Check out the recap of our monthly Track Talk Live with model railroad expert and long-time train enthusiast Doug Hodgdon. Doug answers your model railroad questions live on the air in this fun, interactive, and informative Q&A.
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would like to set up a train track it never works when i try
Hi:
I am new here and just made a post. I was looking for some responses from other of what they have written. The problem is I am unable to open the full message which I thought would benefit me if someone else had the same problem. I was wondering if you are in the process of improving this discussion site so as everyone is able to see what questions and even replies that are given. I also noted that there is no way to preview info so as to make corrections before sending it. I have made a couple of them myself. Needless to say that I sent it with a few small errors in my spelling or grammar. That is about it for now. Thanks.
Mel
This is the first time, something like this has surfaced as far as learning to do things via the videos. I am not sure if I am supposed to write in this area but this is the only thing I found. Maybe you can help me. In the place where I live, there is not much room to build anything, especially a layout that I would really like. I have to resort to a portable layout where I can easily set up like on a door size. I think there will be room for “n” scale but it will have to be a means to store it without too much trouble. I have to resort to a flat layout with the exception of small buildings. I realize that it would prevent me to develop the layout I would like to have but at least it will provide me with the fun of building and running the trains. I was thinking of having 2 parallel tracks for a passenger train of the older type like 40 footers so it can easily take the turns. I am thinking about around the trains during the 1940-1950 era. I used to have a nice layout when I was much younger and built my own. Now, I am 79 and I do not have the dexterity I once had and the thinking ability to go along with it. I thought of putting the layout on a front door size that is hollow so I can set it up and put it away with straining myself. The only thing that will work is a hollow door which may be a problem in laying track.and study enough to have the trains stay on the track.. Any help would be appreciated. Above all, I am glad that I found Model RR Academy for expert help. This is the first time I came across something like this web service for help.
Hello,
Well, thanks for contacting us. I would take things a step at a time. Your hollow-core door idea is great. Many folks use rigid foam as well. N scale would be the best choice due to the curve radius issues. To get started, I would recommend that you lay out a double track oval and gear that running and go from there. You could glue the track down. That would give you an opportunity to practice with scenery and structures as well. Let me know how your project goes.
I’m happy to help.
Douglas
Model Railroad Academy Video Membership
Our HO train set up for my boy 25 years ago is now my train layout. IT has come along way Dcc etc,All of the light up houses etc. run on 12v.ac.Is this proper for a train layout? Thank you John from PA.
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RE: Using NCE on battery equipment. JRMI may be the answer.
For battery/DCC integration try the Ring Engineering system
0 gauge. Is there a problem leaving the Lionel Legacy control plugged in?
I am changing over to DCC from dc ,any suggestions for info to put decoders in some of my newer locos?
Is there any control that allows an engine to go up and down a grade at a constant speed with out boosting or changing the speed input?
Sorry, but “Doug” wasn’t found at modelrailroadacademy.com (tried twice). Have a different address (Miss Choo-Choo?). Or can you get mine from the “not published” discussion questions?
My space is limited to a 4×8 sheet of plywood. I would like to build a multi-level layout, with maybe 3 or 4 levels, and model different kinds of transportation (e.g., light rail, trolley, passenger, freight, etc.). Are you aware of any idea books or existing layouts that have tried this concept in HO? Thanks!
Getting back to the traction wheels. Would the train run OK without the traction bands?
Where is the best place to get train and nature sound effects?
The email doug@modelrailroadacademy.com did not work, did I get it wrong? (for the cards/operations info)
I am modeling a freelance Narrow guage layout in HOn3 and I am stuck on color and size of ballast I am leaning towards woodland scenics fine ballast would this look ok and what would be a good color?
That would be greatly appreciated for an email thank you
In your opinion, do the Walthers Proto 33″ metal wheel sets roll as smooth as the Intermountain Railway metal wheels?
does it matter what type of plywood you can use
What about foam shrinkage over time?
Ring engineering corp.
Hello from Southern New Mexico N-Scalers!
What happened with Mr.Clack.
Your opinion on foam,plywood or both for base of layout.
What is your opinion on the Railpro Operating system. I am starting a new layout and thinking of using it.
I can’t play the videos.
Re: Bachmann N Scale F7 A & B sets: Supplied couplers cause the units to be too far apart, prototypically. I’m told there aren’t any couplers to solve this problem. I want to get the units looking more like the prototype. What are your thoughts?
What’s the best way to set up your car cards?
Vacation
Ok
Chuck