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Articles about model train (0-50 of 663)
- Benefits Of Model Scale Trains Toys Hobby
By: Kanooga | - Looking for a fun, engaging, and family-oriented hobby? One possibility is setting up your own home railroad with model scale trains. It's definitely a step up from collecting Thomas the Tank Engine toys, which is where many families start with their lifelong passion for choo-choos. There are countless possibilities, from a modest circle track and single train, to an elaborate vista populated by homes, people, animals, and criss-crossing trains.
It's easy to get started - it takes a ...
Tags: model scale trains, trains toys, model trains, model train,
- Guide For Setting Up Lionel Model Train Sets
By: Kanooga | - Getting started is one of the most exciting phases in the model train hobby. Should your train set take over the whole house or settle for just one room? If you opted for the whole house, please speak with your wife before swinging the sledge hammer.
It is good to dream big, but patience is often required before dreams become reality. Most of us have to deal with the reality of limited amounts of space, money and time. Adapting to these realities will help you make your first decisi ...
Tags: train sets, Lionel model train, train set, lionel trains, model trains, model train sets, lionel model trains
- Recommended Tools For Working On A Model Train Set
By: Kanooga | - A model train set toolkit should be well-organized and contain a plethora of tools. A small toolbox or plastic container with a lid and handle will allow you to move your toolbox around the track or train area as needed. A gardener bag with pockets on the outside and a large interior is another good idea for a toolkit holder.
Include several rags or a roll or two of paper towels in your toolkit. The rags are useful for cleaning up spills, wiping brushes, or dusting the tracks. Washa ...
Tags: model scale trains, trains toys, model trains, model train, train set, train sets
- Adding Scenary To Ho And O Scale Model Trains Toys
By: Kanooga | - Adding scenery to scale model trains is an expression of creativity and a great way to have fun too. Required materials are easy to access.
The goal for all terrain, tunnels, and landscaping is to achieve a realistic looking design which has the same scale and perspective as your model trains toys. Beyond that, the scenery should complement the look and the era of your train. Within these few parameters, you are only limited by your own imagination and ideas so have some fun.
...
Tags: scale model trains, trains toys, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train sets, train toy
- Buyer's Guide For Model Train Toys
By: Kanooga | - Model train toys are a lot of fun but they are not cheap. So before you invest your hard-earned money, it pays to do a little up-front research. This article provides some brief guidelines for to help you get started with buying model train toys.
There is a lot more to this hobby than just buying a couple of train toys to push around on a makeshift track. Instead, you need to consider everything from the materials from which the tracks are made to the locomotives, cars, wiring, powe ...
Tags: train toys, model train, model trains, trains model, train set, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Weathering Techniques For Lionel Model Trains Ho Sets
By: Kanooga | - Weathering your train makes it look more realistic. Weathering adds the appearance of dirt, rust, and even graffiti to your train, making it look like a train that's paid its dues and been around for a while.
Here are some weathering tips and techniques for transforming your model trains from fresh-out-of-the-box shiny and new to working engines and cars. These techniques should work great with most model trains HO and O scale. While Lionel trains are the most popular brand, these w ...
Tags: model trains ho, lionel trains, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, sc
- Guide To Model Railroad Toys Size And Scale From G To Z
By: Kanooga | - One of the first things new model railroad enthusiasts learn is the terminology. Things like scale and gauge become everyday lingo. We've outlined some of the most popular scales used for these popular model toys. Keep reading and before long, you'll be an old hand with all things model toys.
First things first, let's define scale as it's used in reference to model railroads: Scale is the proportion to an actual size train or its prototype; the smaller the scale, the more you can fi ...
Tags: model railroad, model toys, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale
- Guide To Adding Wooden Train Structures To Lionel Trains
By: Kanooga | - For those just starting out in the world of Lionel trains or any other brand, and who are looking to add wooden structures to them, the first instinct might be to go out and buy pre-packaged kits. After all, why to go all the trouble and time of building wooden train structures yourself when you can just go out and buy a kit that's been designed with that very purpose in mind?
Even though it requires more work, there are several reasons for building your own wooden train structures ...
Tags: lionel trains, wooden train, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale
- Guide To Lionel Model Trains Scale And Gauge
By: Kanooga | - Although Lionel offers several kinds of model trains and track, most of their sales come from O gauge trains. What's an O gauge train? To better understand that, you first need to know a few things about scale and gauge.
