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!
Share a Photo of Your Layout on this Blog
I’m sure others in the hobby would like to see a photo of your model railroad. To add a photo simply use the comments link below this posting, then add a few words about your layout, then click the BROWSE button under your words to upload a photo from your computer. It is really easy, so give it go, as I know others would like to see what you’ve done.
This photo was sent in by Rick.
How To Make My Benchwork Strong Enough To Support My Layout
Rick asks readers:
“I have planned my HO layout (15ft x 3ft) and want to start construction. I am worried about the whole thing collapsing after I add the weight of track, trains, scenery, structures, and people leaning on it. Any advice for types of timbers, construction methods, reinforcing etc. Help gratefully appreciated. P.S. and thanks to Robert for making this blog available free and to all the clever people like Newman, Frank and others who regularly offer help to people like me. Happy christmas to all.”
Problem: Athearn Genesis Loco Won’t Move Forward or Backward
Doug wants advice from readers please:
“I bought an HO Athearn genesis F3 A-B set from a show. I suspect it sat “on the shelf” for a while. The B unit still works fine, but the A unit will no longer move. It has full sound but won’t move forward or backward. I suspect that I might have pressed a function code on my controller that turned off power to the drive wheels. But I cannot figure out what I might have done. Any suggestions?”
Coffee Table Layout Under Construction
Gloria sent in these photos of her layout to share:
“Thank you for all the video’s and tips to you have sent me during the past year they have been very useful. I am sending you 2 photo’s of our unfinished coffee tab layout, as the moment we have not chosen a name for it. As its all based on ex GWR rolling stock and loco’s with the odd LMS locos. We have just called it a coffee table layout.”
Is There a Way To Control The Train Speed on “Toy” Christmas Train Sets?
David asks readers: “Well, it’s that time of year when modellers turn to the Christmas tree, and the north American tradition of running a train under it. Over the years I have purchased a number of G scale train sets running on plastic rails. Two of the four sets that I got got dirt cheap from my local Target/Kmart are radio controlled, but effectively on/off, forward and reverse with no speed control function.
Does anyone know a cheap and nasty retrofit so that I can control the speed of these battery operated locos and maybe, one day, turn them into a “proper” railway?”
How To Power A Layout
William asks readers:
“I used to have three layouts, 2 ‘OO’ gauge and ‘N’ gauge, all analog, that was 5 years ago. I have since moved, and I want to start up again. This time in DCC. I have laid every thing out, connected the track, laid on Scenic Railway foam track. I have the Hornby Elite system, but I can not make the track live. Every time I connect the power, an error comes up. Has anybody got an idea of the reason why?”
How to Wire a Modular Train Layout
Andrew asks readers:
“I am about to embark on my first HO layout and, after reading good advice on this blog, have decided to construct it in 4 modules. I’ll be able to work on the layout one module at a time. We might be relocating in 2 years, hence my reason for building in modules. My question is simple; Is there any special way to disconnect and reconnect the wires to make relocation easy?”
Simple, but Clever Idea Adds Activity
Here’s a simple idea from the Loughborough Model Railway Exhibition that anyone could do at home. The timber is ready for loading onto wagons and can easily be removed from time to time to vary the scene. A crane, forklift, and workers could be included to add more activity.
POLL RESULTS: Will your layout have a Christmas feature this year?
Our first Christmas poll asked: Will your layout have a Christmas feature this year?
Results were as follows:
- No, my layout doesn’t suit a Christmas theme (51%)
- Unfortunately I don’t have a layout yet (27%)
- Yes, I’ll add a hint of Christmas to the layout (15%)
- Yes, my layout will have several Christmas features (8%)
Wiring Code 100 Insulfrog Crossovers
Mike asks readers for advice:
“Hello, about to embark on wiring my new HO layout for DCC. I use code 100 peco track and points, all of which are electrofrog. I have had to purchase two large/long insulfrog cross overs and I am unsure how to wire them for DCC (I have never wired a layout before). Can anybody help. Many thanks.”
Where to Start with Building a Layout
Atul asks readers this question:
“I’m in the early planning stages for my layout. Currently, I’m leaning toward HO scale but I will consider O scale as well. I definitely want sound capability. Can someone tell me which brands are most expandable, as far as accessories available and options? Recommendations please.”
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