Posts Tagged ‘Guide’
Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide Volume 2 – 2009 Edition
Product Description
Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide VOLUME 2 – 2009 Edition – Has it ALL!
This 704 page full color book now contains almost 27,000 models. Whether it is HO, Hon3, N, O, On3, S, Sn3 or other Large Scales. If it is BRASS, the data is probably found in this mammoth publication. All HO and Hon3 models listed now have current market prices. Also contained in this book are numerous photos on the rare Hand-builts, Gold Plated Models, and the Bill Ryan Collection. The so… More >>
Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide Volume 2 – 2009 Edition
Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide Volume 2 – 2009 Edition
Product Description
Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide VOLUME 2 – 2009 Edition – Has it ALL!
This 704 page full color book now contains almost 27,000 models. Whether it is HO, Hon3, N, O, On3, S, Sn3 or other Large Scales. If it is BRASS, the data is probably found in this mammoth publication. All HO and Hon3 models listed now have current market prices. Also contained in this book are numerous photos on the rare Hand-builts, Gold Plated Models, and the Bill Ryan Collection. The so… More >>
Brass Model Trains Price & Data Guide Volume 2 – 2009 Edition
The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains
Product Description
Here’s what you’ll discover in “The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains” Book:
* How to create stunning terrain in your scenery with these 3 simple techniques…
* 3 little known, yet simple ways to understanding all about scales and gauges…
* Secret of train tracks that few people ever know about…
* 3 proven steps to running mutiple trains on one track…
* 2 simple keys (that are right in front of your eyes) to build you… More >>
The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains
A Beginners Guide to Model Trains
This is a general overview of what the model train hobby is and what it entails. In a effort not to discourage new beginners to this ever expanding pastime, this article will not be too technical yet designed to catch your interest.
The first thing that any Model Train hobbyist should know is about scale, and gauge. Scale refers to the actual size of the train engine, cars, and accessories.
They can be small enough to easily fit on a office desk top, or large enough for a garden railway. Scale is also referred to in letter form.
For example, ‘G’ scale train models are 1:24 scale, which means it is just one twenty-fourth the size of a real locomotive. These are often found with train hobbyists who lay out their model trains in a back yard setting, such as interwoven through gardens, and other landscaping.
The ‘Z’ scale is a mere 1:220, meaning it is 220 times smaller than a real train. As mentioned earlier, this size is ideal for a desk top lay out, but it is so small in size that they are difficult to work with, and are not in wide use.
The next part about model trains is gauge. While this is often confused with scale by many beginners, it is NOT the same as scale, and mixing up the two will definitely anger experienced train buffs.
What gauge measures is the distance between the trail track rails. For a simple example, if you have a 9gauge train track, this means that there is nine millimeters of space between the inside of the rails.
In this case, the bigger the gauge, the bigger the space. Now while this may seem confusing, don’t worry.
HO scale is 1:87, and is ideal for many new beginners, as well as many other hobbyists. It is small enough to fit well with many different layouts, yet big enough for the average person to handle, and they show well.
This is the most commonly used scale in the model train world not only because of its versatility, but also because parts and accessories are easy to find. This brings us to layouts and accessories.
Having model trains would be really boring if all it entailed was a train engine moving along a track. That is why a model train can include many different train cars, passenger cars, hoppers, and tank containers, just to name a few.
Then there are all the layout accessories, trestles, miniature people and vehicles, as well as buildings and scenery. The possibilities are really only limited to your imagination.
You can even create your own landscaping ideas, with plastic plants torn apart for trees, shrubs, and other plants. You could also use old cleaned out tin cans, painted, for things like grain silos, or oil refinery tanks.
There are many basic sets a beginner can buy, with all things to start your hobby. You can find many of these on websites, or you could also start at your local hobby shop.
A retailer can not only offer many different ideas, but can also answer many if not all of your questions. Hopefully you will want to know more information about model trains, and you can find many example layouts online for creative ideas.
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 train scale, n scale model trains and much more!
Guide to Sectional Track for Model Trains
Sectional track is great for people who want experiment with their model trains. Users can control the shape of their track layout by adding curves and intersections plus much, much more. The following includes a basic guide to sectional track for Lionel trains.
A good place to start with sectional track is to plan your layout. The simplest designs are circular or oval and more complex layouts may include complex crossings. Consider how much space you have available. Once you have a design planned out for your Lionel trains, take the time to invest in a range of track. You want large pieces as well as small pieces so that you can avoid holes. One of the biggest mistakes is not having enough of the right pieces on hand to build the desired layout.
There are many types of track to choose from. There are of course the basic straight and curved pieces of track as well as more complex options. For example, a turnout is a piece that helps a train enter in one direction and leave on two or three other tracks. Crossings are pieces where you have two pieces of track crossed in 90, 45, or even 30 degree angles.
Some forms of model trains sectional track include roadbeds. These pieces have interlocking tabs that will keep your train running without risk of derailment. With or without roadbed, it is recommended to nail the entire track layout to a piece of plywood. This will prevent carpet fuzz and debris from breaking up the track and interfering with the engine of the train.
To position your sectional track, line up the pieces so there isn’t a gap between them. Be sure the pieces are level: You don’t want one overlapping the other. Do not try and force pieces of track together, especially curved pieces. If you do this, you risk creating a gap or having an awkward section of track that can cause derailment. You want your curves to be tight so that you can run many Model Trains on your track, but you do not want the curves to be unnatural.
At first, it may take a while to plan and build sectional tracks, even for popular brands like Lionel trains. You may start with an idea only to realize you lack all of the necessary pieces or that its design is larger than you anticipated. Sectional tracks are like pieces of a big puzzle. Assembling the pieces will help with estimating the layout’s dimensions and the necessary supplies needed to for its construction.
Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about lionel trains toys. Click here to download a free model trains guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.
