[WATCH]: Model Railroad Vol 3: Electrical, DCC & control
Posted on December 6, 2010
It’s the track and electrical side of your model train layout that makes or breaks how well the trains run. In our DVD volume 3, we’ve assembled a number of how-to shorts into chapters covering many of the best expert electrical and DCC insights for your model railroad. Also see: model-railroad-hobbyist.com for lots more free model railroading how-to info.
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[WATCH]: Our Huge HO Model Train Layout!!!!
Posted on December 6, 2010
So How Big is our club Layout some might ask???? Well take a look! PS: Sorry for the Mess everyone were doing finishing touches to everything to get ready for our Train show in December. So thats why alot of building and junk is out on the layout!
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N Scale Model Trains: Why You Should Collect Them!
Posted on December 6, 2010
Model trains come in many different scales, which is the ratio between the real thing and the model train. One of those scales is the N class that is second only to the most popular HO model. According to the scale chart the N class ratio is 1:148 irrespective of the particular train that it is imitating.
One of the major problems that train collectors generally face is finding the right kind of space where they can display their model railroad layout. The fact that the N scale model trains are small in size allows them to be displayed on a relatively small surface. Collectors have said that this is one of the biggest factors contributing to the popularity of this scale. Even collectors living in apartments may find the space to put up a layout.
A big advantage of the N scale is that, due to its size, it allows you to create a detailed railroad layout. The size is perfect, since it is large enough to display sufficient detail in the locomotive and cars and yet small enough to allow for an extremely elaborate model railroad layout with very detailed topography and cities. In other words, it is not so small that you can’t work with it, and yet, not so large that you can’t manage it. Hence forth, for many collectors, it is the perfect fit.
N scale model trains are also preferred because of the high level of detailing that can be found on them. It is important to know that the N scale is not the smallest of the model trains. The Z scale model trains are much smaller and may be a good fit for people with very little space. Those who purchase the Z scale will compromise on the quality of the detail to the train, as they do not offer the realistic visible aspect that you are able to find with the N scale.
Price is yet another advantage of collecting the N scale model train over the HO or other larger trains. In recent years this particular scale has gained a lot of popularity and the net result is a reduction of the selling price. Since it has become so popular, the overall production of the N scale toy model train has increased. And with all markets price is driven by supply and demand. Since supply is up manufacturers are selling them at a lower market price. Furthermore, you will be able to find a wide variety of accessories catering to this scale at an affordable price.
There are also a wide variety of fuel choices in the N scale model trains. Electric powered trains are by far the most popular. For collectors, the electric model is also considered to be the best choice. Steam powered models are also very popular in the N scale along with an electric version that creates a steam effect.
The N class has been around since 1927 although it was not commercially produced until 1962. If you are considering getting into model railroad collecting the N scale may be the perfect fit for you. I would suggest that you visit a model train show in your area before you begin to invest in this hobby. Getting off to the right start will on increase your enjoyment of this great hobby. Good luck and happy collecting.
Michael Weston -
About the Author:
Michael Weston is a Model Train Expert. For great information on http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com
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HO SCALE MODEL TRAINS: THE WORLD'S GREATEST HOBBY
Posted on December 6, 2010
The greatest hobby in the world has to be working with ho scale model trains. Having an HO Scale Model Train layout is a great way for kids to learn how to build something from the ground up and allow retirees to keep their minds sharp by always having a hobby they look forward to.
Your ho scale model train journey all starts when you open your first ho scale model train set. How many of you can remember the excitement you felt when you opened up that box containing your first ho scale model train set and then started putting the track together in order to see your ho scale model train coming around the track.
Perhaps the greatest thing about working with your ho scale model train is, it is a lifelong hobby. You can never grow too old to operate your ho scale model train set. Another great element of model railroading is the fact of your ho scale model train layout is an ongoing process, you probably will never finish it. Your imagination can allow you to create any ho scale model train scene possible.
HO Scale Model Trains connect grandfathers, fathers, and their sons in a project that all of them can relate too. So what are you waiting for? Go out and purchase your first ho scale model train set and start on your lifelong model railroading journey.
There are so many different HO scale train sets to choose from to get you started on your model train layout. Make sure to research all of the choices available to you before purchasing your HO scale train set. There are several theme Ho scale train sets to pick from.
Modeltrainpro.com -
About the Author:
www.modeltrainpro.com/ho-scale-train-sets.html specializes in HO model trains. You can also find G scale train sets, N scale train sets, O scale train sets. Also, you can find pages devoted to train photos and train articles
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model trains: Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Freight Train Set with Diorama
Posted on December 6, 2010
Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Freight Train Set with Diorama
List Price: $229.99
- Set Includes: 0-8-0 steam locomotive and tender, Boxcar, Searchlight car, Caboose, 3 straight & 8 curved FasTrack sections, a FasTrack terminal section, PowerMax Transformer, Smoke fluid, Billboard, and 10 telephone poles
- Locomotive Features: Transformer controlled forward, neutral, and reverse operation, Air whistle in tender, Operating headlight, and Operating coupler on rear of tender
- Locomotive Features: Powerful maintenance-free motor, Puffing smoke unit, and Die-cast metal locomotive body with metal frame and trucks
- Rolling Stock Features: Operating couplers, Opening doors on boxcar, and Illuminated searchlight with adjustable position
- Length: 47″, Layout dimensions: 40″ x 60″
List Price: $229.99
Your Price: $171.99- 
On – track: Lionel O – Gauge Pennsylvania Train Set with puffing smoke, headlight and whistle. Exciting O-scale Electric Train Set has all the realism for hours of fun. With smoke pouring from the stack. A bright headlight. And a realistic air whistl
Your Price: $171.99 –
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[WATCH]: Operation – switching H0 model trains
Posted on December 5, 2010
Switching at Third Street District with scratch build GE 25-ton.
