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!
Desert Trains At The Workshops Rail Museum HO Model Railroad Layout In Australia
| A quick look at HO scale model trains operating in desert scenery on a model railway layout in Australia. | |
DC Or DCC? What Is The Difference?
On a model railroad layout both DC and DCC refer to the method of powering and controlling the movement of the train locomotive. DC stands for Directional Current. DCC stands for Digital Command Control.
The Advantages Of DCC Over DC
DCC control has almost done away with the need for isolation sections. With DCC you can have a single siding full of locomotives and only the one you want to move will move.
In the past to run more than one train you needed a second controller and a second loop of track. If you wanted to cross from one loop to the other it involved moving the first train in to an area where it could be isolated. The train was usually moved to a siding before a second train could be moved on the first trains loop. To then move the first train on to the second trains loop you would have to put the second train in an isolated section and then move the first train out and on to the second loop.
Locomotive Wheels And Locomotive Gears Vital To Good Operation
A good model train locomotive needs lots of wheels and lots of gears. A poor performing locomotive is often an indication that there is a problem with the gears and/or the wheels. Although in saying that, some locomotives with only a few wheels work surprisingly well… although it is considered to be unusual, rather than the norm.
The Workings Of A Model Train Locomotive
A model train locomotive runs by picking up an electrical current from the metal rails through metal wheels that ride on the rails. The electricity is transferred from the wheels to the motor, which causes the motor to run. The motor connects to the wheels through a mechanical drive system. When the electricity turns the motor, the motor turns the gears that turn the wheels and push the locomotive along the train tracks. Simple!
The contact point where your model train locomotive wheel meets the rail is extremely small. That’s why; it doesn’t take much in the way of dirt, dust, or debris to obstruct the wheel-to-rail contact. Dirt can build up, so it is important that you keep the wheels clean and free of accumulated dirt. If the wheels of your locomotive become dirty, they may not make good contact with the metal rails, and your train will stall.
Remember, plastic wheels don’t conduct electricity.
10 Safety Tips For Running Model Trains Around The Christmas Tree.
Every festive season, thousands of families bring out the old train set to run around the Christmas tree, or to just entertain young and old alike. Model trains (especially G scale,
O scale and O27 scale model trains) are part of the Christmas tradition for many households.
To quickly explain – G scale are 1/32 to 1/20 scale model trains. G track has two rails, and its gauge is 1 3/4 inches. O and O27 are 1/48 scale model trains, with a gauge of 1¼ inches.
O and O27 track has three rails. Lionel is probably the most well-known brand of O and O27 scale model trains. Other popular O and O27 manufacturers include Lionel, Marx, MTH, K-Line and Williams.
Here are 10 simple tips to make the Christmas tree and the model train experience a little safer over the holiday period:
1. The first thing to remember is that a model train running around the Christmas tree is likely to attract the attention and interest of people who are not used to handling model trains. This is especially true of young children who could be tempted to pick up the train, knock the track, or play with the transformer. Also, be aware that pets may take an interest in the Christmas model train set too! Be safety wise.
2. There is nothing like the look, real and smell of a real Christmas tree, but do remember to water it daily. A moist tree is a safe tree. When it becomes dry, it is time to remove it.
It pays to think of fire safety, since so many decorations involve light and electricity. Where there’s electricity and light, there’s heat.
3. Use a fire -retardant tree skirt around the base of the tree. The cheap cotton tree skirts are not safe. Spend a few extra dollars for a better tree skirt – and the better ones last year after year.
4. Keep metal away from train tracks. Be especially careful if you use tinsel. Tinsel can cause a short circuit if it falls across the tracks. (Tinsel can also be harmful to pets and small children).
5. Many Christmas train sets last for years and years and are only used during the festive season. This is why it is important to check the transformer’s wall socket wire and plug. If it is frayed or worn, have it serviced. The same goes for corrosion. Rust means it’s time for refurbishing or replacement. Make sure your transformer has a built-in circuit breaker for added safety. If not, replace it.
