Posts Tagged ‘layouts’
SMARTT – How We Build Custom Model Railroad Layouts
Whether your needs are for models of precision accuracy to the “n’th” degree, or for free-form artistic creations, we will bring your projects to life. Scale Models, Arts, and Technologies, Inc. (SMARTT) is the leading provider worldwide of fine scale models and Model Railroads. SMARTT serves corporate clients and private individuals alike with a refined sense of taste, a desire for excellence, and an uncompromising approach toward quality. From smaller projects to the most ambitious, we capture the dreams of each of our clients and bring them to three-dimensional life. We invite you to view our site, www.smarttinc.com, and then call us at 305-949-1706 to discuss the specifics of your project, one-on-one. We look forward to providing you with the highest level of customer service and delivering a final product which exceeds your every expectation. Thank you for your time and consideration. Rather than tell you about all the amazing things we can do here at SMARTT, wed much rather show you. Please play this introductory video and enter the World of Scale Models, Arts, & Technologies! See more at www.smarttinc.com
Model Railroads: AWESOME Swiss & German layouts! / Modellbahn modelleisenbahn
Are super-realistic layouts like these just for pros? NO WAY! Discover how you can make them, too – and build a model train layout you can be extremely proud of. CLICK HERE: tinyurl.com ***** This Model Train exhibition was held at Polch/Germany on 7 November 2009. Besides some smaller German layouts it offered a very interesting Swiss layout from the Belgian model train club “Hoeseltse treinclub”.
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Model Train Layouts – A Quick Overview
When it comes to Model Train Layouts, pretty much the sky is the limit, depending on your budget and space. You can pick many kinds of model train scales, and it really depends of what you ideas you have.
The most common scale is the HO train, which is 1:87 scale, or one eighty seventh of the size of a regular train. There are variations of HO that have a narrower space between the wheels for smaller width tracks.
HO is the most common and widely used model train scale because of many reasons. First it is an ideal size for beginners, and people who have large hands, and have trouble dealing with smaller scales.
It is a good ’show’ train, and isn’t so small that it makes making layouts complicated. It is the easiest to find in most local hobby shops, and the accessories are in abundance, and if you are creative, can be made at home.
Your standard train layout is an 8×4′ piece of plyboard, but that is just a common base line. If you were to look up model train layouts on a search engine, you would come up with many pictures and videos of layouts, including some of the most complex and intricate designs that you would think that these people had a lot of time on their hands.
In truth, many people make Model Trains a quite an extensive hobby, and do take much painstaking effort is building train layouts. In fact, there are many train modeling clubs, that have annual contests for their members, to see who has the most elaborate set up.
Most beginner layouts would start with a basic track design, usually some kind of oval or oval modification. You would have the track go around close to the outside edge of the board, making access to the engine and cars easier.
From there you can really get as creative as you want. There are complete accessory packages available, including miniature trees, buildings, people and other decorations.
You can use this as a simple start, or of course you can make your own. Small toy trucks and cars can be used, if they resemble the real thing, and you can make buildings out of just about anything.
For instance, if you want to create silos, or oil refinery containers, you can clean out a variety of different sized tin cans, and paint them to resemble the oil containers, or glue a couple together at the ends for a grain silo. This is just the beginning of the possibilities.
You can find out an abundance of information about model trains, layout designs, and and what the different scales are for them. There are many sites that are full of videos and images of these layouts, as well as pictures of the different kinds of engines and cars available out there.
There are many ideas about home made props, like taking plastic plants and taking them apart for use as scenery. You can also go to your local retailer to get a hands on idea of all the items out there, and they may also have some really good package deals, where you get the train set, plus a basic accessory pack.
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 scenery, model trains ho scale and much more!
N Scale Model Railroad Layouts
Copyright (c) 2009 Randy Beckett
If you have been checking out the local model train store I?m sure you have discovered by now how the scale system works. The scales of Model Railroads are basically used to describe the ratio of the model train to the real version. With regards to the N scale model train it has a ratio of 1:148 that makes it one of the smallest scales on the market. They are extremely popular because of the many advantages they offer collectors with limited space.
Space is usually not the only factor considered when beginning a model train collection. However, if you are extremely limited in space the N scale will surely be high on your list of scales to consider. Due to its popularity the N scale has a wide range of accessories available in both cars and extensive landscape options.
The toy model trains available in N scale are also very popular due to the extensive amount of detailing on them. Even though they are one of the smallest scales they are exceptional in detail. If you are looking for something smaller than the N scale then you would need to go with the Z scale model train. The cost of the Z is among the least expensive, unfortunately you will be giving up a great deal of detail since the scale has become so small it is hardly worth being to creative since it is so small you would not be able to appreciate the work.
With the N Scale Model Trains you have a scale that may be just the right size to fit into a compact space and also large enough to see the craftsmanship it possesses with great attention to detail. The N scale has become one of the popular choices for new collectors as well as those buyers who are purchasing the sets for young engineers during the holiday season. Check out your local model train shop to see the N scale in action. They can be used to layout elaborate model railroad systems. A word of caution: The size of the trains can make large layouts difficult due to difficulty with track conditions. There size can create layout problems if the track becomes too large since derailments are more frequent with smaller scales.
While you are at your Model Train store be sure and check prices on all of the scales. I believe you will find the N class to be very competitive when it comes to larger scale model trains. Since the N class is very popular right now it is manufactured more than other scales and therefore much less expensive. This means it offers great value for money and even though the material utilized is minimal there is an option to create more detail on it. So it’s a perfect way to start off when you want to spend limited amounts when delving into this hobby for the first time. Fuel for the N scale model train is available in many different varieties. You may use a live steam engine to power it, which can be fueled with butane or you may find mentholated spirit or fuel tablets made out of hexamine. Some other options for creating steam are using electricity. However, many collectors prefer to use plain ole basic electricity to run their model railway trains. All these options make it a very versatile choice. I am a great believer in playing with different models before diving into model trains as a hobby. So, get your shoes on and get down to your local train shop and play around with different scales until you find a good fit for you. Don?t be afraid to ask the shop owner lots of questions. A good model train shop owner will spend all the time you need to help you begin your new hobby. They want you to be a long-term loyal customer.
Randy Beckett is a Model Train Expert with over 25 years of collecting experience. For great information on N Scale Model Railroad, visit http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com
