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!
A Growing Model Train Set
To accommodate a growing model train set, join two train boards together by installing two or more 1-1/2 x 1-1/2 hinges across the joint between the two pieces. Simply remove the hinge pins when you want to take the sections apart. Once you begin to attach tracks and run wiring, don’t fasten down the length of track that joins the two sections. It’s best to install electrical connections so they can be taken apart between the two sections.
Model Trains And Carpet Don’t Mix
It’s best to set up your model train track on a sheet of plywood, a tabletop, or other hard surface. Carpet fuzz and floor dirt can hamper smooth model train set operation.
Train Arrival Yards Important To Model Train Layouts
The arrival yard is where arriving trains drop off the cars of their train. The cars are then moved to the classification yard, being switched back and forth as necessary to get the right cars onto the right trains. The trains are then built out and moved to the departure yard. After getting a new caboose and locomotive, they then proceed to their next destination.
Events In US Rail History 1998
1998
A new safety records was set as U.S. freight railroads moved more freight than ever before. A massive 1.38 trillion ton-miles of freight were moved by train.
Railways Of The World
The Indian railway system in India, employs over 1.6 million people. The railway network consists of Broad, Metre and, Narrow Gauges totalling 1,07,360 km of track. Amazing!
National Model Railroad Association To Be Congratulated
The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) is the largest US organization devoted to the development, promotion, and enjoyment of the hobby of model railroading. The NMRA was founded in 1935 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in order to provide a service to the hobby of model railroading.
Importance Of Model Train Set Transformers
There is a big choice when it comes to model train set transformers. They come in all shapes and sizes depending on your requirements. All model train set transformers contain a few basic components, including a transformer to provide the 12 volts, a throttle to vary tile output voltage, and a direction switch to control the polarity of the circuit. Model train set transformers also have screw terminals for the track (which is DC) and AC accessory connections.
Larger units may include a larger power supply as well as additional electronic features such as: operating modes, pilot lights and meters, and multiple terminals for accessories such as add-on walkaround throttle units. These units make it easier to operate your train, enabling you to follow it as it moves around the track, rather than standing in one spot and watching it.
Major Rail Accidents 2004
This model train set blog looks at a variety of topics of interest to model railroaders and train enthusiasts.
As model railroaders we can get frustrated with derailments and accidents that happen with our model train sets. Sadly, train accidents involving real-sized prototype trains are far more serious and cause tragedy and mayhem. In this series we look at some of the more serious train accidents from history.
Feb 18, 2004
Nearly 300 people were killed and 450 others injured in the explosions caused by the derailment of a train carrying fuel and industrial chemicals. The explosions are reported to have damaged several villages in Neyshabur, Iran.
April 22, 2004
161 people dead and thousands of homes destroyed when two trains collide and explode in a North Korea train station near the Chinese border.
December 26, 2004
Around 2,000 people die when a train is swamped by the South Asian tsunami in Sri Lanka. .
One Billion Passengers A Year On New York Subway
The New York subway system serves an estimated 4.3 million passengers per day (around 1.3 billion per year) and runs throughout Manhattan, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx. The trains on the system cover around 1.6 million km (1 million miles) on an average weekday.
Railway In Australia 1969
The standard gauge railway line across Australia was completed in1969, creating an uninterrupted rail thoroughfare from the PacificOcean in the East to the Indian Ocean in the West.
10,000 Sqare Foot Of Model Railroad Track
The Golden State Model Railroad Museum (GSMRM) has 10,000 square feet of O scale, HO scale and N scale model railroading. Inside the Golden State Model Railroad Museum, you will find three large model railroads, constructed and operated by the East Bay Model Engineers Society (EBMES). When visiting California the Golden State Model Railroad Museum is well worth seeing.
The Golden State Model Railroad Museum is located in Point Richmond, California (just north of San Francisco, at the north end of the East Bay).
Model Train Sets Can Cost Thousands
Model train sets can run from a few dollars for a basic train set, to several thousands of dollars for a model train set loaded that’s with accessories. Therefore, it is important to decide how much you want to spend on a model train set. Set a realistic budget for your model train set and stick to it.
Thanks to the internet and sites like “e-bay” you can pick up some real bargain model train sets and train accessories in the secondhand market. Make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
Events In US Rail History 1987
1987
Investors pay $1.9 billion to buy railroad shares when Conrail is privatized. At that time it was the largest share offering in U.S. history.
Designing Model Railroad Operations
You’ll never start operations if you spend all your time planning. Start now with a method that works for your layout and add detailsand enhancements over time. The best way to develop the optimum operations design for your railroad is through the combination of practice and refinement.
Hand Laid Rail … It Can Be Done!
It goes without saying that model railroading can be a very exacting hobby. It all depends on how well detailed you want your locomotives, rolling stock, structures, scenery and/or trackwork. Some modelers are very particular in one or two phases, while a few are extremely rigid in all aspects of the hobby. Model Train Resource.
http://www.gatewaynmra.org/handlaid.htm
Power Packs For Small Model Train Sets
Small model train layouts can get by with the basic power pack (transformer) that comes with many starter model train sets. Remember, that a starter model train set power pack probably won’t have a much extra power. Also, it may not have a circuit breaker to prevent burn-outs. If however, the locomotive you’ve purchased doesn’t have a powerful engine, then this type of power pack may be all you need to get started with your model train set.
Events In US Rail History 1980
1980
The Staggers Rail Act reduces the Interstate Commerce Commission’s regulatory jurisdiction over railroads and sparks competition that stimulates advances in technology and a restructuring of the industry, including creation of hundreds of new short line and regional railroads.
Major Rail Accidents 2002
This model train set blog looks at a variety of topics of interest to model train enthusiasts.
Model train enthusiasts get frustrated with train derailments and accidents that happen with their model train sets. Sadly, real-life train accidents are far more serious and cause tragedy and mayhem. In this series we look at some of the more serious train accidents from history.
Feb. 20, 2002
Some 361 people were killed and 450 injured in the fire on a crowded passenger train en route from Cairo to the southern Egyptian city of Luxorin.
May 25, 2002
A train derailment in Mozambique kills 192 people and injures 169.
June 24, 2002
A passenger train and a cargo train collide in Tanzania killing 288 people.
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