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!
Taking The Shine Off Your Model Trains And Structures
Shiny surfaces can spoil the realism of any model railroad. Shiny surfaces can make structures and rolling stock look fake as though they have just come out of the packaging.
A simple way to remove that shine is to overspray the structure or rolling stock with Dullcote (Testors #1260 clear flat lacquer overcoat). Dullcote is available at most hobby stores/model railroad stores and comes in a small spray can like many other model car paint colors.
US Railway History – 1862 to 1869
1862
President Abraham Lincoln signs the Pacific Railroad Act for the construction of the transcontinental railroad that will ultimately link California with the rest of the nation.
1865
The “golden age” of railroads begins. For nearly half a century, no other mode of transportation challenges railroads. During these years, the rail network grows from 35,000 to a peak of 254,000 miles in 1916.
1869
Officials and workers of the Union Pacific and the Central Pacific railways met on Promontory Summit (May 10 1869), in Utah Territory to drive in the Golden Spike. This spike symbolized completion of the first transcontinental railroad, an event which joined the nation from coast to coast and reduced a journey of four or more months to just one week.
Model Railroading Needn’t Be Expensive.
The hobby of model railroading can be enthralling, time consuming, at times frustrating and also extremely rewarding. To limit frustrations it is essential not to skimp on the essentials, like a decent locomotive and a good power pack.
You don’t have to spend megabucks but you do need to get something that will meet your needs and be functional. You can always add to your train layout or upgrade as you become more involved in the hobby of model railroading. So, it’s not a problem if you can’t afford the state of the art stuff from day one.
How much money to spend is really up to the individual. Some people are happy to just stick with a basic model railroad layout, whilst many model railroaders spend thousands of dollars a year on their model railroading hobby and derive thousands of hours of pleasure and satisfaction in return.
Model Railroading Clubs Selected From Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado
Although this is not a complete list, below is a selection of model railroading clubs in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado:
Alabama
Azalea City Model Railroaders, Bay Area Rail Roaders, Central Alabama Model Rail Road Club, Coosa Valley Model Railroad Alub, Welcome to the Redstone Model Railroad Club, Southeast Alabama Model Railroad Club, South West Alabama Railroad Modelers, The Wrecking Crew.
Alaska
Alaska Live Steamers.
Arkansas
Central AR Model Railroad Club, Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway.
Arizona
Arizona & Southwest Model RR Society and Tucson Ntrak, Cochise & Western, Flagstaff Model Railroad Club, Grand Canyon State Model Railroaders, Maricopa Live Steamers, Ponderosa North Model Railroad Club, Scottsdale Model Railroad Club, Southern Arizona Society of Model Engineers, Sun’N’Sand Model Railroad Club, Thunderbird Model Railroad Club.
Colorado
Boulder Model Railroad Club, Coal Creek & Southern Ry, Denver Garden Railway Society, Denver HO Gauge Club, Golden, Denver N Scale Model Railroad Club, Estes Valley Model Railroaders, Longmont Area Railroad Modelers, Pikes Peak ‘N’ Gineers, Rocky Mountain Railroad Club.
Why Add A Branch Line To Your Model Railroad Layout?
Most branch lines run through countryside giving the possibility for creating some truly amazing scenery. But, when creating a small model railroad layout branch line, you’ll need to accept that it can be hard to depict the wide-open space of the countryside on a small model railroad layout. One option is to use forests to “box-in” the scene.
Another option, which works well, is to depict a branch line in a cityscape. This makes sense considering that most branch lines start off in a larger town. That way you can build a small station located in this larger town. The buildings will have the same effect of “boxing-in” the theme.
Also, on your branch line layout you can add connections to several industries, although this does conflict with a countryside theme.
Model Railroad Branch Lines Service Mixed Freight
The branch line theme often includes mixed freight and passenger trains running to a timetable-based operation.
A branch line on a model railroad layout will commonly have a small station where trains can pass. The train station has some shunting possibilities, e.g. serving a freight shed.
To make the operations more interesting a “shadow station” or passing loop can be added to a branch line train layout.
Many branch line layout designs consist of an oval shaped line, though on a shelf-based layout an out-and-back format is also reasonably common.
