Posts Tagged ‘railroading’

Modern rail transportation (not including those pulled by horses or oxen) can be traced back to about 1820 when the first steam locomotives appeared in the United Kingdom.  These trains were the first practical way to move goods and people across the country quickly and efficiently.  They remained so for over a century.  So there is no surprise that model trains became popular very early on and remain so today.

Early model trains were often used as promotional or marketing tools to show people who had never had the opportunity to see a train to do so. In the early 1890’s, German toy manufacturer Marklin manufactured clockwork model trains that used wound springs as the locomotion mechanism.  These trains were originally sold as expensive toys, but it wasn’t long before someone had the idea to market them to adults and added accessories so that hobbyists could personalize their trains and layouts.  These early sets were expensive and beyond the reach of most people.

Many of the early model train sets were made in Germany and at the outbreak of World War one, shipments to the US stopped.  This provided the opportunity for US companies like Ives and Lionel to be started and make inroads into the market with little competition.  These companies also decided to make more inexpensive sets and sell them as toys that many families could afford.  During the Victorian period in the 1920’s many models were available in various price ranges from tin and lead “penny toys” up to more expensive fully operable scale models with working steam locomotives.  From the original model trains that were operated by winding a spring, just like a watch, trains progressed to electrical operation where the current is supplied through the track. As track layouts got bigger, there was a need to control individual parts of the track and complex wiring patterns became part of the challenge.  Today, the track is often controlled digitally through a handheld controller or via computer software.

From the 1930’s through today, various scales sprung up and competing companies around the world started to make their Model Train Sets more detailed and offered more variety in their accessories.  As the hobby grew, scale standards were needed so that hobbyists could buy different pieces from different manufacturers and have them all work together.  Although the scales are often known under different names in different countries (like H0 which is pronounced “ach zero” in Australia and the UK, but “ach oh” in the US), for the most part, these standards have been accomplished.  There are slight differences in these standards which can sometimes make model railroading a challenge, but the N scale or H scale from one manufacturer can usually be made to work with the N scale or H scale from another manufacturer.

This brief space can only start to relate the history of this rewarding hobby. Learning the history of railroading is part of the hobby and will also help make your layouts, locomotives, scenery and rolling stock look more realistic.  So keep researching model train information and keep learning!

Technorati Tags: Became, History, model, railroading, Started, trains, Widespread

Most model railroaders have a myopic view of their layouts. The only see what makes them proud and can’t seem to see the flaws that make other layouts look better than their own. In this article I’m going to tell you the secret to making your model railroad layout the best it can be.

 

The real secret to creating a Model Train Layout that looks authentic and impressive to others is perspective. Not the kind of perspective that we use to create artificial depth to your layout but rather the perspective that the Model Railroader needs in how he views his layout as compared to the real world. To truly create a great layout you need to be able to view different elements in your layout as they compare to the real world.

 

The basic model railroad elements that you need to look at are your trains, your landscape, your buildings, your people and your roadways. Each one of these elements has key features about it in the real world that we sometimes fail to carry over in our layouts. We’ll look at each one individually.

 

1. Trains – Look at your trains and think about how locomotives and rolling stock appear in the real world. First off, they are not the pristine pieces of equipment that most layouts would indicate. Everyone knows about weathering but so many modelers have an unnatural fear of doing anything to their trains that would lower their value. Why?

 

Are you really going to sell them off someday? Whose enjoyment exactly did you buy them for? Weather away. Get the most enjoyment out of your trains by creating the most realistic trains you can have. I even go beyond just weathering and actually will break off or bend a few pieces here and there. In the real world trains are used and get damaged.

 

2. Landscape – Does your landscape look like the real world? Take some time and walk outside. What do you see when you look around your neighborhood. You know what I see? I see that the trees tower over all the buildings. There are bare spots in the grass. There are wet spots were puddles seem to always form. The creeks and streams have trees that have fallen over into them. The shrubs are not perfect in front of every home.

 

3. Buildings – The obvious thing about buildings is weathering, but in the real world most buildings actually look pretty new for most of their lives. What they are though is cluttered. Bicycles are on back porches. Garbage cans exist behind or beside every building in the real world. An auto repair shop is going to have tons of extra parts sitting around outside that they just don’t know what to do with. Every manufacturing facility has tons of junk leaning against the building in areas that the general public doesn’t see.

 

4. People – What do people really do in the real world? They hang wash in the back yard. Young men hang out in groups on the corner. People sit and wait on walls and curbs, not just park benches. The carry bags with them as they shop downtown. When you’re in your car take notice to what you see people doing outside along your way. What do you see people doing in your own neighborhood? Duplicate these acts in your layout.

 

5. Roadways – In the real world painted lines fade. The blacktop varies in shades of grey or black. Accidents happen. Refrigerators get dumped along the sides of less traveled roads. Cars break down along the highways. These are real things that you see in the real world. Cars have dents and rust. You get the picture.

 

As you can see, making some detailed changes can add a sense of realism that will make your model train layout stand out from other layouts and give you much more enjoyment. Best of all, these details can be added to existing layouts, they don’t necessarily require that you start any of your layout over.

Technorati Tags: model, railroading, Secret

Initially, it can seem overwhelming to an individual who would like to get started with the model train hobby. Not only is the terminology confusing to beginners, but the set up with wires, benchwork, tracks, and scenery can also be downright complex. Indeed, there’s a lot to absorb when taking the plunge with this hobby. However, getting involved is much easier than you think. There are several ways one can make this transition from simply admiring other people’s train displays to actively participating in this hobby.

