| Subject | Date Asked |
|
| Wiring Bachmann Switches and Turnout | 9/27/2009 |
Q: Im really very new to the model railroad , living far away in South east Asia is very hard for this ...
A: Mni! I suggest you go to http://www.bachmanntrains.com/. You will find several references and can ...
|
| DCC/Power Supply HO | 9/7/2009 |
Q: I’ve never been railroad modeler but always dreamed to be. All of sudden I am in possession of New ...
A: Victor! Code 70 refers to the Height of the rail (actual not scale). Code 100 is the most common ...
|
| Which Model Railroading Wiring Book | 8/25/2009 |
Q: I need to learn the basics of wiring a layout and the more the better. I stuck between deciding on ...
A: Josh! I'm sorry but I haven't read either one. I learned wiring a different way. I think I'd go ...
|
| How to find out track size | 8/15/2009 |
Q: I have come across some train tracks but I don't know how find out the gauge. The rails seem to ...
A: Michele! We'll need a little more information to be sure, but in the U.S., it's most likely HO ...
|
| magnetic uncoupling | 8/1/2009 |
Q: Everytime I pass over the uncoupling magnet, the car uncouples. How mcan I keep the coupled when ...
A: Stanley! It sounds to me like you may have the magnets too high relative to the rail or that your ...
|
| Electric hook-up | 6/3/2009 |
Q: I have a turntable,,, I need the Hook-up in Graphic detail for 5 isolated tracks, after they are ...
A: Herb! Each of the 5 isolated tracks will need a wire from each rail or each track (10 wires in ...
|
| HO DC Block Wiring Reverse Question | 4/5/2009 |
Q: Rem - I'm quite impressed with your past answers and want to see if you can help me with an issue. I ...
A: JD! It sounds to me as if you switched polarity on the terminals feeding that block of track when ...
|
| engine repainting | 3/26/2009 |
Q: I just purchased a MTH O gauge E-8 ABA set in Chicago And North Western colors,my goal is Florida ...
A: Russell! For best results, I would strip it -- unless you want it to LOOK like Florida East Coast ...
|
| Vanderbilt Commodore | 3/23/2009 |
Q: I am trying to test my Commodore Vanderbilt without a track. Can I hook the transformer leads ...
A: Randy! You'll have to remove the shell, of course, but just look for where the wires attach to the ...
|
| REVERSIBLE TRACK | 3/22/2009 |
Q: CAN YOU PLEASE EXPLAIN HOW A REVERSIBLE TROLLEY OPERATES? IS IT THE TROLLEY OR THE TRACK THAT ...
A: Jack! It could be either, but probably is the track. There are available electronic modules that ...
|
| Information on S | 3/9/2009 |
Q: I have some small train pieces and would like to find out a little about them, but I have searched ...
A: Sharleen! Here are a couple of websites about S Scale: http://www.trainweb.org/crocon/sscale.html ...
|
| Engine repair for ho tyco | 2/27/2009 |
Q: I have two engines which are about 40 years old made by Mantiu-Tyco and I will like to get them ...
A: Generally I'd recommend you seek out a local train store. They often offer repair service or may ...
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| connecting Lionel 80-watt Transformer/Controller | 2/2/2009 |
Q: My grandson and I were assembling a new "O" gauge layout - the red and black wires connecting the ...
A: I don't do Lionel technical because it's been more than 40 years, But, as I recall there should be ...
|
| road bed | 1/23/2009 |
Q: New at this .What would be the best materials for road bed on a garden G scale line. thank you Dan
A: Dan! A lot depends on the effect you're looking for. You could use pea gravel, if you want a fairly ...
|
| Model Railroad track | 1/13/2009 |
Q: I'm a beginner MR. All the literature tells me that I need to gap my rail (for DCC). But NO-one ...
A: again! I tend to think better in fractions of inches. A gap of around 1/32" is acceptble. That ...
|
| Model Railroad track | 1/12/2009 |
Q: I'm a beginner MR. All the literature tells me that I need to gap my rail (for DCC). But NO-one ...
