Model Trains & Model Railroading

Important model train information most people need when getting started in train modeling is how to set up a good layout. Even those who have a lot of experience seek tips on how to create a more appealing layout. The layout is the environment your model train will be traveling through and can represent any landscape or cityscape you wish. With all the different pieces you can buy, it is possible to create something that is true to life, or something, which is pure fantasy. The only limits to the layout you create are the limits of your imagination.

The most basic model train layout is the one, which sets on top of a table. These are very common in small homes and apartments. The model train information you will need for this type of layout would suggest you use a Z scale model train. Being the smallest scale of train, you will be able to create a layout, which will be dynamic while not taking up all the room in your home. You can buy buildings and environment pieces that will match your Z scale train. Many people who create this type of layout will stick to a basic oval track.

Having more space will allow you to be ever more creative with your layout. There is a lot of model train information for those who have more space to utilize. A good tip for those with a decent workspace is to buy a door to set up your layout on. The door will be larger than a table and can be set up on two workbenches in order to give you a very sturdy base. The big benefit of this base is it is portable. You can bring the entire layout with you very easily to go to model train shows where you can show off what you have created.

Styrofoam has become very popular for those looking to create a layout from scratch. You can shape and mold the layout exactly how you want it to look with the right tools. This model train information has been shared by many who like to do things from scratch in the train-modeling world. A good benefit to using Styrofoam as a base is it allows you to easily affix trees and buildings into place. Using spikes will allow you to be able to move the pieces of your landscape should you choose to. This is a good idea for those who are expanding their collection slowly.

Weathering is a way to make your layout look a little more realistic. Knowing how to weather your train and layout will give your model the appearance you would see in the real world. There is a lot of model train information on how to accomplish the different looks you want. It is important to remember, the weathering appearance you give your layout should match your train. Be careful, because the weathering will be permanent and you may want to change trains, or layouts over time.

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Among the layouts at the 1st US-themed Model RR Convention in Germany (Oct 6-7th, Rodgau (near Frankfurt), Germany) is “Somewhere West”, with masterful scenery by Lucien Weiss. Hope you enjoy!

Copyright (c) 2009 Randy Beckett

If you have been checking out the local model train store I?m sure you have discovered by now how the scale system works. The scales of model railroads are basically used to describe the ratio of the model train to the real version. With regards to the N scale model train it has a ratio of 1:148 that makes it one of the smallest scales on the market. They are extremely popular because of the many advantages they offer collectors with limited space.

Space is usually not the only factor considered when beginning a model train collection. However, if you are extremely limited in space the N scale will surely be high on your list of scales to consider. Due to its popularity the N scale has a wide range of accessories available in both cars and extensive landscape options.

The toy model trains available in N scale are also very popular due to the extensive amount of detailing on them. Even though they are one of the smallest scales they are exceptional in detail. If you are looking for something smaller than the N scale then you would need to go with the Z scale model train. The cost of the Z is among the least expensive, unfortunately you will be giving up a great deal of detail since the scale has become so small it is hardly worth being to creative since it is so small you would not be able to appreciate the work.

With the N scale model trains you have a scale that may be just the right size to fit into a compact space and also large enough to see the craftsmanship it possesses with great attention to detail. The N scale has become one of the popular choices for new collectors as well as those buyers who are purchasing the sets for young engineers during the holiday season. Check out your local model train shop to see the N scale in action. They can be used to layout elaborate model railroad systems. A word of caution: The size of the trains can make large layouts difficult due to difficulty with track conditions. There size can create layout problems if the track becomes too large since derailments are more frequent with smaller scales.

While you are at your model train store be sure and check prices on all of the scales. I believe you will find the N class to be very competitive when it comes to larger scale model trains. Since the N class is very popular right now it is manufactured more than other scales and therefore much less expensive. This means it offers great value for money and even though the material utilized is minimal there is an option to create more detail on it. So it’s a perfect way to start off when you want to spend limited amounts when delving into this hobby for the first time. Fuel for the N scale model train is available in many different varieties. You may use a live steam engine to power it, which can be fueled with butane or you may find mentholated spirit or fuel tablets made out of hexamine. Some other options for creating steam are using electricity. However, many collectors prefer to use plain ole basic electricity to run their model railway trains. All these options make it a very versatile choice. I am a great believer in playing with different models before diving into model trains as a hobby. So, get your shoes on and get down to your local train shop and play around with different scales until you find a good fit for you. Don?t be afraid to ask the shop owner lots of questions. A good model train shop owner will spend all the time you need to help you begin your new hobby. They want you to be a long-term loyal customer.

