Bachmann Trains & Accessories

Ho Scale Train Engines
How can I weather an ho scale train?

I want to make one of my engines look like its worked a long hard life.

Or, there are spray cans of “instant weathering” available at most railroad hobby stores. I use it for weathering buildings and some rolling stock. When it comes to weathering expensive locos ($400 and up), I hire someone with much more skill than I to do the job. Yeah it costs more, but then I don’t have a several hundred dollar piece of junk on my hands when it’s done.

Depending on the era you model, heavy weathering is not indicated. For example, in my transition era modeling, some steam engines had a very short life (like the last AC12 built for the SP #4294, out-shopped in ‘42 and retired not long after), so a new-ish looking model is appropriate. My earlier AC11s and AC12s are lightly weathered. Conversely my AC4s and AC5s, MM6 and MT4s are heavily weathered, as are my logging engines (two Shays and a Heisler).

All of my ATSF steam engines are lightly weathered, appropriate for desert service.

My entire F7, GP9 and GP7 diesel fleet appears new, except for weathering on one A-B-B-A consist that is used in snow service (a dirty business).

And I’ll second the “happy hobbying!”

Ho Scale Train Engines

Model Trains

When you get into Model Railroading, you quickly learn about model train scales. Every model train that is produced has a scale letter associated with it, such as: HO, O and so forth. The scale let’s you know how true to life it is and more importantly, the physical size of the train itself. The scale refers to the size in comparison with the real thing. For example, 1:220 means the real version of the model train is 220 times larger. If you are a newcomer to model trains, the amount of space will be the first factor in determining which scale to go with. For the hardcore model railroader, mixing scales is a great joy when space permits. Let’s take a look at some of the model train scales and minimum space requirements.

Z Scale trains are 1:220, which means they are very small. I call these “cute” trains and they are perfect for those with an extremely limited space. As with any scale, you can expand the layout as large as you want to go.

Next up is the N Scale, which is 1:160. N scale trains are semi-popular and are great if you want your focus to be on your layout and not the train itself. They are small as well, so you can fit these trains into minimal space.

HO Scale model trains are 1:87 and the most popular scale of model train with model railroaders. They offer a good level of detail and allow you to fit a nice size track into an average size space. I like HO scale trains because they blend in great with any type scenery and you get a good balance as a result.

The O Scales, my favorite, are 1:48 and very popular as well. Lionel has been making great O scale model trains for many decades. These model trains are larger and require a good amount of space for a proper layout. It is possible to setup a small oval track in about a 5-foot by 5-foot area. Although the track will seem small because of the train’s size, it is better than nothing. If your layout is smaller, the O scale train will dominate the view.

There are a couple other scales, such as S and G, but these are the main ones I choose to discuss in this article. Only you can decide which scale is right for you. Some, with limited space, prefer the O scale model trains, even though they dominate the layout, because of their detail and size. O scale trains are “meatier” and are really great for pacifying the children.

All trains have a variance in quality so one scale is not necessarily more expensive than another. Although, I have found O scale model life to be a little bit pricier. You really can’t go wrong with model railroading. It is highly rewarding and wholesome. In the end, you might find yourself collecting model trains across the entire scale spectrum. Get out there and ride the rails!

Have a look at these Model Train Videos & Tips

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How do I convert a Model train locomotive to a dummy unit?

i have a HO scale locomotive and the engine wont work. I want to convert it to a dummy. It is a steam engine. I removed the engine, but its wheels don’t turn like a dummy units, and my working engines can pull it. so how do i do it, the CORRECT way?

Unless I’m mistaken, unless you removed the side rods, they should stay synchronized. But, in order to get it to roll like a dummy unit, besides removing the motor, you’d also have to remove the gears from inside the gear box. At the very least, remove the worm gear. That’s the gear that looks like a screw.

Ho Scale Custom Weathered Cars and Engines