A: Paul! Actually one has to gap rails for other kinds of throttles, too. The purpose of the gap is to ...
|
| HO Scale trackwork | 1/6/2009 |
Q: How would you install a Tortoise switch machine in a Masonite splined roadbed?
A: Robert! I would cut a slot in the roadbed for the actuating wire to pass through and mount the ...
|
| HO train detection/control | 12/26/2008 |
Q: Can you tell me where to find a simple IR circuit that I can build to control a relay that will ...
A: Mark! Frankly I'm a little out of it, too. If you really want to build the circuit yourself, I ...
|
| tyco acessories | 12/9/2008 |
Q: can you run more than one acessory at a time on a 1977 tyco transformer? I tried 2 steam whistles ...
A: John! It doesn't look like you need me. Seems like you answered your own question. That click you ...
|
| electronic uncouplers | 12/6/2008 |
Q: Is there and manufactures that make controlled uncouplers for HO gauge similar to Lionel 0.27 I ...
A: Kadee used to. I haven't checked lately, but their permanent magnet u8ncouplers can be ...
|
| N Gauge Maximum Power Rating. | 12/2/2008 |
Q: I want to know what the maximum power from a transformer to run an N Gauge layout. Thanks, Tom
A: Tom, Most train transformers for the smaller scales, HO - Z, generally run at 12-18 VDC, and 2-3 ...
|
| Rivarossi 4-6-2 | 10/1/2008 |
Q: I have an old Rivarossi 4-6-2 that has sat on my shelf since I bought it and couldn't get it running ...
A: Gunnar! Microscale Decals might have a production set of decals you could use. Barring that you ...
|
| g scale buildings | 9/18/2008 |
Q: Several years ago we bought a lgb g scale Christmas train. We have run it under the tree, but now I ...
A: Shari! I would suggest going online to: www.walthers.com and clicking on 'shop" along the top ...
|
| lionel 6-1381 o scale | 9/4/2008 |
Q: How to hook up the transformer to the track ANSWER: Hi, Newt! I'm not a technical expert on ...
A: Well, Newt, this is where we start running out of my knowledge of Lionel. But traditionally, Lionel ...
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| lionel 6-1381 o scale | 9/3/2008 |
Q: How to hook up the transformer to the track
A: Newt! I'm not a technical expert on Lionel, but to the best of my recollection, there is a clip ...
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| what are the usual dimensions | 9/2/2008 |
Q: eii sombody knows what are the usual dimensionss of a real train!!??
A: Cesar! There's no easy answer to your question because so many people model different eras and ...
|
| wiring | 9/1/2008 |
Q: i have a N gauge 2 trains on 2 independent power packs. I have about 20 lighted buildings and about ...
A: Bob, Parallel describes the way the lights are connected. No "device" is required -- except perhaps ...
|
| wiring | 8/31/2008 |
Q: i have a N gauge 2 trains on 2 independent power packs. I have about 20 lighted buildings and about ...
A: Bob! Lights may be connectected in parallel. Since you have two powser supplies, I suggest ...
|
| loomotive runs in opposite direction | 8/20/2008 |
Q: I have a model power locomotive that runs in the opposite direction of the other ones on my layout. ...
A: OK, this is quite a bit harder to do without being able to see the actual locomotive, but the ...
|
| loomotive runs in opposite direction | 8/17/2008 |
Q: I have a model power locomotive that runs in the opposite direction of the other ones on my layout. ...
A: Larry! The power is picked up off the locos wheels or axles. In order to prevent the axle from ...
|
| HO scale model trains | 8/9/2008 |
Q: I am switching from O scale to HO scale and I would like to know if my O scale transformer (Lionel ...
A: Chuck! The answer in a word is, "No". Lionel three rail trains are run on AC and most HO is run on ...
|
| HO tunnel | 5/18/2008 |
Q: Do you know of any online links that would show how to construct a tunnel? The ones I found don't ...
A: Sorry, Alan, but I don't know of an online site. However, tunnel building is not that difficult. ...
|
| ho mantua riverts | 3/6/2008 |
Q: Hi i have just got a mantua 4-6-4 kit and have lost the rivets that are used to put the rod asembley ...
