It has all-wheel drive and is HO scale, and is driven at the center and transmitted to the wheels by 2 plastic shafts. Some friends were over here a few months ago a I think they broke it. It runs slowly, and doesn’t pick up well, even though we (my dad and I) cleaned it and the track. It can’t pull a train. What should I do with it?
Steve’s Layout
Steve sent in this photo of his layout to share –
“Many thanks for the 4 years I have been receiving your info. I am on my 2nd layout and having a great time. Attached is a recent photo (this is not yet a completed diorama) of my ongoing first attempt. All of your posts have been very much appreciated. Thanks, Steve (I’m 75 years old in Oklahoma).”
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