Planning
Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!
O27 and O Scale Train Database
Ken has a question for readers:
“I was wondering if anyone has ever put together a database for Lionel trains that basically lists all the various engines, cars, various data (yr built, gauge) etc. and allows a user to customize their own usage by putting in additional fields, serial numbers, pictures, etc to develop a ownership database.”
Another reader has a quick question about decals:
“Where do the PRO’S get their road name and data decals ?”
Add your answers or suggestions below.
The Factors that Determine the Operational Capacity of a Railroad
Smooth operation is critical for the efficiency and profitability of real railroads. Applying these techniques can also make the hobby of model railroading even more enjoyable.
Article supplied courtesy of the online Model Train Club.
Whether you are operating your model railroad just casually for fun, or whether you are trying to replicate actual operations of a real railroad, there are various factors to consider. After all, there is no point in just having trains backed-up with nowhere to go. A real railroad would come to a standstill (and soon go broke) without properly managed train operations. Even on a model railroad, complete disorder and confusion and quickly develop without properly organized train movements. Factors to take into account include:
Line Capacity:
- – the number of tracks available
- – the geography, gradients (mountains), number of bridges, tunnels etc.
- – the mix of trains (passenger, freight etc) – schedules, type of service
- – the number and the horsepower of loco’s – train length and weight
- – the type and the spacing of the control system
- – the number, the spacing, and the length of sidings
- – the operating and maintenance plans – type of signals, spacing etc.
Yard Capacity:
- – the space available – total acreage (or square footage on a model layout)
- – the number of tracks
- – container storage slots
Equipment Capacity:
- – locomotives
- – cars
- – containers/trailers
Crew Capacity:
- – yard crews
- – maintenance crews
- – crew rosters
Although most railroads would like to operate at 100% capacity (to maximize profits), it is not usually feasible or economic to do so. A target of 70% to 80% is usually more realistic. In fact; industry practices generally require standards to ensure fluidity of operations and to avoid major operational issues at track choke-points.
Various factors can influence efficiency and the practicality of running a line at full capacity including:
- – Maintenance – railway lines need maintenance from time to time which can delay schedules
- – Traffic volumes will vary throughout the day
- – Weather can cause disruptions, damage, as well as cause unexpected and compounding delays across a railroad
To try and increase the operational capacity above an effective level can be problematic. It could be achieved by deferring maintenance, but this could affect future capacity if there is a signal breakdown or derailment that could have been prevented with regular maintenance. It could reduce the railroad’s ability to react to a situation and/or increase the recovery time following a delay or stoppage. This could affect reliability, customer satisfaction, and potentially impact the profitability and reputation of the railroad.
Efficient train operation therefore needs to (among other things) :
- – Identify timetable/schedule conflicts or potential delays
- – Manage time-distance and time-space between trains
- – Manage train priorities, schedules, train size and type, power, direction, connections, drop-offs and pick-ups
- – Identify potential slots where new services could be added
- – Strategically plan and schedule track and signal maintenance (apply/remove speed restrictions)
- – Manage resources – personal (crews), and trains (trip times, locomotive miles etc)
These are the kinds of day to day challenges facing a normal real-sized railroad, so why not apply similar conditions to your model railroad layout? Replicating real life conditions can add considerable operational interest to a layout and make the hobby so much more enjoyable!
Article supplied courtesy of the online Model Train Club.
New OO Layout With Suburban Railway Station
Chris has a question for readers:
“I am about to build a unit of our local suburban railway station,and have reasonable dimensions of buildings etc. but I am finding it difficult to transfer these to OO scale can anyone help? Thank you.”
Comment below.
Poll Results: How complete is your model railroad?
574 model railroaders responded to our last poll which asked: How complete is your model railroad?
Results were as follows:
I haven’t started yet (17%, 100 Votes)
5% finished (I’ve just started) (17%, 98 Votes)
15% finished (13%, 72 Votes)
25% finished (15%, 88 Votes)
50% finished (19%, 111 Votes)
80% finished (15%, 88 Votes)
100% finished (4%, 17 Votes)
Getting Started In Model Trains
Those new to this wonderful hobby of model trains often get disheartened because things seem too difficult and everyone in the hobby (except them), already seems to understand the technical jargon. For a beginner to model trains it can seem like having to learn a foreign language, so many simply lose interest and give up in the early stages.
