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!
Model Railroading Flexible Train Track Tips
When using flexi track on a model train set layout, it is important to remember that if you make the bend too tight in your layout you’ll need to use shorter trains, otherwise your trains will be prone to derailment.
Flexible track also enables you to go into a curve more gently and make the train track fit your model train layout without the constraints of fixed track sections.
Model Railroaders Use Flexible Train Track
Flexible track (often referred to as flex track or flexi track), as its name implies, can be bent to any shape you want. Model railroaders can usually purchase it in three-foot lengths.
Flexible train track has the advantage of being bendable which opens up new options when planning a model train set layout.
Flexible track can be curved or laid straight or any combination you wish. With flexible train track there are usually fewer connections to worry about.
Flexible train track does however need to be nailed down to a board and the rails need to be trimmed to length as you bend the model train track.
Model Railroad Gets Started
It is a fact that many modelers begin their hobby in model railroads without having a specific interest in any one particular railroad line or company. The model trains that they start out running have either been given to them as a gift or chosen because they look nice or are priced within the budget.
Model railroading is a wonderful hobby, but mistakes can be costly. Take your time and work through the process carefully, logically and thoroughly. After all it is a hobby and buying a train set or building a model train layout is not a race. It is better to think things through carefully and then do things the best way to achieve your goals.
Speed Control On Model Railroad
Regardless of how simple or complex the model train layout is, all model train operation follows one basic principle. The train speed and direction is controlled by varying the voltage and polarity of the electricity reaching the motor.
Electrical currents are not the same in every country. It is important to know what voltage system operates. A local electricity supplier, or a local electrical contractor can supply the required voltage information. The high voltage circuit in the wall socket can cause injury or death. Also, it pays to carefully read any safety instructions that are included with most train sets before getting started.
Weathering Model Trains For Layout Realism
Weathering, is basically the art of taking something new and making it look like something old. It could be locomotive, caboose, a building, a bridge, a tunnel, a road, a fence, or any element of scenery for that matter. Almost anything ages and changes over time.
For example; when you buy a some rolling stock it comes packaged all shiney, plastic and new. It probably looks too perfect, unreal and out of place alongside the other cars on the track. It may need “roughing up” to make it look used, or at least show some signs of wear and tear.
It really comes down to deciding if want to “rough-up” the factory paint job on the very expensive rolling stock you’ve just purchased. But, like it or not, shiny new cars usually look out of place on an otherwise “used looking” layout.
In reality; most cars on a railroad show varying degrees of rust, grime (lube and oil), mud, soot, denting, scratches and some are even covered in graffiti. However, cars do vary in age and useage, so they shouldn’t necessarily all look the same. And, not everything is dirty, because the contact on bare metal can keep some areas clean.
So, it is a case of thinking carefully about the age and likely wear and tear that you want to mimic… and whether you are prepared to “rough-up” your rolling stock for the sake of adding realism.
Also, think about the region or era you are recreating with your model train layout. Is it likely to be muddy at times or would it be more dusty and arrid like in a desert? For example, the rolling stock might need a sunbleached look, which can be achieved with dullcoat brushed over with some rubbing alcohol. This will give the model a kind of a white milky haze. If you don’t like it, respray with dullcoat.
However, always test techniques on something else before you try them out on your prized model train models, because you may not like the effect.
Railway Terms – Part 13
In this model train set blog posting includes another five railway terms:
Home Signal
A fixed signal controlling the entrance to an interlocking or controlled point.
Hot Box
Overheated wheel bearing or wheel journal which can cause the journal packing to smoke and burn.
Hump Yard
A switching yard on an incline where gravity is used to aid the shunting of cars (after movements by the engine).
Indepentent Application and Release Control
Controls independent brakes on multiple locomotives from a single control.
Interchange
A track on which cars are delivered or received from one railroad to another.
Railway Accidents 1955 to 1957
This model train set blog looks at a variety of topics of interest to model railroaders and train enthusiasts.
Model railroaders can get frustrated with derailments and accidents that happen with model train sets. Sadly, real train accidents are far more serious:
April 3, 1955
300 people are killed when a train plunges into a canyon in Guadalajara, Mexico.
September 29, 1957
250 people are killed when an express train strikes stationary oil train in Montgomery, West Pakistan.
Power To Model Train Sets
Most model train sets run on low voltage power. Unlike the AC electrical circuit in a house, the electricity that moves your model train locos is DC, ie. Direct Current.
The supply to a model train layout comes by plugging a power pack (also called a transformer) into a wall socket that takes the AC supply, steps it down to the 12-15 volts needed to run the model trains and up to 18 volts for the train set accessories.
The transformer converts the output to DC, filters the DC to purify it, then outputs the supply from the terminals on the back of the controller, along a couple of wires to the model train tracks where it is picked up by a locomotives wheels, turning the motor within. The throttle control varies the voltage to the rails, changing the speed of the motor and consequently the rate the locomotive moves down the train track.
Railway Terms – Part 12
Another six common railway terms with simple definitions:
Foreman
The person in charge of a Roadway Crew. He or she is authorized to control train traffic (designated by a Form D) through a section of trackage obstructed or undergoing repair. Abbreviated as Frm.
Form D or Movement Permit Form D
A form issued by the Dispatcher containing written authorizations, restrictions, or instructions.
Form D Control System
A block system (signalled or non-signalled) for the movement of trains outside of yard limits as authorized by a Form D. Abbreviated as DCS.
Frog
The “X” shaped portion of a switch. A Frog can also an tool used for rerailing car wheels.
General Order
A document used to detail Timetable or other changes. Abbreviated as GO.
