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!
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).”
Can You Put a Diode in Series with the LED?
Floyd asks readers:
“I’ve not tried this but am wondering if anyone has put a diode in series with the LED. I think it would convert the power to DC but would probably require some tinkering to get the current correct. Just a thought without practical experience.”
Problem with Old Athearn SW7 Loco
Lonny asks readers:
“I have an HO Athearn SW7 loco I was given. It had been in storage a very long time. When I tried to run it first time it just sat there and the light barely came on an wouldn’t move. I found a site that showed me how to disassemble it. I cleaned all the electrical and disassembled the trucks and cleaned out the old hard grease. I put it back together EXCEPT for the worm gear on each truck. I sat it on the track and the motor spun just fine, the light was nice and bright. I put the worn gears back on and tried again but it barely moved. So the problem is in the trucks, but what it is I can’t figure out. There is no grease in the trucks yet because I wanted to ensure it worked before I greased and oiled it. During reassembly I kept checking that everything moved/rotated and it did. Any insight on how to fix this will be greatly appreciated.”
Restoring Old Marklin Loco’s to Working Order
Ed asks readers:
“I have 15 or more old HO Marklin locomotives in a box in the closet. They are there because I ‘m still starting to build my layout. What do I need to do to get them running? They are stored in their original.boxes.”
Building a New York City Elevated Subway Section
Steve asks readers:
“I am trying to build an N scale New York city elevated subway section and I have only found the viaduct sections in HO scale from Micro Engineering. It seems no one makes any in N scale. Does anyone have an idea how I can either make my own or where I can buy what I need ? This is holding up my layout.”
How to Control a Locomotive Sound Card
Art has a question for readers:
“I guess I’m a dullard. Even with a strong technical background I haven’t figured out what I need to buy to get sound working in a NOS Aristocraft U25B Santa Fe locomotive. I’ve visited various websites – I know about different sound cards but beyond that not much. The last time I messed with model trains was when I kid and that was ages ago. I’m a newbie to G scale. What was a starter set that was just for year-end holiday decor has become a mainline RR.I have a couple of locos, several cars, track and a couple of analog power supplies. I don’t really know what’s needed to control the loco’s sound card or the costs involved. HELP!”
Replicating What Could Be A Real Life Scene
I reality the world is far from perfect, so to look authentic, a scene on a scale railway layout is also likely to have imperfections. This scene captured at the Brisbane, Australia 2015 Train Show is a good example. Notice the little wall surrounding the tall tanks – notice it’s a bit uneven and rough. The surface on the little road leading to workshops is not perfectly edged – in fact it seems to disappear into gravel/dirt. Little details like these can be the difference between an artificial manicured looking scene, and one that looks as if it would in the real world. Worth thinking about? This video has more suggestions for creating authentic looking scenery.
Broadway Switcher Will Not Respond to Throttle
Jerry asks readers:
“I have quite new HO DCC Broadway LTD Switcher with excellent sound and also great movement. It responds forward and back, then suddenly sound remains normal, but I lose all throttle response. I love this little Diesel Switcher. Does anyone have a suggestion to this problem? Thanks.”
How to Install a DCC Chip into a Tamper Track Machine
Jamie asks readers:
“I have just purchased a Hobbytrains N gauge tamper track machine. Does anybody know how to install a dcc chip into it? If you do which one should I use as I have not installed one before?”
Can a DC Setup be Converted to DCC Without Great Expense?
Max asks readers:
“My existing HO set-up is DC. Can this be converted to DCC without great expense? It is a three track oval, where one keeps passenger trains to the normal main line and runs freight around the inner goods loop. Three trains can be run at once.”
How Far Does a DCC Signal Transmit?
Phil sent in these questions for readers:
- How far does a digital signal transmit?
- Are their decoders for track switching?
- How does a DCC Loco get its DC power, onboard or does it require an extra car to carry batteries?
- What are, if any, the benefits with a dual power layout, power to track and power from loco?
Dan also sent in this comment which I guess leads to a question:
“I am very interested in converting from DC to DCC. I hesitate only because of potential wiring issues and/or not being able to run my DC equipment.”
Using Felt as Track Underlay?
Bill asks readers:
“Thanks for the tips. I painted my baseboard green… thinking grass. I am trying to build my layout using self-made parts as much as possible. Cork underlay for the track is expensive, so I’m going to try felt and spray it with a pva/water 50/50 mix. I can cut it to shape and glue to the baseboard? Comments?”
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
Download Your Free Catalog
