Paul want thoughts and opinions from readers and asks:
"I am presently contemplating beginning work on an HO model train layout. I am interested in two steam locomotives. The first loco is an 1880's wood burning 4-4-0, similar to the one that pulled the first train into Vancouver in 1886 (#374). The other loco is the Royal Hudson 4-6-2. I also want to keep all my rolling stock within these vintages. I have limited space, so all I may ever do is settle for a static display...but I can always dream. I have contemplated a portable set up. Any help would be appreciated from anyone. Thanks."
Add your comments below.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Friday, November 20, 2009
Cityscapes To Model
Pieter from South Africa wants to model Chicago railroads and would like some advice from readers of cityscapes:
"I have had HO trains for 20 years, but due to my career taking up a lot of time, I did not spend a lot of time with the hobby. I have now resumed it. Since I am from South Africa, have mainly RSA stock. I am also still deciding on what eras and railways I should model. My first ever visit to the US at the beginning of September 2009, took me to the absolute amaizing city of Chicago, which I fell in love with immediately. Needless to say, that is what I want to model. I purchased a book on the history of the Chicago railways, but need some advice and articles on modeling city railroads and would appreciate any help I could get on modeling Chicago specifically. My space is reasonably limited, although that might change. Any advice for both limited space and unlimited will be appreciated"
Add your comments below.
Mixing Steam Trains With Diesels
Geoff asks readers for advice on selecting an era to model and about mixing steam and diesel on the same layout. I'm sure some you experienced model railroaders will have some thoughts on the matter to guide Geoff:
"I am new to this hobby and cannot make up my mind as to which era I'd like, my leaning is more toward the steam era but I also like the diesel and electric. Would it look wrong if I were to combine all or should I run them separately at different times? Also if I had The Flying Scotsman, The Golden Arrow and The Mallard together would they be OK running side by side? I hope that you understand what I am trying to say. Please could your readers give me any advice relating to the eras of the trains?"
Add your comments below.
"I am new to this hobby and cannot make up my mind as to which era I'd like, my leaning is more toward the steam era but I also like the diesel and electric. Would it look wrong if I were to combine all or should I run them separately at different times? Also if I had The Flying Scotsman, The Golden Arrow and The Mallard together would they be OK running side by side? I hope that you understand what I am trying to say. Please could your readers give me any advice relating to the eras of the trains?"
Add your comments below.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
New Train Poll
Just a quick reminder there is a new poll for you to participate in. You will see it in the right hand column. We have had really good feedback on past polls and it seems everyone likes to see the results. It is free to participate.
Happy railroading!
Happy railroading!
Scales and Gauges
Edwyn has a question for readers that has been discussed before on this blog.
"My clear understanding is that Bachmann, for example is HO scale and gauge. ie: HO =. 1/87 Hornby, on the other hand is OO scale and HO gauge. OO = 1/72. What is the relevance of the number of sellers who now list their HO and/or OO scale models (not buildings} as HO/OO. I bristle when I see Bachmann, Athearn and Atlas listed as HO/OO, or Hornby listed as HO. I've even had a local retailer get quite abusive and tell me that there's no difference!"
Robert comments:
A lot of people involved in the hobby of model railroading refer to HO as being the equivalent of OO. It is true that the two scales are similar and a close comparison, however they are NOT exactly the same. OO is more commonly used in the UK and HO in other parts of the world including the USA.
The 2 scales are different, although the closest comparison. HO being 1:87.1 and OO being 1:76.
It can be a bit of a trap when advertisers list their locos and rolling stock as HO/OO. There can be a really noticeable difference in size between 2 items in the 2 scales.
One keen enthusiast emailed to say "I got caught in the early stage of modelling and bought a couple of carriages which were listed as HO/OO when in fact they were OO and much larger than my HO counterparts. I do believe the 2 scales should be treated quite separately and not grouped as one."
Richard commented earlier:
"My clear understanding is that Bachmann, for example is HO scale and gauge. ie: HO =. 1/87 Hornby, on the other hand is OO scale and HO gauge. OO = 1/72. What is the relevance of the number of sellers who now list their HO and/or OO scale models (not buildings} as HO/OO. I bristle when I see Bachmann, Athearn and Atlas listed as HO/OO, or Hornby listed as HO. I've even had a local retailer get quite abusive and tell me that there's no difference!"