Depending on one’s budget, it might make sense to look at a complete Model Train Set first rather than purchasing individual components to completely personalize one’s set. One can easily purchase a complete train set with the locomotive, rolling stock, and train tracks from the local hobby store or a reputable online retailer. One can also purchase train sets second-hand from eBay or even Craigslist.

Another easy method is to attend one’s local model train club or train show. At train shows, local club members and hobby representatives are available to offer assistance and advice. Many of these individuals know how daunting it can be to get started and are more than happy to help. Just be sure to bring your notebook (or digital recording device if you want to save some time) and ask plenty of questions.

Besides the local model train club or show, one can also visit the local hobby shop. Even though the hobby shop’s goal is to sell products, the staff is also knowledgeable. Not only will they be able to point you in the right direction in terms of train products or educational materials, but they can also advise you of any upcoming local events or seminars. Often, local hobby shops will even host an event for local hobbyists.

If there are no local clubs or events in your area, another good resource is an online model railroad forum. A simple query on the Internet will retrieve numerous results. Simply choose one of the more active forums and browse the topics. The larger forums with active members usually have a section for beginners. Often, your question or problem will already be posted by someone else with a follow up response in-line.

My final suggestion pertains to the educational material available for this hobby. The good news is that there are many publications dedicated to this hobby. The bad news is that there is too much material out there and it can become overwhelming. While some might suggest visiting your local bookstore or library to browse through the printed material available, I would encourage you to also leverage the Internet to retrieve information specifically for model train beginners. There are plenty of free articles and “how to” videos to help one get started properly.

With so many resources available, it is definitely easy to get started with this hobby. However, following these suggestions will help you save time and money by getting on the right track quickly. I know what it was like when I first started my model railroad journey. There is no need to reinvent the wheel. Take the plunge, stay connected, and enjoy the ride. Happy railroading!

Technorati Tags: Beginners, model, railroading, Should, start, train

If are looking for a hobby for your family- model railroading might be it! When my family and I sit around the table working on our next layout we talk and laugh together. We have become a very close family since we turned off the television and started building railroads! Our family time is so much better thanks to model railroading.

Model railroading is a way for you to create a small world of your own. Your layout will allow you to control the time of day and even the season. I use all four seasons in my layouts. Each corner becomes a season and the space between is a way to blend them together. I enjoy the small N scale as I am limited on space and the cost is less in the long run.

Many model railroaders make their own trees, shrubs, buildings and bridges. When I first started railroading this idea worried me since I am not artistic or crafty! For a quite long time I had a layout with just the train and the track- no scenery or buildings!  I began reading articles and books on how to make things and I decided to give it a try. I found it to be a lot of fun and very rewarding!

As a model railroader I am very careful not to spend too much money on my hobby. I usually spend the most on the trains themselves so I get good quality and to cut costs even more I build my own scenery. I like using items around the house to make my layouts eco-friendly by recycling.  I have used dried coffee grounds for course dirt, outdated spices for foliage and old furnace filters to create pine trees! I enjoy finding new ways to be creative and thrifty at the same time!

A Model Railroader must decide exactly how much space he can devote to a layout. This will help him decide the size of the trains he can use. There are different scales of trains with HO be the most popular.  For those with only a small area, the N scale is the best choice; these are often called table top trains. Once you know the space you have to work with, then you will be able to choose the right scale to use. It would be a shame to get the wrong size train and not have enough room to use it.

Model railroading is a very rewarding hobby that the entire family will enjoy.  Learn more about this great tradition and hobby at: thelifeliketrains.com

Technorati Tags: hobby, model, railroading

Model Railroading is a great hobby for kids and adults alike.  I have been doing it since I was in high school.  I have always been interested in miniatures since the age of 3.  There are all types of scales to work with: O, HO, N, S, Z, etc.  HO is the most common.  HO scale is 1.2.1 (stands for Half O).  HO scale is what I use for mine.  It seems to work for me and it seems to have the most accessories available for my layout.

When I was a kid, I had a TYCO, that was my first train set.  Lionel was my brother’s train set (Lionel is one of the most common larger gauges at regular O scale). N scale is the most common smaller scales.

Model railroading takes lots of planning and patience, but once you see the finished product, the work pays off.  You have to plan how many trains you are going to run, what type of scale is best for you, how large you want your layout, how many switches you are going to need, whether you want  passenger or freight trains, just to start.

Accessories need to be planned also.  You will need crossing signals, buildings (freight or passenger station, water tower, railroad buildings, etc.), lights, cars, people & animals, houses & businesses, telephone poles, etc.  You will also need to plan your landscaping and wiring (for the trains, and lighted or working accessories), so will need more than 1 power pack, because if you are running several trains, you will need  separate power packs to operate each train, plus a separate power pack for the accessories.

The landscaping usually consists of: trees, bushes, shrubs,  track bedding, roads, tunnels, and if you want to be creative, mountains and rivers. (you actually don’t need water, they can be mad with a resin & hardener).

I am running 2 freight trains on a 8 x 8 layout, with 3 power packs, 4 track switches, several buildings and houses, and still dreaming of having a huge model railroad that will make people stare in awe.  Even thought I love my trains, they also need maintenance.  The engines need oiling to keep them running at their best (just don’t get any oil on the tracks). 

There is lots more to learn about model railroading. I learn something new everyday!

When I got started in model railroading, I found this book to be helpful. I looked  at http://ziprl.com/mth, This is one the great books that helped me get started.  I am glad that they keep updating their editions.

I wish everyone good luck on their model railroading, It can be very rewarding for you and your family.

Happy Model Railroading!!

Technorati Tags: Makes, model, railroading