ModelerXYZ

No, they aren't uncoupling ramps, they look like the ramps that the GWR mail coach uses to discharge the mail. I had trouble sitting them on too. XYZ

I know that. My Elite isn't dead like I thought. Points are not the only thing- simpler wiring (except with the triangle) and having a large layout are factors. Also a bit of computer control may be useful at times, as will not needing isolating sections. XYZ

Hi Everyone. Due to the annoyance of having to walk across the room to change points, I am considering returning to DCC operation. I know I need to get a new Elite, (mine doesn't work properly). The DCC world has changed a lot since the last time I used it. Are there any hints/tips that might make things better. I already know I have to chip my locos, and the like. I have quite a few already chipped, or I unchipped them and blank plated them keeping the original decoders. Unfortunately it means Thomas the tank engine will have to leave... I also have some DCC ready locos that will be easily chipped. Any hints/tips? XYZ

Chimney bits. but probably not needed. XYZ

Thats what happens if you don't sort the drainage right... XYZ

As Keith suggested that the inside passing loop would be used for a halt/station, I made it able to acommadate a train while running a loco around it. Stations need to be appropriate sized for the trains that use them. I have a short station on my layout at the end of a branch line. I don't run my 125 to that station. Its always covered by smaller engines and rolling stock. Sidings also can be useful even if they are not long. one of mine is only used to isolate a loco while a second loco runs round or a third in the small station area escapes. XYZ

This is what I would do with the layout. (Image to be approved by modorator) I changed the curve on the passing loop to a right hand point, and put my siding from there. I also moved the crossover by the other station down by an r600 there by creating more station space. XYZ

Welcome aboard Neil. You are correct, it won't work. There are devious tricks one could try to make it work, or a smaller Radius 2 oval inside would work as well. The devious trick, is to make the outer oval a straight longer each end, and put a standard straight in the middle too, at the halfway point of each end, thereby spreading the tracks a bit more than normal. RAF is right, Radius 2 inside or Radius 4 outside. If you want any more help or advice, just ask. XYZ

Hi Arjun, What does your dad do in his free time? Everyone has something that is apparently not a toy but is a toy. Mine is my model railway, some people have classic cars, some people have all manner of other things that are important to them. Your railway is your hobby. I was very fortunate that my dad built me a baseboard for my layout, in fact he wouldn't let me use the trains until it was on a baseboard. These days I live alone, so my railway is mine and as its on a board and takes up nearly half my lounge room, no-one can damage it. A baseboard is essential, it gives a defined edge to the model world. Try speaking to him positively. Does he enjoy model trains as well? it may be that he thinks he is helping by rearranging things, have a chat and see if you can work out a solution together. If you get some money for your birthday or something like that, see if you can get a baseboard. If its kept on a floor (no legs) it doesn't need the bracing that a normal board needs. XYZ

Hi Simmo, A Blue DCC ready box means that it is an ANOLOUGE loco with a decoder socket so that you can easily fit a decoder into. A red box saying DCC Fitted means it has a digital chip in it already. I believe the socket might be in the tender. Hope this helps, XYZ

Hi Kyle, Welcome to the forum. Many engines come with a super detailing pack. The super detailing pack may have flanged wheels for the back axle, so that they will look right. The non flanged trailing axle is to try to improve running on tight curves.Also, these days, I think 3 carriges is the standard length of most sets. XYZ

Yes. But lots of things in Thomas the tank engine can't be relied on to be the facts. And if I remember right, she left it behind. XYZ

Hey everyone, Is it reasonable to have a DMU or a railcar pulling a milk wagon or the like? I know in Cambodia, nearly all passenger services have a generator wagon and a couple of flatbeds on the back of a DMU to take cars, motorbikes and Tuktuks down with the passengers in the DMUs. Did this happen in the UK or should I only run myu railcar as a single unit? XYZ

They run somehow. But I don't mix and match them on my layout. (yes, I have both) XYZ

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More track. A fill in section for express points, and some 3 way points.

I don't know if they were when in service, but on heritage lines, unmatched sets are regularlly used. XYZ

The basic 0-4-0 model is just that, but even they aren't that cheap any more. There is enough room to hardwirs a dcc decoder in them, I did it a few times. XYZ

So much of my high schooling has come in handy for my hobby on the trainset/model railway. Physics for the wiring and electrical stuff, Maths for working out roof angles and the like. Woodwork for constructing baseboards. And inspiration from a teacher that had a hobby and didn't hide it, (he was into model aircraft) All stuff I learned at school. XYZ

B&Q have speaker wire which is ideal, but you will need the hornby pin terminals to connect into the track connection clip. XYZ

I know prices are getting rediculus. I can't afford them, it takes me ages to save up for anything I need, so my layout hasn't had anything new for ages. The last thing I got for it was a set of points to replace a set that were life expired. XYZ

All loco problems are fixable if you are prepared to fix them. First thing to do, turn the loco upside down and look around the axles. If you see any fluff or anything else that aint supposed to be there, pull it out with an appropriate tool. Try running it again. If it still shorts, pull the top off, and check again, a stray track pin could be caught inside and causing a short. XYZ

I have one. Its a pretty useless track cleaner, but as Yelrow said, it does work well as a vacuum cleaner. Mine usually decorates a siding, it rarely makes it out of there, whereas my Sharge comes out when the track needs a clean. XYZ

It works. Thanks. XYZ

No idea. You are a pioneer, Try it and report back. If the screws are in the same places, it is likely that the shells can be made to fit. XYZ