A: Trevor! Sorry, but I haven't been following Mantua very closely lately. You said you just got it. ...
|
| Switching to a siding | 2/18/2008 |
Q: I'm using Bachmann EZ track. I connected a switch to create a siding. When I switch to the ...
A: Bill! I must confess that I've never used EZ track -- I've never really liked the look. I can think ...
|
| H0 trains | 1/23/2008 |
Q: What does DCC equipped mean? Thank you, Robert ANSWER: Hi, Robert! DCC equipped means that a ...
A: DCC is a system for controlling trains using microcomputers. Each DCC receiver is actually a ...
|
| H0 trains | 1/23/2008 |
Q: What does DCC equipped mean? Thank you, Robert
A: Robert! DCC equipped means that a piece (usually referring to a locomotive) has had a Digital Cab ...
|
| squeaking wheels | 1/18/2008 |
Q: My son got a life-like Rail runner train set for xmas. The set included a Santa Fe 3500 engine. ...
A: Brad! Never heard of "squeaky wheel gets the grease"? In this case maybe not actual grease, but ...
|
| model scenery | 1/5/2008 |
Q: do you have any tips for making n scale trees and shrubs, I have already made some trees and shrubs ...
A: I will, Cory, but please send me your email address. When we go through AllExperts, when you submit ...
|
| momentary switches on turnouts | 1/5/2008 |
Q: I have a series of momentary pushbutton switches on my HO train layout for my turnouts and I'm not ...
A: Craig! Simply put, "yes" you can run a common wire. Now comes the question, to which terminal are ...
|
| model scenery | 1/5/2008 |
Q: do you have any tips for making n scale trees and shrubs, I have already made some trees and shrubs ...
A: Cory! One of the easiest techniques to make tall trees is to collect some dried weeds like Queen ...
|
| ac power for accessories | 1/3/2008 |
Q: my grandsons have a bachmann digital commander train set. there are no accessory terminals. How do i ...
A: Dick! Check the user's manual on the Digital Commander, but I believe you have two choices. One ...
|
| dcc | 12/31/2007 |
Q: my name is mike and i just bought a ho spectrum acela that is dcc ready. i cant find out how to make ...
A: Mike! Sounds to me like "DCC ready" may mean it's missing some parts. Like maybe a DDC receiver ...
|
| two trains - one track | 12/29/2007 |
Q: Is it possible with O-Scale, with isolating sections and switches, to have two trains on one track ...
A: Ken! In a word, "Yes" it is called block control or sometimes referred to as "blocking". It may be ...
|
| scaling | 12/28/2007 |
Q: I am new at model railroading and I am constructing my own buildings.I found a coal house on ...
A: I am not aware of such a website, but you may be able to get some dimensions yourself by find ...
|
| scaling | 12/27/2007 |
Q: I am new at model railroading and I am constructing my own buildings.I found a coal house on ...
A: Cory! Welcome to model railroading! Converting from one scale to another can be a little confusing, ...
|
| Wooden toy train set... | 12/27/2007 |
Q: DO you have any ideas for me on how to affix my Son's wooden train tracks together and to the small ...
A: Mike! I like the glue idea, frankly. I think I would try getting some "Liquid Nails" or other ...
|
| Track Layout | 12/26/2007 |
Q: I have a gameroom that is about 30x30. Near the center, the bathroom takes about a 8x8 section of ...
A: It should be possible, Tommy. As I recall you can get a circle of O scale into a 4' x 4' square ...
|
| Track Layout | 12/26/2007 |
Q: I have a gameroom that is about 30x30. Near the center, the bathroom takes about a 8x8 section of ...
A: Tommy! Before I can answer this question, I need to know what scale you're planning to use. And, if ...
|
| Lionell transformer | 12/25/2007 |
Q: Rem, My father-in-law has a 0 scale Lionell set purhased in the Late forties. I believe the ...
