Powered by Max Banner Ads 

The first model train systems worked on wind-up clock parts, followed shortly thereafter by miniature steam engines. The materials of the locomotives and cars were typically cheap tinplate or lightweight woods that didnt hold up well.

The thought of controlling the system remotely was a pipe dream at that time ” and even single switches and connectors if added at all were manually controlled just like the real things. Times as they say have changed ” and how!

Modern electric systems can actually digital control multiple locomotives independently on the same track ” in some cases while simultaneously controlling an older analog system as well. Electrically operating street lights, motorized apparatus and even sounds and smoke replicas are common place now. But just how did this revolution get started?

When the first steam-powered engines were developed and up until the mid 1920s something of a boom was occurring in the model train industry and gimmicks and the creation of accessories and marketing were bringing public awareness and interest to a new level.

Specialty items like the Toonerville Trolley, a wind-up locomotive toy made in Germany that had innovative aspects such as real-life interactions of a character driving the trolley began to spur interest in the creation of what is now common automation elements incorporated in dioramas.

Lionel was one of the early innovators, introducing a new knuckle coupler system and increasingly realistic models. In 1946 Lionel introduced smoke which was so popular that within a few years all models had it! Other postwar additions were figures that operated elements such as doors, loading or unloading baggage etc. all designed to up the realism of the systems.

Perhaps the most stunning change in railroad modeling history was the introduction of the digital controller in the mid 1900s. With the Digital Command Control (DCC) systems such as the models introduced by Digitrax every locomotive is outfitted with a decoder which intercepts and responds to commands addressed to that specific item. This allows voltage to be placed on the track and used as needed via the controller, as specified by a digital signal that is also sent across the same track.

Since each locomotive only responds to the commands sent directly to it modelers were then able to control a series of trains running on the same track just as their real-life counterparts would do. Speed, directionality all is individually controllable ” of course just like those real world counterparts collisions are now a possible concern. But Im sure if technology continues to advance remote controlled emergency recovery vehicles will be able to attend the scene in record time.

Model railroading has a new trend that involves using sturdy supplies and equipment that will withstand the outside elements. These outside layouts are called “garden railroads” as they are often worked into a garden setting with the garden becoming part of the scenery.

The basic structure and design of the railroad is very similar to what you would use indoors, but there are some differences worth noting.

First of all, they must be rigorous enough to endure the weather and withstand long term use. If you are lucky enough to have a favorable climate, your railroad could run for most of the year. In harsher climates, you may only be able to run it for a few months, storing it the rest of the time.

Along those lines, you also need to be sure that the equipment and railroad is built in a way that is easy to maintain. Integrating it into your garden can be a lot of work, but having to take it back out to repair it can be even more.

Garden railroads originate from Europe where they started with G-scale models but they are popular all over the world. Because of this, G-scale trains and accessories are much easier to find than they were in the past.

The Garden Railway Convention is held every year in Denver. More garden railway events can be found on www.gardentrains.org or at www.trains.com in the event section.

Garden railroads are a great option for you to enjoy in your own back yard but they can also be somewhere a little more public for others to enjoy as well.

Just be prepared for the crowds of onlookers if you set it up somewhere that anyone can see!

Enjoying model railroading and prototyping is a hobby you can do alone-but the enjoyment of watching others reactions or being able to ask questions on specifications or historical references with friends may cause them to find other enthusiasts.

There are hundreds of clubs in the USA alone that have surfaced for model railroading, one of the largest being the NMRA, the National Model Railroad Association, a non-profit , educational association that promotes model railroading and impacts standards within the industry.

The NMRA has members across the world with over 150 divisions or groups of members spread out in 18 regions. Their yearly convention and the National Train Show continue to build excitement for model train enthusiasts to enjoy. The NMRA has been there for its members for over 70 years and will continue for many more.

Founded in 1935 the NMRA helped to set many of the standards that exist today and still maintains a list of Standards and Recommended Practices available to manufacturers and hobbyists. The NMRA also helps maintain the Kalmbach Memorial Library which is one of the larger railroad reference centers in the world. Holding more then 100,000 prototype photos, more than 50,000 modeling, prototype and historical society magazines and more then 5,000 books the Kalmbach Library is a great resource for hobbyists of prototype railroading.

Available resources for members by the NMRA include:

- Access to the Kalmbach Memorial Library, perhaps the best resource available on railroads and model railroads

- Fellowship with other modelers and a monthly magazine

- Access to Regional and National conventions

If you’re familiar with any hobbies, you likely know that many hobbies have associated clubs at which you can meet people interested in the same thing. This is also the case with model railroading. Around the world, there are hundreds of clubs where train hobbyists can learn from each other and share.

