Model Railroad Trains: Most Popular Articles
These articles are the most popular over the last month.
Scales for Children
Are you confused about the sizes of toy trains? Here's a guide to choosing the scale, or size, of an electric train set for a child. This article focuses on cost and available space as the primary concerns and proposes smaller electric train scales, resulting in more track layout options for your available space, as a method of maintaining a child's interest in their train sets. When starting a child in model railroading the size of trains can make all the difference.
Are you confused about the sizes of toy trains? Here's a guide to choosing the scale, or size, of an electric train set for a child. This article focuses on cost and available space as the primary concerns and proposes smaller electric train scales, resulting in more track layout options for your available space, as a method of maintaining a child's interest in their train sets. When starting a child in model railroading the size of trains can make all the difference.
Scales and Gauges
A model train's "scale" is the relationship between its size and the size of an actual train. "Gauge" is the distance between a train track's rails. Classic toy trains were made in larger scales and gauges, but smaller sizes are popular today. Here is a guide to model railroad scales and gauges.
A model train's "scale" is the relationship between its size and the size of an actual train. "Gauge" is the distance between a train track's rails. Classic toy trains were made in larger scales and gauges, but smaller sizes are popular today. Here is a guide to model railroad scales and gauges.
Children's Toy Train Tables
Here are some children's train table and train board space planning ideas. A toy train table or train board can be used to keep a child's toy train track layout intact between play-sessions. This helps avert the tedium of having to put away track between uses, which may detract from a child's enjoyment of their electric trains.
Here are some children's train table and train board space planning ideas. A toy train table or train board can be used to keep a child's toy train track layout intact between play-sessions. This helps avert the tedium of having to put away track between uses, which may detract from a child's enjoyment of their electric trains.
Tomix N Scale Thomas
N scale Thomas the Tank Engine and friends are manufactured by the Japanese model train company Tomix. They offer Thomas, Henry, James, and Percy models in N scale.
N scale Thomas the Tank Engine and friends are manufactured by the Japanese model train company Tomix. They offer Thomas, Henry, James, and Percy models in N scale.
Model Train Track Curves
Model train track curves may seem like a simple issue, but there can be much more to track curves than meets the eye. Track curves on model railroad layouts require some planning and knowledge of a few relevant issues.
Model train track curves may seem like a simple issue, but there can be much more to track curves than meets the eye. Track curves on model railroad layouts require some planning and knowledge of a few relevant issues.
Thomas the Tank Engine
Thomas the Tank Engine delights children everywhere. Here are Thomas toy trains that are real electric trains instead of push toys.
Thomas the Tank Engine delights children everywhere. Here are Thomas toy trains that are real electric trains instead of push toys.
Quality Model Railroad Sets
Quality model railroad train sets between $100 and $500.
Quality model railroad train sets between $100 and $500.
Model Train Track Grades
Track grade is the slope of a railroad track. The track grade is expressed as the percentage of its rise for the length of its run. For example,if you have 100 inches of model railroad track, and the train climbs one inch, then the grade is 1%. So when 25 inches of track rise 1 inch the grade is 4%. Maximum grade is the steepest slope your trains can climb. Well planned grades can make a layout interesting. Badly planned ones can be a disaster.
Track grade is the slope of a railroad track. The track grade is expressed as the percentage of its rise for the length of its run. For example,if you have 100 inches of model railroad track, and the train climbs one inch, then the grade is 1%. So when 25 inches of track rise 1 inch the grade is 4%. Maximum grade is the steepest slope your trains can climb. Well planned grades can make a layout interesting. Badly planned ones can be a disaster.
Monopoly Railroads
Everybody knows the railroads in the game Monopoly are the Pennsylvania, B&O, Reading, and Short Line. But how many people realize that three of the four were real railroads?
Everybody knows the railroads in the game Monopoly are the Pennsylvania, B&O, Reading, and Short Line. But how many people realize that three of the four were real railroads?
Model Railroading 101
What every beginner needs to know about model railroading.
What every beginner needs to know about model railroading.
Model Layout Foam Insulation
A tip about sculpting landscape on a model railroad layout using rigid foam insulation. Links to a series of YouTube videos demonstrating the sculpting of this kind of foam insulation.
A tip about sculpting landscape on a model railroad layout using rigid foam insulation. Links to a series of YouTube videos demonstrating the sculpting of this kind of foam insulation.
Model Railroad Space Planning
An overview of space planning for model railroad train layouts and types of space allocation for model train layouts.
