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DC Control Wiring Basics For Your Model Railroad

January 28, 2011 By Leave a Comment
Easy Model Railroad Wiring

By Dan B Morgan Model railroad wiring for DC control systems can be confusing for the model train beginner. This is because, unlike DCC, you have to create electrical sections of track to run 1 locomotive at a time. The majority of model train layout problems come from a lack of sufficient electrical power on certain parts of the track. This is usually caused by a power pack that is too small for the model railroad track you have built. Most starter train sets are manufactured to achieve an entry level price. The power packs in these starter train sets have just enough power to drive … [Read more...]

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HO Scale Model Train Layouts – Why You Should Consider HO Scale

January 15, 2011 By Leave a Comment
ho-loco-70x70

By Dan B Morgan HO scale model train layouts are incredibly popular. However in the United Kingdom they are referred to OO scale. They are not exactly the same but very close. The popularity has come about because you don't need a lot of space to enjoy a well detailed model railroad. Model Railways in HO scale are 1:87, which means they are 1/87 the size of a real train. This is a great size to be able to handle, but not too small that you struggle to see all the detail. HO model railways can be easily created on a 4 foot x 8 foot table or as large as you want to go. Adding some … [Read more...]

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How to Build a Model Railroad of Your Dreams Without Making Too Many Mistakes

September 23, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Model Train Help

By Robert R Anderson We all make mistakes when creating a model train layout, but the important thing is to learn from them, or avoid making mistakes in the first place. One of the most common mistakes is to choose the wrong scale when getting started in the hobby of model railroading. Talk with others in the hobby - we all have our preferences on scales (otherwise known as biased opinions). You will need to do plenty of research and measure how much space you have available. Many beginner railroaders start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more … [Read more...]

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Using Noch Ground Cover in Your Model Train Layout Scenery

May 19, 2010 By 1 Comment
Noch Ground Cover

Recently I received an email from Joao in Portugal asking how to properly use the Noch grass material in the scenery for his new layout. Since I don’t have any experience using this material yet, I decided to do some research to try and answer Joao’s question. Noch is a German company that specializes in manufacturing modeling supplies for model railroad scenery for all scales. Noch makes a variety of ground cover material to simulate everything from short ground cover to tall grass. Proper use of the material depends on which type you are adding to your scenery. For simple ground … [Read more...]

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A Good Quality Locomotive Will Make All The Difference

November 29, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Quality Locomotive

It can be very frustrating having a locomotive that you need to push to get going, or it suddenly speeds up and falls off the tracks. A locomotive runs by picking up the electricity from the track through its wheels. The wheels transfer the electricity to the motor, which then turns the gears to drive the locomotive. A locomotive with poor pickup on the wheels or a poor gear set up will give you lots of problems. As with most things, you get what you pay for . . .but this is one area you do not want to skimp on. A great operating locomotive is 90% of the way to having a fantastic model … [Read more...]

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Why Build A Branch Line Model Train Layout?

November 27, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Branch Line

Branch lines are a popular theme for small model train layouts. A branch line is a quieter alternative to a main line layout and can be fascinating to build and operate. Although not always the case, a branch line layout generally requires less rolling stock. It can also mean greater flexibility in the complexity of your track plan depending on what you want to achieve. Building a branch line is a favorite for many model railroaders, because it can allow more opportunities to include small dioramas within the model train layout. More About Model Train Branch Lines A branch line … [Read more...]

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