Some of these clubs even specialize in specific things. Some specialize on prototyping real life railroads, others focus on certain scales, etc. All clubs have one thing in common- their love for model trains and their desire to learn more about it.

Whether you’re just starting out with model railroading or you’ve been around the hobby for many years, you’ll learn a lot by joining a club. And if you’ve got some experience under your belt, they would likely learn a lot from you as well.

There are many sources online for model railraods, and many popular railroading clubs, some of which include:

www.tfs.net/~jashaw/rrclubs/clubs.html rcsource.hobbypeople.net/link/train001.htm www.archaeolink.com/model_railroads.htm

Whatever your needs are, you’ll be sure to find a club that suits your needs. There are clubs for collecting hard-to-find equipment, setting up trains with your kids, or prototyping real railway lines.

Many clubs set up displays at county fairs and other exhibitions, so if you’re interested in learning more, check with your local club to see if they’re going to be doing a demonstration soon.

By attending an event, you can talk to some of the members in person, and will likely be impressed by what you see at the demonstation!

One of the more fun aspects of model railroading is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through ” for some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create on any scene you desire.

From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or realistic recreations there is nothing that you cannot create and display, all it takes is a plan, some materials, a little skill and some time.

First and foremost you need a plan or at least a concept.

- Do you want to duplicate an existing landscape? - Do you want a faithful historical recreation of a place now lost in time? - Are you more inclined to creating a never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow the masses?

Making a choice on one theme for your layout and staying true to that theme is perhaps the most important keys to success. If you change your methods and style in the middle of your landscape the result will be inconsistencies that will detract from the overall impression you are trying to form.

Ideally those you invite to view your work will see a delightful scene and the harder they look the more detail enforcing that scene they will find. Nothing is more enjoyable then hearing those delighted squeals as a viewer notices ever more subtle details as they come closer and closer and the key to that is consistency.

Once you have a plan for the theme you need to decide on track placement and terrain. Many modelers create the terrain and then try to force the track to follow through that, just as occurs in real life ” but one of the advantages of modeling vs. real life is that you can consider all aspects and requirements up front. If you know you will have a bend or a switch at certain points why design rough terrain that you will then try to overcome with ‘grading’ in your models at those points?

Next you should collect your materials ” some items you can find around the house, others you may wish to purchase from dealers such as www.oakridgehobbies.com and www.jttmicroscale.com or your local hobby shop but always stay true to your plan. Just because you find an amazing little miniature you long to use doesn’t mean it belongs in this model! Common materials you will need include:

1. Tables or Stands 2. Plywood (preferably outdoor grade) for base if using stands 3. Glues 4. Twigs, ‘dirt’ gravel, crushed or powdered stones, herbs etc. for plants and groundcover 5. Paints of various kinds for touch-up, covering the base and backgrounds etc. 6. Poster board, wax paper, aluminum foil, tissues etc. for texturing and shaping 7. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping

Optional items you may wish to use include:

8. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass 9. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne pepper ” for texturing and colorants 10. Corkboard and cork ‘paper’ 11. Roof repair tar (for road surfaces etc.) 12. Paintable caulks and adhesives for securing items in place

Model railroading enthusiasts enjoy only one thing more then showing off their pride and joy: seeing other prototypes and displays that they can then go back home to compete with! Fortunately since showing off is inherent to all of us getting a chance to see some truly spectacular displays is not that hard, and in many cases involves only a short journey as there are literally hundreds of museums across the country that displays tens of thousands of locomotives, cars and scenes between them.

Most museums do charge a fee for admittance, but it normally is quite small (averaging $6) and proceeds typically go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the models and facilities. A few sites are run by private organizations while others are run by a state or municipality but they all have one thing in common: people who love trains and railroad modeling are involved! There is hardly a state in the United States that doesn’t have at least one major museum or showcase for the Model Railroader and all are worth visiting, but some are worth making a trip to see even if you are only marginally interested. A partial list of some of the more famous destinations that are sure to thrill both enthusiast and family alike follow:

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Partially available ‘online’ the museum is a tax exempt non-profit educational entity that was incorporated in 1980 in affiliation with the San Diego Model Railroad Club; the La Mesa Model Railroad Club; and the San Diego Society of N-Scale. Over 27,000 sq. ft. of display space makes this the largest indoor display in the world with two of the largest layouts in HO and N scale in the world as well.

The Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul Minneapolis features model panoramas of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s and has been operating since 1984.

South Florida Railway Museum This museum is designed primarily to educate the public about the history of railroads in southern Florida but includes several very nice layouts, including a large N scale and a Hon3 model.

