Posts Tagged ‘About’
If one doesn’t have all those fancy computer chips and has vintage locomotives from the 50’s that one wouldn’t want to modify, how can one run multiple trains on the same loop? Also, with the three rail, is a reversing loop possible without fancy wiring?
When you are talking about switches, do you mean like an electrical switch, or a turnout? I’m so confused! So, you would have independent “blocks” of track insulated from each other? How does one achieve the insulation?
What if I connected a car battery to my G Scale train; It’s only 12 volts and they can go to around 20 at least I believe; but what about the 800 amps?
I’m becoming interested in model trains as of late. I’m wondering if anyone knows what I should use to create model buildings because I feel that it would probably more fun if I were to build the settings myself. So if anyone knows, what material should I use to make a realistic looking building or what specific reference should I use to find out?
Model train track is measured in gauges, that coincide a great deal with the scale of the model train. For instance, ‘N’ scale is one sixtieth of the size of a full size train.
The ‘N’ stands for nine, which means the 9mm, the distance between the inside of the tracks. These tracks are small, and many of these train layouts will fit in a rather small space.
It is also a good size if you are thinking about running long strings of cars, since the train cars will be lighter, they will use less electricity. You could read about all the different train rail gauges, and there are plenty of great, highly detailed specifications, drawings, and layouts.
If you are a beginner, or just a casual hobbyist you don’t have to get so technical. You do want to learn the basics the scale letter also give what standard gauge it is. Your most popular scale, HO, has a track width of 16.5mm, or 5/8th of an inch.
There may be other gauges for HO, but they will be clearly defined, like ‘HON3.’ This means that it is HO scale, but has a narrow gauge, and the track gauge is three scale feet wide, rather than the standard real life gauge of 4′, 8″ long.
Sounds really confusing doesn’t it? Don’t worry about that as long as you are sticking to standard scales.
The only time you may have to deal with this more is when you start getting up into larger model train track gauges, for ¼ of 1/8 scale model trains. This is really where you have to start dealing with heavy, weight bearing tracks.
When you first get your kit or set and want to set up your track design, it is a good idea to open the individual pieces, lay them out on your work surface, and look at the instruction manual. Look at the different designs they have included and lay out the tracks, without attaching anything as of yet.
You will want to make sure that the tracks lay flat, and don’t have any warps in them. Check that the connecting ends are in good condition, and that the switch controllers function smoothly and will fit snugly together.
If you are a beginner, you should be using EZ-Track, or Tru-Track, so these parts should all just snap together. Now before you hook up anything else, you should make sure you are using a clean sturdy flat surface, even if you are just putting it together to make sure it works.
Now no matter what kind of system you use, you will have terminal joiners that will have to have wires connected to them. While some Lionel sets include three rail terminals, most common ones have only two.
It is a good idea to just use the standard screws that come with it, even if you plan to permanently connecting them. For convenience, many new sets just ‘plug in,’ meaning you just strip the ends of the wires and put it in the plug, no muss no fuss.
For obvious safety reasons, make sure that everything is unplugged before you start working with the electrical aspects of laying track. Then you’re ready to go.
Clint Spille is a model trains enthusiast who enjoys blogging about the World’s Greatest Hobby. Stop by his blog where you can read his many articles on the model railroading hobby or watch the videos he provides on topics such as model steam trains, model train scenery and much more!
Model steam trains run on tracks that come in a number of different scales and sizes. The scale represents the relationship to the original size of the train. The scales allow you to find the one that best fits with your needs and available space. This way you can enjoy model stream trains whether you have a lot of space or a very limited amount.
Model steam trains are now becoming more and more popular with people from all over the world. As the age of steam has passed by and they are very rare to find, the excitement around the old style of transportation has grown. This is very true with model train hobbyists who are some of the most interested people in the steam age.
Even new model train collectors and hobbyists like to collect steam locomotives. They seem to have much more character and unique features than those found in the modern trains. The many designs and unique locomotives that were created in the age of steam have now found their way to the model railroad.
There are some very special and highly collectable steam trains now. Some of these model trains can set you back a lot of money, but collectors are willing to pay the price in order to see them run round their track.
Originally steam trains were introduced into America following the American civil war. For many American collectors, this is a very important historic moment that they want to capture in the model train world. It is the fascination with the steam locomotives that make them so popular today.
These days you can find people that only deal with steam variety of model trains. They will not collect or run anything other than these locomotives. There are also model train clubs that are devoted to this specialisation. The knowledge and dedication to detail is astonishing.
You will find many collectors and model train enthusiasts spending hours to ensure that every aspect of the original is recreated based on the model, scaled down version of the train.
If you are also interested in collecting steam trains or just want to add one to your track layout then you can look in a number of different places. You can find them online and in certain model stores. You will need to search for the exact history and manufacturer of the model steam trains in order to decide if the price is worth it.
You can also find special edition steam trains made by specialists. These are often very expensive as they take so long to create. When purchasing this type of train, always ensure that you know the designer and previous owners if it is not brand new.
Many collectors enjoy seeing model steam trains in operation, as this is a rare chance to relive the excitement of the originals. If you feel the same then you should think about adding one your model steam train collection or expanding your current one.
Philip Redfearn is an avid model train enthusiast. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com