6. Check all wires for splits, cracks and wear. Consider replacing track and accessory wire with 18-gauge stranded wire from any electronic or electrical supplier. The shop staff should be able to provide the advice needed.
7. Sparking happens when contact rollers and wheels hit gaps or rough spots in track. If the track on the Christmas train set is old, replace it. It won’t cost much to replace track.
8. Lubricate gears on locomotives with lubricant, and oil axles. Make sure to oil the center rail contact roller, if you use O gauge.
9. For added safety, get a fire -retardant material (such as a fire retardant vinyl) and cut into strips to place under track. This will catch sparks.
10. Never leave trains running unattended.
Model Train Enthusiast Has Question For Fellow Railroaders
Here is a question that you might like to get your teeth into and share your ideas with others in the hobby.
“I have two s gauge desiel locomotives from American Models that are AC powered. I want to convert them to DC power, but don’t know where to start after I remove the electronic reverce unit from the wiring on these. one is a GP-35, and the other one is a SD-60. I plan on installing Digitrax DCC to runthen more like the real train. If you readers can include a drawing it would help me out a lot.”
If you can help this fellow model railroader, then please feel free to add your comments using the comments tag below.
Happy railroading!
Suburban Trains In Operation On Museum Model Railroad Layout
| Watch the suburban trains on the HO model railroad layout at the Workshops Rail Museum, Ispwich, Queensland, Australia. | |
Lionel O Gauge Holiday Tradition Special Train Set w/Christmas Music & Fastrack
A classic Lionel train set rolling around the Christmas tree is an American tradition enjoyed by generations. The Holiday Tradition Special hauls a bright load of Yuletide cheer. Listen as the boxcar plays 12 of your favorite Christmas carols. See the busy elf run around the gondola trying to corral a frisky reindeer for the big sleigh ride. This special train runs around a generous FasTrack loop with power supplied by a mighty CW-80 Transformer.
TRAIN LENGTH 46 INCHES
Lionel O Gauge Christmas Train Set Includes:
4-4-2 steam locomotive and tender, Christmas music boxcar, elf and reindeer animated gondola, lighted caboose, 3 straight FasTrack track sections, 8 curved FasTrack track sections, a FasTrack terminal section, CW-80 Transformer, smoke fluid Transformer controlled forward, neutral and reverse operation Realistic air whistle in tender Operating headlight Operating coupler on rear of tender Powerful maintenance-free motor Traction tire Puffing smoke unit Die-cast metal locomotive body Operating couplers Musical boxcar plays 12 of your favorite Christmas carols (nine-volt battery not included) Elf and reindeer figures move around the animated gondola while the train is in motion Gauge: O GaugeMinimum Curve: O-27Dimensions: Length: 46″Layout dimensions: 40″ x 60″
Lionel Polar Express Train Set A Christmas Classic
All aboard this Lionel Christmas Train classic! Measuring over 5 feet long, this authentically detailed O-gauge train is painstakingly detailed based on the classic Chris Van Allsburg book and Warner Bros. movie.
Lionel Polar Express Train Set includes a durable die-cast metal Berkshire steam locomotive with a powerful maintenance-free motor, puffing smoke, headlight lens cap, unique whistle and more.
The engine and tender on the Lionel Polar Express Train Set are painted in a dark matte finish. Following are two lighted coach cars. The observation car features a new rounded observation deck, just like the movie. The main characters from the film are recreated here as fully poseable figures. Train measures 63″ L; track layout measures 40″ W X 60″ L. Includes a powerful CW-80 (80 watt) transformer. Transformer controls forward, neutral and reverse operation. 60″ L x 40″ W x 2″ H
Lionel Christmas Train Sets A US Christmas Tradition
Thousands of families across the US put Lionel Christmas Train Sets under the Christmas tree at the start the holiday season.