Let's start with scale. Model trains are scaled down trains--that is, smaller versions of real trains. A model train's scale tells us its proportion in relation to the real train version. For example, a Lionel train is an O27 train, with a scale of 1:48 . This means ...
Tags: model trains, lionel trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Guide To Roadbed For Model Trains Toys
By: Kanooga | - There are many ways to lay track for trains toys, but most experts agree that, for anyone really serious about model trains, roadbed is a must. What is roadbed? In the real world, roadbed is the foundation on which train tracks are laid, and is made out of a variety of materials, including gravel and asphalt. This foundation helps keep the track even, and helps trains run smoothly.
So why install roadbed on a track intended for trains toys? There are a few reasons. Many model train ...
Tags: trains toys, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Guide To Adding Ground Cover To Lionel Train Set Layouts
By: Kanooga | - The first step in adding ground cover to a Lionel train set is choosing the season you wish to display. Winter ground cover will obviously be different from summer. Even fall and spring ground covers will be markedly different. Consider the look you wish to achieve for your Lionel train set.
Winter ground cover generally includes a facsimile of snow. Snow can be created by using virtually any white powder, such as baking soda, flour, dry plaster, or even white marble dust. Sprinkle ...
Tags: lionel train set, train set, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale
- Guide To Lionel Model Trains Track Cleaning
By: Kanooga | - Cleaning your Lionel model trains railroad tracks is a task that should be conducted when the tracks are noticeably dirty or when the train seems to stick and pause during operation. There are several methods that work well and you may want to experiment to find the one that suits you the best. The more you use your model trains, the less often you will need to clean the tracks. Conversely, with seldom used tracks, you may find you need to perform heavier-duty cleaning almost every time you use ...
Tags: toy model, model trains, trains model, train set, model trai
- Guide To Sectional Track For Lionel Model Trains
By: Kanooga | - Sectional track is great for people who want experiment with their model trains. Users can control the shape of their track layout by adding curves and intersections plus much, much more. The following includes a basic guide to sectional track for Lionel trains.
A good place to start with sectional track is to plan your layout. The simplest designs are circular or oval and more complex layouts may include complex crossings. Consider how much space you have available. Once you have a ...
Tags: model trains, lionel trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Guide To Flexible Track For Lionel Model Trains
By: Kanooga | - What is flexible track? It is the most common form of track used with model trains railways today. Flexible track can be used with Lionel trains and just about every other brand because it is made by the majority of model trains manufacturers. Most flexible track pieces are three feet long and are indeed flexible, yet still fairly rigid. If you bend them one way to begin with, that is the shape that they will pretty much stay in from that point on.
The Super-Flex, however, from Atl ...
Tags: model trains, lionel trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Buyers Guide For Model Train Toy Locomotives
By: Kanooga | - If you are new to model railroading, here are a few important facts to help you get off to a great start. Your local train toy dealers can be a great help to you. Most dealers are eager to help new hobbyists learn the ropes and start building their collection. However, buyers must beware because there are also some unethical dealers who take advantage of beginners. The unfortunate result is spending too much money on foundational components or buying components that you really do not need at thi ...
Tags: model train, train toy, model trains, trains model, train set, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, scale model trains
- Guide To Model Train Set Wheels - Plastic Vs Metal
By: Kanooga | - A model train set can have either plastic or metal wheels. Understanding model train wheel-set construction is important when considering which type of wheels is best for you.
A train wheel consists of a flange and a tread. The flange is the inside part of the wheel and is deeper (or longer) than the other. The tread is the flat portion that actually rides on the rail. Real trains have the same type flange and tread manufacturer. Some wheels are mounted on an adjustable axle, which ...
Tags: model train, train set, model trains, trains model, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- How To Fix Derailments Of Electric Model Trains Toys
By: Kanooga | - Derailments of model trains toys can be a frustrating problem to figure out, especially if they happen in the same place, but not during every pass. In some cases, the derailment is a one-time event caused by dust or dirt on the track. Clean the area and replace the cars and engine back on the track, allowing it to run a few times. If the derailment doesn't happen again, there is probably no need to trace the cause of the derailment.
In the case of a derailment that continues to occ ...
Tags: model trains, trains toys, trains model, train set, model train, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Tips For Being Safe With A Railroad Model Train Set
By: Kanooga | - Although many of us may not realize it, a degree of caution should be used when working on a railroad model train set. A few safety measures taken will prevent cuts, burns and other injuries.