An overview of space planning for model railroad train layouts and types of space allocation for model train layouts.
Steam Locomotive Classes
A list of steam locomotive classes
A list of steam locomotive classes
Track: Integrated Roadbed
Integrated roadbed track is defined as any track attached to a roadbed. This track makes assembling a model railroad train layout much easier. Many people erroneously refer to this type of track as snaptrack, snap track, or snap-track. However, SnapTrack is a brand name for a track with no integrated roadbed. Today children's toy train sets benefit from the use of integrated roadbed track. Here is a list of brands, scales, and types of integrated roadbed track for your electric trains.
Integrated roadbed track is defined as any track attached to a roadbed. This track makes assembling a model railroad train layout much easier. Many people erroneously refer to this type of track as snaptrack, snap track, or snap-track. However, SnapTrack is a brand name for a track with no integrated roadbed. Today children's toy train sets benefit from the use of integrated roadbed track. Here is a list of brands, scales, and types of integrated roadbed track for your electric trains.
DCC Overview
Here is an overview of Digital Command Control (DCC), a system that utilizes digital computer technology for controlling model railroad trains. DCC in model railroading has been around for a decade now and, as the terms used in this technology have defined a new language for the model railroading community, this overview is intended to serve as a primer for beginners.
Here is an overview of Digital Command Control (DCC), a system that utilizes digital computer technology for controlling model railroad trains. DCC in model railroading has been around for a decade now and, as the terms used in this technology have defined a new language for the model railroading community, this overview is intended to serve as a primer for beginners.
Parents' Guide to Toy Trains
A primer on toy trains, electric trains and model railroading for parents. Topics include when to start children on electric trains, how available space is a primary concern in the selection of a train, and how to utilize electric trains as an educational tool.
A primer on toy trains, electric trains and model railroading for parents. Topics include when to start children on electric trains, how available space is a primary concern in the selection of a train, and how to utilize electric trains as an educational tool.
Model Railroad Track Setup
How to lay model railroad track and connect its power supply.
How to lay model railroad track and connect its power supply.
About O Scale
O Scale in model railroading explained.
O Scale in model railroading explained.
Track Types
An overview of model railroad track types and codes including an explanation of track code numbers and rail metal types.
An overview of model railroad track types and codes including an explanation of track code numbers and rail metal types.
Turnouts
Model railroad switches, like those in real-life railroading, are used to route rail traffic. In model railroading, switches are most commonly referred to by the technical term "turnouts". In the UK rail switches are referred to as "sets of points". or just "points". Model railroad track switches are available in all scales, and various radii.
Model railroad switches, like those in real-life railroading, are used to route rail traffic. In model railroading, switches are most commonly referred to by the technical term "turnouts". In the UK rail switches are referred to as "sets of points". or just "points". Model railroad track switches are available in all scales, and various radii.
Track Pieces
This is a guide to model railroad track pieces. Individual model railroad track component pieces fall into six categories: straight, curve, flex, crossing, turnouts, and function tracks. Turnouts are also known as "switches", and in the UK referred to as "points".
This is a guide to model railroad track pieces. Individual model railroad track component pieces fall into six categories: straight, curve, flex, crossing, turnouts, and function tracks. Turnouts are also known as "switches", and in the UK referred to as "points".
O Scale Issues
Three Reasons I Don't Recommend O Scale for Children's toy train sets.
Three Reasons I Don't Recommend O Scale for Children's toy train sets.
Setup and Run a Model Train
A beginner's guide to setting up and running a model train set.
A beginner's guide to setting up and running a model train set.
Do's and Don'ts for Parents
Specific things parents need to think about when buying electric trains and other toy trains for children.
Specific things parents need to think about when buying electric trains and other toy trains for children.
N Scale Model Train Couplers
Couplers are an important consideration when buying N scale model railroad trains. You need to make sure the couplers on your locomotives and cars are compatible.
Couplers are an important consideration when buying N scale model railroad trains. You need to make sure the couplers on your locomotives and cars are compatible.
Model Railroad Track Easements
Easements can be simulated using segmented model railroad track pieces. A true easement is a parabolic curve. This means its radius is different at any point along it's path. Unless you are using flex-track, model railroad track curves have fixed radii. But you can simulate an easement by placing segments of smaller radii inside of segments with greater radii when building your curves.
Easements can be simulated using segmented model railroad track pieces. A true easement is a parabolic curve. This means its radius is different at any point along it's path. Unless you are using flex-track, model railroad track curves have fixed radii. But you can simulate an easement by placing segments of smaller radii inside of segments with greater radii when building your curves.
