Q & A Model Railroad Compatability. DCC Decoders, Kato & Tomix, the list goes on.

[@SD45-ET44AC]

I checked out Trains in the Valley. They have a nice selection of a lot of things, unfortunately I was not able to find CN,BAR, Guilford or other equipment that fit my current needs (I was looking for a metal N scale ruler), but I’ve earmarked their website to return another day. Still, it was worth a look as you’ve never steered me wrong. 🚂🚂👍🏽👍🏼✳️✳️

[@Eclipse1988]

I ordered a few tank cars from them, and even came with a personalized written note from Corey. Nice company and you can tell they care. I didn't even need the tank cars, yet. Just wanted to support them.

[@modelrailwaybackshop]

So the ESU problem isn't the speed steps, it's the backEMF and Motor voltage draw. Setting CV54 is to adjust the voltage control rate of the model and its not the Horn button, it's the Bell or F1 button to activate autosync for it to setup the correct motor voltage and BackEMF for the model to let it run smooth on all speedsteps.

[@Eclipse1988]

Prayers for Clay. Get well, buddy! ❤ -A fellow train guy

[@ajkleipass]

Re: Clay Collins.... if Clay would let us know where he lives, it might be possible to make a connection with someone local to him who could help him with getting a layout put together.

[@jdickson93]

I have also seen locally near me on Facebook market many built layouts, a lot of HO and the occasional N, either complete or with just trackwork done that people sell. I would check there as people build or start to build and then decide they don't wont to work on the project anymore and sell what they have.

[@flagman515]

Clay, let me know where you are. I can hook you up with a 7 x 9 layout for free. Sorry folks, only Clay

[@melkitson]

Interesting Jimmy. Thanks.

[@Mike__B]

You sir are a saint for putting time codes at the beginning. Some of us do not have time to sit down and watch any 30 minute video just to find something that is mentioned in the topic. Way too many people are doing podcast style videos where the videos last well over an hour. I thank you.

[@flakstruk-8481]

Thankyou mate, Commuter is pretty much all we have in my part of Australia.

[@rambling_railfan]

Thanks for answering my question! I was actually thinking of adding an N scale train to my layout as a carnival ride/tourist attraction.

[@glencalvert9510]

Entertaining and informative as always!

[@AlphaCentuari18]

For the question at 7:05 another great resource for learning what buildings and industries to include can be sanborn fire insurance maps. They’re very useful for those of us modeling the early to mid 20th century

[@Hellonwheels66]

Good show Jimmy!

[@bradmarlin6591]

Awesome feature of your channel. Thanks for helping all of us out here.

[@loispadgett6306]

I enjoy this question and answer shows because they have questions I never think of. Thanks for all the info. GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@ADPeguero]

Just got my first N Scale Locomotive (ScaleTrains NS T4 GEVO) from Trains in the Valley this week. Got it for a great price and super fast shipping. Glad they're sponsoring you.

[@jdenm8]

Tomix definitely has some pieces in their Fine Track system that make the adapters to Unitrack worth it. From their 3-Way points to their inexpensive Automatic Wheel Cleaner.

[@charlesravert8781]

Another great video Jim. I’ve been in the hobby on the HO side of the house since 1990 and have a dedicated layout room since I built my current house in 2017. You’re the reason I’ve kind of switched gears a little and went N scale T-Trak (still have the HO layout). I now have 2 end caps, 2 completed singles, 2 completed doubles, a quad and 2 singles I am currently working on. My wife even bought me a folding 8 foot table to put this on. 👍👍👍

[@TheRobertLcollins]

An add to the question on passenger operations: in pre-Amtrak days many railroads had shorter passenger trains that connected to main passenger trains. Those shorter trains would have a car or two that would be switched in, then a similar car would be picked up for the return trip. I believe the common cars that were part of these operations were coaches and sleepers. This along with simulating station stops along the way could make passenger operations fun, especially on a smaller layout.

[@rwissbaum9849]

Regarding modeling in HO and N scale: some HO scale modelers add an N scale track with rolling stock at the very back of their layout to create some forced perspective.

[@takethecurseOFFwashingmachine]

Drinking my favorite coffee in the world. Nescafe clásico instant, with half and half. No sugar.

[@atshinkansen7439]

As far as Tomix and yards, Tomix actually makes a complete yard kit, with expansion packs available. (Items #91016 and 91017.) I have one with several of the expansion packs. It’s actually a storage yard for multiple unit trains, but it could easily be adapted into a freight yard. I use both Kato and Tomix track.

[@billschneck9107]

Always a very informative segment, thanks!

[@911porsche]

I saw the same JMRI issue a few weeks back on functions above the standard lower values. I was running via android engine throttle and didn’t see them there either. I saw guys running wiThrottle at the NC Raleigh show and tried it to simply access and consists on iOS. It has access to upper level functions!!! But I noticed that while I can use example 31 to mute some sounds it doesn’t unmute. So I’m not sure if it’s robust yet. Missed u a spencer but as always a great video.

[@OldcampRanch]

Awesome, groovy and farout!

[@CarlosChapa-pt9rj]

Thank you so much My 844 is running a whole lot better

[@rodericknagashima]

The turnouts is the reason why I moved from Kato to Tomix track system.

[@leigharmstrong1495]

How do i do a triangular junction. Love the video, watch all your first. Keep the good teaching videos.

