HO Scale Model Trains » Questions and Answers

Husband And Wife Can’t Get Enough After 9 Model Railway Layouts

Dan Morgan — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 01:00:44 +0000

Every day we receive emails from enthusiastic model railroaders but this Husband and Wife model railroading team were perfect to profile today…

Meet Brian and Ann Silby from The Rylstone Wellingborough Northants England.

My Wife and I have 9 scenic model railway layouts that we take to model railway shows all over the UK and sometimes to the continent. These model railway layouts are all under 2 metres long and they travel in the back of our station wagon. I model in N scale, while Ann models in Z scale.

How long have you and your wife been modeling railroads?

Ann and I have been modeling railways for about 25 years!

Which scale do you and your wife model in?

I model in N scale (continental) whilst Ann models in Z scale. We model in these scales because of space. We only live in a small house.

What brand of equipment do you model with?

I use Fleischmann Roco Minitrix and Kato. All Ann’s trains are Marklin.

Are you using DCC or analog controls?

I use DCC controls on two of my 6 layouts. The other 4 are analog. Ann only uses analog.

Where do you show your layouts?

We show our layouts all over the UK, also in Belgium and this year we have been invited to Eurospoor in Holland.

Why have you chosen the scenes you have created?

All of our layouts are actually based on areas where we have been on Holiday and were attracted by the scenery.

How much time do you spend modeling?

We spend quite an amount of time modeling. I would say about 1 day every week. This year we have 33 shows booked in on our schedule.

Do you think model trains is the greatest hobby in the world?

Yes we do… it is so therapeutic and relaxing.

Thank-you Brian and Ann for sharing your story and your pictures with us… Your model railroads are amazing and it is so inspirational to see a Husband and Wife sharing this wonderful hobby and having a lot of fun in the process.

Got any comments or questions for Brian and Ann Silby? Please scroll to the bottom of the page and leave your comments there…

Mallory Needs Advice Setting Up ON30 Bachmann Train Sets

Dan Morgan — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:14:44 +0000

Mallory sent in this request for advice…

I’m coming into model railroading as a builder of miniature Christmas villages (Department 56, Lemax etc). I’ve purchased a couple of ON30 Bachmann train sets and fully anticipate that this will draw my husband into the hobby!

I’d appreciate any advice or cautions you can give me.

To provide you with the particular challenge I have:

I build a display in the local museum, to go with their Festival of Trees. The space I have to work with is a counter top 4 ft x 20 ft, with 3 square columns in the middle. At this point I need to lay out a train that just runs mostly unattended (no switching, reversing etc) with minimal problems. And, the village is the main feature – a Victorian High Street at Christmas.

I do my base and elevations in Styrofoam insulation. The main base is raised on 2 x 2″ “joists” so I can run wiring underneath. Here are a couple of shots…

This is a section of last year’s village (Currier & Ives, no train)…

With ON30, I know that the train doesn’t really like to climb & descend any hills. It would be best (for my purposes) to keep the track level and let the landscape elevations do the ups & downs.

Gotta keep the track clean – watch out for bits of styro or glitter, etc.

I think plain track would look better than E-Z Track, do you have any advice, pros or cons?

I know it will need multiple power supplies and re-railer sections.

With 18″ radius, the train needs 39″ diameter to make a U-turn; and that is available with 48″ wide surface.

The train should disappear from view periodically. Any tunnels would be best on a straight piece of track, and need to be accessible in case the train stalls or derails inside! If I keep the train on the main platform level and raise the “High Street” with the buildings up in the middle, the train won’t be visible from one side to the other (at least, not in places).

Any suggestions for the layout?

I’d like to do something more interesting than just a very long oval. Maybe a lopsided dog-bone … two tracks parallel down one long edge, with the loop ends around the end columns.

I could try the long oval with an interior loop around the middle column, but I’m concerned about how that would interact with the street layout. Also, I don’t know if 48″ is quite wide enough to accommodate it.

Maybe in future we’ll become more sophisticated with the layout, but for the first time doing this village with a train I want to keep it simple.

Thank you!

