Model Trains and Model Railroading Help

Flashing LED Lights On Train Layout

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:22:00 +0000

A reader asks:

"I went to a train show this year at the NY state fairgrounds in Syracuse this past November. I saw an item that caught my eye. On someone's display there was a figure that looked like he was arc welding on a locomotive. To simulate the welders arc, a white flashing LED was used. Thought this was neat. I purchased a flashing LED from Radio Shack, think this would work. It would have only the clear LED would flash red. Does someone know of a circuit that I could purchase or fabricate that would make a white LED flash? Thanks for any help your readers might give me."

Add your comments using the green Comments link below.

MTH Engines and DCC

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:20:00 +0000

William has a question for those experienced in DCC setup and asks:

"I have 2 MTH engines with rail sounds and DCC capabilities. I have a new Lionel engine with all capabilities. Legacy only works with Lionel I am told. Is there a digital command controller that works with both brands?"

Add your comments below

Wiring Terminal

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 22:19:00 +0000

Gary asks:

"How do I wire my fast track terminal wires to my ZW transformer post?"

Gary, perhaps you could provide some more details as this will help someone to give you a good answer. Use the comments link below to add more info.

Steam or Diesel

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:49:00 +0000

Roger is hoping an experienced model railroader can provide some guidance and asks:

"Hello I would like to start a model train layout someday but I can't decide what type of layout to do. Should I do an old steam engine theme or a new diesel type? I am from North Central Pennsylvania, a small town called Johnsonburg, which has a long history of railroading. What should I do to make the choice?"

Roger, perhaps start by reading the Model Train Help ebook, as it sounds like you would benefit hugely from the information. You could also start reading info on the internet, and in books, magazines to see what takes your interest. I'm sure others will want to comment. If you search this blog I think you will find feedback on similar questions. There is no right or wrong answer, however there are several factors to consider. Keep reading and researching.

0n30 Turnable Wiring

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:48:00 +0000

Fred has an 0n30 train layout and asks readers:

"Can anybody please tell me how wire a turntable using DCC?"

Please comment below.

PFM Trains

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 21:46:00 +0000

Toby asks readers:

"I'm trying to upkeep my pfm trains/and sound system.I know PFM is NO longer around. I have parts to do one or two more engines, but I need instructions for wiring /assembly etc on these parts, maybe a small clue would help?"

New Year Resolution

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:59:00 +0000

How about making a New Year Resolution of helping others in the hobby.

Many people just read the tips and information on this blog without contributing to feedback etc. If you have some knowledge of model railroading then please help others who need encouragement. This is free service and all the time and effort put in by people to keep it going is 100% voluntary. Please don't expect others to do all the work. A little assistance would be appreciated.

Make it your New Year Resolution to post some ideas on this blog to help others in the hobby.

Bachmann Knuckle Couplers

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:57:00 +0000

Michael has a question for knowledgeable readers about couplers and asks:

"I am looking for N-scale uncouplers that do not require changing... couplers on
locomotives or train cars. What can people tell me about Bachmann Knuckle
type uncouplers - how to use, reliability etc?"

Post your feedback below.

Track Wiring

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:54:00 +0000

Jeremy has a question for experienced model railroaders and asks:

"My model railroad features a scenic railroad with its own separate line. It is a straight segment with a siding at one end. Whenever I turn on the power [DC] the loco just shakes and I saw smoke coming off of one of my 2-6-0s. How do I wire this line so it runs properly without the hazards?"

Add your comments below.

O Scale Platform Supplies

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:46:00 +0000

Ruth is hoping some thoughtful model railroaders can help with her model railroading question:

"My husband and I (in our 60's!) are beginning to build our first permanent platform. We have decided to use O scale as they are easier for me to handle (arthitis and RSD). I am doing the searching for landscape materials. I am having an extremely difficult time finding vehicles, etc. as most people seem to be into HO and N scales.

