Archive

Posts Tagged ‘Scale Trains’

Basic Model Train Information

November 18th, 2009

Now that you are committed to starting a model train collection there are a number of areas for you to consider. These items are important so that your collection will be perfect for you and your budget.

The first thing is the scale. Scale is size of the model train with G being the largest and going down you will find O scale, S scale, HO scale, N scale and the smallest Z Scale with ratios starting at 1:8 and going down to 1:220. The most popular scales are the G, N, Z and HO model trains.

The larger the scale of the model trains the more detail you can get, however the scale that you choose to collect should take into consideration not only detail but also cost, budget and the amount of space that you have available to set up your model railroad.

When it comes to detail all the scales are well done and would make a nice collection. It really depends on your own taste. Be sure and check out a model train show in your area. There you will be able to see working models of each scale and get a feel for what will work best for you. Value really is based on your taste and your budget.

Besides considering scale you will need to take a look at gauge. I’m sure that you have heard of narrow gauge railroads. This is in reference to the size of the track. Most narrow gauge railways were through the mountains and used not only for carrying mining ore but also employees and supplies back and forth to the mines.

Gauge is the measurement of the width between the model railroad tracks in millimeters and these can generally be found in sizes of 6.5 mm all the way up to 148 mm. Depending on the size of your model train the supplier will outfit you with the appropriate gauge for your model railroad track.

Ok, now that you have decided on scale and gauge you can begin to work on the layout of your bench work. You can select different environments for the layout of your train tracks. This basically entails the creation of unique topography and cityscapes through which your model railway will plot its course.

This is the time to be creative and build realistic comprehensive environments by utilizing different materials; the scope of which will depend on the area you have available for laying out your master planned model railroad.

Be sure to use special finishes like weathering on your model trains. This will make your model train and model railway look like it has aged over time with the ravages of grease, smoke and oil which is a natural look due to emissions released from engines of the model trains. Your landscape will determine what type of look is best. If your landscape is based on a desert environment or mountainous area then the model train will want to be weathered to look like they’ve been ravaged by dust storms, etc.

Most model trains are valued for their historical background as well as technical prowess. You are getting into model train collecting because you understand and appreciates the mechanics of locomotives and the history of our railway system. When you friends look at the aesthetics of your well-planned model train and railway, they will be able to appreciate the craftsmanship and hard work you have put forth in your collection and building your model railroad.

Like any hobby you will want to establish a beginning budget and work within that budget. Collecting model trains and model railroads is not an inexpensive hobby. However, the joy of putting your plan in place, building your collection over time and running your model railroad is more than worth the expense. Hearing the sound of the horn, the model train running on the track and the light shinning as it comes out of the tunnel, smelling the smoke as the engines pulls a steep incline, what could be better than that?

Michael Weston is a model train expert. For more great information on model trains , visit http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com.

Model O (1:48) Trains , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Deciding on n scale model trains

November 14th, 2009

When you decide to buy and collect N scale model trains, you need to know that you will be dealing with the smaller type of model trains. The N scale is the smallest of the four possible model scales that you have to choose from.

 

The N scale is 1:160 ratio of the original, or in other words it’s one sixtieth of the real train. If you are not sure about which scale to buy and use then here are a few reasons that the N scale might be good for you.

 

Firstly, the obvious thing is that you will have much more space with the N scale. The size of the track and model trains means that you can fit a good-sized layout into any room. This also means that you can collect more features and accessories for your layout. Adding scenery to the model railroad is a great way to give it a more realistic look.

 

Of course, if you have limited space, then you are restricted by the scenery you can add to your layout. With the model N scale track, you should be able to accommodate for most of your needs and track plans.

 

Another benefit that collectors of the N scale model trains like is that they seem to have more details. As the N scale model trains are much smaller, the locomotives and cars appear to be much more detailed in the finer aspects. Of course this depends on the manufacturer of the trains and how well the locomotives are modelled.

 

Another important factor to consider is that the smaller N scale seems to give another dimension to the model train experience. As the trains and track are so small, there is a certain experience that is given off, that is often not found with the larger scales.