Smokey Mountain Trains Located in Bryson City North Carolina this wonderful site houses many of the layouts once available from the Harmar Station museum in Marietta, OH and is a great vacation destination for the model train enthusiast.

The Museum of Science and Industry located in Chicago Illinois also has a wonderful Model Train exhibit called The Great Train Story which boasts as having a 3,500 sq. foot layout that shows the winding journey from Chicago to Seattle through the Midwest, the Rockies, and the Cascades.

The Clovis Depot Located in Clovis New Mexico in an old train station depot which has been rebuilt to its original condition this site was registered with the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

So crank up that old locomotive and head out to one of these or any of the other hundreds of exciting museums dedicated to this wonderful hobby of ours. Full steam ahead ” the past is waiting!

Unlike George Costanza, not everyone wants to be an architect. But when it comes to model railroading, it seems like everyone gets into the act eventually. When you start building your layout, it’s sometimes impossible to find the perfect train station, bridge or building to make your plans come to life.

So what does it take to make your own buildings? And do you need to have some serious carpentry skills or can the average hobbyist manage?

In reality, building your own detailed replica buildings can take some advanced woodworking skills, and the tools to go along with them. But an often easier alternative is the “kitbashing” method - taking an existing model and using it as the foundation for your own creation, modifying it to suit your own taste.

In many cases doing this will allow an enthusiast to utilize simple tools such as X-acto knives and scissors along with a little imagination to achieve spectacular results.

There are a number of materials that can be helpful when making your buildings. Balsa wood, mat board, cardboard, foam and lightweight plastics are all good choices.

Plaster and corkboard, spray adhesives, gold or silver foil and glitter can also come in handy. You can find most of these materials at your local hobby shop, and they are not particularly expensive.

Where To Turn For More Ideas

Tips and articles on working with these materials have been printed in many magazines that you may want to see if you can find either in a 2nd hand bookstore or by demand at your local library.

You’ve finally decided that you want to build your own model railway and the train table that it will need to sit on. Often the first choice for a layout will be a table top or a sheet of plywood. Although this may seem the easiest way, it definitely has its restrictions.

The biggest concern is that everything has to be on top and nothing can be below ground level. This is when most modelers see the benefits of building a table tailor made just for any scenery or landscape they might choose.

You need to start by planning the size, weight and design of your layout. If one section has more scenery, it will need more support. An L-girder support system is the choice for model layouts. It can give you all the strength needed as well as being very adaptable.

L-girder bench work is very strong, and still about as inexpensive as you can get. It’s a very functional structure, and is easily put together. It is a platform consisting of girders, cross braces and joists, all working together to do the job. Most of the time the joists are about 18 inches apart, but they do not need to be equally spaced.

Be careful in choosing the lumber for the table top as well as for the support system. You will need a flat piece for your roadbed to avoid any problems but take care in choosing the support pieces as well. Cheaper grades of lumber may eventually warp and that could spell disaster for your project.

If your layout is larger that 4 x 8 you should still keep the pieces to that size to make them easier to transport in case you want to move your layout. Use wood screws from underneath to assemble the bench work cross members as well as the support risers.

This way, you don’t have to ruin scenery when looking for some random screw lost in the trees! Make doubly careful not to split the wood in your supports by either using too large of screws or by poor placement of same.

Choose any spots carefully that you want to cut for scenery or access. Opinions vary as to whether you should saw holes in the table top before or after the track is placed.

Personally, I think it’s better to do so before the track is added so that the vibration from sawing doesn’t loosen the track or ballast and ruin the smooth run of your operation. This is just my opinion though.

Tabletop layouts tend to be from 48 to 55 inches high. This is adjustable and if you’ve bolted it together instead of using nails or screws, you can change it with just a wrench. It’s best if you can see the tops of highest hills and grades without needing a step stool.

Take the time needed in planning your special train table. It will be well worth it.

by Bill Murphy

Model railroading enthusiasts enjoy only one thing more then showing off their pride and joy: seeing other prototypes and displays that they can then go back home to compete with! Fortunately since showing off is inherent to all of us getting a chance to see some truly spectacular displays is not that hard, and in many cases involves only a short journey as there are literally hundreds of museums across the country that displays tens of thousands of locomotives, cars and scenes between them.

