Posts Tagged ‘Beginners’
Model train scales are a measurement of how large the train is, compared to the real thing. For beginners this can be the most confusing part of this hobby, and often the mistakenly mix up scale for gauge.
While this is a common misunderstanding, many train buffs will get quite angry if you mix up the two. Gauge is the distance between the rails on a track, not size.
First for the facts about model train scales. It is measured like this.
First thing you will notice when looking at a model train scales is a letter. Here are the most common lettering system, in order from largest to smallest.
While there are some others that can be larger or smaller, they are hard to find and some smaller sizes are difficult to work with, especially if you have large hands, or have arthritis. HO is probably the easiest to work with, find parts and accessories easily, and is one of the most common train scales.
In order from largest is G scale. These trains are 1:24, meaning they are only one twenty-fourth the size of a real train.
While you may think of these trains as the ones you may have seen circling a tree at Christmas time, they are larger than that. You would most often find this scale in a outside setting, intermingled in a garden or landscaping scene.
They are made to be rugged and durable and will take the stress of weather fairly well. The size commonly associated with Christmas trains are the ‘O’ model train scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they are 1 48th the size of a real train.
You mostly see these in the hands of smaller children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You will probably not see many of these train layouts indoors, because of the space they use.
HO is as mentioned earlier, the most common used and easily found. HO scale is 1:87, which is small enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to show case very well.
You will see these model train scales in most layouts, because of the accessibility of parts and miniatures that are available. This train size is ideal for the beginner, because it has many basic sets, and can be expanded as the user becomes more experienced.
The next two are N, which stands for nine, which is the space between the tracks for this model, 9mm. This scale is 1:160, and is small enough to display in a bedroom, or a garage setting.
Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a whole basic layout for this size can fit on a office or home desk top. However, this size is not advised for children of people with vision problems, etc. because it’s so small.
Again gauge is the measured distance between the track, and there are many different gauges. Usually when you buy a set, you really don’t have to worry about this, since the train and tracks always match.
When you are buying extra track, then you need to know what the gauge is, so you won’t buy tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this information about model train scales, it should help you figure out which model trains are going to be right for you.
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 railway trains, n model railroad and much more!
TRAINZ.COM – New To Model Trains Beginner’s Guide featuring Lionel trains.
TRAINZ.COM – New To Model Trains Beginner’s Guide featuring Lionel trains.
Model railroads can be play toys, but they can also be a lifelong hobby. Just as every occupation has its own specific terminology, so does every hobby. Model railroading is no different. Many of the terms used in railroading are also used in the modeling world, but there are also some terms that are unique to the world of the model railroad.
To a beginner just starting out, the terminology may seem as strange as a foreign language; understanding that language can be the key to enjoying and being a successful modeler. Whether you consider your models a long term pastime, or short-term play toys, understanding the lingo that goes with them is a must.
Here then, are some of the terms a model railroad beginner may encounter, with a brief definition.
NMRA is the National Model Railroad Association, an organization of railroad modelers dedicated to advancing scale model railroading, and providing education, standards, and advocacy.
In the modeling world, a Prototype is the real life object, in this case, a train, on which the model is based. Scale is the ratio of the model to the prototype. The most common scales are HO (1:87), N (1:160), and Z (1:220).
A Train Set is a set that has everything a beginner modeler needs: an engine, cars, track, and power pack. A Shake the Box Kit refers to the most simple model kit, where very little assembly is required, as does Ready-to-Run. Kit Bashing, or Kit Mingling, is when a modeler uses parts of different kits to make an original model. Building a model railroad without the use of any kit is called ‘Scratch-building’.
Layout is the setting of a model railroad, including the train, track, buildings, and landscape. An Access Area is an opening or space in a railroad layout that allows a person to reach an area of the layout that would otherwise be unreachable.
Railroad tracks are made of Rails, which are the t-shaped parts of the tracks that are laid end-to end in parallel lines, and Ties, which are the cross bars that attach to the rails.
Flextrack is a flexible track that can be cut to size to create either straight or curved track. Once it is nailed in place, the track firms up. The rocks that hold tracks in place are called Ballast; in the modeling world, it also helps reduce noise. The Roadbed is the groundwork on which the railroad tracks are laid. It is often made from cork or foam, both of which can be purchased in hobby or craft stores.
Models or layouts may call for white glue, which is a water-based glue (such as Elmer’s), and is good for gluing porous materials like wood or paper; it is not waterproof when dry. Yellow glue (or carpenter’s glue) is resin glue that is also good for porous materials; it makes a stronger joint than white glue, and is waterproof when dry. Craze occurs when glue is put on an incompatible plastic and the plastic is ruined.
An Airbrush allows a thin, smooth layer of paint to be applied to a model, and is a good tool for weathering. Weathering refers to making models look more realistic by simulating the conditions that age a train, such as sun, wind, rain, and dirt.
Digital Command Control (DCC) is the control system used to control model trains. It is the most common system for model railroading.
Turnout is a modeling word that refers to a track switch, which is the device that that lets a single rail track split into more than one. It is called a turnout to prevent confusing it with electric switches, which are used to control electric current. The word Interchange refers to one or multiple tracks which can be used to exchange cars among different railroads. Standard is a measurement or value that allows materials from different manufacturers to be used together, without worry of incompatibility.
Trains as play toys have been around for years and years, and have entertained thousands, if not millions, of children. A model railroad, with its own language, its unlimited potential for growth and new equipment, and its fascination for children of all ages, is just another one of those toys.
Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about the model railroad hobby as well as many popular kids play toys.