Model Railroad Layout Adds A Branch Line
A branch line can be an excellent addition to any model railroad layout. A branch line is a quieter alternative to a main line railroad layout. Truth is; a branch line can be fascinating project to build and operate.
The advantages of building a branch line are many and varied. One of the advantages is that a branch line layout will generally require less rolling stock. A branch line can also mean greater flexibility in the complexity of your track plan depending on what you want to achieve.
It is not surprising that building a branch line is a favorite for many model railroaders. Afterall, a branch does provide more opportunities to include small dioramas within the model railroad layout.
Railroading Terms – Part 20
Six railroad terms complete this series:
Undergrade Bridge
Any point where the trackage crosses above any stream, railroad, road, or pedestrian right of way. Abbreviated as UG.
Undesired Emergency (Also known as “Dynamiter” or “Kicker”.)
An undesired emergency application of the air brake system on a train.
Waybill
A document for handling and accounting for a shipment of freight.
Way Car
A box car from which LCL (Less than carload lot) shipments are loaded and unloaded at various towns.
Yard
A system of tracks used for the making up of trains and the storing of cars.
Yard Limits
The trackage between Yard Limit signs as designated in the Timetable. Restricted Speeds apply within Yard Limits.
Where To Start For when Buying A Model Train Set
Before purchasing a model train set do your own research to familiarize yourself as to what’s available. Surf the net because there are lots of useful hobby and model train sites. Also, read hobby magazines or model train books. Search for information on the model trains that most interest you.
Surfing the internet you’ll see that a lot of model train sites specialize in certain aspects of model railroading or different scales such as HO scale, N scale or Z scale model trains. Many of these model train websites offer in-depth information and excellent model train tips and railroading ideas that will help increase your knowledge and stimulate your creative juices.
Search the internet for model train retailers and find out as much information as you can online. Re-visit the hobby shops in person (spend an hour or so in each) and ask more questions. Shop around and then shop around some more.
Happy Railroading!
Explain An Out-and-Home Model Railroad Layout
Space limitations makes it difficult (if not impossible) for a small model railroad layout to duplicate, in scale mileage, a point-to-point railroad.
One solutionis to have an out-and-home layout instead. An out-and-home layout has only one terminal which is basically a point-to-point system doubled back on itself.
The train leaves the terminal and travels through scenery, a town (or whatever) to arrive at a terminal. The terminal it arrives at, just happens to be the same terminal it started from.
When compared to a point-to-point layout, an out-and-home model railroad layout allows a little more mileage between terminals. The problem is that the train still arrives back home in a relatively short time unless you have a reasonably large layout space.
In larger model railroad layouts, both point-to-point and out-and-home systems can be combined with continuous pikes, to offer variety and realism.
A continuous layout is usually the most practical option for most model railroads because it allows for interesting and varied train movements.
Decades Of Experience In Model Train Production
Roco have been producing quality models since the early sixties. Over the years they have strived for excellence and today are considered one of the finest production model train companies in the world.
Pictured is the Roco (AC) 69292 – Steam Locomotive 50 622 Museum AC
Atlas HO RS-11 Locomotives Get New Paint Schemes & Road Numbers
The first RS-11s were produced by Alco in early 1956. This locomotive, classified by Alco as model DL-701, was their replacement for the very popular RS-3 road-switcher. Featuring a V-12, 1,800hp 251B diesel engine, the RS-11 was Alco’s answer to EMD’s very successful GP9. The turbocharged RS-11 accelerated faster, had a higher tractive effort rating and typically used less fuel than the competition. It was also quite versatile and could be found in heavy haul freight as well as passenger service.
Features Include:
- Now with Golden-white LEDs.
- Realistic die-cast mainframe
- Five-pole skewed armature motor with dual flywheels for optimum performance at all speeds
- Directional lighting
- Factory-equipped with AccuMate® knuckle couplers
- Separately-applied wire grab irons
- Wheel base corrected
- MU hoses and coupler cut bars
- Improved painting and printing
- Two painted crew members
- Frame mounted couplers
- NMRA 8-pin plug for DCC
For more information on the Atlas HO RS-11 Locomotives be sure to visit the Atlas model Train website at http://www.atlasrr.com/HOLoco/hors11a.htm
Lionel Polar Express Model Train Set
The O Gauge Polar Express is a popular item with lionel enthusiasts. The Lionel Polar Express is based on the 1985 story written by Chris Van Allsburg. The movie was released in 2004.