On board this Lionel Christmas Train an elf chases a reindeer and the boxcar plays 12 Christmas carols. The Lionel Christmas Train includes 4-4-2 steam locomotive and tender, boxcar, gondola, caboose, three straight and eight curved track sections, terminal section, CW-80 transformer, and smoke fluid.
Some assembly required. 40″Wx60″L track layout.
A Lionel Freight Train Expansion Kit turns any Lionel train into a Christmas special. Includes flatcar with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, reefer, searchlight car, lube and maintenance kit, three trees, and four straight track sections. Some assembly required. Expands layout to 50″Wx70″L.
Bachmann On30 Jingle Bell Express Christmas Railroad Set
A popular model train for Christmas giving is the On30 scale “Jingle Bell Express” Christmas Train set from Bachmann trains, model# 25012. On30 Scale trains are O scale narrow guage trains that run on HO scale track.
Imagine the smile on your child´s face waking up to a train running under the Christmas Tree on Christmas morning!
Features of the Bachmann On30 “Jingle Bell Express” Christmas Train include:
- Scale : On30 (1:48)
- Comes with the E-Z Track System:Electronic auto-reversing
- Premium-quality nickel silver track with molded gray roadbed
- Assembles quickly without nails, screws, or special tools
- Snaps-together and stays together on floors, tables and carpets
- The On30 scale street car is a prototypically accurate O scale narrow gauge unit that runs on space-saving HO track.
- Large 56″ x 38″ oval track layout.
- Locomotive and cars are equipped with E-Z Mate couplers.
- Accurately detailed and painted 0-6-0 steam engine with operatingheadlight and metal detail parts.
- Detailed tender with realistic coal load.
Finely detailed rolling stock with blackened metal wheels andmetal detail parts include:- Box Car – Gondola- Flat Car w/Stakes – Bobber CabooseFestively painted and decorated.
Premium Spectrum power pack.VHS format video with assembly instructions.
The Bachmann On30 “Jingle Bell Express” Christmas Train set includes:
- (1) Locomotive & Tender
- (3) Freight Cars
- (1) Caboose
- (12) 18″ Radius Curved Track
- (3) 9″ Straight Track
- (1) 9″ Straight Terminal Rerailer
- (1) Power Pack
Christmas is a wonderful time to introduce children to the wonderful world of model railroading.
Twelve Days Of Christmas On The Railroad
One of our readers (a keen model railroading enthusiast) sent this to me and asked that I share it with other model railroaders this Christmas. I’m sure it will raise a smile!
On the first day of Christmas my railroad gave to me; one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the second day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the third day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the fourth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the sixth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the tenth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; ten misroutes, that have to be set out at the nearest side track; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; eleven lazy pool engineers, all laid off sick; ten misroutes, that have to be set out at the nearest side track; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my railroad gave to me; twelve P.O.’ed crews, all stuck away from home; eleven lazy pool engineers, all laid off sick; ten misroutes, that have to be set out at the nearest side track; nine cars on the ground, dragged through the ties and two switches; eight broken crossings that need to be flagged; seven broken rails to keep it entertaining; six slow orders, all ten miles an hour; five Form B’s joint with other trains; four railroad managers hiding in the weeds; three lousy Yardmasters ducking behind a window sill; two grouchy dispatchers with trains in every hole; and one junk freight with zero point two horsepower per ton.
Happy railroading and happy Christmas to all!
US Tradition Model Trains Running At Christmas
Model trains running during the holiday season represent a century-old tradition in the USA and Canada. And “big trains,” the kind that look best running around the Christmas tree or running through the house or garden, are growing rapidly in popularity.
Some people feel that running model trains at Christmas brings back warm memories. Afterall, it is not uncommon for two or three generations of the family to come together to set up and enjoy the model trains at Christmas time.
The good thing about model trains at Christmas is that its great to see the kids playing with something that doesn’t have a computer or television screen.