A: Allen! I've occasionally met vendors at train shows that will do a rebuild. Keep an eye out for a ...
|
| Lionel CTC Lockon | 12/25/2007 |
Q: I am attempting to hook up a Lionel 027 Gauge set for my grandson. It was used by an older grandson ...
A: Try: http://www.lionel.com/CustomerService/Findex.cfm. I see that there is a navigation entry for ...
|
| why is my steam engine not smoking | 12/24/2007 |
Q: Can bad smoke fluid make a steam engine stop smoking?
A: Scott! Usually "smoke fluid" is mainly mineral oil, it is unlikely that it will go bad, but I ...
|
| HO transformer | 12/19/2007 |
Q: My 15-year-old son is switching from a Marklin oval set-up he has tinkered with for a few years to a ...
A: Joe! Wish I could just give a simple answer for you, but we have to consider a couple of things. ...
|
| Power | 12/19/2007 |
Q: I have three different power supplies for three different tracks on my 4 X 16 HO scale layout. Every ...
A: No not multiple supplies, just multiple feeds from each power supply. Wires are less resistive than ...
|
| O Scale engine Repair | 12/19/2007 |
Q: I have a O Scale ~ Late 50's MARX three rail Engine. The engine only goes in one direction now. ...
A: O scale is not really my expertise, but a boyhood friend had one so thinking back 40 years or so... ...
|
| Power | 12/19/2007 |
Q: I have three different power supplies for three different tracks on my 4 X 16 HO scale layout. Every ...
A: Matt! On larger layouts, the length of track can introduce enough resistance to become a factor in ...
|
| Marklin Model.. No ID | 12/19/2007 |
Q: I am sure you get hundred of questions about what kind of train set they have so unfortunately here ...
A: JP! Actually, I don't get as many questions like this as you might think. Frankly, I doubt I can be ...
|
| N gauge controllers | 12/18/2007 |
Q: I am about to start an n gauge layout and was unsure about the controllers. Can i use a Hornby 00 ...
A: Jack! I'll give you a definite "Maybe" on that one. As long as your Hornby has an output of about ...
|
| Old train buzz and light will not run | 12/13/2007 |
Q: i have an old train I would like to set up under the Christams tree. I cleaned the trak and wheels ...
A: Bill! Sorry, I took so long, apparently I missed the notification of your question. It sounds like ...
|
| ho passenger car | 12/7/2007 |
Q: I have a HO gage train. I have 2 cars from Life-Like that are passenger trains that should light. ...
A: There may be some contacts that rub on the wheels or axles. Make sure that these are clean and ...
|
| followup to your answer | 11/23/2007 |
Q: ok first my son is 5 yrs old. the train will be for me and him both. he is very smart and has the ...
A: Matt! To answer this, and your next question (I peeked), I was your son's age when my Dad ...
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| train & track dimensions | 11/23/2007 |
Q: how wide are the train and tracks
A: Jack! Standard Gauge (the width between rails) in the U.S. is 4' 8-1/2" or 56-1/2". This is what ...
|
| HO Trains | 11/20/2007 |
Q: im getting my son into model trains. was just wondering what is the best namebrand and scale to ...
A: Matthew! The answer to this one may take a little dialog, so I'll start with a few questions and a ...
|
| Turntable construction | 10/21/2007 |
Q: Rem, I'm working on a Bowser turntable and I need to add an 1/8 inch lip to the top of the pit to ...
A: Hey. Mike! I might suggest bass wood instead of balsa, it's a little harder and tighter grained. ...
|
| moving sand/grain from hopper car to silo | 10/3/2007 |
Q: I have a hopper car. I want to unload the car and move the sand/grain from the car to a silo. ...
A: Robert! As you've probably come to realize, this is not a simple answer. In order to help, I will ...
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| Model Railroad | 9/27/2007 |
Q: I would like to know what manufacturer make real replicas of the prototype(locos and cars). I was ...
A: Well, Claudio, this response is going to be mostly philosophical. -- If you want nearly exact scale ...
|
| Weathering Powers | 9/24/2007 |
Q: Can I expect these powers to adhere to plastic or metal ho gauge RR cars without leaving a residue ...