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Video showing 3 of my model trains; a Big Boy and a Mikado pulling freight trains, and a Santa Fe passenger train. All trains were built by Marklin, a german model train manufacturer.

This discontinued HO scale plastic model was manufactured by IHC. Construction photos of this model and other HO Scale Amusement Park models can be found at: www.rileyv.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk

Layout featuring model trains in N scale. Kato Series 211-3000 Tohoku Takasaki line, Series 500 Shinkansen Bullet Train “Nozomi” and Fleishmann Desiro railcar DB AG class 642. More details at: www.mmts.com.au

Lots Of Fun

[Set to High Quality] A Video of my ho scale locomotives for RSB. John C. Reagon ©2009

Model railroad layout design is a miniature replica that contains scale track for operating trains. The sizes of this layout differs, from small designs that fits a shelf top to ones that fill an entire room, basement or even whole buildings. Paying attention to modeling details like structures and scenery for example is common.

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Small and simple layouts are usually placed over a table, although other means are utilized including doors. There are also more permanent construction methods that involve placing bench work framing to the wall of the room or building in which the layout is located.

The layout of the track itself is an important aspect of any model railway. There are four basic methods of arranging the track such as the continuous loop which is a circle or oval with trains going round and round; point to point, a line with a station at every end with trains going from one station to another; out and back is a pear shaped track, with trains leaving the station then going round a reversing loop and coming back to the same station; shunting is either a station, a motive power depot or a yard.

A lot of people seem to consider model train kits just for children, but then adults can also enjoy them as well. Kits that are available for purchase include model railroad layout design, collection of trains that also include vintage trains to more modern train versions.

There are model railroad layouts design that you can purchase, however some people find the do it yourself method much more enjoyable to construct. In doing this DIY train layouts, you can use materials that you consider useless or are going to throw out anyway. For model roads cardboards strips can be glued and painted. Mud can be shaped and molded into different objects such as humans, animals, buildings, tunnels and many others. Make sure to include rocks and mountains because they can make your layout more realistic and stand out.

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Many a newbie model railroader will decide that, instead of HO, they prefer to build their railroad empire using O scale model trains. While the bigger trains may seem easier to work with and just plain more fun they can also be a source of frustration to the inexperienced. Here are some common mistakes made with O scale trains. 

Is your turning radius too tight? While the minimum turning radius for an O scale train is 24 inches you have to realize that box cars and passenger cars are not the same length. If you’re recreating an 19th century freight route you might be OK but if you decide that instead you’d like to run a modern Amtrak passenger train you may be plagued with derailments with such a small turning radius. Besides the functionality of too small a turn radius you also have the glaring fact that it just doesn’t look that realistic. 

Are your inclines too steep? Most new model railroaders envision some sort of tunnel or bridge in their layout where the trains will run underneath its own track or up over the roads the cars travel. When you’re working in smaller scale where you have room to build long inclines this is not usually an issue. Not so with O scale. Given the height required to clear another train track your O scale layout will require a very long incline indeed especially if you’ve created a long train to begin with. You’re not going to go from ground level to train clearing bridge height in only two feet. If you do not have large layout, one solution is to send your lower track slightly underground so that your upper track does not need to rise as much. 

Is your landscape out of scale? Even though a locomotive is higher than a one story house we must remember that in the real world trees still tower over trains. No where is this single mistake made more than with O scale train layouts. The same scaling mistake is common with outbuildings and people. When buying any accessories or buildings for your layout make sure that you know it is to scale and not that it just looks to be the correct scale. 

Does your train match your track? Unlike Ho scale where everything pretty much works with everything else, O scale modeling can truly be confusing when it comes to matching the correct track to your train. Since the early days when these toy trains were run on shiny three rail tracks there have been some major innovations that include two rail systems, more authentic O gauges and the option of running O scale trains on narrow tracks. Do your research before buying even your first train set, because once you’ve selected a track, you’re stuck with it or will be doing a major overall down the road.

 Keep these common mistakes in mind when planning your layout and it should make building your O scale train layout much more enjoyable.

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