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!
How To Prevent Locomotive Wheel Slippage
Gary asks readers:
“I have an HO Athearn GP-40 (non-DCC, RTR) that went from running GREAT to running poorly basically overnight. It runs, but there’s a significant loss of pulling power. At first I thought it was the loco, but when I put another perfectly-running loco on the same track, it has the same problem. Then I thought the problem was in the electrical power to the track (such as reduced voltage?), but I can’t find any problem there either. I also tested the power pack; no problem there. The loco runs perfectly fine until I’ve added about 4 cars; then I start to notice it’s having trouble pulling them. But I still can’t figure out how a loco went from running GREAT to running poorly just like that (in other words, there was no gradual decline in performance). Have also cleaned the track and checked the wire connections; so that’s not the issue. Any thoughts?”
Trains From the Civil War to 1930
Danielle asks readers this question:
“I am looking for old wood burning HO locomotives and accessories for my future layout. I would like to concentrate on the era from the Civil War to about 1930. Does anyone out there have any ideas?”
How To Make Gutters
Roger asks readers:
“I am building some houses from scratch and was wondering, what is a good material for making gutters? I have tried hard paper but I could not make it look real. I am constructing the building from 1/16th wood. I tried finding something on the internet but all I get are ads for real gutters. Does anyone have a suggestion?”
Can I Run DCC Locos Together?
Tim asks readers:
“I have two HO DCC locomotives that I want to consist together so that can pull/push up a 4% grade on my layout. Both locomotives travel in different directions for forward & reverse. Can I change this in one of them using DCC or do I need to hard wire the change in the loco”
How Do Kato #6 Turnouts Compare?
Peter asks readers:
“I bought a Bachmann train set prior to Christmas. I then expanded the layout with extra track and turnouts. I personally have found the turn outs to be extremely unreliable and I am considering buying Kato #6 turnouts instead. Are the Kato turn outs remote as I would like to run to engines and isolate one at a time on a siding?”
Mixing Kato Track N Scale With Other Brand Trains
Gianni asks readers:
“It is my intention to purchase a Kato track N scale; however, do I have to also select the train sets of the same brand? Can I use a different brand same scale?”
2015 Hallmark Lionel Train Set
Sue asks readers:
“Did anyone see the 2015 Hallmark Lionel train set? It’s the red one that’s around 400.00 dollars? Has anyone mentioned whether this was a good set to buy, worth the money? I thought it was pretty high myself but not knowing how much train sets are going for i thought I’d ask. Thanks for your help!”
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.
Trackside Industry
Do you have any observations on this layout? Add your comments or suggestions below.
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!”
What is the Best Track Cleaning Method?
Tim asks readers:
“What is the best method for cleaning HO Peco Flexi track?”
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?”
Building a Military Base for a Model Railroad
A reader asks:
“Has anyone built an air force base model for their train set? And where can I see pics of them?”
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.
How to Remove Locomotive Body
Richie asks readers:
“Please how do you remove the body of an N Gauge Graham Farish MT4 2-6-4 to check if it is DCC ready.”
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.”
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