 

For ease of use and practicality, the N scale is great. It is much easier to construct and put together. You can also create more elaborate track layouts as the track is much smaller and this means you can easily experiment with a number of different designs.

 

It is very easy to quickly add more track, redesign the layout, move pieces around and re-construct the layout should you wish. With the larger scales, this would take a lot more planning and become very time consuming indeed.

 

The effect that is created by the smaller track and trains is incredible. The small size gives a very realistic effect and often looks like you are taking an aerial view of the entire train system in operation.

 

N scale model trains are also great for beginners as it allows them to get started much more quickly. As I said, the N scale is much easier to layout and is more intuitive to put together. It still requires some skill to arrange the track and create a functioning layout but it does not require the experience of the larger scales.

 

If you are thinking about which model train scale to choose, then the N scale is definitely worth trying out.

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

Model O (1:48) Trains , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Some great benefits of g scale model trains

November 4th, 2009

G scale model trains are very popular and have been for some time. There are a number of reasons why the G scale has grown in popularity. This is generally down to the many benefits of this model train scale, which I am going to discuss here. The G scale model trains are known as garden railroad trains and the letter G comes from this description of them.

 

They are some of the largest model trains that you can find on the market today. Their size is actually 1:22 of the real life trains, which makes them a great scale to use. They resemble the real trains and give more of a realistic feel than many of the other model train scales.

 

There is something much more exciting about having a large model train than you can get from the smaller one. Oftentimes, you will feel like you are watching real trains on the track because of the size of them.

 

The benefits of the G scale are that they are easy to work with. They are large and therefore don’t have many intricate pieces attached to them. If you have small children then the G scale is probably a good choice. Small children often have accidents and brake the smaller model trains. This is less likely to happen with the G scale.

 

The G scale track is also far more robust and durable than all of the other train tracks. The reason for this is because the tracks are made from brass. This gives them the strength and makes them perfect for running outside in the garden. You don’t have to use these trains in the garden, but most people tend to do so.

 

Another great place for G scale trains is in a large garage or spaced room. They can look incredible when you have a number of trains running at once, and include some great scenery.

 

When using the G scale model train track you will need to clean it occasionally. The great thing about the brass tracks is that you only need to have some wire wool on hand to deal with the cleaning procedure. Just rub the track to remove any dirt and ensure it has a smooth surface for the model trains to run on. This does not take very long and is actually much easier that cleaning the smaller model train tacks.

 

Another great benefit of the G scale model train track is that they are incredibly easy to set up and expand. Almost anyone with a small amount of experience can set up a decent model railroad layout from the G scale.

 

The section of the large track fits together very easily and they don’t take long to build. You can also create many layouts and themed designs when using the G scale model.

 

If you are considering which model train scale to use, then I would certainly recommend the G scale. It will last for many years and will produce a great amount of enjoyment for you.

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

Model G (1:24) Trains , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Antique Lionel Trains HO Scale – Prewar Model Trains Movie

November 3rd, 2009

| www.LionelManuals.com | Antique Lionel Trains HO Scale – Prewar Model Trains Movie Do you want to repair lionel trains easily

Model trains videos , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rather Large G Scale Model Trains

November 3rd, 2009

G scale model trains are by far one of the largest trains, which are produced commercially. Being the size they are, they are also a great size for those looking to get started building their own train. Adding detail on a small train is something many do not feel comfortable doing as their first project. Working with a larger train allows those just getting started in building their own train the chance to get the feel for exactly what they are doing. As a builder gets more used to exactly what they are doing, they will be able to build something smaller. Many just stick to the large trains, but improve their techniques and detail.

The layout of the model train is very important in order to create a realistic look. This is possible with G scale model trains because you are able to use actual live plants as part of your layout. The large size of the model train allows you to be able to run the model outside in most any weather. The only thing you need to be careful for is that there are no fallen leaves or twigs on the railroad track. Most model railroaders who use the G scale wipe down the track before using them in order to clean off any excess dirt or debris.

