Don sent in this question:

“When I first started with trains ( adult) size, a gentleman had a layout that 5 or 6 trains in a yard, when one train came in it started the next automatically switching turnouts one after another using reed switches,  is any one familiar with this switching?”

When I first visited China back in the 1980’s the cities were over-run by bicycles – there where millions! These days bikes are a reasonably rare sight in most major cities. Motorbikes and buses are becoming less common too. This is because cheap, efficient, safe, environmentally friendly alternatives are now available.

China now has the biggest network of high speed bullet trains in the world, as well as extensive underground metro mass transit systems under most of its major cities. As an example by late 2020, Shanghai will have around 502 miles (808 km) of subway lines servicing 500 plus stations… and that’s just one city! The metro stations are spotlessly clean with marble tiles etc, and trains run every 3 to 4 minutes in most cases.

Above ground, traditional polluting diesel buses will become even more of a rarity when these new transit vehicles that run on “virtual sensor guided track” become widespread throughout China. Some people say its a type of train on a guided track, and others would claim its are a type of bus, or tram.

What’s your opinion? Remember there are no rails in the traditional sense, but it still needs a track of “almost invisible” sensors for it to run on, so it can’t leave the line of track like a bus could. It also has no Catenary or Pantographs; so in your opinion is it a bus, train, tram, or a hybrid with no name? Add your thoughts below.

The 32 meters long and 3.4 meters high people mover, can carry 307 passengers with a top speed of 70 kph.

Instead of track, this passenger vehicle runs along dotted lines on the ground, controlled by hundreds of sensors. It also use rubber tires, which makes the journey like riding the bus. It uses Lithium Titanate batteries enabling it to run 25 km after just 10 minutes of charging.

Here’s another in our popular “Spot the Difference” series. This week it is crowd a scene from a model train show. In all there are 9 differences between the two photos.  If you find it easier to view the photos horizontally you can see enlarged images here…

Add your answers by using the COMMENTS link below.

You can see enlarged images here…

This is the second railroading crossword puzzle in our new series. You can download and print out the clues and download a bigger PDF version here. On that page click on the Puzzle #2 link where there is also a link to download the answers if you get stumped.

Print out the PDF (see link above) to print out the puzzle and answers, or you can post your answers using the COMMENTS link below this post.

ALSO, it would be great to get some feedback on the idea of including the occasional Word Search or Crossword puzzle on the blog (relating to railroading). If you think it is a crazy idea say so. If you would like to see more crossword puzzles – post your feedback using the COMMENTS link below. And, if you have any other bright suggestions, you can post those too.

In the 6 April Posting we asked “What Do You Like Most About The Hobby?” and got some great feedback from readers.

This week the question is “How did you get started in the hobby?” Feel free to share your story using the COMMENTS link below. I’m sure others would like to hear what got you started with model trains. Submit your comments to the Blog Moderator using the link below.

John has an unusual question:

“Has anyone completed a model of the historic pier train from Hythe in Hampshire? We are hoping to put together an exhibition to celebrate the engines manufacture in 1917 and would like to borrow a model if possible. Alternatively does anyone have any suggestions as to which kits could be used to form the basis of creating such a static model? Any advice would be much appreciated.”

We’re all in this hobby because we enjoy it, but each of us probably enjoys different aspects of the hobby more than others. With that in mind, I thought it would be interesting to get some feedback on what it is that readers most enjoy about model railroading. It will be interesting to see where the common ground is.

Post you thoughts using the COMMENTS link below.

The feedback from the crossword puzzle on the blog a couple of weeks ago has been very encouraging with many requests for more puzzles. Here’s our first Word Search puzzle with some words that model railroaders might use.

If you would like to download the puzzle and print it out you can do so HERE. There is also a link to view or print out the solutions on the same web page.

Find these words:

AIR BRUSH, CAB, DECODER, FREIGHTYARD, JUNCTION, SCALE, SNAP SAW, TANK DOME

AMMETER, CONSOLIDATION, FLEXTRACK, FROG, MARKER, SCHEDULE, STYRENE, TRACTION

BALLAST, CROSSING, FLYWHEEL, HOMASOTE, REEFER, SLIDE, SUBROADBED, TRANSFORMER

BENCHWORK, CROWS NEST, FOREMAN, INTERCHANGE, ROADBED, FENCE, TAMPER

Print out puzzle and answers at http://www.modelbuildings.org/Puzzle-4-word-search.html

If you would like to see more puzzles like this on the blog, please let me know by commenting under this post.

Delford sent in this question to readers:

“I am trying to plan a layout and was planning to start with a 4×8. I would like a few tracks and a tunnel and bridge and some turn outs. I have a NCE controller so want to go DCC. Would anyone give me some ideas? I know there are many experts out there.”

Delford… the same advice I’d give to anyone in the hobby, is to learn as much as you can… and never stop learning. There are plenty of excellent resources available including several featured on this blog including the Beginners Blueprint and this one on DCC http://www.dccmodeltrains.org.

Dennis sent in these photos to share captured at the Shoeburyness Model Railway Show at Essex in the United Kingdom.

Sam H sent in these photos to share from the Sileby Model Railway Exhibition in the UK (between Loughborough and Leicester).

If you have a question to ask others in the hobby, or if you want to answer or comment on a question, or if you want to publish a photo/description of your layout… then this is the place to do it.  The Model Train Help Blog is read by around 10,000 railroaders each week.

Following a suggestion from club member Phil, here’s something new for blog readers.

Our first railroading crossword puzzle. You can download and print out the clues and a bigger PDF version here. There is also a link to get the answers if you get stumped.

You are welcome to add your answers using the COMMENTS link below this post.

ALSO, it would be good to get feedback on the idea of including the occasional Crossword or Word Search puzzle on the blog (relating to railroading). If you think it is a stupid idea say so. If you would like to see more – post your feedback using the COMMENTS link below.