Most museums do charge a fee for admittance, but it normally is quite small (averaging $6) and proceeds typically go towards the maintenance and upkeep of the models and facilities. A few sites are run by private organizations while others are run by a state or municipality but they all have one thing in common: people who love trains and railroad modeling are involved! There is hardly a state in the United States that doesn’t have at least one major museum or showcase for the Model Railroader and all are worth visiting, but some are worth making a trip to see even if you are only marginally interested. A partial list of some of the more famous destinations that are sure to thrill both enthusiast and family alike follow:

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Partially available ‘online’ the museum is a tax exempt non-profit educational entity that was incorporated in 1980 in affiliation with the San Diego Model Railroad Club; the La Mesa Model Railroad Club; and the San Diego Society of N-Scale. Over 27,000 sq. ft. of display space makes this the largest indoor display in the world with two of the largest layouts in HO and N scale in the world as well.

The Twin City Model Railroad Museum in St. Paul Minneapolis features model panoramas of the 1930’s, 40’s and 50’s and has been operating since 1984.

South Florida Railway Museum This museum is designed primarily to educate the public about the history of railroads in southern Florida but includes several very nice layouts, including a large N scale and a Hon3 model.

Smokey Mountain Trains Located in Bryson City North Carolina this wonderful site houses many of the layouts once available from the Harmar Station museum in Marietta, OH and is a great vacation destination for the model train enthusiast.

The Museum of Science and Industry located in Chicago Illinois also has a wonderful Model Train exhibit called The Great Train Story which boasts as having a 3,500 sq. foot layout that shows the winding journey from Chicago to Seattle through the Midwest, the Rockies, and the Cascades.

The Clovis Depot Located in Clovis New Mexico in an old train station depot which has been rebuilt to its original condition this site was registered with the National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

So crank up that old locomotive and head out to one of these or any of the other hundreds of exciting museums dedicated to this wonderful hobby of ours. Full steam ahead ” the past is waiting!
About the Author:
Looking for ideas for building a train table? You’ll find plenty of helpful tips at The Model Railroader. Visit http://www.themodelrailroader.com to get a free copy of my report “Model Train Design Secrets”

Luckily the world of rc plane hobby-that is, remote control plane hobbying-gives us a whole world of selection. It’s no wonder that the hobby has grown since the 1930s and 1940s without ever waning. Nope, today the once mild collectors have grown from groups and clubs to competitions and tournaments. The reason is simple: Unlike any other hobby out there, you get all kinds of choices-from blimps to war planes, racers and aerobatic planes, the list goes on and on. Here we’ll give you plenty of information on types but also provide you with some basic aircraft styles.

As was the case just a few years ago, model planes came as kits-a package of parts, scraps, bits and pieces-with instructions. If you’ve got more time on your hands, then this type of plane is ideal for model and RC plane hobbyists. Today, however, pre-built models make great trainer planes because they are easy to assemble, do not take nearly as much time, and can take you to the ultimate goal of RCing-Flying!

The gasoline engine, on the other hand, can use a two-stroke engine and crankshaft for more power. You can mount either a bushing engine or a ball-bearing engine. The ball-bearing engine not only gives you a little more power, but it also extends the life of the engine. If, God forbid, you should crash your RC plane, this engine could be salvaged and mounted into another plane body. Though this engine costs about two to three times as much as the bushing equipped style, you’ll save money in the long run if you’d like to keep a good engine for a long time.

Look into purchasing a flight simulator CD for your computer. These can give you an idea of what it is like-and how much talent it actually takes-to fly an RC plane. A plethora of books and videos on the subject of RC plane hobby exist in nearly every bookstore. Moreover, get on the net and explore websites and video (no lack on YouTube) for RC plane flying and how-to videos.

If engines have got your utterly perplexed, then you can do without them. Yes, you can choose to fly your RC plane without the engine at all. These types of planes are called gliders or sailplanes. Though some come with some method of propulsion to get them airborne, most are flown using the natural lifts and thermals of nature, quite similar to a bird maintaining flight without flapping its wings. The plane, however, cannot maintain flight forever and generally neither fly as high nor as long as combustion engines.

If the idea of flying a RC plane as a hobby has got you burning, there is one more engine that literally burns a hole in your pocket. If you’ve got the money to spare, you can invest in a jet-propelled engine. The engines alone for these can cost thousands of dollars while the plane itself can range from $3000 to over $5000 dollars.

These model planes are often reinforced carbon or fiberglass that provide lightweight with rigidity. Using micro turbines that use thrust and fans to lift up into the air, these RC planes actually use jet fuel to fly. These RC planes are flown by experts who earn a license and fly their RC planes at an AMA (Aeronautical Modelers Association) regulated site. Once you’ve mastered the art of flying two- and four-stroke engines, you can later move on to some serious high-flying machines such as these.

Once you figure out what kind of flying you’ll be doing, you can then decide on what type of plane to buy. With a variety of wing placements, too, you can go fast, do tricks and glide seemingly forever on one tank of gas. Understanding and deciding these basics will get you started without over-spending on equipment you won’t use later.