Model Train Basics (101)
This category covers most aspects of model railroad trains. Topics include reviews of model locomotives, freight and passenger cars, kits, and train sets. Tuning trains, Modifying manufacturer-built models, known as kit-bashing, making your own decals, and scratch-building locomotives and train cars will also be covered.
Layout Construction (52)
This section covers model railroad layout design, track construction, sculpting and decorating the landscape, selection and fabrication of structures, and layout maintenance.
Electronics & DCC (21)
Articles relating to model railroading electronics and Digital Command Control (DCC) are found in this category. Topics include track, transformers and power packs; DCC systems and their components, and DCC decoders and installations. Proprietary O scale control systems will also be covered here.
O Scale (1:48) (8)
This category contains articles about O (1:48) scale model railroading. O scale model railroads and their trains come in three-rail and two-rail varieties. Here you'll find articles about O scale locomotives, train cars, and train sets.
HO Scale (1:87.1) (7)
HO (pronounced "aitch-oh") is the best selling scale for model railroad products world-wide. This category covers HO (1:87.1) scale model railroading. Here you'll find articles about HO locomotives, railcars, train sets, track, and accessories.
N Scale (1:160) (10)
This category contains articles about N (1:160) scale model railroading. N is the second-best selling scale for model railroad products world-wide. Here you'll find articles about N scale locomotives, train cars, and train sets.
Z Scale (1:220) (9)
This category contains articles about Z (1:220) scale model railroading. Z is the smallest scale for model railroad products. Here you'll find articles about Z scale locomotives, train cars, and train sets.
Other Scales (17)
There are a number of lesser-known model railroad scales, widely regarded as unusual or exotic. S scale was made popular by American Flyer after World War II, but has faded into semi-obscurity. OO is the most popular scale in the UK but, along with 7mm, 4mm, 3mm, and 2mm scales, is not found much in other parts of the world. Though invented in the USA, TT scale found its market in eastern Europe.
Narrow Gauges (14)
There have been many railroads with track gauges smaller than 4ft. 8 1/2in. in real-life railroading. Nearly all of the popular model railroading scales have narrow gauge variants. There are NMRA and NEM standards for narrow gauge model railroads in various scales. Narrow gauge modeling variants in the United States include On3, On30, Sn3, HOn3, HOn30, TTn3, and Nn3.
Clubs and Organizations (84)
A directory of model railroading standards organizations, associations, and clubs. This will also include scale-specific groups. If you'd like your club to be listed here, please contact the guide.
Real Railroads (87)
This category covers topics relating to real life railroads, both current and the "fallen-flags". This includes articles on individual railroads and their history, paint schemes and heralds, and rail-fan news and photos.
Glossary (121)
A glossary defining terms used in real life railway and model railroad culture, including acronyms and railroad jargon.
