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ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.


  1. M

    Comprehensive Model Train Resource: Book or DVD

    The last time I was involved in HO model trains, I was a teenager, so returning after over five decades has been a learning experience. For example: Service types, reporting marks, road numbers, AAR, couplers, trucks, etc . Then, there’s information about the plethora of types of engines and...
  2. M

    Coupler Chart

    Can someone provide or point me to an Internet site (or book) with a comprehensive coupler chart that provides photos of all the various types? I found a .pdf with the more current types (Accumate, Bachmann, Intermountain, Kadee, McHenry and Proto 2000) but surely, there's one out there with...
  3. M

    Couplers

    How do I convert this type of Model Power coupler to the Kadee No. 28s or 5 (or similar)?
  4. M

    Couplers

    Coupler Thanks Boston. That's exactly what I needed. I had seen the chart, but didn't understand what it was all about - nor could I see it very well.
  5. M

    Couplers

    I have several older HO cars with the older style couplers and wish to replace them with the newer style knuckle type (e.g., the Kadee No. 5). So far, so good. I just checked and some of the cars have the couplers attached to the trucks. Accordingly, the Kadee gear boxes won't work. Two...
  6. M

    Layout A/C Bi-directional Winch

    Layout: 4' x 8' 150-200 lbs Question: Anyone who is using a layout lifting system (winch, etc.) I would appreciate advice on a type/brand/store/etc. I hope to pay $50-125 for a winch that can raise AND lower my layout in the garage.
  7. M

    ERA Layouts

    I'm building a small 4x8 layout and while I've not focused on any particular ERA (20s, 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s, etc.) I've decided to reformat the layout so it focuses on a particular ERA - probably 1930-1950, but frankly, have no idea how to determine which locomotive/engine/rolling stock comes from...
  8. M

    Where To Find Information

    Where can a person locate specific information about older HO Scale cars/engines/locomotives? Specifically: Full Sized/Real World 1. Dates/history of the unit/car/engine/locomotive HO Scale Information 2. Service Type (e.g., freight, passenger, MOW (whatever that is) 3...
  9. M

    Knowing Status of Turnout Switches

    I'm convinced (absent someone here suggesting otherwise) that the way to upgrade the three turnouts on my layout is to purchase the DCC Bachmann turnouts. Okay, so far so good, but a problem arises (at least in my mind). Since I'm using the Bachmann Digital Command Control, how do I know which...
  10. M

    DCC Turnout Track

    Motley I'm confused. Aren't you suggesting that I can purchase a Bachmann all-in-one for about $50 or buy a bunch of parts and put them together myself for about $50? What am I missing?
  11. M

    DCC Turnout Track

    DCC Turnouts The last time I used HO, was - let's see, around 1960. I don't know what you guys know. 1. Can I assume the Bachmann is the only turnout: (1) that has the DCC electronics built in; and (2) uses it's power and direction from the track (as opposed to all others that must be...
  12. M

    DCC Turnout Track

    Question 1: Which manufacturers make DCC turnout track? Question 2: Are the electronics separate from the actual track or integrated? Question 3: Can you provide Internet links so I can see what you're talking about? Background: I know that Bachmann has what appears to be turnout track...
  13. M

    Soldering Track Connections

    I understand how to solder tracks, but was wondering whether there's a "best" type of solder to use.
  14. M

    How to test track (HO Scale)

    DCC Track Testing Someone suggested this: http://www.walthers.com/exec/productinfo/246-RAMPMETER2 At little expensive (found some around $70+) but suspect this may be the answer.
  15. M

    How to test track (HO Scale)

    Excellent information all. Today, when the sun comes up, I'll employ each idea. Thanks to each of you.
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