Working on a train layout usually includes the use of blades, paints that can be toxic and electricity. A healthy dose of common sense can go a long way in reducing potential hazards. You'll want to keep your work area clean, your tools organized and incorporate safety goggles anytime you're w ...
Tags: railroad model, train set, model railroad, train toys, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, train sets, train toy, scale m
- Guide To Common Rail Wiring For Model Toys Electric Train Sets
By: Kanooga | - For those interested in model toys, particularly that of the model train, one thing they will inevitably come across when commencing their hobby is the issue of how to wire their railway.
One of the most popular ways to do this is through the device called common rail wiring, the basic concept of which lies in always insulating the same piece of rail, while leaving the other one still connected. Sketch and/or draw a layout of your system that shows the dual tracks while marking the ...
Tags: model toys, model train, model trains, trains model, train set, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Guide To Wiring Model Train Toy Track Layouts
By: Kanooga | - A train toy is a key piece of any childhood. Thus, it is important to master the wiring of toy model trains to ensure they run as smoothly as possible. This way, your child can enjoy hours upon hours of great fun. Don't worry: Even if you have little experience with wiring, you can definitely master this with a little practice. The following includes a basic guide to wiring model train toy layouts.
Before you begin, you should know that the larger your model train track is, the more ...
Tags: train toy, model train, model trains, trains model, train set, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, scale model trains
- Guide To Adding Wood Structures For Metal Or Wooden Train Toys
By: Kanooga | - Metal and wooden train models remain one of most beloved hobbies for many of us. It's a way to connect with our children as well as a way to take our own trips down memory lane remembering trains toys and other childhood favorites. Anyone who's ever known the satisfaction of seeing a completed model train assembled by his own hands knows how important the details are.
It's the passion and desire for perfection that draws people to building and adding their own wood structures versu ...
Tags: trains toys, wooden train, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Guide To Couplers For Model Railroad Trains Toys
By: Kanooga | - Couplers are used to connect various model railroad train cars together. Couplers are typically either hook or knuckle type. Couplers have three distinct criteria. First, they must join the cars when the cars are pushed against each other. Second, the coupler needs to be able to be uncoupled. Third, from the manufacturers perspective, the coupler must be inexpensive to produce. Additionally, model railroad train enthusiasts prefer a coupler that looks realistic.
Horn hook coupler ...
Tags: model railroad, train toys, model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Most Popular Scale Model Trains Are Ho And O Scale
By: Kanooga | - If you are considering buying a model train set, one of the first choices you have to make is what size to get. This article identifies the most popular scales and translates each scale into inches. Based on an analysis of Google searches, the most popular scale model trains are the HO scale and O scale. These two scales account for over half the searches, both in the United States and globally.
HO Scale trains lead the pack with 31% of total searches in the US compared to 30% of s ...
Tags: model trains, ho scale model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy
- Lionel And Bachmann Trains Are Leading The Toy Trains Hobby
By: Kanooga | - If you are considering buying a model train set, one of the first choices you have to make is what brand to get. Since model train brands have been known to come and go, it is a good idea to select a popular brand that is more likely to be around for a long time.
Based on an analysis of Google searches where a model trains brand name was included in the search phrase, the most popular brands are Lionel trains and Bachmann trains. These two brands account for over 70% of searches, b ...
Tags: model trains, trains model, train set, model train, trains toys, model railroad, train toys, train sets, train toy, scale model trains
- Fun With Model Toy Trains
By: Glenn Downer | - Model toy trains is a very enjoyable hobby to be a part of. When I was twelve years old in 1962, I got my first train set. I remember the transformer had dual controls, and was about as big as a car battery, and just about as heavy.
It had an engine that puffed smoke out the stack, if you put special capsules into it. I had cars that carried logs, and all sorts of tunnels, signs, and everything else I managed to collect for several years.
When I went in the service ...
Tags: model toy trains, model train layouts, model trains layouts
- Displaying Your Model Train Collection
By: Victor Epand | - Where do you stick your model trains when you are done running them? Do you throw them in the closet where they will not see the light of day until you are ready to bring them back out? Do you stick them under the bed to gather dust? You would not do that to any of your other investments so why would you do it with this one?
A model train collection deserves to be displayed in a way that can showcase all of your engines in a beneficial light. Why not do this by displaying them aro ...
Tags: model, train, displays, scenery, building
- How To Buy Model Trains Online
By: Victor Epand | - Have you loved playing with or collecting model train sets since you were little? Have you thought about starting a new collection now that you have grown up a bit and you have more space to do so? You might have also considered picking the hobby back up as a way to spend quality time with you and your child. Either way you are looking for a way to begin collecting train sets once more.