A: Thomas, I'm not up on the TECH 3 so I'm afraid I can't be much help. Do the horns work when the ...
|
| Weathering Powers | 9/21/2007 |
Q: Can I expect these powers to adhere to plastic or metal ho gauge RR cars without leaving a residue ...
A: Thomas! My experience has been that weathering with powders can be used effectively only if the cars ...
|
| Replacement Transformer | 8/21/2007 |
Q: I have a custom designed 2 train control box for ho guage trains with a burned out, dual voltage ...
A: Joe! Have you tried surfing the web for transformers? You might try www.advancedtransformers.com. ...
|
| Celing railroad | 8/21/2007 |
Q: I'm not too far away from putting up an ho scale railroad around the celing of my computer room. I ...
A: Scott! I don't know of any particular sites showing a ceiling railroad or a suspended railroad. - My ...
|
| couplers for GG1 | 8/3/2007 |
Q: recently I bought a AHM Rivarosssi GG1, old stock but unused. But it had no couplers with it. Can I ...
A: Grahame! The most realistic looking couplers are probably Kadee or McHenry couplers. Either or ...
|
| Father in laws train set??? | 6/27/2007 |
Q: I have a large amount of trains and train memorabilia, too much to write here, but I want to know ...
A: Barbara! The "right" way would be to have his collection appraised then sell at the appraised value. ...
|
| HO train speeds | 6/16/2007 |
Q: Do all HO's have the same speed/horsepower? Does the speed controller type decrease or increase it? ...
A: Howard. Physics with calculus helps a lot. It's been so long that I'm not sure I can still do ...
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| HO train speeds | 6/16/2007 |
Q: Do all HO's have the same speed/horsepower? Does the speed controller type decrease or increase it? ...
A: Howard! This is going to take a while, but here goes... Speed is not the same as horsepower. Speed ...
|
| model railroad scales | 4/6/2007 |
Q: what is the largest down to the smallest scales including N, 0, HO, G, and ON3O scales and Large ...
A: Of the scales you've named, the descending order is G, O, HO, and N. On30 is not a different scale, ...
|
| Engine Cleaning and Restoration | 4/1/2007 |
Q: I have a set of Tyco HO gauge trains that are around 40 years old. They have been in storage for a ...
A: This is something you con do yourselves, but I'm going to suggest you take it to the train store and ...
|
| Traction | 3/17/2007 |
Q: I have several Tyco (Mantua)General 4-4-0s that get notoriously poor traction, in fact, they seem to ...
A: Jim! I've seen them use a rubber "tire" on the non conductive wheels. Sounds like it might work for ...
|
| G gauge | 1/16/2007 |
Q: I am retired and am in the Atlanta area, and "reinterested" in model railroading...now G gauge. What ...
A: Dick! Boy, lots of questions here and G scale is not my strongest. But here we go... Let me start ...
|
| ZW Transformer | 1/5/2007 |
Q: The ZW is a Lionel transformer and it comes in 250 watts and 275 watt versions. They are no longer ...
A: Vernon. I had a hunch you might be running Lionel, being a scale modeler, I'm not as familiar with ...
|
| ZW Transformer | 1/5/2007 |
Q: I am running two dual motor magatraction diesels pulling 9 2500 series passenger cars.I am using a ...
A: Vernon! As a general rule, if it is too hot to touch or to lay your hand on for more than 10 ...
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| railroad | 1/3/2007 |
Q: Happy new year...thanks for your prompt answer 1. Which G scale set shall i begin with to use indoor ...
A: again, and Happy New Year to you, too! 1. There are several different 'G' Scale manufacturers, but ...
|
| w symbol | 1/2/2007 |
Q: I have a toy train set that came with road signs. One has just a "W" on it. What does this mean?
A: Debbie! Usually it means "W"histle. And is placed far enough before a grade crossing that, if an ...
|
| 1937 Lionel NYCentral 4-4-2 | 1/2/2007 |
Q: I'm looking for one of these. Streamlined, gray with red reflectors and smooth front. Steamer. ...
