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!
New Loco Can’t Navigate Curves
Miles asks readers:
“I have a question on this new loco I bought. It is a Budd Amtrak powered coach and it cannot navigate the curves I have on my layout on account of two details next to the trucks that limit the amount they can turn. Should I cut those details off or not?”
Making Handrails and Steps
Ken asks readers:
“I am detailing some of my models and wish to add handrails and steps etc. I can find plenty of detail on the width/length of these items, but nothing that tells me how far off the face of the wagon/carriage the handrail, steps etc project. I am modelling in HO.”
How to Prevent Loco’s Stalling at Points
Jeremy model in HO and asks readers:
“Both of my engines are prone to stalling on the pointwork, or when they are moving through the loop (especially in one direction). Is there anything I can I do to rectify this problem?”
Model Railroad Winter Scene on N & W Line
This photo was taken of a winter scene on the N & W Line. More ideas here.
20ft Long Shelf Layout
Curt sent in this photo to share –
“This is a photo of my multi track rail yard on a two foot wide 3/4 inch plywood shelf 44 inches above the floor and 20 feet long that is supported by 12 x 12 inch angles attached to vertically hung 1 x 4’s. Installation is stable for track and rolling stock but not strong enough to carry human weight. I could have added vertical legs if needed. The shelf was built about four years ago.”
19 FREE Signs to Hang in Your Train Room
These signs will get visitors to your layout talking. If you want to add a bit of fun to your train room, then you can download one or any of these signs with the compliments of modelbuildings.org.
Download and share any of these train room signs for free: http://www.modelbuildings.org/free-train-signs.html
Waiting for the Train – Activity on the Station Platform
A great little scene from a model train show in New Zealand held in Whanganui.
Is there a height different in track?
Jeff asks readers:
“My question is – is atlas N scale track code 80 the same height as Arnold Rapido/Revell? Are they compatible together or is there too much of a height difference in the two tracks? Thank you for any help on this.”
How to Convert Scales on Garden Railroad
Alan asks readers:
“I have a garden railway 16mm narrow gauge scale. I would like to know what is the nearest scale for vehicles. I have worked out 1/19 is approx nearest. Does anyone agree? This is not a popular scale for cars, lorries etc. Your suggestions are welcome.”
Diesel Shunting Locomotive Rolls By
Looks like a cold day as these guys watch a diesel shunter roll past. A scene from the Exeter Model Train Show. More scenery ideas.
5 Free Calculators for Model Railroaders to Use and Share with Friends
The folk at ModelBuildings.org have made available 5 calculator tools. The service is free for the model railroading community, so you are welcome to use the tools and share the link with your friends by email, Facebook, Google+, Twitter etc.
Use the free calculators here: http://www.modelbuildings.org/free-calculator-tools.html
Newbie to Hobby asks – What is Tsunami DCC?
John is new to model railroading and would like some help from ‘those in the know’ and asks:
“I have been interested in a model train layout for some time. Being green on the subject, what is DCC & Tsunami DCC and how involved is it for a newbie interested in getting started with a HO layout?”
Building A Dam For a Harbor Scene
Barbara would like some scenery help from readers. I presume she is planning to use epoxy resin to make the water for her harbor scene… or perhaps she is planning to use real water? Maybe she could clarify by adding a comment to this posting.
“What do you use for a dam to stop water flowing over the end of the table? Modeling harbor scene. Thanks for help.”
How to Make Turnouts
David has this question for readers:
“More about my cheapskate G scale toy train purchases! The track supplied has straight and curved rail sections (set track) but no points (turnouts or switches to the initiated). Have any of you tried to make turnouts from set track pieces (in any scale), if so I’d like to hear from you.”
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