There is a tool that is available now that was not around for many collectors years ago. The In ...
Tags: online, internet, model train, direct, hobby
- Beginning Your Model Train Collection
By: Victor Epand | - As a hobby collecting and running model trains has been around for many, many years. It is both fun and informative and can be enjoyed by people of all races and sexes. It can even be enjoyed by all age groups. The feelings that they get when watching the model train as it goes puffing around the track. With all the attention to detail that goes into building these displays it must be very time consuming and boring, right? Wrong! Model building is actually rather easy to pick up and run with.
Tags: model train, hobby, collect, advanced
- Making Your Own Model Train Hills
By: Victor Epand | - You have built your model train table for your big display. You have sketched in your entire layout and know exactly where your track will be going. You have even decided to add in a couple water features and maybe even a bridge. There still seems like something missing though. You think and think and finally you figure out what it is that it is missing. It seems extremely flat. So, what is it that you can do to give it so much more depth? You can add hills and mountains to your train display! I ...
Tags: model train, paint, hill, build
- Creating Your Model Train Layout
By: Victor Epand | - Do you have a love of model trains? If you are new to collecting trains and are looking for a few points on how to choose what sort of parts and accessories you should be buying then you are in the right place. There are so many different choices as to what you can use and how you can go about installing everything that you will be able to create your own layout or perfectly recreate the one you are trying to emulate.
The first thing you will need to do is to figure out is what ex ...
Tags: model train, layout, figurines, railroad
- Building Basic Model Train Parts From Plastic
By: Victor Epand | - Building your own model train sets can be very fun and exciting. It is a great way to show off your skill as well. You can build all kinds of features and these can each be challenging in their own way. One of the ways to build parts is to craft them from plastic. Once such sort of structure that can built from plastic is buildings. If you are just to cut the pieces out with a knife, glue them together and paint them then you can end up with an okay looking building that will probably suit your ...
Tags: build, plastic model train, paint
- Model Train Displays: Building A Smelting Plant
By: Victor Epand | - You just finished that big model train display table you have been wanting to build for a while. You got all your features added to it including the two tunnels, the lake and the train bridge. You have everything painted as well. It looked a bit bare so you decided to make it a manufacturing diorama. You have already added a couple factories and some other buildings as well. After thinking for a bit you decide to go to the Internet. You finally find exactly what it is you need. A smelting plant ...
Tags: smelt plant, manufacture, model train
- Model Train Table: How To Build Your Own
By: Victor Epand | - Have you wondered how you might display a large scale model train set? Would you just love to be able to set it up so that you can get around the table to some of the harder to reach areas? If these are some things that you have thought about then you might want to consider making your own model train building table. A table like this will allow you to do the work you need to while allowing you to get the sort of display that will make you proud to share it with others.
When you f ...
Tags: display, table, model train, lumber
- Creating Model Train Water Features
By: Victor Epand | - An extremely enjoyable hobby, model train building can definitely benefit from adding different features such as working bins or even water features. A water feature can be anything from creeks and streams to rivers or even a lake. There is no end to the amount of creativity you can use when it comes to using this technique to improve your model train layout.
You can make this sort of feature from many different materials. You could use something as simple as crumpled up tin foil ...
Tags: model train water realism feature
- Creating A Model Train Layout Theme
By: Victor Epand | - It does not matter how many times you have ever done it. Whether it is your first time or if you have done it thousands of times before choosing the right theme for your model train layout can make a world of difference. It can definitely make what would have been a dull layout turn into a dynamic one.
The very first thing you will need to do is to decide whether or not you will do a historical layout or if you will be doing a modern one. You can do this by doing some research on ...
Tags: model, train, layouts, theme, hobby
- Caring For Your Model Train
By: Victor Epand | - If you love your model trains and you enjoy running them or even looking at them in displays then you might notice that over time they get dirty. Just like any other keepsake model trains can require a good deal of cleaning and upkeep to keep them looking rather nice. Dust and debris can cause the trains to run poorly if it is allowed to accumulate. So, how do you go about keeping them nice and clean?
You will need to gather a few cleaning accessories before you begin to clean you ...
Tags: care tips model train clean wash
- Creating Signs For Your Model Train
By: Victor Epand | - Are you looking to add some great looking old signs to your model train display, but are just not sure how to do so? Have you noticed the ones that some stores have hanging around town and thought to yourself how great those would look if you could just shrink them down? Well, now you can!
