Saturday, October 31, 2009

Decoder Response Problem

Malcolm has a question for readers on Decoders and asks:

"I am testing a Lenz decoder and cannot access the address (decoder address number). I have a Digitrax Super Chief and am trying to change the address number. My answer on the control keeps on saying no pg. If I take the system out of programing and go to run I can get the decoder to respond to the forward command, but not reverse. If I can get an answer I will be grateful."

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Switch From Track A to Track B

Charles wants help from any reader who knows about switches and asks:

"I have an inner (track A) and outer (track B) of O gauge track. They are connected by a pair of right handed switches connected to each other. With separate power to each track the object is to allow the train on the inner circle to switch to the outer circle. I am having trouble with how to pin the switches to get the train from track A to switch to track B."

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Friday, October 30, 2009

DCC Confusion

Mark is hoping someone experienced in DCC with guide him through the process and asks:

"I have just tried to build a layout, and up to now it seems fine. All the joins are ok, however, I have a DCC controller, and I just do not know how to connect the wires to the track and where? Also, what about when the track splits of to another loop, does it matter about the wiring? I am thinking I should wire the track about every 18 inches or so all the way around even on the different loop, although I dont know what type of wire to use? Is it better to solder the wire to the track? Please help as I am getting really confused and have come to a stop, as I dont know what to do?"

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Engines Not Running

This is a question that has been asked several times before. Ed asks readers:

"I have three engines that have been stored for a few years and will not run. Can someone suggest what I can do to get them running."

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Live Frogs or Insul Frogs?

If you think you have the knowledge and experience to answer Dave's question please do:

"Can any one tell me which are the best points to use on a DCC layout please live frog or insul frog. I am building an end to end layout OO gauge."

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Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Your Model Train Question Has Been Answered

This is just a little courtesy reminder for those who have their questions answered on this blog.

Please find a moment to post a quick 'thank you' to anyone who has taken the time to try and answer your question. These are helpful people who do their best to help others. They don't get paid and do this out of kindness and a dedication to the hobby.

PLEASE PLEASE - I'm sure a quick simple 'thank you' posting would be much appreciated. As the old saying goes "courtesy costs nothing!"

Add your thank you, or comments, to the bottom of the relevant posting. Use the green comments link. It is really easy and I'm sure it will be appreciated.

N Scale Gradients

Bill asks a question similar to others that have been asked on this blog (use the search box). Would someone like to answer this for Bill:

"I am about to build my new N scale railroad, can one of your readers advise me the gradiant ratio as i wish to climb into a mountain terrain?"

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Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Benchwork

Sam wants to hear from others in the hobby and asks:

"I have started on my layout and I'm using Sievers Benchwork. I have started with a turntable and Roundhouse. The turntable is Walthers 130' and I will sit it in 2" foam and will use 1/4" plywood/w/1/2" Homasote. I will use ceiling tile rail to hold in place. That way I will be able to lift out and clean or preform maintenance when necessary. I just wanted to know if your readers think that should work?"

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Monday, October 26, 2009

Loss Of Power On Layout

Cosmo has a question that has been covered several times before on this blog (see search box). Would a reader like to comment and offer further help:
"My layout is on a 4X8 plywood. At the  end away from the transformer, train slows and stops. Why?"

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Running Two Train O Gauge

Lou has a question for O Gauge model railroaders and asks:

"Does anyone know if on a track with switch tracks, can I run two trains, with two separate transformers? I am a new to model trains."

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35 Year Old Train Couplers

Tim wants to hear from readers who can assist him with couplers and asks:

"I have just got started into model railroading. I am using train engines and cars that were made 35 years ago. The couplers on them will not stay hooked. Can these old style couplers be changed to something that will not cost me an arm and leg?"

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Z Marklin Diode Equipped Tracks

Max is hoping someone with experience in the hobby will answer his question:

"I have two Z Marklin Diode-Equipped Tracks and I don't know how to use them in a layout or what the are exactly used for. Can someone Explain them to me?"

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