Model Railroad Knowledge Base
How do I build an electric box for my model railroad? I am building a model railroad, and noticed the track plan does not include terminal sections. I am adding them so that I can divide my layout into blocks. I had an idea that I could build those electric boxes often found next the the rails to cover the terminal area. I did not find anything on this on the internet. If you know a website, or have had this idea and built them yourself could you post the webpage or your building instructions. It needs to be in HO Scale.
What are the different gauges of model railroad? What are the different gauges of model railroad? Old and new
How do I light up model power buildings for my model railroad? I have a yellow and white wire coming out of the building. The directions didn't say. I couldn't find it on the internet. Can you give me some answers and links. This is the most appropriate section i could find sorry.
How do I identiify the maker of a HO model Railroad locomotive (steam) if there is no marking? I have 6 locomotives, 2 of which appear very old (1950s / 60s or before?) How can I identify these? Any websites??
Best model railroad for beginners? I'd like to start a model RR project with my 12 year old daughter this winter, we have a large basement with plenty of space. I can do the railroad on a hobby table or we could set it up on the floor (?).... I didn't know what gauge to get? I used to like the older Lionel trains (O-gauge) but I'm wondering if HO is better if you are on a budget and a beginner at model train sets?
Does the Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society operate a website? The Keystone Model Railroad Historical Society is located in Enola, PA.
Is there an S-scale model railroad club in northern Illinois? I live in the western suburbs of Chicago and am considering going into S-scale (American Flyer scale) model railroading. However, it would be nice if I didn't have to start by diving in and building a layout in my garage--if I could join a club and run trains on their layout, or just have people to talk to and troubleshoot and things. Thanks!
Are there any good model railroad books for the ho scale? i found some books but im looking for some better ones than what i have.
is there a web site for out door model railroad building,or garden rails? landscape inhansments
Need some help with my model railroad here.? I want to find a good, inexpensive, yet still reliable, model railroad design. I have 2 sheets of 4x8 plywood, I believe, I haven't measured the other piece of plywood yet. I also have like, at least a hundred or more pieces of track to work with. It NEEDS to be DC. There's also 2 pieces of foam I have. I want to use both sheets of plywood. I will take any design that'll fit into a medium-sized room. I also have 6 engines, 15 or so freight cars, 5 passenger cars, and some assorted scenery along with buildings. Thanks to those who may be reading this, and possibly, answering because this is THE longest question I have asked. Just measured the other sheet of plywood. it's like, 10x14, I belive. I'm hoping to make a little yard for my layout, been experimenting with different combos, VERY hard to find the right one. Thanks for reading my queestion again. Another thing, I'm modeling in HO scale.
In what size scale of model railroad stuff would people be about 1/2" to 3/4" tall?? I want to find people, animals etc. for my Christmas village. I don't know what scale it is, but the doors of my buildings are about 1" I add a couple houses every year & it's quite a big set now. My husband & I love putting it up each year!!! Expanding the village has become our Christmas hobby. I've been hunting for years for tiny accessories for it though. All the Christmas village accessory stuff sold with the actual Christmas village pieces in stores is too big for this scale. (People, park benches etc. are usually about 2") I'm thinking model railroad accessories may be the way to go, but I don't know anything about model railroad scales. (Plus I'm having trouble finding model railroad stuff in stores and may have to turn to ebay so I want to make sure I'd be getting the right size pieces.) Some year when we're in a bigger house I might actually even consider adding a train!!! Any help would be appreciated! Thanks and Merry Christmas!
What is a movie that has a reference to model railroads? It doesnt have to be all about model railroads, just have a reference.
Weathering HO model railroad ? How do you weather tracks and or cars.Would like links?
How Tall is Hogwarts? I am building a model railroad and wanted to add a certain school!? The models I will use will be 1:160 (i.e. one foot would be modeled at 0.075 inches). The Hogwarts Express train I will be using will be in 1:148 scale (i.e. it takes .0812 inches to model 1 foot of structure). Noble says their Hogwarts model "Measures approximately 13 inches in height," but it looks like most of that is comprised of cliffs, & their Hogwarts is about 7 inches. That would make the Astronomy peak come close to looking 93 feet high next to other American N (1:160) scale structures-- and about 86 feet tall compared to the British N-gauge (1:148) train. A) Does anyone own the Noble Collection Hogwarts, and if so, how tall is just the Hogwarts portion of it? How accurate is this sculpt based on what we see in the movie and what is in the books? This sculpture has no way of internal lighting, correct? B) Does J.K. Rowling ever list the height of Hogwarts in any of the books? How tall is the Astronomy Tower? Does she mention the height of any particular landmarks?
Does anyone know where I can find free layouts for model railroads.? I am putting together a railroad layout and I am looking for layout ideas, that I can kind of pattern my layout after. My benchwork is about 4' deep and about 16' long, and I have it in the shape of an L. Any ideas I would appreciate. I didn't mention, it is an HO scale layout
Model Railroad planning help.? Hello, I am currently planning to build a n scale layout that is about 3x3 ft with possible extensions. Iam using particle board, but I am not so shure now if its a good idea to do so because it was in the rain for about a day, however its all dry now. Would it be better to use plywood instead? Or just go with the particle board?
