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Is it Wrong to Mix Types of Track on Your Model Railroad Layout?

July 21, 2011 By 1 Comment
Model Railroad Track

Here’s a question from a recent Model Train Tips subscriber: Is it wrong to mix copper plated and steel tracks in a layout? The first thing I thought to myself was, “I don’t believe they make copper plated track.” Well, since I’m still learning, I figured I’d better check this first. I opened up my copy of Model Train Help by Robert Anderson and turned to the section titled What Are Tracks Made Of? Re-reading this section confirmed that model railroad track available today is made of brass, zinc-coated steel, nickel silver and steel. Based on this, I’m guessing the … [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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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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How Model Train Locomotives Work

November 25, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Model Train Locomotives

A locomotive runs by picking up an electrical current from the metal rails through metal wheels that ride on the rails. The electricity is transferred from the wheels to the motor, which causes the motor to run. The motor connects to the wheels through a mechanical drive system. When the electricity turns the motor, the motor turns the gears that turn the wheels and push the locomotive along the train tracks. Simple! The contact point where your locomotive wheel meets the rail is extremely small. That's why; it doesn't take much in the way of dirt, dust, or debris to obstruct the … [Read more...]

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How Model Train Track Works And What Can Go Wrong

November 23, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Model Train Tracks

Model train track consists of two metal rails separated by plastic tie sections. Each rail carries one side of the electrical circuit. To work properly, the two rails should not contact each other and no metal object should contact both rails together. This would cause a short circuit, which could damage your model train power pack if it happened too often. With this in mind, assemble your model train track and connect the power pack . . . and you'll be ready to start operating your model trains. It is as easy as plugging in the power pack, carefully placing the locomotive on the … [Read more...]

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What Model Railroaders Get From The Hobby

November 21, 2009 By Leave a Comment
Model Railroad Display

If you ask model railway enthusiasts "what appeals about the hobby?" you'll get a variety of answers. For some model railway enthusiasts, it is a way of re-creating a fond childhood memory. Others simply enjoy building a world in miniature with all its detail and realism. Then there are those model railway enthusiasts who love solving the technical problems of building and operating an electronic control system. It doesn't seem to matter whether you’re 5 or 95 . . . or somewhere in between. The personal satisfaction of building and operating a realistic miniature railway layout … [Read more...]

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Planning A Small Model Train Layout

November 17, 2009 By 1 Comment

When you plan a small model train layout, it's important that you know the limitations the small space imposes on you and your model train set. Although the space you have available for your RR layout might limit your choice of scales, the major limitation is usually in the choice of themes you can model. In most cases main line model train themes wouldn't fit. Whereas, given that you only have a limited space available for your layout; industrial, branch line and tramway themes are possibly the best model train layout options to consider. If you must have a mainline theme, but don't … [Read more...]

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How Model Train Classification Yards Work

November 15, 2009 By Leave a Comment
tcmrmM006

Most model railroaders have far more cars (rolling stock) and locomotives than they can possibly operate at once. One option is to simply store excess rolling stock and locomotives in boxes or on display shelves or cabinets. It is possible, however, to store all of your extra equipment and trains on tracks in a yard that may or may not be part of the visible operating portion of your model train layout. However, design mistakes are a common feature of model railroad yard layouts. Yards don't always work out as well as they should. A major cause is the lack of available information … [Read more...]

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