The easiest way to go about getting these signs is to cut them out of a magazine that has them in the size you are looking for. You can then weather them, age them and then attach them to your b ...
Tags: vintage sign model train collect create printer CD
- Building Your Own Large Model Train Bridge
By: Victor Epand | - A beautiful feature of many well planned model train displays is a large bridge. They can look very involved and complex. The truth is that they are easily built and just require a bit of planning. Before you can build any part of it however you will need to design the bridge you wish to build. You can start by examining existing bridges to get a good idea of how they are designed and start coming up with designs of your own. You can find these examples on the Internet, library books, or even by ...
Tags: model train bridge build hobby plastic
- Repairing Your Model Train Transformers
By: Victor Epand | - A common issue with model trains over time is the malfunctioning of a transformer. When trains sit for a long period of time without use they will go bad. So what do you do when this happens? You can either pay someone to fix yours or you can spend your hard earned money to buy another one. If neither of these choices appeal to you then maybe you should consider fixing it for yourself. It will only cost you a little bit of money and use a little patience as well. Soon you will be able to say tha ...
Tags: model train transformer build repair
- Customizing Your Model Train Display
By: Victor Epand | - Is there a model train display sitting in your basement or garage gathering dust? Is it feeling lonely and you are feeling guilty because you became bored with it? For a really easy fix to this just give your old display a makeover! You can customize your existing train display without having to totally replace it. This can save you both time and money.
The first thing you must do is to examine your layout. Are the many trees and shrubs? If so you can remove these and place them i ...
Tags: display model train build assemble
- Adding Color To Your Model Train Display
By: Victor Epand | - If you have just learned to build your first model train display then you might notice something rather quickly. Grey and white is dull! When you build cast models for mountains and features the color of the casting will simply not do for use as a dynamic display unless you are modeling chalk rock mountains. For anyone who is not this article will help you to decide how best to add the color you are looking for.
One of the first things you should take time to do is to pick up a ro ...
Tags: paint model train scale color vacuum
- How Are Model Trains Powered?
By: Victor Epand | - Model trains have been around for some time. During this time the means of powering the locomotives have changed quite a bit. Many of the first trains were clockwork which required winding and had lever to make them stop and go or put them into reverse as well. While not the best way to control them their size helped to make it rather convenient. Eventually model train makers began to produce special tracks that would slow or stop the trains by throwing the levers on the locomotive. This would a ...
Tags: model train electric scale system track
- A Guide To Building Model Train Sets
By: Jack Fisher | - The first thing to do is to determine the kind of model train set you want to build. All types of different track layouts exist and you will have to decide how big or small you want to go. Some people prefer a smaller layout due to space limitations; others will build large and extensive layouts with complicated setups. Your personal style will determine what you want to do but it is very important that you work out a plan of what you want to do before you begin buying. Keep your budget in mind ...
Tags: model train sets, model train set, model trains, model train
- Cleaning And Care Of Your Model Train
By: Victor Epand | - This is something you con do yourselves, but I'm going to suggest you take it to the train store and ask them to show you how. The reason is that each locomotive is a little different. They come apart differently, they use different materials, and so forth.
The basic concept is fairly simple. Remove the locomotive shell. Clean out any dirt with a can of compressed air is often handy for this, though in some cases a solvent may be desirable. This is where things can get hairy; because ...
Tags: plastics, model train, wood, locomotive, power, control, railroads, starter set, models, tracks
- Overview Of The Nmra - National Model Railroad Association
By: Bill Murphy | - Model railroading and prototyping is a wonderful hobby that doesn't really require that anyone share in it with you but the enjoyment of seeing others reactions to your special diorama or the ability to pose questions on specifications and historical references to a group of friends for many causes them to seek out other like-minded enthusiasts.
Fortunately there are many clubs and organizations that have sprung up around model railroading, hundreds in the USA alone but one of t ...
Tags: model railroad information, model train layouts, track layouts, model railway
- Scale Model Train Layouts Developing Your First One
By: John Vanse | - To develop your model train layout there are four major steps to take before you begin construction:
1: Select the size of your model train, that is the scale or gauge. Scales range from micro-sized Z scale for tiny layouts to giant G-scale used mostly for outdoor garden layouts.
Visit hobby shops or model train websites and see the various scales available. Staff at a hobby shop will usually be happy to point out the advantages and/or disadvantages of each scale ...
Tags: model trains, scale model trains, model train layouts,
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