Mallory Allen in North Carolina, USA

Please scroll down and leave your comments below… Mallory would appreciate any advice, comments or help. Thank-you!

3 Ways to Choose the Right Model Train Scale To Suit You

Dan Morgan — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:10:23 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

If you are a model train beginner then you might be asking… “Which model train scale is best suited for me?”

A common mistake for model train beginners is to confuse scale and gauge.

Let me explain… scale is the proportion of the replica to the real thing. For example, HO scale locomotives are 1/87 the size of the real life locomotive. Model train gauge is the width between the inside running edge of the track.

Model trains are obviously scaled down replicas of the real thing. The main model train scales and their minimum turning radius’s are:

O scale 1:48 – Minimum Radius 24 inches

S scale 1:64 – Minimum Radius 22.5 inches

OO scale 1:76 – Minimum Radius 21 inches

HO scale 1:87 – Minimum Radius 15 inches

N scale 1:160 – Minimum Radius 7.5 inches

Z scale 1:220 – Minimum Radius 5.75 inches

O scale is the largest scale, to Z scale being the smallest scale. An O scale model train set is 1/48 the size of the real thing, while a Z scale model train set is 1/220 the size of the real thing. All the trees, bridges, roads, buildings and other accessories are all scaled to the relevant size.

HO scale has become the most popular scale which is known as OO gauge in the UK.

So which scale should you choose?

This comes down to 3 deciding factors – 1) how much space you have available for your model train layout, 2) the physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and 3) the accessories available for that scale.

1 – How Much Space Do You Have Available?

Building a layout in HO scale will be almost half the size of the identical layout in O scale. Turning radius’s in HO scale will be tighter; tunnels will be smaller and, most importantly, it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale.

Larger scales need more detail and it can often be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale. HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic.

An HO scale switching layout can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table, while a continuous loop railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 feet table. A layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop.

Still don’t have that much room available? Then consider an N scale railroad which can be built in 30% of the area required by a similar model train layout in HO scale.

2 – Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?

Fat finger syndrome or bad eyesight can sometimes force us to consider the larger scales. It can be very frustrating trying to airbrush a Z scale carriage or manipulating N scale rolling stock. They can be very fiddly!

Children will find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards. Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail.

The ladies seem to prefer the intricate smaller scales, while the men tend to go with the HO scale and larger scales.

3 – What Accessories Are Available?

Over the years the HO scale has become the most popular model train scale and the manufacturers have responded to the demand by producing more accessories and rolling stock for HO scale. HO scale is just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail and running performance without being too cramped.

If you decide to run digital controllers and have lots of switching operations then HO scale is usually the preferred choice. Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want.

What Do You Think?

Which scale would you choose, or are presently modeling and why? Share your comments with us…

7 Ways to Eliminate Model Train Derailments

Dan Morgan — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 07:53:34 +0000

Image via Wikipedia

Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time to time?

This was a major frustration for me. I would fix one section of the track and the next day the train would derail on another section.

It frustrated me to the point of wanting to give the hobby away..!

A smooth running model train is a dream for most model train beginners. But it is actually quite easy to achieve with a little attention to detail.

Here are 7 ways to stop your model train derailing:

1 – Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly fitted.

Sounds like common sense? But poorly assembled track joints are the worst offenders for derailing model trains.

Slide your finger across the joint. It should feel level with the gap between the tracks kept to the absolute minimum. I solder my joints because this stops any problems with expansion and contraction opening and closing of the joints.

With a small file I am able to create a continuously level track and have a beautifully smooth running model train.

2 – Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and frog assemblies.

Another common problem for model train derailments is incorrect track gauge. A tight track gauge will cause the wheels to climb up and derail off the track.

A wide track gauge will also derail your model train as the wheel flanges can not span the track properly. The gauge can be adjusted using a soldering iron to gently heat the rail, moving the rail to the correct position and allowing it to cool.

3 – Check your switch points for sharpness when they switch.

Some new switch points can be fairly blunt on the movable section where it strikes up against the stock rails. This can grab on the wheels and cause a model train derailment.