A: Joann, Lionel is not my area of expertise. However, what little I've picked up on the fringes leads ...
|
| DCC installed vs. adding DCC | 12/28/2006 |
Q: I'm new to model railroading, and want to do it right from the start. I'm loking at a small setup, ...
A: Dylan! I'm presuming that you have already decided that going with DCC is "doing it right". There ...
|
| railroad | 12/27/2006 |
Q: I am new to railroad modelling 1.I have a large garden so I want to begin with G scale. Is it also ...
A: ip! 1. Yes, you can use G scale models/tracks indoors and out. 8'x8' is not a lot of room for G ...
|
| mantua ho general train | 12/26/2006 |
Q: I was wondering if there is a history to Mantua and The General. When it was made, how many years ...
A: Scott! I'm not sure how long Mantua has been making The General or how long Mantua has been around. ...
|
| COX GI GENERAL | 12/24/2006 |
Q: I got a train as a christmas gift in 1975. It is a Cox "G.I. General". The date is stamped on the ...
A: I'm sorry. Aside from the logistics of valuing something I can't see, I just don't keep up to date ...
|
| Lionel Electrical Question | 12/22/2006 |
Q: I have a new Lionel set. The basic starter set, with 4 switches so that I can make a couple loops. ...
A: Bill! I don't know how much good I can do for you because Lionel is far from my area of expertise. ...
|
| track eletrical problems | 12/21/2006 |
Q: I am a beginner model railroader, I am working on a HO scale layout. I am using DC for the power ...
A: Chad! Sight unseen this is a tough one. Switch tracks and sidings are often areas for trouble. ...
|
| run two or three trains on 4 X 8 layout | 12/20/2006 |
Q: I would like to know how two setup my 4 X 8 layout to run 2 or 3 trains at the same in different ...
A: Don! Since you said simple and didn't make any qualifications on price, I would say to purchase a ...
|
| Panama Railraod | 12/19/2006 |
Q: I collect items dealing with the Panama Canal and am especially interested in the railroad. I have ...
A: John! I'm not aware of any models based on the Panama Railroad. Making exact models of the ...
|
| ho car weight | 12/14/2006 |
Q: How do you determin the proper weight for HO model cars?
A: Gary! The weight depends on car length and whether or not it is standard or narrow gauge. The NMRA ...
|
| Model trains | 12/3/2006 |
Q: My father in law left us some Mantual Metal Trains. We would like sell them, but we want to know ...
A: John! There are a couple of ways to get the trains appraised. The first and most expensive, but on ...
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| lionel couplers | 11/27/2006 |
Q: I recently had a Lionel train given to me. the loco is a 2036 with its accompanying tender. some of ...
A: Lionel is not really my area of expertise, but it sounds like you've run up against the difference ...
|
| Lionel train | 11/24/2006 |
Q: I set up my train set and I get no movement,the smokestack works and I get spark from hitch touching ...
A: Chris, my knowledge of Lionel is pretty limited since I mostly work with scale models, but in my dim ...
|
| Painting, decaling, and 'weathering' | 11/23/2006 |
Q: My ignorance is showing! Please give me more detail on the airbrush recommendation... What he has ...
A: The most important key to success is to make the attempt. You may want to pick up a few "cheap" ...
|
| Painting, decaling, and 'weathering' | 11/23/2006 |
Q: I am hoping you can give me a few pointers. My fiance' is getting into N-scale railroading. He has ...
A: Gena! The first tool I would recommend is an airbrush -- an adjustable single action or a double ...
|
| lighting | 11/23/2006 |
Q: great idea i was thinking of buying a transformer from Radio Shack, but i have a cell phone charger ...
A: Try it, but 5.9V may be a little too dim for a 14-16v bulb. In, my experience GOW's range from 12v ...
|
| lighting | 11/22/2006 |
Q: how can I power small model railroad lights (for houses) and grain of wheat bulbs (street lamps) in ...
A: Kevin! My first impulse is to suggest that if your transformer is noisy, it's time to buy a new ...
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| types of couplers | 11/19/2006 |
Q: I recently began purchasing train cars etc.. I mostly have American flyer S scale with knuckle ...