Our platform is going to take up a room 9' x 11' and we have found the smaller scales derail often, they would be very difficult to reach. Also, my husband had Lionel trains when he was a child. As we have already invested a lot of money in houses, etc., it is too late to change our minds now anyway!

Any advice on sources for buying supplies (not too expensive) and getting advice on constructing our scenery would be very much appreciated?"

Add your comments using the green comments link below Ruth's posting.

Steam Loco Drivers

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:42:00 +0000

Randy is trying to locate some train parts and is wondering where to source them and asks:

"Where can I locate a set of drivers for my Samhongsa CN e10 mogul. The current drivers are not on center. They are cast zinc and have broken at a the screw hole of a link connector. The wheels are scaled to 63" diameter. The current set comes with bushings to permit a spring movement."

Add your suggestions below.

TMCC and Transformers

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:41:00 +0000

Dave has a technical question for anyone with a Powermaster.

"I have two Lionel 80W transformers connected to my Powermaster. Should the switch on the front be set at 135 or 180?"

Comment below.

CAD Programs

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 01:39:00 +0000

James has a question for someone experienced in CAD systems and asks readers:

"What different cad programs are out there that work effectively at designing trains?"

Add your comment below.

Overhauling and Renovating Current Layout

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:53:00 +0000

Harry has several questions which experienced model railroaders might find difficult to answer without further details (Harry you may want to add more details to this posting - use the green comments link below). Harry asks others:

"I have been looking for information in regard to overhauling and renovating my layout which is over twenty-three years old. Much of the work would center on the back drop and much of the wiring (a mess to say the least). I just need a sense of direction and advice on where to begin, best course of action and definite "product improvement"; not too mention saving money while doing the work."

Several of the regular contributors are on vacation so it would be helpful if some other experienced model railroaders could help out with guidance. To answer a question use the green comments link below each posting. It is quick and easy to register and participate. You will be doing the hobby a great service!

Build A Tunnel Through A Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 20:47:00 +0000

Some our regular contributors are away on vacation at the moment so it would be good if some other experienced model railroaders could step up to the mark and answer some questions from others in the hobby. To answer a question you simply click on the green Comments link below each posting.

If you are not already registered it takes only 3 minutes and is really easy. After registering you can participate in blog discussions and answer questions if you can.

On behalf of all the new comers to the hobby, thank you in advance for help.

John asks:

"What is the best way to build a tunnel ,going through a wall in a room (like from in the room to the closet and how do I finish this so it looks nice?"

To assist John with ideas please use the green Comments link below.

Adding Lights To Locomotives And Rolling Stock

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sun, 03 Jan 2010 05:37:00 +0000

Ron has a question for others in the hobby and asks:

"I purchased the E-Book and really enjoy it and have learned a lot. I am in the process of building several pieces of rolling stock and a couple of engines while working on my first layout. I would like to ask your readers for some ideas on how to add lights to rolling stock and engines for a more realistic look and performance."

Add your comments below.

Only Carefully Worded Model Train Questions Will Be Published.

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:44:00 +0000

Unfortunately several questions have not been published because they didn't make sense.

If you have a model railroading question please think carefully about the wording BEFORE submitting your question. Start your posting with the question and then expand on it to provide good detail to help someone to answer it accurately. If you fail to provide adequate detail, then it is likely your question will not be published, or the answer might reflect the quality of the question, or the question will not be answered at all.

The Blog Moderator rejects around 50% of questions because they use ALL CAPS, have bad spelling/sentence structure, or just don't make sense, or have inadequate details.

We want to help people to have their questions answered, but it is not fair to expect experienced model railroaders to waste their time trying to guess what the person is asking. The people who answer the questions do not get paid, and help out because they genuinely want to assist and encourage others in the hobby.

We want to maintain standards to keep the quality of content high. If your question has not been published, you are welcome to reword it and resubmit it again for review. This is a free service so help us maintain the quality.