New to Model Railroading
How to make informed choices when buying your first model railroad equipment.
How to make informed choices when buying your first model railroad equipment.
Girls Model Train Set
A marketing debacle in the late 1950s, the Lionel Girls' Model Train Set is a sought-after collectors item today.
A marketing debacle in the late 1950s, the Lionel Girls' Model Train Set is a sought-after collectors item today.
TT Scale: American Orphan
TT scale is defined as 1:120 or ten feet to the inch scale. TT gauge track has rails spaced 12mm. TT scale was introduced to American model railroading by H.P. Products in 1946. This article is an overview of TT scale, including the History of TT scale, modern German and other Eastern European TT scale manufacturers, and some thoughts on the future of the exotic TT scale.
TT scale is defined as 1:120 or ten feet to the inch scale. TT gauge track has rails spaced 12mm. TT scale was introduced to American model railroading by H.P. Products in 1946. This article is an overview of TT scale, including the History of TT scale, modern German and other Eastern European TT scale manufacturers, and some thoughts on the future of the exotic TT scale.
Choosing a Scale
A discussion of factors influencing a model railroader's choice of scale.
A discussion of factors influencing a model railroader's choice of scale.
Children's Layouts
Children with electric toy trains usually want to experiment with different ways to layout their tracks.
Children with electric toy trains usually want to experiment with different ways to layout their tracks.
How a DCC Decoder Works
A somewhat technical overview of how a DCC decoder works in a model railroad train locomotive. DCC (Digital Command Control) decoders are tiny, complex electronic devices that not only contain computer control systems, but power management as well.
A somewhat technical overview of how a DCC decoder works in a model railroad train locomotive. DCC (Digital Command Control) decoders are tiny, complex electronic devices that not only contain computer control systems, but power management as well.
IHC
A profile of International Hobby Corporation, an American manufacturer of HO scale model railroad trains and accessories.
A profile of International Hobby Corporation, an American manufacturer of HO scale model railroad trains and accessories.
3-Rail Model Railroad Setup
How to lay three rail O scale model railroad track and connect its power supply.
How to lay three rail O scale model railroad track and connect its power supply.
BTTB TT Scale Starter Set
The Berliner TT Bahnen USA. Set, a German TT scale train set from the 1980s, is an unusual collector's piece in America and an interesting introduction to TT scale model railroading.
The Berliner TT Bahnen USA. Set, a German TT scale train set from the 1980s, is an unusual collector's piece in America and an interesting introduction to TT scale model railroading.
Narrowing WS Inclines
How to narrow Woodland Scenics incline foam for N and TT scale grading
How to narrow Woodland Scenics incline foam for N and TT scale grading
LGB
LGB stands for "Lehmann Gross Bahn", German for "Lehmann’s Big Train." LGB was the originator of G scale model railroading, sometimes referred to as garden scale. Manufacturing of LGB trains has been taken over by another German model train manufacturer, Marklin GmbH.
LGB stands for "Lehmann Gross Bahn", German for "Lehmann’s Big Train." LGB was the originator of G scale model railroading, sometimes referred to as garden scale. Manufacturing of LGB trains has been taken over by another German model train manufacturer, Marklin GmbH.
Bachmann
A profile of Bachmann Industries, the world's largest manufacturer of model railroad trains and accessories. The Bachmann company markets model railroad trains in HO, N, O, On30, and large scale.
A profile of Bachmann Industries, the world's largest manufacturer of model railroad trains and accessories. The Bachmann company markets model railroad trains in HO, N, O, On30, and large scale.
Digitrax Zephyr DCC System
The Digitrax Zephyr all-in-one DCC system is perhaps the most powerful DCC starter system for the money.
The Digitrax Zephyr all-in-one DCC system is perhaps the most powerful DCC starter system for the money.
Model Railroad Trains - Profiles
An index of Profiles for the Model Railroad Trains guide site.
An index of Profiles for the Model Railroad Trains guide site.
Narrow Gauges
A guide to model railroading narrow gauges.
A guide to model railroading narrow gauges.
E-Z Track Plans
Bachmann's track planning book for their HO Scale integrated roadbed model railroad E-Z Track System.
Bachmann's track planning book for their HO Scale integrated roadbed model railroad E-Z Track System.
HO Unitrack WGH Plan Set
Kato's HO Unitrack WGH Plan Set is an excellent Unitrack starter set for HO enthusiasts.