A: Well, Rose, Ya got me on this one. I'm not very expert about American Flyer, but I think that the ...
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| couplers for ho locomotives... | 11/16/2006 |
Q: my loco has a screwed to the body knuckle coupler...ALL my cars are horn/hook...what do I need to ...
A: Harry! I need a little more information. Does the screwed on knuckle coupler articulate? In other ...
|
| evenly lighting my layout with daylight spectrum | 11/12/2006 |
Q: The area to be lit amounts to a 10"Hx10to20"deep running section open & viewed only from the front. ...
A: Ray! Actually, I think a warm white fluorescent comes closer to true daylight value. They are, of ...
|
| 1800's US population and railroads | 11/6/2006 |
Q: i'm sorry about that make you trouble. but my English is not that good enough that's why i did ask ...
A: OK. I understand your situation. The URL below is a good starting point. I don't think the ...
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| 1800's US population and railroads | 11/5/2006 |
Q: i'd like to know about what affect did the building of the railroads in the 1800's have on the US ...
A: it allowed them to move around. I have a policy prohibiting the answering of homework questions ...
|
| Fleishman engine. | 11/3/2006 |
Q: I also have Fleishman engine. I am curious about it and if any value to them. This one is an all ...
A: Rich! My personal opinion is that Fleishman made/makes fine locomotives, though we don't see too ...
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| Old Train Set | 10/23/2006 |
Q: Is there any market for old Lionel train set pieces from the mid to late fifties? I have the track, ...
A: Candace! Yes, there is some market for old Lionel trains. Unfortunately, that is not my area of ...
|
| Loco will not run on track | 9/4/2006 |
Q: I recently bought 2 Tyco Locomotives,set them up on my HO track and one ran at half speed,took it ...
A: Colin! Well, as far as I know Tyco hasn't built a model railroad loco for a decade or more, so ...
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| Postage Stamp Train Sets | 8/10/2006 |
Q: I have an old Aurora postage stamp train set in the original box and in great condition. I wanted ...
A: Jon! Sorry but I'm not much on evaluating collectibles. I leave that to the specialists. When I ...
|
| miniature lamp wiring | 7/12/2006 |
Q: This is slightly off topic but no one can has been able to help. I made a sign with 12 bulbs around ...
A: Andrew! Well, one possibility might be to add 4 or 5 more bulbs in series (120v/7.5v = 16 bulbs). ...
|
| Marline model train coal car | 6/8/2006 |
Q: I thought "Marline" was the manufacturer? I'll try to find out. Also don't know the age; would the ...
A: JoAnn, Is Marline painted on the side of the car? Could it be Märklin? Does it look like a coal ...
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| Thomas Blue Train GAUGE | 5/27/2006 |
Q: I've become a train shopper via ebay, and I'm fond for HO recently I found a Thomas Blue Train OO ...
A: Sorry, I'll have to say I don't know. OO is a relatively rare gauge, not particularly popular in ...
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| Your Location | 5/9/2006 |
Q: Rem, Did you live in Texas back in 1994? If so I have been looking for you for the past 12 years ...
A: C'est moi. C'est moi. I'm forced to admit. 'Tis I, I humbly reply. Great to hear from you! Are you ...
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| Ho | 1/11/2006 |
Q: I have a case full of HO Steam engines 6 in all they are all expensive and nice to look at I ...
A: John! It means that your locomotive's wiring has been designed to make it easy to install a Digital ...
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| Lighiting | 10/7/2005 |
Q: view of the observatory looking down at hollywood),and I was wandering if you could point me in ...
A: Mike! I need a little more information. Are you asking about ambient lighting? Or, about the scale ...
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| Track & Engine Cleaning | 5/26/2005 |
Q: Rem, Thanks so much for your time in answering questions!! I know the time involved due to I being ...
A: Normand! Tracks are best cleaned with an abrasive such as the "brite boy", which is sort of an ...
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| Your email address | 1/25/2005 |
Q: Haven't been able to reach you at your old email address. Frankly, thought the worst. Thrilled ...
