Q: I always thought N gauge track was the go-to gauge for narrow gauge HO operating equipment. I found out yesterday that is not true. I got a model kit for an HOn3 locomotive. Everything was going smoothly until I discovered the wheels and trucks supplied with the kit are spaced too far apart for N gauge […]
Q: I recently added a Faller carousel to my HO scale model railroad. It is lighted and motorized. Now I would like to add a sound module to the layout to play carousel sounds. Any suggestions where I might find one? — Larry Gaiardelli A: I couldn’t find a sound module pre-recorded with carousel sounds, […]
Q: Do you know of any software for producing a timetable for a model railroad? I would like to create a timetable that uses the same fonts and formats as prototype documents once used by the Milwaukee Road and Chicago & North Western. — Cully Kowal, Fond du Lac, Wis. A: Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI), […]
Q: I’m aware that India ink-alcohol stain fogs Dullcote and similar dulling lacquer products. But I’ve not been able to find anything on the internet that discusses what happens if you spray Dullcote onto something that has previously had an alcohol wash applied, but the alcohol has completely evaporated and is dry. I assume there is no effect, […]
Q: I’m having some N scale locomotive electrical problems. My 6 x 8-foot layout is powered by NCE Digital Command Control. My locomotives will roll a few inches, then stop. If I give them a push, they stutter on/off, on/off, on/off. When the locomotives are moving, the block occupancy detector’s light-emitting diode (LED) is on, […]
Q: I am wondering why they mark a little F on the front of a diesel. I know it stands for “Front.” However, isn’t it obvious in most cases where the front is? And in the case of a center cab switcher, where it isn’t at all obvious, why does it matter? What is the practical purpose of […]
Q: Why were billboard reefer cars outlawed? I recently received my copy of Gerry Leone’s Model Railroader’s Handbook. It is certainly a deep well of information. I came across the “Railroad regulatory timeline” on page 111. Most of the regulations banned older, unsafe technology (arch-bar trucks, truss-rod car construction, etc.) as newer technology developed. That makes sense. But […]
Q: I’m experiencing a problem with trains that stop between wiring blocks on my N scale train layout. I have two identical direct current (DC) power packs and am using Kato Unitrack throughout the layout. One power pack runs the main line while the other operates the yards. The problem is that whenever I attempt […]
Q: What is the rule of thumb for the transition from a grade back to level when laying track? — Carl Angdahl A: Gradual transitions between track grades, called vertical track easements, can help prevent problems on your model railroad. If a train suddenly goes from a steep grade to flat track or vice-versa, couplers […]
Q: I would like to know how to patch out leased locomotives. I model a bridge line connecting the Nickel Plate (NKP) at Wheeling, W.Va., with the Norfolk & Western (N&W) at Bluefield, W.Va. I roster several EMD GP30s and some Alco units, all in NKP livery. Most of my steam power is lettered for […]
Q: I have a tight HO scale helix with a grade of 3%. My smaller steam engines have a hard time pulling more than two or three cars up the grade. I know the standard answers: increase engine weight, add a second engine, apply Bullfrog Snot to the drivers, make sure car trucks roll smoothly. […]
Q: I’m slowly building the industries on my HO layout and can’t seem to find one in particular: a glass plant. I see all types of industries one can buy in HO scale, but no one seems to make a glass plant. Why not? I once worked for one of the largest glass container manufacturers […]