Kato's HO Unitrack WGH Plan Set is an excellent Unitrack starter set for HO enthusiasts.
DCC Made Easy
A DCC primer and buyer's guide from Kalmbach Books.
A DCC primer and buyer's guide from Kalmbach Books.
InterMountain Railway Company
A profile of the InterMountain Railway Company, a manufacturer of railroad train models in both N and HO scales.
A profile of the InterMountain Railway Company, a manufacturer of railroad train models in both N and HO scales.
Buying and Selling
How to buy and sell model railroad trains.
How to buy and sell model railroad trains.
Thomas DCC Guide
Links to DCC Decoder installation guides for the Thomas the Tank Engine locomotives.
Links to DCC Decoder installation guides for the Thomas the Tank Engine locomotives.
Kato Connectors
Kato Connectors: How to make extensions and adapters for Kato wiring using mini tamiya and koyosho connectors.
Kato Connectors: How to make extensions and adapters for Kato wiring using mini tamiya and koyosho connectors.
spur
In railroading the definition of the term "spur" is a railroad track on which cars are left for loading, unloading, or storage.
In railroading the definition of the term "spur" is a railroad track on which cars are left for loading, unloading, or storage.
AZL GS Locomotive Trains
AZL's Daylight trains give Z scalers their own Southern Pacific Morning Daylight trains.
AZL's Daylight trains give Z scalers their own Southern Pacific Morning Daylight trains.
Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Climax Locomotive
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Mehano
A profile of the Mehano toy company, a Slovenian manufacturer of toys including model railroad trains. Mehano specializes in European prototype model trains in HO, TT, and N scale. The Mehano Company also offers some North American prototype trains in HO and N scale.
A profile of the Mehano toy company, a Slovenian manufacturer of toys including model railroad trains. Mehano specializes in European prototype model trains in HO, TT, and N scale. The Mehano Company also offers some North American prototype trains in HO and N scale.
Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
Train crossing a trestle on Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
Train crossing a trestle on Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
Model Railroad Trains - QuickTips
An index of QuickTips for the Model Railroad Trains guide site.
An index of QuickTips for the Model Railroad Trains guide site.
Athearn
A profile of Athearn Trains, an American manufacturer of HO and N scale model railroading products. The Athearn Trains company is a division of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
A profile of Athearn Trains, an American manufacturer of HO and N scale model railroading products. The Athearn Trains company is a division of Horizon Hobby, Inc.
Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Hawk View
Overhead photo of Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
Overhead photo of Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
Russell Straw's N Scale Daylight Train
Russell Straw's N Scale Daylight Train
Russell Straw's N Scale Daylight Train
Z Scale train on the layout of modeler Jim O'Connell
Z Scale train on the layout of modeler Jim O'Connell
Z Scale train on the layout of modeler Jim O'Connell
Running Model Railroad Trains
A tutorial on how to operate a model railroad train.
A tutorial on how to operate a model railroad train.
Dave Vollmer's Pennsylvania RR
Photo of a Pennsylvania steamer running on an excellent door-size model train layout.
Photo of a Pennsylvania steamer running on an excellent door-size model train layout.
Micro-Trains Line
A profile of the Micro-Trains Line Company. Often referred to as "MTL", Micro-Trains Line is the only manufacturer in any scale that offers over 80 different styles of prototypically correct model train freight cars.
A profile of the Micro-Trains Line Company. Often referred to as "MTL", Micro-Trains Line is the only manufacturer in any scale that offers over 80 different styles of prototypically correct model train freight cars.
Tillig TT Scale Startset
The Tillig Startset from Germany is an inexpensive way to get your child started with electric trains
The Tillig Startset from Germany is an inexpensive way to get your child started with electric trains
S Scale
S scale is defined as 1:64 or 3/16ths of an inch to one foot. S gauge track is an unusual 0.884 inches. This article is an overview of S scale and S gauge, including the History of S scale and modern S scale manufacturers in both three-rail AC and two-rail DC varieties. S scale is frequently regarded as synonymous with American Flyer trains, which were made by A.C. Gilbert who originated S scale and S gauge.
S scale is defined as 1:64 or 3/16ths of an inch to one foot. S gauge track is an unusual 0.884 inches. This article is an overview of S scale and S gauge, including the History of S scale and modern S scale manufacturers in both three-rail AC and two-rail DC varieties. S scale is frequently regarded as synonymous with American Flyer trains, which were made by A.C. Gilbert who originated S scale and S gauge.