Features:
The Lionel Polar Express model train set comes with a 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive with tender. It also has two passenger coaches and one passenger observation car with rounded deck.
The tender is equipped with an air whistle. As you might expect, this model train set comes with railroad tracks, a CW-80 transformer, some movie characters, liquid smoke and a how-to video.
The engine puffs smoke and has a front headlight. The tender has an operating coupler on the rear. The Polar Express has a die cast metal body and frame. Individual cars for this set are also available separately.
Lionel Trains And The Birth Of Model Railroading
Model railroading has been around since 1825, when Joseph Ritter Von Baader built a model railway in the grounds of Nymphenberg Castle. He built it for the King of Bayern in order to encourage him in constructing a real railway project. In London in 1862, Joseph, Myers and Co was the first company to feature a steam-powered model locomotive in a catalog. Since then, model railroading has grown into a hugely popular hobby, enjoyed by millions of enthusiasts worldwide.
What About Lionel Model Trains?
Lionel is a well-known name associated with O gauge trains. Joshua Lionel Cowen started the Lionel firm in 1900, later developing Standard gauge (2 1/4-inch gauge) and helped to popularize O gauge. Lionel trains became a major model train manufacturer during the late 1940s and ’50s. In 1969, General Mills secured the rights to manufacture Lionel trains under the names Model Products Corp. and Fundimensions. Richard Kughn acquired those rights in 1986 and formed Lionel Trains Inc. In 1995 he sold the company.
Transformers For Large Model Train Set Layouts
There’s nothing more frustrating than not having the power that you need.
When buying a model train transformer, it’s better not to skimp on quality at the expense of price, especially if you’re planning to buy accessories as well. You want to ask yourself just how much current draw will the train set transformer provide.
Larger model train layouts or those with lots of accessories will require transformers with a larger power output. You can upgrade your train set transformer as your layout grows, using your older units to power accessories and powered turnouts. A more powerful transformer will be able to run more locomotives.
If the amperes drawn exceed the transformers capacity, the pack begins to overheat. A 14 VA transformer will easily power three or four locomotives. Have the power you need.
If you have a lot of accessories then you’ll need to get a larger transformer or use multiple transformer packs that can deliver powerful 18 volt amps of current.
Explain A Point-to-Point Model Railroad Layout
Real railroads go from one place to another place rather than go around in a circle. Real railroads may have sidings, branch lines, and other subsidiary systems, but the main line starts at one point, travels to another point, and stops.
Although a point-to-point system works well on a real railroad, it’s not generally very practical when applied to the average home or garage model railroad layout.
The problem is, that a limited space makes it difficult (if not impossible) to duplicate, in scale mileage, a point-to-point railroad.
On a point-to point layout the trains are turned around at terminals by means of extensive yards, wyes, loops, and turntables. It is usual for the single or double-track main line to go from point to point.
Point-to-point railroads have switches and yards at one end, and a turnaround of some sort at the other. However, most small model railroad layouts would lack the space to accomodate two terminals.
US Railway History After 1945
US railroads enter the post-war era with a new sense of optimism that leads the railways to invest billions of dollars in new locomotives, freight equipment and passenger trains. That investment would see retirement of the last steam locomotive by the late 1950s in favor of diesel engines. In spite of this modernization, the railways continue to suffer the decline in the transport market share that began before the war.
Transformers For Small Model Train Set Layouts
Small model train layouts can get by with the basic transformer that comes with many starter train sets.
Remember, that a starter train set transformer probably doesn’t have a lot of extra power, and may not have a circuit breaker to prevent burn-outs.
If however, you’ve purchased a locomotive that doesn’t have a strong engine, then this type of transformer may be all you need to get started.
The transformer that comes with a typical starter train set (rated as low as 7 volt-amps, or just 0.7 amps delivered at 10 volts) will run one (maybe two) locomotives at the same time.
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