A: Marvin! I didn't realize that I hadn't sent you my email address when we changed to Comcast. We ...
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| Care of HO Railroad Track | 12/30/2004 |
Q: Aloha Rem, I'm a volunteer expert for sportscards on this site and I have a question regarding the ...
A: Normand! Do not use baby oil. Modern HO railroad track (such as EZ Track) is made of a Nickel ...
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| about curves | 12/29/2004 |
Q: 9m just starting a layout in ho gage my ?is i have a unionpacific big boy & aunionpacific 6900unit ...
A: Donnie. I'm not sure which manufacturer made your locos. Some permit slightly tighter radii. ...
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| power supply, and ground | 12/10/2004 |
Q: I would like to model a trolley in wood with an over-head trolley line power supply, only the track ...
A: Somehow you've got to complete the circuit for electricity to flow. The first thought that occurs to ...
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| model train | 9/21/2004 |
Q: I have a train set including the track. The cars are actually whiskey decanters, the seal remains ...
A: Tina! I'm sorry, but the question of valuation of collectibles is outside my areas of expertise. I ...
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| styrene adhesives | 9/18/2004 |
Q: I am sticking white styrene to the grey abs styrene. I have the solvent type made by plastruct but ...
A: Sorry for the delay in response. It appears that my last reply didn't get thru somehow. So, here ...
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| styrene adhesives | 9/18/2004 |
Q: I am building an N guage setup and going across a gorge on the set up I need to build a bridge. I ...
A: ralph! I'm not familiar with Keller adhesive. And I need to know what you are trying to stick the ...
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| Painting tiny frames, etc. | 8/15/2004 |
Q: In spite of being over halfl-blind, I am starting a lay-out. I am doing okay, more or less, with ...
A: Russ! Masking can be a problem. I'm not sure what kind of masking tape you're using, but remember ...
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| Wheelsets falling apart | 2/24/2004 |
Q: I model in N scale and it seems that the wheels keep coming out of the trucks, I dont understand why ...
A: Well, Lyle, that pretty well knocks out the wear and solvent ideas. From my origianl list, I guess ...
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| Wheelsets falling apart | 2/23/2004 |
Q: I model in N scale and it seems that the wheels keep coming out of the trucks, I dont understand why ...
A: Lyle! That's a good question and I don't really know the answer. But let me suggest some ...
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| WHERE DO I START ? | 2/8/2002 |
Q: I am looking for someone to appraise a model train collection. Lionel, Am. Flyer, Ny Central. they ...
A: Mike! This really isn't my area of expertise, but I'll share what I can. When folks ask me about ...
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| painting | 1/27/2002 |
Q: I am just beginning to try to custom paint on HO locomotives of my own. The Floquil sol based paint ...
A: Let me begin by confessing that I've never used automotive acrylic enamel on anything by autos. ...
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| air brushing | 10/30/2001 |
Q: I will be air brushing for the first time and am looking for the correct way to complete a ...
A: David! 1. No. It is not necessary to change the paint to flat finish. If you want a flat finish, ...
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| Model Railroading - Rolling Stock | 8/13/2001 |
Q: ..can you advise me on what are the top quality brands of HO gauge rolling stock? ...in terms of ...
A: Bob! Speaking strictly in terms of quality of reproduction, my recommendation would be that just ...
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| DC motors in Model Trains | 7/23/2001 |
Q: My name is Jena Walker and I am a student at the University of Kentucky taking an electrical ...
A: Jena. I'll start fairly simply and you can follow up if you want to get more depth or breadth, OK? ...
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| Train room in basement | 12/18/2000 |
Q: I live in Wilmington NC , and I have an historic home with a basement in half of the florr the rest ...
A: Let me begin by saying that I'm not a civil engineer so I would prefer not to get into construction ...
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| On30/on3 | 12/9/2000 |
Q: Rem I am comtemplating a train lay out using the On30 scale. I really like the size and the ...
A: About 6 scale inches... Theoretically, On3 is O scale narrow gauge with the rails 3 scale feet ...
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