rolling stock | Model Train Tips

Extreme Weathering for Your Model Railroad Cars

August 30, 2011 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

Pepper Kay shared this tip about extreme weathering for your model railroad rolling stock: Weather as you normally would your next box car, tank, hopper, etc. then, spray two coats of Dullcote on your finished car. When that has dried thoroughly, use your pump sprayer filled with 93% rubbing alcohol and give a good, wet coat to your finished car. The alcohol reacts with the Dullcote and makes the most faded, weathered finish you’ve ever seen. Careful, don’t do but just a few cars as the effect goes a long way. -Pepper Kay Note: I have not tried this tip yet but I would … [Read more...]

8 Steps to Curing Model Railroad Derailments

September 15, 2010 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

By John Branden It took me a long time to figure out the best way to stop derailment issues on my layouts. Because I use N gauge trains and track which is quite small and tricky the problem may be exaggerated but these rules apply to all gauges. I would fix one section of the track one day and the very next day I would get a derailment on a different section. This is frustrating because it make you nervous about the rest of the layout. When trains run smoothly on the rails you feel really good about the layout. When a model train derails it can be a nightmare but it is actually … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Featured, Track Tips Tagged With: frog assemblies, model railroad derailments, n gauge train, rolling stock, track gauge, turnouts

How Model Train Classification Yards Work

November 15, 2009 By Model Train Tips Leave a Comment

Most model railroaders have far more cars (rolling stock) and locomotives than they can possibly operate at once. One option is to simply store excess rolling stock and locomotives in boxes or on display shelves or cabinets. It is possible, however, to store all of your extra equipment and trains on tracks in a yard that may or may not be part of the visible operating portion of your model train layout. However, design mistakes are a common feature of model railroad yard layouts. Yards don't always work out as well as they should. A major cause is the lack of available information … [Read more...]