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!
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.”
Best Way to Make Dirt Roads and Streets
Harris asks readers:
“What is the best way to make H O scale dirt roads and city streets using found materials and not store bought.”
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.”
Alan’s South Wales Layout
Alan sent in this short video of his impressive South Wales layout. It looks excellent. Perhaps he can add some more details using the comments link below this posting.
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.
Upcoming Model Train Shows
Joey asks readers:
“Could you please advise what are the best train show or conventions in the US? I’m looking to attend a trade show this year but really would like the best one available and the largest one since I am a newcomer?”
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?”
McHenry couplers v’s Kadee couplers
Bill asks readers:
“What are the advantages and disadvantages of using McHenry couplers as opposed to using Kadee couplers? Also, do both couples work well with each other?”
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