Author: Nate Hoffelder
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HO Scale vs N Scale: Size Matters
I got my start in repairing model train engines with HOn30 scale locomotives, but as I get into regular HO scale engines I find myself surprised by the differences. The thing about HOn30 (and OO9/009, a different but overlapping model train scale) is that the engines are basically N scale mechanisms with an HO scale…
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How to get started lubricating model train engines
I was just lubricating a couple newly arrived vintage HO narrow gauge locomotives today when I was reminded of just how intimidating this repair looked when I started doing it, and just how simple it turned out to be. I thought it would be a good idea to write a basic intro post. If you…
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How to Cut Down a Kato 110 chassis so it can be used in place of a 109 chassis
Kato sells a line of 2-axle and 4-axle drive chassis. There have been times where I have had to cut down one of the 2-axle chassis (11-110) so I could use it in place of the other (11-109). I jotted down these instructions so I didn’t forget how. BTW, if you want to buy these…
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Davenport Switcher
When I was at a train show in Suffolk last weekend, I picked up an N scale Davenport 0-6-0 diesel switcher engine for $10. It was made by Atlas, and once it was warmed up it ran rather nicely at around 15% power. I often buy cheap locomotives at train shows as a gamble that…
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My First Kitbash
Back in April 2025, when I had been back in the hobby for just a few months, I kitbashed an HO scale van into a railvan. I took an HO scale minivan and mounted it on a cut down Kato 11-110 chassis. The idea was to make a railvan which had been converted from…
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ARU Model A4010 0-6-0
A few months ago I decided to go nuts and spend over $100 to find out if the ARU Model A4010 0-6-0 Steam chassis was a viable replacement option for the vintage Minitrains 0-4-0T. It is. The attached photos are from the test fitting. The chassis is just small enough to disappear inside. All it…