MTH Electric Trains
A profile of the MTH Electric Trains company, a manufacturer of O and HO scale model railroad trains.
A profile of the MTH Electric Trains company, a manufacturer of O and HO scale model railroad trains.
engine (railroad or railway)
Although people frequently use the term "engine" as another word for "locomotive", technically a railroad or railway engine is defined as the component of a locomotive that generates power for the drive wheels.
Although people frequently use the term "engine" as another word for "locomotive", technically a railroad or railway engine is defined as the component of a locomotive that generates power for the drive wheels.
DCC Decoder Connections
A quick reference to the color code for hard-wired DCC decoder installations.
A quick reference to the color code for hard-wired DCC decoder installations.
Atlas
A profile of the Atlas Model Railroad Co., one of the leading manufacturers of model railroad trains and accessories in the United States. The company produces model railroad trains in O, HO, and N scale.
A profile of the Atlas Model Railroad Co., one of the leading manufacturers of model railroad trains and accessories in the United States. The company produces model railroad trains in O, HO, and N scale.
Kato GS-4 Locomotive
Kato's N scale GS-4 locomotive is decorated in Southern Pacific's "daylight" color scheme. It combines with Kato's Morning Daylight car sets to reproduce the famous passenger train which ran from Los Angeles to San Francisco in the 1940s.
Kato's N scale GS-4 locomotive is decorated in Southern Pacific's "daylight" color scheme. It combines with Kato's Morning Daylight car sets to reproduce the famous passenger train which ran from Los Angeles to San Francisco in the 1940s.
Randall Roberts' East Valley Lines Photo
Diesel on trestle of East Valley Lines layout.
Diesel on trestle of East Valley Lines layout.
F9 (EMD)
The fifth model in the F Unit series was the F9. Low production numbers on the F9 are due to the fact that by the time the F9 locomotives were built, railroads were shifting to the new to the road switcher-style of locomotive. As a result, the F9 was a less popular selection than EMD's GP9 engine.
The fifth model in the F Unit series was the F9. Low production numbers on the F9 are due to the fact that by the time the F9 locomotives were built, railroads were shifting to the new to the road switcher-style of locomotive. As a result, the F9 was a less popular selection than EMD's GP9 engine.
UK Scales and Gauges
Millimetre Based Model Railroading Scales and Gauges in the UK
Millimetre Based Model Railroading Scales and Gauges in the UK
American Flyer
American Flyer is an historic brand name in model railroading.
American Flyer is an historic brand name in model railroading.
Smith Hollow - Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
N Scale Con-Cor Zephyr in Winter Evening Scene
N Scale Con-Cor Zephyr in Winter Evening Scene
N Scale Con-Cor Zephyr in Winter Evening Scene
Charlie Allen's HOn3 Colorado Lines 1937
A photo of Charlie Allen's HOn3 Colorado Lines 1937 taken by Randall Roberts at the National Model Train Show in Anaheim, CA during July 2008.
A photo of Charlie Allen's HOn3 Colorado Lines 1937 taken by Randall Roberts at the National Model Train Show in Anaheim, CA during July 2008.
Dr. Joern Pachl's American TT Scale
Dr. Joern Pachl's American TT Scale Layout
Dr. Joern Pachl's American TT Scale Layout
Upshire by L.A. Breakers
Upshire is an O scale model railway layout of a British village with UK prototype trains built and run by the L.A. Breakers model railroad club.
Upshire is an O scale model railway layout of a British village with UK prototype trains built and run by the L.A. Breakers model railroad club.
Garden Railroad in Las Vegas by Mike Young
Garden railroad featuring Denver and Rio Grande Western passenger train (D&RGW) in Las Vegas by Mike Young
Garden railroad featuring Denver and Rio Grande Western passenger train (D&RGW) in Las Vegas by Mike Young
Kato's PRR Broadway Limited and E8 Locomotive
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Philippe Coquet's S Scale Layout
Philippe Coquet's S scale American prototype layout.
Philippe Coquet's S scale American prototype layout.
E7 (EMD)
The E7 locomotive was the fourth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body covered wagon style passenger diesel engine electric locomotives. It is a bulldog nose unit.
The E7 locomotive was the fourth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body covered wagon style passenger diesel engine electric locomotives. It is a bulldog nose unit.
Santa Fe F7 by Kato (pronounced "kah-toe")
Photo of F7 locomotive from Kato USA, Inc.
Photo of F7 locomotive from Kato USA, Inc.
