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r/HOscalemodeltrains

▲ 52 r/HOscalemodeltrains

Fairly new to the hobby and probably just had a lesson on buying stuff “as-is.”Bought a pre-owned Proto 2000 E7 with sound from a model train store. Tried running it but it won’t move and the light won’t turn on but the sound does work. Paid a decently high price for the loco and in ok cosmetic condition and knew there were risks buying as-is, but did not expect it to not run at all. Any tips for repair or other options?

u/jollyguy27 — 11 days ago
▲ 6 r/HOscalemodeltrains+1 crossposts

I have been thinking — prematurely — about cleaning the track on my T-TRAK modules.

Since I have a Piko NCTD Sprinter and plan to model DMUs, the solutions that involve a locomotive pulling a modified car of some kind behind a locomotive aren’t a great solution.

My command station is a TCS CS-105, and I see on their web site that they sell a Track Cleaning Vehicle with a vacuum, an abrasive pad and two magnetic to pick up any stray metal shavings.

If this works, I can see running this vehicle arrive my track for a couple of passes every week might be an easy way to keep the track clean.

If it works.

Does anyone have any experience with the TCS TCV?

u/aengusoglugh — 11 days ago
▲ 16 r/HOscalemodeltrains

I just bought a New Old Stock Life Like Proto 2000 EMD E7 and the shell is not going into place properly. Wondering if anyone has had this issue? Or any suggestions to solve it.

I follow the instructions to line up the holes with the pegs to push into place but only one side can go in at a time. Not sure if the plastic may be warped or something else.

Attached photos as well

u/jollyguy27 — 12 days ago
▲ 4 r/HOscalemodeltrains+1 crossposts

Today I picked up a somewhat rare Mantua camelback 4-4-2 that I expected to be a shelf queen. Surprisingly it runs like a Swiss watch, but it does have problems. The locomotive is missing its pilot truck, which is unique to the camelback Atlantics. I will probably have to fashion a new part, unless someone here can find a suitable substitute. The more complex problem is that the engine needs an insane amount of power. I use a standard Kato power pack and it always does well, but this model won't get going until the knob is halfway over. There are no visible issues with the mechanism, and I tried to open up the chassis to check the lubrication, but all of the gears appear to be fully encased in a plastic housing. I'd love any advice you all might have.

EDIT: Forgot the picture! Here it is. The wheel treads are clean even though the sides are not.

https://preview.redd.it/hsdvsn5np7zg1.png?width=1080&format=png&auto=webp&s=c759ee75dc8a55d37ceef077535ad64b44786778

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u/SeaBeyond5465 — 10 days ago
▲ 14 r/HOscalemodeltrains

20 x 8 ft basement layout. HO. Green is plywood and beige is open floor. The blue track is a down slope and that loops back up.

I want long flowing sections, a below grade tunnel and double main action. I enjoy crossovers and the clack of the wheels so I put a bunch in there. I also want to be able to turn the train around without using a turn table. I’m also adding a lift out and a duck under.

As far as operations, (DCC) i want one train running the main and one doing switching.

Inspired by the Atlas “The Central Midland” from the 1960’s. I plan to model the 70-80’s and a mix of everything. Upon further reading, I’m looking for a mix of spaghetti bowl with a modern shelf sections. The wye out of the yard allows trains to be turned around.

Still a work in progress. I update this daily. What do you think?

https://preview.redd.it/daeanoc04mzg1.png?width=1982&format=png&auto=webp&s=fa696ee9c620b1f1b241effec77f37f6231649c5

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u/Road_hockey_dork — 8 days ago
▲ 74 r/HOscalemodeltrains

Bachmann 2-8-2 Mikado western Paciifc project HO: Part 1

Hi everyone I would like to share my project of my Bachmann USRA 2-8-2 it was originally Union Paciifc 2492 but i removed the decals with Walthers solvaest liquid to remove which I successfully did as you can see the engine is unlettered black currently I’m waiting for the decals to arrive soon it’s gonna be Western Paciifc 325 and its design will be inspired by WP 165 0-6-0 preserve at wprr reason why I’m doing this is because I always wanted a western pacific steam locomotive for a while but it’s kinda of hard to find and that my up mikado locomotive was a bit boring don’t get me wrong it did looked cool I feel western pacific would be a fantastic USRA 2-8-2 since Bachmann never done a WP version sound only dcc ready in the photos is currently what it looks like unlettered black and last photos is the concept on what’s gonna likely look like Ik it’s 324 on it but it’s gonna be 325 instead and a real life image of WP 165 the prototypical inspiration of it and yea this project is gonna be cool and I will post part 2 of this showing that it’s completed and others. what do y’all think of this project idea?

u/Daylight_Guy4449 — 3 days ago