Model Train Basics
Model railroad trains are what it's all about. Sometimes we pre-order new trains months before they will ship. Or maybe we buy kits or old broken trains for parts to build our own. The hardcore modelers build from scratch, and maybe even make molds so they can sell resin or white metal castings to other modelers. Then there's the detail work; adding the accessories, painting, making and applying decals. Why? Because there are few things in life more beautiful than a shiny new train winding its way around your layout.
About.com Model Railroad Trains Wordless Wednesday Images
A gallery of images by exceptional modelers used in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images by exceptional modelers used in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Directions for Submitting Model Train Photos
How to submit model train photos for Wordless Wednesday post on ModelTrains.About.Com
How to submit model train photos for Wordless Wednesday post on ModelTrains.About.Com
Choosing A Railroad to Model
For the model railroading beginner, choosing a railroad early can save you money.
For the model railroading beginner, choosing a railroad early can save you money.
Choosing a Model Railroad Scale
There are a number of factors that will influence your choice of a scale. Most notable of these are your eyesight, local club access, cost, and most the important... available space.
There are a number of factors that will influence your choice of a scale. Most notable of these are your eyesight, local club access, cost, and most the important... available space.
Model Railroading 101
Thinking about building a model railroad? Here's what you need to do before spending your hard earned money.
Thinking about building a model railroad? Here's what you need to do before spending your hard earned money.
Scales and Gauges
In model railroading, beginners sometimes use the terms “gauge” and “scale” interchangeably. A model train's "scale" is the relationship between its size and the size of an actual train. "Gauge" is the distance between a track's rails. The most popular scales in model railroading are O, HO, N, and Z scale.
In model railroading, beginners sometimes use the terms “gauge” and “scale” interchangeably. A model train's "scale" is the relationship between its size and the size of an actual train. "Gauge" is the distance between a track's rails. The most popular scales in model railroading are O, HO, N, and Z scale.
Covered Wagons... Diesel Style
Early diesel freight and passenger locomotives had distinctive full-width enclosed body styles, as opposed to the later "hood units". While the EMD E and F units are the ones commonly called covered wagons, there are ALCO and Baldwin units similar in design that they could be called "covered wagon" locomotives too.
Early diesel freight and passenger locomotives had distinctive full-width enclosed body styles, as opposed to the later "hood units". While the EMD E and F units are the ones commonly called covered wagons, there are ALCO and Baldwin units similar in design that they could be called "covered wagon" locomotives too.
Quality Model Railroad Starter Sets
Get into model railroading with quality products for $150 to $500. Here's a list of sets to choose from.
Get into model railroading with quality products for $150 to $500. Here's a list of sets to choose from.
Crain's Scale / Gauge Encyclopedia
On this page E. R. Crain gives a detailed listing of model railroad scales and gauges in use throughout the world, including many narrow gauge variations.
On this page E. R. Crain gives a detailed listing of model railroad scales and gauges in use throughout the world, including many narrow gauge variations.
Model Railroader Magazine
Widely read magazine on model railroading topics.
Widely read magazine on model railroading topics.
All-Gauge Model Railroading
A nice, rather large, collection of web pages covering all scales/gauges. Includes many layout plans in nearly every scale.
A nice, rather large, collection of web pages covering all scales/gauges. Includes many layout plans in nearly every scale.
Model Trains Video
Joe Fugate provides a forum and sells his "how-to" videos on this site.
Joe Fugate provides a forum and sells his "how-to" videos on this site.
Acme Locomotive Works
Riley O’Connor's model railroad research site.
Riley O’Connor's model railroad research site.
Index of Japanese Railway Modeling
An good overview of Japanese Railway Modeling, with links to all aspects of Japanese model railroading.
An good overview of Japanese Railway Modeling, with links to all aspects of Japanese model railroading.
All Gauge Page at ThorTrains.net
Fascinating site with resources for a number of lesser modeled scales.
Fascinating site with resources for a number of lesser modeled scales.