Unfortunately this is a shame and is not good for the hobby in general going forward. After all, the more people involved in the hobby, the more likely manufacturers will be to bring out new product ranges at competitive prices. If fewer new people join the hobby, then product ranges will diminish over time and prices will increase.So, it is really in everyone’s best interest to help and encourage beginners to get started. That is precisely what I try to do with this free model train blog. It is even better when experienced model railroaders chip in with answers to questions and submit useful articles for publication.
There are more helpful ideas to build your model train layout without making mistakes at the online Model Train Club.
N Scale Trestle Building
Mark has a question for N scale model train enthusiasts:
“In n scale, there are pre-made trestles for sale, but I am interested in customizing and scratch building trestles and bridges for accurate historic representation. Is there a source for n gauge trestle structural elements? Plastruct seems to have mainly HO materials.”
Comment below.
An Overview of Digital Command Control
Even though many of us a reasonably experienced in the hobby, getting started can be confusing. Beginners hear all kinds of new terms and have a lot to learn. This steep learning curve can be intimidating and will put many off venturing further into the hobby. This is why it is so important we all help and encourage others.
DCC or Digital Command Control uses rails to send digital commands to the locomotives in such a way that multiple locomotives are independently controlled within the same block. A DCC system consists of the following components.
Command Station – controls all other parts of the DCC and determines the type of throttle controls that can be incorporated.
Throttle or Cab – acts as hub of the whole system, primarily used for controlling the train.
Booster – amplifies command signals so that enough power is generated for operating the tracks.
Power Supply – supplies power to the entire model as an AC transformer or DC power source.
Decoder – incorporated into each locomotive to provide power to the track, only when it has been addressed.
For lots more information of DCC operation check out the members area inside the Model Train Club. New content is added every month.
Model Railroad Layout Foundation
Ted would like to hear feedback from others in the hobby on the idea he is working on:
“To make my layout easy to move if required I know that the board has to have tensional strength. Plywood the standard is heavy and too flexible without diagonal bracing which adds even more weight. So I intend to use internal blank doors. They are available in different heights and width. However the primary size would be standard height and 36″ wide. Light and inflexible. Using 3/8″ dowels I can attach then accurately and clamp them using old furniture draw clamps, terminate wire harnesses at the joints as well. Using foam and or cork I can vary the height and it’s easy to attach raised decks.
I am so into this concept I may be blind to negative implications so am looking for comments. Can’t hurt my feelings so be blunt as it will help.”
Click to add your comment to Ted’s posting.
Designing a Double-Ended Yard
A double yard has both ends connected to the main track. This is accomplished with a ladder that guides the train onto one of the many tracks in the yard. The components of an ideal yard should include a runaround track, one arriving and one departing track, thoroughfare that connects ladders in a yard, classification tracks and drill track. The following points must be followed.
- Do not block the main line. Limit your turnouts to two to achieve this.
- A runaround track is a must.
- The switch leads of the yard and track must be separate.
- Use a wye track for turnings.
- Do not pack the yard with trains.
Modular Train Layout – 3 Basic Tips For Beginners
If you are about to build your first modular train layout, it comes without saying that it can be a fun experience. However, you can start making your task easier, provided that you follow these few simple but effective principles:
1. Your modular train layout should be able to be moved, so that you can easily transport it if you shift home or if you want to display your layout at a club or show.
2. Always prepare your modular train layout to withstand heavy and rough usage as parts can get knocked around in the transport process.
3. Every module that you make should easily connect to when the time comes for reassembly.
Following these effective 3 basic tips will surely help you to make a fantastic modular train layout. However, this really only scrapes the surface as there are lots more ideas to making building and operating a modular layout much easier and more fun. The member’s area of the online model train club has lots of excellent ideas including the excellent “Confessions of a Mobile Train Layout Builder” ebook.
Beginner’s Guide To Model Trains
If you are new to model trains, consider investing in diesel locomotives as some in hobby claim they run better than similarly priced steam engine counter parts. Others in the hobby might disagree. You have the option of cargo and passenger cars, with complete kits available.
The rails come in various options, but many prefer nickel silver as it ensures better conductivity.
Scenery can be a big investment if you don’t make most of it yourself… it’s fun making scenery!