[@michaelamoroso4561]

Do you isolate your N-Scake layout in sections? I have NCE and I am wondering how far feeders should be on a layout that is going to be 2 foot by 12 foot L shaped layout. Really appreciate you doing these coffee and train videos. I get a lot of good information from the questions asked by your viewers.

[@danbalmer1]

Thanks again for a longer but informative video. Lots of question. I am planning on a 3'x6 or 7' Kato N layout next and would like a good resource on some realistic but somewhat generic multi era passenger stations/platforms as I'll be running and highlighting passenger and light and heavy rail through the eras such as my 20th Century Limited, NW 400, Metra, Super Chief, and Amtrak. I will also minor on freight through the same eras with some sidings to plan for switching as well. Any input on those is appreciated for next time. Thanks.

[@fredbell2654]

Mothership Coffee Roasters

[@Baldwins2008]

I have a few questions. Can the broadway limited big boy put out smoke on a dc layout? Can you speed match trains on a dc layout? How do you obtain a custom paint job locomotive?

[@OriginalBongoliath]

If you want a layout already built you are better off looking for a company that builds them. Like Jimmy said, a bunch of companies out there exist so tell them what you are looking to accomplish, get quotes from them, and look at feedback. Many even have KZbin channels so you can see their work and judge for yourself. Buying one from eBay is a can of worms as you don't know what skill level the builder was or what problems you will have to deal with to fix his mess. Then you have the issue like Jimmy said of fitting it in your house depending on what your door situation is with large boards. Better to have a layout building company figure all of that out for you than take a gamble with eBay.

[@TobiasL1000]

Where can I find that coffee cup with all the RR?

[@BoxtankEngine]

My friend has a 7,5 foot x 45 foot z scale layout.

[@theminer3746]

I already have a Big Boy from Kato and currently looking at buying another one from Broadway Limited since it has smoke and sound and I never have any locomotives that can do that before. My question is, what is your opinion on which road number should I buy? 4014 so I have another one and can do side-by-side comparison? Or maybe 4012 with a coal tender for variety on the layout? Maybe even their new 4019 club locomotive with smoke deflectors?

[@TrainsofK]

Q: In a consist how do you get the locomotive lights to run like the prototype with ESU Loksound 5 decoders? I want the lights on facing outward, not between locomotives.

[@ivovanzon164]

For pre built layouts, is the Noch baseboard kit sold in the USA? That one comes as a kit where you only have to add tracks and buildings, all the landscape stuff is included

[@skerbs7755]

Great Q&A! Thank you. I do have one question. How do you solder tiny small wires together like the ones on Wehonest signals without melting the resistor? I have been successful on 75% of my soder jobs but have melted several due to the heat traveling up the soder iron to the resistor. I have been installing Wehonest signals on my HO Scale layout and are operating them manually with a switch in the control panel. Thank you for any advice. Steve

[@Yoyle_cakebfdi]

What is the most silliest dcc sound that is already able to buy

[@jrhproductions54]

What is the best N Scale Track system I certainly use ez track

[@sadman68]

I built a programming track but JMRI is not getting a response from the engine. I tried three different engines with different decoders and the same thing. All the lights on the motor shield so I think the track is getting power. What should I try next? I don't know the exact model if the decoders. I am using an Arduino mega/motor shield and Kato unitrack.

[@anthonyborden2513]

Qa Jim can you 3d print a North America porta container crane in HO manufacture make container, container ships 🚢 and container yards but no crane to take the container off the ship in ho or n scale could you please make one 3 d will purchase it asap thanks

[@ivovanzon164]

How big is your yard, you might have a look at the Kibri reach stacker with the container attachment number 11751

[@jandreb0324]

Hey Jim. I'm building a n-scale switching layout and I want to go for a DCC-EX command station. I already ordered a wemos at2560 + wifi but I'm struggling to find a supported motorshield in my country(South Africa), any recommendations for an alternative that is widely available? Also I'm drinking Bean there's ethiopian blend, no milk or sugar

[@TheFlipC]

I’m thinking about making a helix for my n-scale model railroad, but I know they are extremely challenging. My thought was to build it with Kato unitrack to eliminate the worry of having to make perfect circular track work. The rest of my track work is Atlas code 55 flex track, any thoughts regarding combining?

[@tonymcdonald2932]

Hey Jimmy, I know this isn't really something talked about, but as far as model railroading, if you don't have the space, would you think a train simulator (like trainz railroad simulator) could be a good second option?

[@dannyking748]

I bought a HO Scale Big Boy recently from BLI and its tge Stelth version i know BLI has their recommendations on DCC decoders which do you think would be the best?

[@sadman68]

I have purchase quite a bit of unboxed rolling stock from eBay. What do you find is the best way to store them when not running on the layout?

[@Bobfrommicrosoft]

Which would you recommend for beginners, nce, or digitrax?

[@loganwest4164]

Does the kato unitrack turntable work with no dcc?

[@choo-choosam]

Hey Jimmy I have a question, will the Rokuhan battery powered power packs work with HO scale? After a recent power outage, I am looking for a way to be able to run my trains without wall power. My layout is DC atm and very small. Thanks

[@ivovanzon164]

That looks more like an opportunity to get a very basic UPS unit, that would cover both trains and the rest of the lights, signals and whatever else is motorised

[@choo-choosam]

@@ivovanzon164 what is a UPS unit?

[@JimTulk]

Jimmy, I know someone who goes all over the country and builds model layouts if Clay Collins 79 is interested. Get ahold of me and I’ll let my friend know and see if they can get together on a project. Thanks, Jim T.