Bachmann Trains & Accessories

O Scale Train Layouts
Model Trains?

I have an o-scale layout. I have an mth train engine that is stuck. the engine will turn on but the engine will not go forward or back. If anyone knows how to fix this please let me know.
the train is a MTH Dash-8 Diesel Engine – 3 Rail Horn. Cab No. 560Operates on O-31, Electronic Digital Horn, two motors w/fly wheels, DCRU “Electronic Reverse Unit” and Directional Headlights.

Sounds like you have a blockage somewhere in the mechanism.

Carefully remove the body. There should be a screw or screws securing it to the mechanism.

Then check to see if any fluff or other foreign bodies have got into the gearing. Model trains are prone to this sort of problem.

Make sure all the electric contacts are clean, including the motor commutator (the bit that comes into contact with the brushes) and the pickups that draw the current from the track.

Lubricate the motor shaft and gears and axles very sparingly with a light oil like 3-in-1 or similar. If it says on the tin it’s suitable for sewing machines or other light electric appliances then it’s ok for your model. All you need is a drop on the end of a pin and then wipe away any excess with a cotton bud.

Reassemble your model and make sure your the track is clean – a non-fluffy cloth pad soaked in meths or special track cleaning fluid as sold in model shops is best – on no account use any abrasive.

If your model still doesn’t work after this little bit of TLC I suggest you contact the maker and ask them for advice.

O Scale Train Layouts

Many people who want to build a model train tend to believe that diving into the project, without much planning, is the thing to do. However, this is not necessarily the case. Before you start such a large project it is recommend that you create a plan first. Creating a plan may take a while, but it is well worth it.

Draw the railroad layout as you want to be when it is completed. You can even draw it to scale if you want. Once you have finished the layout plan, create a working list of supplies that you need. “Working list” means is that you should be ready to modify it at any given moment, as the needs of your layout change. For example, as you start building your layout, you may have a great idea that requires changes to your supply list.

If you are an advanced model railroader you may be ordering custom parts. These custom parts can take nearly half a year to be created and delivered. This is another reason to create a comprehensive layout plan from the start, so that you can order the parts in advance. This way you will not create a bottleneck and have to stop working on your layout for months while you wait for custom pieces.

Model railroad trains come in many shapes and sizes and pretty much every famous train has a model replica that you can buy. Some of the most popular brands are Altas, Lionel and Homby. Something that many railroad modelers enjoy is recreating real life historical railroad lines; for example, sections of the CN Rail or the old European routes through England or the Alps. It takes a lot of research to recreate these lines in exact detail, but it is very rewarding.

Jeremy Vaness is a model train enthusiast. For great information on model railroad trains visit http://www.modeltrainonline.com.

What is the formula equation for slope grade on a O scale train layout?

Trying to find out what is the formula equation for slope on a O scale layout. I want to find out what would be the shortest and deepest slope my o scale locomotive would climb.

Seriously if anyone knows the answer to this question then they must have no life.

Daves O Scale Lionel Train Layout