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[WATCH]: Model train ballet at Chicago MSI Museum
Posted on December 5, 2010
Model Trains at The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago synchronized to two edited minutes from “Tales from the Vienna Woods” by Johann Strauss. Produced by John LeGear in Chicago/Palos Hills, Illinois as a token to Mona Theresa Malecki’s 90th birthday on January 14, 2010.
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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia
Posted on December 5, 2010
For the past year I have been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website. These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular? Here is a list for the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.
The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are:
10. Trains by Johnson in Pensacola, Florida
9. Warrick Custom Hobbies in Plantation, Florida
8. Blairsville Hobby Shop in Blairsville, Georgia
7. Southerland Station in Huntsville, Alabama
6. Electric Train Outlet in Saint Louis, Alabama
5. Trains and Treasures in Clearwater, Florida
4. H and R Trains in Pinellas Park, Florida
3. Bull Street Station in Savannah, Georgia
2. Legacy Station in Lawrenceville, Georgia
…and the most popular shop for model trains in Alabama, Florida, or Georgia is…
1. Kennesaw Trains in Kennesaw, Georgia
Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Model City Models in Jacksonville, Alabama; Pyramid Hobbies in Cullman, Alabama; KB Hobbies Model Trains in Stuart, Florida; Hollash’s Trains in Riverview, Florida; B&B Sales Hobby Shop in Snellville, Georgia; and Young Again Trains and Hobbies in Stockbridge, Georgia.
So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, with both Georgia and Florida having four in the top ten and Alabama having two. Georgia did especially well to have all three of the top three.
When in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Foley Railroad Museum in Foley, Alabama; Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama; North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville, Alabama; Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden, Florida; Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, Florida; Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, Florida; North Florida Railway Museum in Green Cove Springs, Florida; South Florida Railroad Museum in Deerfield Beach, Florida; West Florida Railroad Museum in Milton, Florida; Charlemagne’s Kingdom in Helen, Georgia; Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia; and Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia.
I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online. I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.
See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Florida, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.
Larry Truett -
About the Author:
Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.
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Scale Model Trains: What Does That Mean?
Posted on December 5, 2010
Model trains are available in a variety of different sizes that are denoted as scales. This spectrum of sizes ranges from miniature train sets to large models that designed to be set up outdoors. There are two terms used in association of collecting model trains, they are gauge and scale. Scale is used to describe the ratio of a model to the actual train that it depicts and gauge refers to the track width.
When it comes to model railroad collecting the choice of scale is usually the most important aspect that needs to be decided before the collection can start. It is a matter of personal preference as well as experience and don’t forget what may be the most important part of the equation, which is your budget. Although there are many different scales available for you to choose from the HO is one of the most popular.
The HO model train scale is by far the most common amongst the scales. The approximate ratio of HO model trains is 1:87. You will also be able to find variations in the HO scales. The HO is popular since it comes in various gauges and is very easy to work with. The detail is outstanding and the size of the train is somewhat like a popular fairytale. It’s size is not to small, it’s not to big…..it’s just right!
Not only will you be able to find HO model trains with utmost ease but also one of the biggest advantages of sticking to this scale is that you will easily be able to find a wide variety of accessories with which you can enhance your model train display.
Next in line on the popularity chart is the N scale model trains. The N scale has the ratio of 1:160 that makes them considerably smaller than the HO. For my taste the N scale is to small and the detailing on the locomotives and cars is not as intricate as on the HO scale. One other detail that should be mentioned is that accessories for the N scale are much less available than for the HO and other model trains because their small size makes them complex and difficult to work with and the number of units sold has reduced worldwide demand therefore making this a difficult train to collect. However there is one big benefit with this standard and that is the fact that you can set up an extensive railroading track in a relatively small space. The N scale tends to be more popular with kids and individuals that have limited space to work with and are not interested in large detailed railroad layouts.
The other three scales in the fab five list are the O (1:48), the Z (1:220) and the big daddy himself, the G (1:24). There are other scales available but are not considered to be big collector items since their popularity is so small. The fewer retail units sold means fewer accessories. Collectors tend to lean toward the fab five and then it is the individual’s personal taste in scale that seems to be the determining factor in their collection. So spend some time and consider your space, your budget and your personal taste and come on aboard.
Michael Weston -
About the Author:
Michael Weston is a Model Train Expert with over 25 years of collecting experience. For great information on http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com
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model trains: Skullduggery Eyewitness Kit Train Casting Kit
Posted on December 5, 2010
Skullduggery Eyewitness Kit Train Casting Kit
List Price: $12.99
- Learn about trains
- Comes with molds, casting material, paints, paint brush, glue, magnets and educational material
- Learn while having fun
- Make it yourself
- Display your creation
List Price: $12.99
Your Price: $10.79-
The “Train” Eyewitness Kit is a fascinating, educational and creative introduction to the realm of steam engines. Learn about the development of the steam locomotive and its importance to the growth of the United States. Cast and paint three very int
Your Price: $10.79 –
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