Being able to build outdoors allows you to do things not possible indoors. You can use your G scale model trains in order to create a layout which includes water towers and grain elevators that work. You can then build such things as a train wash and fill stations for carrier cars, which will fill the cars with gravel or dirt. You would not want to do this indoors as it could get quite messy if anything spilled onto the floor. Many have created something similar with smaller scales, but without the ability to use actual material to dump into their cars.

Many clubs have been established for those who enjoy G scale model trains. This size is very popular for a lot of different people, and they like to get together to discuss their models. Local clubs will often rotate where the meetings are held so members can show off the trains they have built and the layouts they travel through. Those just getting started in with G scale would be advised to attend some local meetings of a G scale club in order to get some design ideas and tips for creating a great layout.

Museums like G scale model trains because of their size. When creating displays that need to look as real as possible, the larger the train, the better. It is possible to create a more vast display with a smaller scale, but too often detail of the display is ultimately lost. In order to keep the maximum effectiveness of their display, the museum will use the G scale along with real plants in a controlled environment. They are also able to create displays in which rain is a part of the display as the train can handle it.

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on G scale model railroads visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there don?t forget to sign up for his FREE “Secrets To Successful Model Railroading” Mini Course.

Model O (1:48) Trains , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Special reasons to choose ho scale model trains

November 2nd, 2009

There are many reasons for choosing the HO model train scale. It is now the most popular of all the model train scales in the hobby. This means that you get a wide variety of choice from both model trains and accessories. This is often not allocated when you choose another model train scale, as they are not so popular. This is the first reason for choosing the HO scale.

 

The second reason is that the HO model train scales let you get maximum use from whatever space you have available at home. Whether you have a spare room or need to design your track layout in your garage, the HO scale can accommodate you. It is great as it gives you many options for establishing your model railroad, regardless of the limited space you have.

 

For many people the model train hobby was not an option before the HO scale was produced. The model trains used to be much larger which meant the tracks would take up a huge amount of space. Unless people had large homes, they were not able to construct the track and layouts. This was one of the reasons that the HO model train scale was created. It caters for people who have more reasonably sized homes and who have a strong interest in the hobby.

 

The next reason to choose HO scale model trains is that they measure 1/87th of the real thing. On top of this, the track size is 16.5 millimetres between the rails. This is a perfect scale for a model train and lets you customise a number of other features around the track.

 

The next reason for choosing the HO scale is that you can find a huge number of pre-built train sets that you can buy. This lets complete beginners get started in the hobby right away. It is much harder to find pre-built model train layouts in the other scales. You can find them, but the range of choice is very limited.

 

With the HO train scale, you can choose from many different designs and many different manufacturers. As I said above, the HO scale is very popular which brings in many different manufacturers. This means that the choice is wider and the costs get driven down.

 

As such, the HO scale is the perfect choice for someone completely new to the hobby. It is also perfect for experienced model train enthusiasts, as there is so much selection on offer. You can find a wide array of track sections and scenery that can be easily added to your current track.

 

Not only this, but the range of model train available on the HO is also very vast. You can choose from model steam trains, locomotive or electric model trains. There are also a large number of special edition model trains built for the HO model scale.

 

There is a lot of equipment that can be bought for the HO model scale. You can see that you have an endless set of options to choose from and can use the HO scales for a lifetime without ever needing to change.

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

Model G (1:24) Trains , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Bachmann Trains Airport Terminal

October 30th, 2009

  • Un-assembled Plasticville U.S.A. building kit
  • Parts molded in color
  • O scale
  • Compatible with all brands of O scale trains
  • Create realistic scenes by combining Plasticville U.S.A. buildings and accessories

Product Description
Since 1947, hobbyists and collectors have made Plasticville U.S.A. products their structures of choice. Plasticville pieces add character and dimension to your HO scale layout. Many buildings and accessories have been added to the Plasticville line throughout its history, and many are still produced from their original molds.

As a fun challenge to collectors (you can even join the Plasticville Collectors Association), you can collect hundreds of product,… More >>

Bachmann Trains Airport Terminal

Model Train Talk , , , , , , , , , , , , ,