Head Man
Is a freight train brakeman who rides in the locomotive cab.
Laying Loose Ballast On Model Train Layouts
When laying ‘loose’ track ballast, be very careful while distributing it around point blades. Also, when laying ‘loose’ track ballast never run the trains until the glue has fully dried and the track has been vacuum cleaned to ensure no loose track ballast remains.
Locomotive Movement On Model Train Layout
DC electricity is directional, so the electricity flows along the wires in a certain direction, and the locomotive moves in the direction set by the directional switch on your controller (or left and right if your controller has a centre off type control knob).
These lower step-down voltages are not usually dangerous, but it’s safest to attach wires to the terminals when the power pack is unplugged from the wall.
Caboose Home To Railroad Crews
Cabooses were like a home in the early days of railroading.
Each crew was assigned its own caboose which served as rolling home for days at a time. Some crews took great pride in equpping their caboose with lace curtains and picturesque lithographs. Some even added cook stoves, chairs and their own mattresses and bed linen.
As railroading developed the trains went faster and travelled further and the need for lavishly equipped cabooses declined as crews were assigned to their own districts.
Railroading Terms – Part 11
Another six common railroading terms with simple definitions:
Engine Servicing Track
Area Track(s) for servicing, repairing, inspecting, testing or even rebuilding of engines.
Engineer
The crew member designated to operate a train. Abbreviated as Engr.
Extra Board
A list of crew assigned to trains when an extra train is needed, or when the regular crew has worked the maximum legal hours and needs rest time.
Fixed Signal
A signal at a fixed location that affects the movement of a train.
Flagman
Usually, the brakeman assigned to duties at the rear end of the train.
Flares Or Fuses
A warning signal to other trains. These glow (burn) for up to 15 minutes.
US Railway History 1872 – Early 1900’s
1872- Early 1900’s
Train travel was the mode of transportation for even U.S. Presidents in the early 1900’s. Presidents from Ulysses S. Grant to Franklin D. Roosevelt traveled largely by train. For them, as for virtually every American, the railroad offered the fastest, safest means of travel.
Flying Scotsman Celebrated 160 Years
In August 1845, the town of Scarborough (the UK’s oldest and one of its most popular seaside resorts), welcomed its first ever tourists to arrive by train. That historic first steam journey was on the world’s most famous steam icon, ‘Flying Scotsman.’ More than a century and a half later, ‘Flying Scotsman’ lead the celebrations to mark the 160th anniversary of the event.
It was 160 years ago that more than 15,000 people turned out for the opening of the York to Scarborough railway line. Residents lined the streets of Scarborough, to be serenaded by singers and entertained by brass bands, welcoming the very first steam train to Scarborough’s newly constructed wooden platform.
The steam trip to Scarborough, by ‘Flying Scotsman’ runs along the 42-mile route to the coast. It has been the backbone of the local tourist economy for 160 years.
Electric Locomotive Bought Back To Life
A slice of New Zealand history has been marked with the last remaining Toll Rail electric locomotive (EW 1805) being handed over for restoration. The EW electric locomotives started work in 1952 and most were retired in the 1980’s. The EW locos have been replaced by Ganz Mavag electric units.
Model Railroad Accomodates 200 Cars
Construction of the Florida based Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club layout began in 1981 when a few of the original club members were offered space in a local hobby shop.
HO in scale, the layout has seen numerous revisions; it even was disassembled and stored in sections when the hobby shop closed. The members reassembled it in the current building on Eglin Parkway. The Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club layout fills a 16′ x 44′ area.
The layout in theme is termed by the members as “freelance”. The scenery favors a 50’s and 60’s look. Any era rolling stock is permitted.
The current revonation incorporates a “double deck” and a new yard, which will accommodate over 200 cars.
Notable features of the Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club layout include:
Handpainted Backdrop
Up-to-Date Railroading with DCC (Digital Command Control)
A 16″ x 4′ Built from Scratch Trestle with Waterfall
Loads-In, Loads-Out Powerplant and Coal Mine with Visible Shaft
Helix with over 400 feet of track Logging Community
Modular HO Model Train Layout Popular Addition
The Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club’s modular HO layout started as a four corner, 8′ x 8′ layout. Individual club members have contributed their personal modules to the project, and it has grown to a layout size of 15′ x28′. It packs efficiently in the club’s travel trailer for setup at varied locations.
Other individual members of the Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club, anxious to work in other scale models besides the club’s HO standard have created modules in N scale.
The Miracle Strip Model Railroad Club’s permanent layout building is located at 1255A Eglin Parkway in Shalimar, Florida 32579, USA.
Model Railroading With The Art Of Bonsai
Model Railroading has been called the Worlds Greatest Hobby, and rightly so. But could it be a descendant of the worlds oldest hobby? About 500BC the emperor of the Q’in (pronounced ‘Chin’. Chin is where the name China came from) dynasty wanted to view all the different regions of his empire. But of course it was impossible for him to be in all the regions of his empire at once. So he commissioned some artists in his empire to visit each region and make models of each region, so that he could view them all from inside his palace in the forbidden city.
Once each diorama was completed, it was placed on a map the empire that was carved into the floor in part of his palace. And so each day he would travel through his whole empire, admiring the beauty of his kingdom. The dioramas were called ‘penjing’.
China in 500BC didn’t have the benefit of Woodland Scenics scatter and trees, or similar materials, and so the dioramas were made from real dirt and rocks, and small trees that were alive.
The art of Bonsai owes it’s existence to these penjings, and it would seem that maybe the ‘art’ of Model Railroading does too!
(Information Source: Better Homes and Gardens, July 2004 issue)
SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION
