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!
What kind of DCC Hand Held Controller?
Johan sent in this question for readers:
“Thanks for your model train newsletters. I love to read them. One big question, I have my own DIY dcc command station (DCC _Gen v 2c ) with ACK Detector, Booster R-CDE and a Feedback module S88. What kind of DCC hand held controller do I need. I bought my first model train in 1974 the Lima type.”
Determination To Continue Dream Hobby
Bob from the UK sent in this story:
I had until 3 months ago an up and ‘almost’ running layout in my loft, then-I broke my left hip-which shouldn’t be a problem NORMALLY, but it is giving me a lot of grief. On top of that my right hip which was replaced 4 years ago is also giving me grief, on top of that my spine is knackered, there are gaps where there shouldn’t be so I constantly get trapped nerves.
Apart from that I’m ok because I’m able to make single DIORAMAS which is what I’m doing now in my spare upstairs bedroom. Currently I’m making WATERLOO STATION and tracks plus turnouts. This has been a marathon job but I’m determined to finish it and God willing my Left hip will be okay in the future – when ever that might be. Morphine doesn’t help one bit, but with my other hobby Amateur Radio which I have been on since 1978 keeps me sane.
Enough said, I look forward to the future, because there is always hope.
Derailing Problems
Brian models OO gauge and asks readers:
“I have just purchased a Dapol class 22 diesel and it derails on all points which are Hornby insulated points. All my other engines work ok on these points. Any help would be greatly appreciated.”
Weathering Mix Dilutions
Club member Mal sent in these weathering tips to share.
For a lot of my weathering I use a solution of 1 teaspoon of India Ink mixed with 1 pint of rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl alcohol). I use this for my LIGHT weathering jobs.
When HEAVIER weathering is needed I use a mix of 2 teaspoons of India Ink in 1 pint of rubbing alcohol. My personal preference is to use the Hunterline bottles of alcohol based weathering which I buy direct online. You might prefer another brand.
I do a lot of dry-brushing as it gives my projects a more “blended” look. To do this I lightly dab my paint brush (it must be dry and clean) in the color. I then brush most of this paint off onto a disposable paper towel. When almost all the paint is gone from the brush I am ready to start dry-brushing the object.
It takes a bit of experimenting and practice to master this technique, but it does look really good when done properly to subtly and slowly build up the paint layers.
Problems on Switches and Turnouts
Steve used a link on this page to post this question:
“I am operating a 060 Tank locomotive but am having problems on turnouts. At slow speed it stops. When I run it faster it sometimes derails. The loco appears to rise a little as it goes through the points. Has anyone got any suggestions please?”
Add your comment if you can suggest a solution.
How’s This For Realistic Looking Water?
This photo was taken at the Rotterdam Train Show which is the largest model railroad exhibition in the Netherlands.
Jumper Wires
Dave asks readers:
“I understand a main wire runs under track and every 3 to 5 a jumper wire is attached to the on the inside rail. But is this just the + wire? or both the + wire to the inside rail and – to the outside rail? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Dave”
Using Telephone Wire For Wiring?
Phillip asks readers:
“I am thinking of making an N scale layout and I have stacks of telephone wire, and I was wondering if telephone wire would be okay for wiring up N scale layouts. Thinking of a U shape layout about 3m x 2.26m x 0.7m in the garden shed. As the motors are a lot smaller than ones in HO scale, there would not be a lot of electricity going through. Can any advise if telephone wire will be okay?”
Front Wheels Jump Track
Timothy asks readers:
“I have several HO engines that the front wheels jump the track, even on straight sections. They act like there is a spring missing that may hold wheels to the track. I don’t see where there is any place to put them (springs). Not just one brand either.”
Types of Diesel Locomotive Bodies
Here are three different body styles seen on Pacific National diesel locomotives. In front is the cab unit; the middle is the hood unit; with the box cab at the rear. Sure to bring back some memories for some.
How to Wire Double-Throw (DPDT) Switch
Lester model N scale and asks readers:
“I like to know how to wire a DPDT switch. I own a DCC system NCS. I want to make a section on my main track as a program track. It is isolated from my main track. What I need is a diagram on how to wire it so that the program track becomes a main track when it is thrown on and the other way the program track has power and the main doesn’t.”
Cleaning Engines
Allan has a question for readers:
“Hi, I live in an area with high sulphur content and have a few engines that are getting slow and are showing signs of contamination around the brass copper etc and want to clean this off but not sure what to do or use? Any help please.”
York Model Railway Show A Big Success
The York Model Railway Show is one of the biggest in the UK and usually hosts around 40 working layouts. These photos were taken at this year’s Easter show. Well done to all involved!
Tips on starting a G scale 5 inch live steam garden railroad
Harper asks readers:
“I wish to start a garden railroad by the time I have a full paying job. I have started planning ahead and already have been looking at a suitable locomotive. Layouts have also been one thing that I have been planning ahead on. My question really, though, is… Is there anything else I need to consider or start planning on?”
The Meaning Of Locomotive Numbers?
Tim asks readers:
“What do the nos. in front of the loco. ,0-6-0, 4-4-0, 4-8-4, etc mean?”
Selecting High Performance Diesel Locomotives
Kevin would like to hear your preferences with regards locomotive brands:
“I am completing an 4′ x 8′ N scale layout and am at the point where I going purchase two diesel locomotives. I am looking for recommendations as to high performing locomotives that other model railroaders have had good experience with. My layout uses Kato Unitrack. Thank you in advance.”
Engine Does Not Run Anymore
Tom is new to O scale as asks readers:
“I have three engines which all stopped running after 10 to 15 minutes on the track. The lights come on. They just do not move. Three other engines have been working fine for days. Any ideas or suggestions?”
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