A small file can be used to gently smooth the moveable part of the points to allow a nice smooth transition. Remember to check the gauge in both positions.

4 – Check all your model train couplers.

A snagging coupler will cause model train derailments. Some new carriages can come with unpolished couplers which can catch and force derailments.

Clean off any rough edges and adjust the couplers for proper centering. The manufacturers usually provide these instructions.

5 – Add extra weight to your freight cars.

I find that most freight cars are too light and sometimes all the wheels do not contact the rails equally. By adding a small amount of weight to the cars your model train will run smoother and you will eliminate derailments, especially on the tight radius’s.

Just make sure you add the weight as low as possible to the car and in the centre, keeping a low center of gravity.

6 – Check all your wheel sets for proper operation.

Wheel sets that are out of gauge, not aligned or moving freely will cause your model train to derail. Check your wheel sets and make sure that your carriages are not crabbing and forcing the wheel flanges into the rail, making it prone to derail.

The carriages should rock freely to take up any small imperfections in your track.

7 – Lubricate the squeaks.

Sometimes the smallest drop of light oil will cure a problem with your model train derailing. An unlubricated or snaggy wheel, or coupler, can cause a slight tip over, or jar, which usually forces the wheel flange to snag the rail and derail your model train.

Oil attracts dust and can damage paintwork, so make sure you use only the smallest amount required.

Now you have no reason to put up with your model train derailing.

It usually comes down to a small bit of maintenance from time to time. With the quality most manufacturers are producing today, and some ongoing maintenance, you can make model train derailments a thing of the past.

Got any suggestions or comments? We would love to hear them…

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The Fat Finger Syndrome With Model Trains

Dan Morgan — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 10:47:41 +0000

A reader emailed asking how they could get past the fat finger syndrome… when trying to hold and work on their model train models.

The answer is a simple Rubbermaid turntable. These come in different sizes and I find them perfect to build my models on… turning the turntable as I go along.

When I’m building very large buildings I’ll take a piece of plywood and put it onto the turntable, so the base is bigger and then model on the plywood. They are available from any home wares type shop.

Do you have any comments or ideas… we would love to hear them… just use the comment section below this post…

Can’t see the comments section? Then Click here >>

How high can the track go & at what rate of speed?

Dan Morgan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:14:10 +0000

I am building a ho gauge model railroad and need to know how high the track can go at what rate of speed?

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Looking for a buyer-I have an extensive collection of HO trains and accesories.?

Dan Morgan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:14:09 +0000

I lost my husband of 22 years a year ago and he
left me a extensive collection of HO trains that he bought in the late 70′s when he was 15-17 y.o. Is anybody interested in buying it? Does anybody knows anyone who would be interested?

You could also visit a local train show in your area to get an idea of the train prices. One of the dealers there may be interested in your collection…

http://www.trains.com

http://www.trains.com/trc/community/events/locations.asp#US

Sorry for your loss, and best of luck with the trains!

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I have an old HO model train called a Fleischmann Model number 1370- R , " What year was it made"?

Dan Morgan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:13:58 +0000

You need to get a copy of Greenberg’s Guide to antique toy trains. That will give you a good idea. They grade on wear and tear. Model railroading lasts a lifetime.

Modellbahn Club Kiel(5): Big HO Model Railway Layout scenery railroad toy trains

Do HO and OO model trains run on the same track?

Dan Morgan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:13:53 +0000

my son whats thomas the tank engine but with all the OO and HO i dont know what to get?

Yes. Here’s a link you might find helpful.

http://www.hobbiesplus.com.au/scaleandgauge.htm

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How much ground clearance does a freight train have?

Dan Morgan — Mon, 15 Sep 2008 14:13:50 +0000

Like to the rail road ties,i was watching an old movie,and this guy hid by laying in the center,between the rails and the train went over him,is that possible? I think i’d have a heart attack to do that.

Possible 10″. Reguardless…I wouldn’t do it.

If there is enough clearance, how do you avoid the static discharge chain hanging down from under some of the cars?

Getting hit by a heavy gauge steel chain at 40+MPH is going to leave a mark on you.