Always invest in the best engine as you can, and then go on to build the required landscape. The idea here is to create a perfectly running model railroad, otherwise all your efforts on creating a classic model might go in vain.
There are several excellent resources available for beginners (and experienced) hobbyists, including the “Best Selling” Model Train Help Ebook. Model train enthusiasts can also benefit greatly from access the numerous resources inside the online Model Train Club.
4×8 Layout Ideas
Rob sent in a request for advice and asks:
“Right now I do not have a layout. I am in the process of building one. What I need is some ideas of layouts. I am limited to space and as of right now all I can have the layout on is a 4×8 board.”
Add your comment.
Tips For Constructing Your Layout In Modules
A modular train layout can be an excellent idea, especially if you want to move house, or exhibit it at a model train show. This helpful video shows how to correctly align track between modules.
Watch the full tutorial in the “Members Area” at the Model Train Club
Tips To Avoid Model Train Derailments
Ryan has put together this helpful tutorial for avoiding derailments on a model train layout. The video includes some excellent layout scenes. Feel free to pass it on to friends. Enjoy!
Layout Space 12′ x 11′
Layton want to hear opinions from experienced railroaders and asks:
“I have a layout space of 12×11. Should I go with HO scale which I have a ton of stuff for, or should I build N scale instead?”
Layout Configurations
748 model railroaders voted in our last poll that asked:
Which layout configuration(s) do you have on your layout?
The results were as follows:
Oval Track 303 (40%)
Figure 8 Track 65 (8%)
Dogbone Track 121 (16%)
Twice-Around Track 307 (41%)
Point to Point Track 132 (17%)
Reverse Loop 136 (18%)
Building A Small Track Plan Using The KISS Principle
John has once again contributed some great ideas to share with others in the hobby. John writes…
In the pages of model railroad Tips by Robert Anderson, there are recommendations for small layouts, both around and around and point-to-point styles. Small layouts have their definite advantages, such as if you’re strapped for room or just want to see what can be built in a smaller area. However, “small” doesn’t mean Toy-like, unrealistic, or a “spaghetti bowl” full of jammed-in track. In fact, a small layout, if done correctly, can be the catalyst for a lifetime of model railroading,
I’ve been told many times to use the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) Principle when building any layout, but never fully realized the benefits of a well-planned, simplistic setup that worked very well until seeing a small layout that was a headache to run. In a small layout, everything should work well, and to do this, the modeler should depend on simplicity and use just enough track to have a purpose for the trains to run and switch inside the small space. I had thought that “complicated” in of itself was necessary to make the railroad effective and fun, but I found out the hard way that this is not the case. There are many more positive results involved when simplicity is used.
At the present time, I’m building a small 2X4-foot N-Scale layout, with a track plan (as shown) that is as simple as it gets. It’s just an oval of track with three single-ended sidings using three #6 switches, and overall it doesn’t get much simpler than this! Inside that oval will be homes, stores, industry, roadways, scenery, a road crossing, a waterway for swimming or fishing, and a tunnel. But most important here is to place everything so that the structures are not on top of each other, as in an actual rural scene.
For good running, do not have the track too close to the edge of the layout, where trains can wind up on the floor if jostled, or if your pet dog gets too ambitious. For this purpose I use 9-3/4” radius curved track, a two-axle diesel locomotive because of the narrow curves, and freight cars that do not exceed a scale 50-foot in length.
One more caution – even though a layout is small, it is not the time to skimp on equipment. Use the best that is affordable and you should get good results and smooth running. To make this 2X4 N-Scale, I’ve used an MRC power pack, Kato Unitrack, and Atlas locomotives and cars. So far so good, and maybe there is something to this KISS Principle!
John, thanks for sharing!
DCC Or DC? – Watch This Video
The results of the recent poll revealed 51% of the 1047 model railroaders surveyed operate DCC. I actually thought the figure might have been a little higher than that (38% operate DC and 9% didn’t have a layout yet).
There are definite advantages for both systems, and I would never try and push anyone into DCC if they are already comfortable with DC and don’t want to change. That said; I would recommend DCC operation for anyone starting off in the hobby as the system is very versatile and fast becoming the norm. Whichever system you operate, always remember the whole idea is to have fun and enjoy what you are doing!
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