John Bortle's Fall Leaves Layout Photo
Fall leaves on the trees border the tracks as a steam locomotive pulls a train along modeler John Bortle's layout.
Fall leaves on the trees border the tracks as a steam locomotive pulls a train along modeler John Bortle's layout.
John Cater's On30 Porter Locomotive and Train
On30 Porter steam locomotive with scratchbuilt/kitbashed On30 railroad cars by modeler Dr. John Cater.
On30 Porter steam locomotive with scratchbuilt/kitbashed On30 railroad cars by modeler Dr. John Cater.
Jim O'Connell - Two Steamers Z Scale
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Blackening Center Rails
A method for blackening O gauge center rails using Neolube
A method for blackening O gauge center rails using Neolube
Joern Pachl's American TT Scale Layout
An image of Joern Pachl's American TT Scale Layout
An image of Joern Pachl's American TT Scale Layout
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.
Chatsworth 9/12/08
In memory of those who lost their lives.
In memory of those who lost their lives.
Zephyr Upgrade?
The Digitrax Zephyr all-in-one DCC starter system is perhaps the most powerful DCC starter system for the money. But many people think its time has come and gone.
The Digitrax Zephyr all-in-one DCC starter system is perhaps the most powerful DCC starter system for the money. But many people think its time has come and gone.
Kato HO Scale WGH Set
Kato's HO Unitrack WGH Plan Set is an excellent Unitrack starter set for HO enthusiasts.
Kato's HO Unitrack WGH Plan Set is an excellent Unitrack starter set for HO enthusiasts.
From Philippe Coquet's S Scale Layout
Diesel parked by Pizza Parlor from Philippe Coquet's S Scale Layout
Diesel parked by Pizza Parlor from Philippe Coquet's S Scale Layout
Alco PA SP Daylight on East Valley Lines Layout
Kato N scale Alco PA in SP Daylight livery on the layout of the East Vally Lines N scale model railroad club in Los Angeles.
Kato N scale Alco PA in SP Daylight livery on the layout of the East Vally Lines N scale model railroad club in Los Angeles.
conductor (electrical)
Definition of electrical conductor: any substance through which electrical current flows easily.
Definition of electrical conductor: any substance through which electrical current flows easily.
prototype
In model railroading the meaning of the term "prototype" is the real-world thing being modeled. In model railroading the term "prototypical" is applied not only to locomotives and railroad cars but to tracks, signals, buildings, and other structures and landscape items.
In model railroading the meaning of the term "prototype" is the real-world thing being modeled. In model railroading the term "prototypical" is applied not only to locomotives and railroad cars but to tracks, signals, buildings, and other structures and landscape items.
E6 (EMD)
Definition of E6: The E6 locomotive was the seventh in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body locomotives. It is defined as a slant nose style covered wagon type passenger diesel electric engine. Manufacture of the first E6 locomotives were completed before the first stainless steel clad E5.
Definition of E6: The E6 locomotive was the seventh in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body locomotives. It is defined as a slant nose style covered wagon type passenger diesel electric engine. Manufacture of the first E6 locomotives were completed before the first stainless steel clad E5.
steam locomotive
Definition of steam locomotive
Definition of steam locomotive
AZL Morning Daylight
AZL's Morning Daylight sets give Z scalers their own Southern Pacific Morning Daylight trains.
AZL's Morning Daylight sets give Z scalers their own Southern Pacific Morning Daylight trains.
timesaver
A time saver layout is defined as a small railroad yard layout used as a puzzle game. A switching locomotive is placed on the layout with a number of railroad cars. The cars are placed at diverse positions on the layout. The operator uses the locomotive to collect the cars from their different positions on various yard tracks and relocate them to positions designated as their finish points. The goal is to rearrange the cars in the least "moves" and/or the shortest amount of time.
A time saver layout is defined as a small railroad yard layout used as a puzzle game. A switching locomotive is placed on the layout with a number of railroad cars. The cars are placed at diverse positions on the layout. The operator uses the locomotive to collect the cars from their different positions on various yard tracks and relocate them to positions designated as their finish points. The goal is to rearrange the cars in the least "moves" and/or the shortest amount of time.
Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Trestle
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Hornby
UK model railroad manufacturer. World's largest manufacturer of OO gauge products.
UK model railroad manufacturer. World's largest manufacturer of OO gauge products.
Covered Wagons... Diesel Style
The definition of Covered Wagon Locomotive is a diesel electric engines with an enclosed carbody design. It is so defined as to differentiate from the hood type diesel electric locomotives which became more popular in later decades. The term covered wagon is most frequently applied to EMD E and F unit locomotives, but may also be applied to ALCO PA as well as Baldwin Centipede, BabyFAce, and Sharknose engines.