Robert comments:
A lot of people involved in the hobby of model railroading refer to HO as being the equivalent of OO. It is true that the two scales are similar and a close comparison, however they are NOT exactly the same. OO is more commonly used in the UK and HO in other parts of the world including the USA.
The 2 scales are different, although the closest comparison. HO being 1:87.1 and OO being 1:76.
It can be a bit of a trap when advertisers list their locos and rolling stock as HO/OO. There can be a really noticeable difference in size between 2 items in the 2 scales.
One keen enthusiast emailed to say "I got caught in the early stage of modelling and bought a couple of carriages which were listed as HO/OO when in fact they were OO and much larger than my HO counterparts. I do believe the 2 scales should be treated quite separately and not grouped as one."
Richard commented earlier:
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Power Supply On G Scale Layout
Gerry has a G scale layout and is having power supply problems and asks readers for advice:
"I am a bit of a novice at all of this. My biggest problem is getting my small (12x16) layout to keep current throughout the track. The farther away from the power supply it gets the slower it goes and I can almost forget about turning on the lighting inside the cars (track powered) and the engine sounds. Has anyone got any clues as to how I can solve this problem?
Add your comments below.
"I am a bit of a novice at all of this. My biggest problem is getting my small (12x16) layout to keep current throughout the track. The farther away from the power supply it gets the slower it goes and I can almost forget about turning on the lighting inside the cars (track powered) and the engine sounds. Has anyone got any clues as to how I can solve this problem?
Add your comments below.
Monday, November 16, 2009
British Steam Locomotives
Dave has a question for those readers in the UK and asks:
"Hi Could any one tell me the reason British steam locos didn't have headlamps as well as the two lamps on the buffers."
Add your comments below.
"Hi Could any one tell me the reason British steam locos didn't have headlamps as well as the two lamps on the buffers."
Add your comments below.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
New Model Train Poll
If you haven't already spotted it, there is a new poll for readers to participate in. These polls are always popular, and you will find the latest one in the right hand column.
Locomotive Wheel Traction
William operates an 00 hornby model railway and has a question for readers:
"My question is how can I cure my locomotive from doing a wheel spin? I am not sure if I am attaching too many coaches (ie 3 coaches ) would appreciate any suggestions."
Add your comments below.
"My question is how can I cure my locomotive from doing a wheel spin? I am not sure if I am attaching too many coaches (ie 3 coaches ) would appreciate any suggestions."
Add your comments below.
Loop Connections
A reader asks for help from others in the hobby and asks:
"I am planning an HO layout which includes a track in which a loop doubles back on itself - that is at the loop connection, the right rail loops back and joins onto the left rail. I have both digital DCC and non-digital controlled locos. What special provisions do I need to ensure no polarity complications at the connections where the right rail meets the left rail - for instance - isolating switch frogs, polarity switching devices, etc. Also is the problem - if any - the same for both my DCC and non-DCC locos?"
Use the green comments link to answer.
"I am planning an HO layout which includes a track in which a loop doubles back on itself - that is at the loop connection, the right rail loops back and joins onto the left rail. I have both digital DCC and non-digital controlled locos. What special provisions do I need to ensure no polarity complications at the connections where the right rail meets the left rail - for instance - isolating switch frogs, polarity switching devices, etc. Also is the problem - if any - the same for both my DCC and non-DCC locos?"
Use the green comments link to answer.
Catenary Installation on Train Layout
Graham has a question is is hoping an experienced model railroader might help him with:
"I am a new model railroader and need advice on catenary installation. Is it worth installing, does and donts, pitfalls, what to use etc."
For those who don't know the catenary is the system of wires suspended above the track, which supply power to electrically powered trains.
Graham, perhaps it might be helpful if you could click on the green comments link and add some more details to your question, as it might help others to supply you with a better quality answer.
"I am a new model railroader and need advice on catenary installation. Is it worth installing, does and donts, pitfalls, what to use etc."
For those who don't know the catenary is the system of wires suspended above the track, which supply power to electrically powered trains.
Graham, perhaps it might be helpful if you could click on the green comments link and add some more details to your question, as it might help others to supply you with a better quality answer.
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