Although model trains are fun to run all year round, the festive season is wonderful time to share the fun and joy of model railroading with family and friends.
Popular large scale model trains for Christmas include:
- Bachmann Trains – North Pole Special/North & Southern – Large Gauge
- Bachmann Trains – The Mountaineer/East Tennessee & Western North Carolina
- Bachmann Trains – The Silverton Flyer/Denver & Rio Grande Western
- Bachmann Trains – The RingmasterBachmann Trains – The Night Before Christmas North Pole & Southern- G Scale
- Bachmann Trains – On30 Jingle Bell Express/North Pole & Southern
- Lionel Trains – The Polar Express Electric Train Set – O Gauge
- AristoCraft Classic Railbus Christmas Model Train
- AristoCraft 20′ Tank Car – Christmas Model Train
- AristoCraft Lil’ Critter Freight Starter Sets
- AristoCraft 0-4-0 Passenger Starter Set
- Lionel Trains – Lionel Silver Bell Express – G Scale
- Lionel Trains – Disney Christmas Train Set – O Gauge
HO Scale Christmas Model Train sets include:
- Bachmann Trains – White Christmas Express. Perfect for under-the-tree enjoyment, this set is festively decorated for a very Merry Christmas – HO Scale.
Enjoy your model railroading this Christmas and take care this holiday season!
Raccoon Creek & Gully Large Scale Outdoor Railway
The Raccoon Creek & Gully is a freelanced large scale railroad that represents a successful and thriving narrow gauge operation. The setting is Southern Ohio and the line ends at the Ohio River near where the real Raccoon Creek empties in to the Ohio. Although not all equipment on the Raccoon Creek & Gully model railroad is based on a specific prototype, it is all intended to represent the basic character of narrow gauge railroading.
The time period modeled on the Raccoon Creek & Gully model railroad is the ten year span from1920 through 1930 and most prototype equipment modeled existed in the 30 year period from 1900 to 1929.
Most of my equipment is based on Eastern narrow gauge prototypes, specifically the East Broad Top and the East Tennessee and Western North Carolina with a dash or two of the Ohio River and Western thrown in for good measure.
Like most model railroad layouts, the Raccoon Creek & Gully is a work in progress.
All trackwork is hand built using wooden ties and code 322 rail. Locomotives are battery powered and controlled by Locolinc. Turnouts are remotely controlled with Locolinc using Del Aire air motors. Most of the rolling stock and motive power is upgraded and kitbashed Bachmann equipment .
O Gauge Model Railroad Video
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This short model train video will be of interest to all model railroaders, especially those modeling O gauge railroads. This is a first look at the 3 Rail Wingerter Halo Belt Line Railroad Co layout. Scenes include model trains by MTH. Amtrak, Chessie, Pennsylvania. Enjoy!! |
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Locomotive Wheel Numbering Explained
A reader (Phil) has kindly offered this summary of locomtive numbering:
The number on a locomotive refers to the locomotive’s wheel arrangement. If it is all numbers, the engine is a steam locomotive. The first number will be the number of wheels on the leading or “pilot” truck, if any (or 0 if it has none); the last number is the number of wheels on the trailing truck (again, 0 if it has none). The middle number or pair of numbers is the number of driving wheels, that is, the wheels actually powered by the action of the pistons; these are connected by side rods so they work together. Tender wheels are not counted unless they are actually driving wheels, which would be an unusual situation; tender “boosters” are not considered driving wheels.
If a “T” follows the numbers, then it is a “tank” engine, which has no tender.This is the “Whyte” system of classification. (In Europe, particularly France, axles are counted instead of wheels, but European models intended for sale in the U.S. will use the Whyte system.) A “2-8-0”, then, has a pilot truck with two wheels, eight driving wheels and no trailing truck. This type is called a “Consolidation” or occasionally a “Pershing” (this refers to certain groups of Consolidations that were shipped to France during World War I and later given to the French).