The definition of Covered Wagon Locomotive is a diesel electric engines with an enclosed carbody design. It is so defined as to differentiate from the hood type diesel electric locomotives which became more popular in later decades. The term covered wagon is most frequently applied to EMD E and F unit locomotives, but may also be applied to ALCO PA as well as Baldwin Centipede, BabyFAce, and Sharknose engines.
Texas State Fair Photo by Dr. Vincent Iannelli
The Big Tex Garden Railway by Paul Busse at the 2008 State Fair of Texas. Photo by Dr. Vincent Iannelli, MD.
The Big Tex Garden Railway by Paul Busse at the 2008 State Fair of Texas. Photo by Dr. Vincent Iannelli, MD.
Comin' Round the Bend - Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Layout
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Runing 3-Rail Model Trains
A tutorial on how to operate a three-rail model railroad train.
A tutorial on how to operate a three-rail model railroad train.
Kato GS-4
Kato's N scale GS-4 locomotive is decorated in Southern Pacific's "daylight" color scheme. It combines with Kato's Morning Daylight car sets to reproduce the famous passenger train which ran from Los Angeles to San Francisco in the 1940s.
Kato's N scale GS-4 locomotive is decorated in Southern Pacific's "daylight" color scheme. It combines with Kato's Morning Daylight car sets to reproduce the famous passenger train which ran from Los Angeles to San Francisco in the 1940s.
Jim O'Connell's Z Scale Crossing
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
truck
The meaning of the term "truck" in railroading is a railroad car wheel assembly usually having two or more axels. Railroad cars normally have two trucks, one at each end. Trucks rotate freely beneath locomotives and railroad cars in order to allow them to navigate turns.
The meaning of the term "truck" in railroading is a railroad car wheel assembly usually having two or more axels. Railroad cars normally have two trucks, one at each end. Trucks rotate freely beneath locomotives and railroad cars in order to allow them to navigate turns.
NIB
The meaning of the acronym NIB is "New In Box"
The meaning of the acronym NIB is "New In Box"
Children's Trains
Things to know about toy trains for children.
Things to know about toy trains for children.
E8 (EMD)
The E8 locomotive was the fourth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body covered wagon style passenger diesel engine electric locomotives. It is a bulldog nose unit.
The E8 locomotive was the fourth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body covered wagon style passenger diesel engine electric locomotives. It is a bulldog nose unit.
Jim O'Connell Z Scale Canyon Photo
Steam locomotive pulling a train through the canyon on Jim O'Connell's Z scale layout.
Steam locomotive pulling a train through the canyon on Jim O'Connell's Z scale layout.
Kato Morning Daylight
Kato's Morning Daylight passenger cars, with their GS-4 locomotives, give modelers a replica of the famous Southern Pacific Morning Daylight trains of the 1940s.
Kato's Morning Daylight passenger cars, with their GS-4 locomotives, give modelers a replica of the famous Southern Pacific Morning Daylight trains of the 1940s.
Submit Photos of Model Trains
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
E3 (EMD)
Definition of E3: The E3 locomotive was the fourth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body locomotives. It is defined as a slant nose style covered wagon type passenger diesel electric engine.
Definition of E3: The E3 locomotive was the fourth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body locomotives. It is defined as a slant nose style covered wagon type passenger diesel electric engine.
Model Train Addiction
A list of ways to identify Model Train Addiction
A list of ways to identify Model Train Addiction
easement
An easement is a curve on a railroad track whose radius becomes progressively smaller as the train enters the curve and larger as the train leaves, in other words a parabolic curve.
An easement is a curve on a railroad track whose radius becomes progressively smaller as the train enters the curve and larger as the train leaves, in other words a parabolic curve.
Feather River Canyon Z Scale #3
The Feather River Canyon Z scale layout was built by Bruce Goehman. I understand that it was commissioned by Model Railroader Magazine and appeared in their August 1986 issue. It is now in the collection of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA.
The Feather River Canyon Z scale layout was built by Bruce Goehman. I understand that it was commissioned by Model Railroader Magazine and appeared in their August 1986 issue. It is now in the collection of the Western Pacific Railroad Museum in Portola, CA.
Track Components
Model railroad track components, their names and uses.
Model railroad track components, their names and uses.
Katy
In railroading the definition of Katy is: The nickname of the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad (MKT).
