HO Scale
 |
|
|
Why does my HO scale locomotive studder with speed on straight aways? Question: I have an HO scale locomotive that constantly on straight aways and my switch studders with its speed. The headlight goes bright and dim and bright and dim again. Why is it doing that? It's just straight and it's nickel silver rail. The part about the switch and why it doesn't run well, is because I think it's nickel silver rail to just plain nickel rail and back to nickel silver again. Answer: Since it picks up its power through the wheels the obvious things to check are that the wheels are clean and the track is clean - the light tells you the voltage inside is changing levels. It may also be that the wheels supporting the loco are lifting the contact wheels from the track because the track isn't evenly level - like pushing a 4 wheel dolly over uneven sidewalk and one wheel lifts off. |
|
Can I convert an HO scale passenger train so that its interior lights up? Question: I recently purchased an HO scale Metrolink and was able to get it open and glue some sitting figurines in some of the seat, they are difficult to see and was wondering if I would be able to add lights to the interior of the passenger cars. If this is possible could you possibly post a link to some auctions on eBay that have these for sale. Even a store website link would be great just so I know what it is exactly that Im looking for. Answer: Mike 1942 is alittle confused thinking you could install a D cell battery in an HO scale passenger car !! His second suggestion is best, though there are a NUMBER of aftermarket kits for lighting up your car... it would HELP to know what brand you have (Kato, Athern, etc) Check some of the ads in Model Railroader Magazine: http://www.trains.com/mrr/ Here is an example of Kato's product: http://www.katousa.com/HO/accessories.html Wish I could help more, but I'm on a computer without MY list of sites... GOOD LUCK !! |
|
What is the best way to strip paint off of a brass HO scale model train locomotive? Question: I recently aqcuired some brass HO scale engines. I have never had brass, and the paint schemes that the previous owner had do not match my era. How do I strip the paint effectively without obviously damaging anything? Thanks! Now, is there anything that I can use to dip the shells with? There are alot of small detail pieces, and rubbing them is not going to work as the small parts will most likely break or bend. I do not know what kind of paint it is either. I would think that there has got to be something that I can use just to dip the shells?? Answer: I've heard of people dipping the model into a bucket of pine-sol solution! Let it soak for a while, and watch the paint just peel off!! |
|
Is there anywhere I can get an HO scale steam machine for under the track? Question: What I mean by a steam machine is something that you can put under the track and press a button to make steam come out. I have seen something like that in some episodes of "Thomas the Tank Engine". I'm just wondering if they are on the market for HO scale layouts. Answer: The best place I've found for steam generators is eBay. Take your time on searching and you just might be able to find one. I have been looking at the same idea for a while now for a candle plant on our layout. The steam melts the wax and then is pumped inside the building. What I was going to do was hook up rubber tubing to the output of the steam generator that would have holes in it that would feed up through the layout; come from under the tracks to make it look like the steam was hitting the tank car. Just do a little searching for Steam Generators and you should find a couple on eBay. Also check you favorite manufactures such as Atlas and you may find some in their catalog. |
|
How do you create a weathered look on HO scale fences? Question: I'm building an HO scale cattle loading pen, which is made from pine, so has the new wood look. How do I create a weathered look to the wood? Answer: There are lots of processes to do this, explained on many sites. This is just ONE of those sites: http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/weathered_wood/ T here are also specific products out there to do that, if you want the more expensive 'short cut': http://www.micromark.com/age-it-easy-brown-3-1and2-fl-oz,7 774.html |
|
How to make HO scale model train wheels? Question: Help me!!! I have some HO scale model trains and I'm missing a lot of wheels. How can I make my own? Answer: I know you want to make your own, but if I were you I would just find some beat-up trains at a yard sale, or a thrift store and take the wheels off and throw the rest away. The other thing you can do is just buy the wheels from a train store or hobby store. Sorry, I haven't answered your question directly. I have no idea how to make them. |
|
Where are the cheapest Bachmann HO scale trains found on the web? Question: I got a bachmann HO scale train set about 7 years ago, and i finally took it out and it worked perfectly. I now need to know what websites have the cheapest bachmann train parts.(Train sets,background pieces,accessories,tracks, and other stuff) Im only 15, and i have a couple hundred dollars that i can spend. Please i need more bachmann add ons to my original train set!!! Answer: Pick up a couple of model railroading magazines. Remember, all layouts start with a pencil and paper. That way you can revise it as often as you like and not spend a dime! Space is also a consideration, who much room do you hav to work with? a simple 4'x8' layout can occupy you for years.I buy my weathering paints at Walmart. The ceramic paints are just as good as any high dollar ones. I use building styrofoam for mountains and some buildings it takes latex paint and Elmer's white glue well. For rail ballast I use clean sifted cat litter.Here's some links: http://www.walthers.com/ Sets, scenery etc. http://www.carendt.us/ Small space layouts http://www.trains.com/mrr/ Leading magazine for model railroaders http://www.nmra.com/ National Model Railroaders Association http://www.hobbylinc.com/hotrainsets.htm Retailer for complete sets http://www.propmastersinc.com/ Guide lines for possibilities |
|
where is the best place to by ho scale electric trains in richmondhill georgia or savanah ga? Question: I've been looking around allot of different places to buy an ho scale train and can't find a place anywhere... Answer: Well, let's crack open this month's Model Railroader magazine: It has two locations listed in the Savannah area: 2nd Chance Trains - 1024 W. Hwy. 80 #111, Pooler, GA. 912-450-8726. Bull Street Station - 151 Bull Street, Savannah GA. 912-236-4344 All their other listings for Georgia are in the Atlanta area. I'm not familiar with Georgia, but here is a link to the Hobbytown USA stores in Georgia: http://www.hobbytown.com/StoreLocator/States.aspx?StateID=GA G OOD LUCK |
|
Does anyone have plans on building a display case for HO scale train cars and locomotives? Question: My friend is an avid HO scale railroad modeler. He has an extensive collection of locomotives and cars that in some cases are quite beautiful and would look nice in a display case. I'm looking for simple plans that will provide an opportunity for him to display and protect his investment. Answer: im sure he has "model railroader" ...its a magazine |
|
Im looking for an ho scale model of a wafflehouse? Question: Ive been searching everywhere for an ho scale wafflehouse for my model railroad,but not had any luck. Are these not available anywhere? I would even pay someone to build me one. I already have a few single wide trailers and a couple of old pick-up trucks n cars on blocks ready to put together near the tracks,now all I need is a place for the residents to eat ! Answer: I couldn't find one either !! Amusing given all the other "chains" that have models in HO and N (I have a McDonald's, KFC, and Denny's in N-Scale) either through Summit Models or plans. Here is Summit Models which has GREAT buildings: http://www.summit-customcuts.com/homeproducts/buildingshoscale.ht ml OH OH OH !!! Summit Models IS planning on releasing a Waffle House !! http://www.summit-customcuts.com/futureproducts.html Here though are plans for a Denny's: http://www.trains.com/mrr/objects/pdf/mr_cp_9-05_high-tech_01.pdf I build N-Scale for the current Union Pacific in the San Joaquin and Santa Clara Valley's... no Waffle House out here. In case you can't WAIT... here is their site if you wanted to build one from their photos: http://www.wafflehouse.com/default.asp |