A 2-8-8-4 has a pilot truck of two wheels, two sets of eight driving wheels each, and a four-wheel trailig truck. This is a “Yellowstone,” an articulated engine.There are a few exceptions, notably geared locomotives and Beyer-Garratts, but I won’t get into that.
If instead of numbers there are letters, or both letters and numbers, the engine is either a diesel or an electric. The letters designate powered axles, so a typical EMD diesel with four powered axles in two trucks would be a B-B. Unpowered axles receive numbers, so an A1A truck means there are two powered axles separated by an unpowered axle.
The Fairbanks Morse passenger C-liner, for instance, had a B-A1A arrangement. (Don’t confuse this with sets of diesel cab units, which usually do not use hyphens between the letters). Designations like Bo-Bo or Co-Co are European, and are the same as B-B and C-C. Unpowered leading and trailing trucks are handled the same way, with the number of axles counted, as for instance 2-C+C-2.
Generally, the more driving wheels an engine has the more powerful it is, and for steam locomotives, the more wheels in the trailing truck, the larger the firebox.
There is no “best” wheel arrangement; the railroad’s own operating requirements determined that, and also wheel arrangements evolved over time. For much of the 19th century the 4-4-0 was so common that it was known variously as the “American” or “American Standard”, sometimes just “Standard” (also “Eight Wheeler”). It was a dual-service engine, hauling both passendgers and freight. Later the 4-6-0 (Ten Wheeler), 2-6-0 (Mogul) and 2-8-0 also saw much dual service. As fireboxes grew larger, the 2-8-2 (Mikado) was introduced: it became a standard freight engine all over the country. The 4-4-2 (Atlantic) and 4-6-2 (Pacific), usually equipped with large driving wheels, were common passenger engines, especially the latter. Engines with four-wheel trailing trucks, to support still larger fireboxes, the 2-8-4 (Berkshire), 4-6-4 (Hudson) and 4-8-4 (Northern and other names) were introduced shortly before diesels and were again fast, dual-purpose engines.
The articulated types (2-6-6-2, 2-8-8-2, etc.) hauled long, heavy freight trains for the most part, though some also were used in passenger service: Southern Pacific 4-8-8-2 cab-forwards, for instance, were dual-service.
Engines with ten or twelve driving wheels were generally used for freight. Except in the earliest years (before the Civil War), engines without either pilot or trailing trucks were switchers.
There are numerous introductory books on railroads and model railroading that go into more detail on these matters.
If you are modeling a particular railroad, be aware that not every type was used by a railroad. The Kansas City Southern, for instance, had many Consolidations but no Mikados.For your own modeling, if your layout is small, with tighter curves, pick smaller engines with fewer driving wheels (shorter wheelbases, you see) to avoid excessive overhang and even derailments.I hope this has been of some help.
Visit The East Bay Model Engineers Society Museum
The East Bay Model Engineers Society, which builds and operates the layouts in the Museum, was founded in 1933 and is one of the oldest continually operating model railroad clubs in the country.
The Museum, which opened just over 15 years ago, is an attraction that is part of the East Bay Regional Park District, in Miller-Knox Regional Shoreline Park. Operating models range from the steam engines and classic passenger trains of yesteryear to todays modern diesel behemoths and AMTRAK passenger trains. Historic scenes such as the Oakland Mole, Oakland 16th street stations ca. 1955, Martinez John Muir trestle, Tehachapi loop, Niles Canyon and Donner Pass will be found on the layouts. The friendly operators and docents will gladly answer your questions and provide historical and educational information.
The Museum provides a unique insight into California history as well as the fun of watching these historically accurate miniature trains wind there way through realistic scenes of yesteryear.
For more information, call (510) 234-4884 or check our website listed below where a map will be found. Membership information can be obtained by calling 510-236-1913 between 7 and 9 PM evenings. The park and layout displays are handicapped accessible.
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