In railroading the definition of Katy is: The nickname of the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad (MKT).
LHS
The meaning of the acronym LHS is "Local Hobby Store"
The meaning of the acronym LHS is "Local Hobby Store"
F3
The F3 locomotive was EMD's successor to the F2, making it the second in the F Unit series of enclosed body covered wagon style freight diesel engine electric locomotives.
The F3 locomotive was EMD's successor to the F2, making it the second in the F Unit series of enclosed body covered wagon style freight diesel engine electric locomotives.
Model Railroad Trains - FullReviews
An index of FullReviews for the Model Railroad Trains guide site.
An index of FullReviews for the Model Railroad Trains guide site.
Jim O'Connell's Turn Table at Gnawbone Villiage
Z Scale turntable on the layout of modeler Jim O'Connell
Z Scale turntable on the layout of modeler Jim O'Connell
observation platform
Definition of observation platform: an open platform on the back of observation cars on older passenger trains.
Definition of observation platform: an open platform on the back of observation cars on older passenger trains.
Kato USA, Inc.
A profile of Kato USA, Inc. the American subsidiary of the Japanese model railroading company, Kato Co., Ltd.
A profile of Kato USA, Inc. the American subsidiary of the Japanese model railroading company, Kato Co., Ltd.
siding
Definition of siding: a track used by one train to pass or "meet" another.
Definition of siding: a track used by one train to pass or "meet" another.
PA-1 (ALCO)
The ALCO PA-1 is is a diesel electric locomotive built in partnership with General Electric. The diesel engines used in early ALCO PA Units lacked the reliability of the engines EMD used in their E Units, giving the PA a bad reputation from which it never recovered.
The ALCO PA-1 is is a diesel electric locomotive built in partnership with General Electric. The diesel engines used in early ALCO PA Units lacked the reliability of the engines EMD used in their E Units, giving the PA a bad reputation from which it never recovered.
Charlie Allen's HOn3 Colorado Lines 1937 #1
A gallery of layout and module photos from the 2008 National Train Show, The Anaheim Special. Images include Upshire by L.A. Buffers, Colorado Lines 1937 by Charlie Allen, Windmills by Glenn Karcher, Alameda Street Industry in the 1960s by Brad Myers, modulres by the Group 160 N-Trak club, Feather Canyon River by Bruce Goehman, and an unusual five sided module by Jim O'Connell.
A gallery of layout and module photos from the 2008 National Train Show, The Anaheim Special. Images include Upshire by L.A. Buffers, Colorado Lines 1937 by Charlie Allen, Windmills by Glenn Karcher, Alameda Street Industry in the 1960s by Brad Myers, modulres by the Group 160 N-Trak club, Feather Canyon River by Bruce Goehman, and an unusual five sided module by Jim O'Connell.
Manufacturer: Atlas
Atlas Model Railroad Co. is one of the leading manufacturers of model railroad trains and accessories in the United States.
Atlas Model Railroad Co. is one of the leading manufacturers of model railroad trains and accessories in the United States.
Kato Morning Daylight on East Valley Lines Layout.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
A gallery of images featured in the About.com Model Railroad Trains blog Wordless Wednesday posts.
Randall's Toy Box
Kato Unitrack odds and ends with a couple of nice locomotives tossed in.
Kato Unitrack odds and ends with a couple of nice locomotives tossed in.
draft gear
Definition of draft gear: the device used to connect a railroad locomotive or car's coupler to its frame, sometimes called a "coupler mounting box".
Definition of draft gear: the device used to connect a railroad locomotive or car's coupler to its frame, sometimes called a "coupler mounting box".
E4 (EMD)
Definition of E4: The E4 locomotive was the fifth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body locomotives. It is defined as a slant nose style covered wagon type passenger diesel electric engine.
Definition of E4: The E4 locomotive was the fifth in EMD's E Unit series of enclosed body locomotives. It is defined as a slant nose style covered wagon type passenger diesel electric engine.
F7
The F7 succeeded the F3 as the fourth EMD's F-unit series. For many years it remained the best selling diesel-electric locomotive of all time, ultimately succeeded by the EMD SD40-2 diesel engine.
The F7 succeeded the F3 as the fourth EMD's F-unit series. For many years it remained the best selling diesel-electric locomotive of all time, ultimately succeeded by the EMD SD40-2 diesel engine.
Hundman Publishing
Major publisher of model railroading related periodicals and books.
Major publisher of model railroading related periodicals and books.