Length of Sections Cut Rail

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:32:00 +0000

Anthony has several questions he is hoping someone with experience will help him with. He asks -

"How long should each cut section of earth rail be? Can you have only run/stop sections? OR do you have to have, run/brake/stop? This is for three rail K-Track to be with Viessmann Commander 5300.I am looking for anyone running this combination. Also, knowledge of feedback decoders with above equipment would be appreciated."

To assist Anthony, simply add your comments using the GREEN comments link below this posting.

For those who haven't heard of the Viessmann Commander here is some product information -

The Viessmann COMMMANDER colour Digital system features:

>> Control of locomotives & accessories in all digital protocols
>> Joystick control
>> With Double heading
>> Has two speed-control knobs with two direction-buttons
>> Colored representation switch positions and signal aspects
>> Color track diagram in three zoom steps
>> Colored programmed switched routes (yellow) and occupied track sections (red)
>> Time table operation with control of blocks and shuttle trains
>> Terminals for a programming-track
>> Connection to a PC possible
>> Integrated booster

4 Way Crossing

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 20:25:00 +0000

Bob has a 4 way crossing and wants advice from experienced model railroaders and asks:

"I have a 4 way crossing on my layout that will have any four trains going through the crossing at the same time. What I need is some way to stop two trains, say east and west bound, if I have a train going north or south bound. The trains that will be stopped might have several dcc engines or even a helper engine in the middle so I can't have it stop the first engine because it would cause the other engines to try to push the train through. What do I need to do please?"

Add your comments below.

Well Cars For Container - Stackable

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:47:00 +0000

Bill is hoping a reader will be able to help with his problem and asks:

How can these be double stacked so as they will not come off the top of the first container like pins? The ladders are on the ends and the Hand Brake and Brake wheel."

Add your comments below.

4 x 8 Layout Planned

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:04:00 +0000

Jim is hoping to get some layout concept ideas for his planned project and asks readers:

"I have three Lionel Locomotives and Railroad Cars that were made in the mid 1950's. I would like to make a layout of about a 4'x8' or 4'x6'. I would like something that really looks neat and doesn't look out of place because of my trains age. Thought you guys might have a idea."

Add your comments below.

Program DCC Long and Short Address

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sun, 27 Dec 2009 20:30:00 +0000

Joe has a question for the DCC pros and asks:

"I have an Atlas dash 8 with DCC and Sound and a few days ago it was running the way it should be, but I had to do some work with replacing some track. Over the Christmas I didn't get anything done. Tonight I put the loco on the track and it will only work with the short address of 3.

I started over and programed the short address. I then put it on the main track to program the long address and it said the long address when I hit enter. However, it won't do anything but sit there with the long address. If I put in the short address, which I don't want to use because I am going to a train show in the morning to buy another Atlas with DCC and Sound and can't keep two with the same short address. When I run it with the short address it won't go over 28 MPH using the NCE Power Cab which is the same one it used to run okay with about a week ago. Can someone guide me please?"

Answer Joe's question using the green comments link below.

Operating Height

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:18:00 +0000

William has a question about O and G scale and asks readers:

"I have lots of space for my layout, but am unsure as to the recommended height for my operating height!"

Answer this question below.

22" Radius HO Track

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:17:00 +0000

Kenneth asks:

"I am building a 22" radius HO track alongside my 18" radius HO track but cannot find on the Internet 22" track items like turnouts (manual or remote) or even a 22" rerailer section with provision for attaching the DC wires. DO these accessories exist and if so where can I get them?"

Answer this question below.

Making Signs

noreply@blogger.com (Robert Anderson) — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 20:15:00 +0000

Mike has an unusual question for readers:

"What is a good font size to make names on buildings and signs for your layout? I have some Hobby Cal item # 7 inkjet water-slide decal paper I have purchased and want to try it out. Thanks for any ideas I can get."

Add your comments below.