※Model Trains
Link to non-model train site
Tyco Royal Blue takes 9.9 mm ID x 2 mm wide traction tires (same Tyco part as Chattanooga)
http://www.trainelectronics.com/PowerController/
Model train scales and track width
Gauge |
Scale |
Track Width |
G |
1:25 |
1.75" |
O |
1:48 |
1.25" |
S |
1:64 |
0.875" |
HO |
1:87 |
0.650" |
N |
1:160 |
0.375" |
Z |
1:220 |
0.25 |
Guage 1 is 1:32 and uses smart track as G
Reference and Tips By Category
Couplers
Parts
- Companies that sell detail parts
- Screw Gauges
- Most common crews in HO trains:
- #0–80 × 3/8" machine screws (1/16" dia.)
- #2–56 × 1/2" (3/32" dia.) for attaching trucks
- Bachman uses M2 x 6 mm screws to attach shell to body
- Truck pins:
- Solid style are AHM
- clip kind are IHC?
Repairing model train motors
- Websites: HO Seeker and Tyco Forums
- Use Gardner Bender Ox-Gard OX-100 on all electrical contacts
- Use a Dremmel tool with wire polishing bit to polish contacts
- Use high temp disk break wheel bearing grease on the gears, do not use oil.
- Apply one drop of oil to the end of shafts where thrust washers are. No more!!!
- Can use baking soda with super glue to repair cracked gears because there baking soda causes the got to cure instantly. Fill a crack with solid baking soda. Add super glue on top. The baking soda makes cyanoacylate glues harden instantly.
Track
- Clean track with Goo Gone, never steel wool (wears it down).
- Nickel-sliver conducts power better
- Brass tarnishes and loses power conduction. Some people like the way is looks.
- Code 100 - taller, most common. Not realistic. Runs any HO trains, even old, poorly made wheels.
- Code 83 - More realistic lower height, similar in scale to main branch track.
- Code 70 and 55 - Less useful for older trains. Most realistic for light rail scale.
Train Conversions and Upgrades
Scenery Goals
Building construction
Scenery construction
- Table is 6' x 4'
- 1.5 pound per sq. ft. foam is recommended
- Papier-mâché clay Recipe 1 and Recipe 2 (video of recipe 2)
- JTT Scenery Products makes plastic sheets that look like realistic water for lakes
To purchase:
- Train station
- Corn field
- use balsa wood
- Grey roof tile like our garage
- wood siding
- Spanish roof tiles
- base board
- Pine trees
Train Goals
- Acquire 3 more Pullman passenger cars
- Acquire the Kadee 75th Anniversary boxcar (Brice pre-paid $43)
Coupler conversions
Train repairs
- How to mount trucks
- O scale 1951 Marx O-27 Train New York Central (from Set 5450)
- Life-Like Southern Pacific (orange serial 14390), rear conducting trucks are broken. Need metal wheels with plastic axels and bottom cover
- Bachmann 0-6-0 Green Smokey Mountain Express is a major repair project (non-functional). Needs one plastic wheel axle (not used in current design, may be the same as 4-8-4 axle). Tender needs 3/16" dowels or vintage trucks with wheels.
- Tyco Rock Island has a dead motor
- Repairs on non-Tyco locomotives
- Model Power 0-4-0 switcher. Wheels need alignment.
- Mantua Tyco EMD GP-20 Union Pacific metal rails
- B&O locomotive is missing a screw
Info on our Vintage trains
Notes:
Train wishlist