PNR model railroad..? Since there isn't much anyone can do to preserve the state ofthe RR here, I 'll just build one in scale models... I have pictures, I have the skills to (scratch)build the loco's and rolling stock, but hey, I dont have 24 hours a day to build everything,..after all, its a hobby..^^ Now since the store in shangrila (?) closed, I have resorted to converting children's toy trains to resemble PNR types like the GE widebodies and pug-nosed 2500 types.. however there are particulars with this kind of conversion - you cant put DCC decoders and run it on 12mm metal tracks.. the toys have plastic wheels and axles (but decently detailed out of the box) So here is what I ask, your help, dear reader... help with the whole B/O scale model problem...(sigh) Thanks Philippine National Railways ... well, track gauge here is a narrow 3 feet 6 inches, so according to one of my friends one should get a HO scale GE U10 and narrow down the gauge to 12 mm... a more realistic picture, so to say...
Which gauge would be best for starting up a layout for model railroading? Space is not an issue. I'm hoping for one with the greatest variety of trains, cars, and accesories. And can tracks and trains(motors) from different manufactures be used together?
Are there any women involved in Model Railroading? My buddy has been telling me that this is a "really cool" hobby to get into. I asked him if any women are involved or if it's just a bunch of dudes playing with trains? I don't think my lady would be too happy with me getting involved in this hobby if it is just a male thing. Are there any tips you have for getting the women involved??? (note: It doesn't help that she finds my "railroading" buddy weird and nerdy) Thanks in advance
Model Railroad Roundhouse/turntable Q? This is probably a really stupid but im reseting up my ho scale trains and want to add a roundhuse and turtable so i dont have to keep taking them of the track to switch engines. My questions is that are the tracks on the turntabel and in the roundhouse electrified and if they are how? Or are they only if u have track on both sides? like how would this elctrify? ------- ( / ) <======== with the dashes the siding the backslash the turntable and the equal sign the roundhouse. Hope this wasn't to confusing thanks! =) I was going to use the Atlas manual turntable. I currently have the Power-Loc track but the connections are weak and there isnt very many expansions for it so im am probably going to switch to the Atlas 100 track through discounttrainsonline.com
HO Model Railroad question, Is there a curved bridge section for sale? I have an elevated 18 inch radius curved track. I want two or three curved bridge sections. But all I can find for sale in shops are STRAIGHT bridge sections. They are inexpensive, but I really need a CURVED bridge section. Thanks. I found it myself ($57.00) by doing an internet search using: HO model railroad curved bridge. http://valleymodeltrains.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=8699 IT LOOKS TO ME LIKE THERE IS NO BEST ANSWER> NOT ONE OF YOU FOUND A CURVED BRIDGE FOR SALE, and I could.
What scale model railroad cars do I have? Is this N scale? I've seen answers to questions above that give info like below, but I have no way of comparing. The box car I have is just under 5 7/8" long and the"box" part itself is just over 1 1/4" (not including wheels). I found the track measurements confusing, as I have no tracks. If I measure INSIDE the wheels, it's1/2", If I measure the outer side, it's 3.4". Is this an N scale?? ********************************************** Z Scale - Trains built to a ratio of 1:220. A 75-foot long locomotive measures 4 inches long. The rails of the track are 6.5 mm apart. N Scale - Trains built to a ratio of 1:160. A 75-foot long locomotive is 5 ½ inches long. The rails of the track are spaced 9 mm apart. HO Scale - Trains built to a ratio of 1:87. A 75-foot long locomotive is 10 ½ inches long. The rails of the track are 7/8 inches apart.
Flex track or Easy snap track for model trains? I just got started in Model Railroading, and have instantly become fond to it. But I don't know what I should get? Flex track or the Easy snap track? So far Im thinking Flex track...
idea for model of transcontinental railroad? need 1 for history fair project
Making Roads For Model Railroads? What do you think is the best way to make roads for a model railroad in ho scale.
are model railroads boring to you? i have a n scale layout but everytime i try and add scenery, i get bored and stop. its a 3x8 layout and my track are minimum radius which wont really allow 12 wheel diesel which is now a days a must on a railroad. i really dont want to keep wasting money on it only to tear it back up when i get bored with it. what should i do or what did you do?
Need info on converting "O" Gauge model R.R. rolling stock to HOn3 Scale? What is required to convert from "O" scale to HOn3 scale for my model railroad rolling stock? I know the trucks will be required but are other items ; couplers, electric pick-ups for lighting, etc. also required? Please help as I am trying to convert my collection for a Christmas village display that is presently HO Gauge and prefer not to change trackage. Also need info on where to obtain these items.
Model railroading (terrain models): what to use as the base / floor? Looking into building a "Terrain Model" just like the ones used for Model Railroading (except I will be using it for Toy Soldier collection). I can pretty much figure out how to make a frame, also "decorating" or coloring etc... what I'm looking to know is what to use for the exterior base of mountains etc... Do you use Styrophom and carve it out? Plaster and shape it? Paper machett formed around frame? or something else? I want something inexpensive I can use a lot of. Thanks for your help.
One more question about model railroading? How many ladies are active in the model railroading hobby?
Another question about model railroading? If model railroading is such a wondeful hobby, then why is it not considered a national past time like baseball?
does bachmann still make train cars for model train? model trains model railroad train cars
Looking for sources of miniature freight items for model railroads. Crates, pallets, boxes, cases, etc.? To be used on model railroads. Anything and everything that you might see at a freight depot, on flat cars, in trucks, etc. Looking for 1920 upto modern items. Must be miniture (1:24 to 1:64 scale) and available in large quanities.
What is/was the standard distance between telephone poles? I am building an HO-scale model railroad, modelling a rural area of the 1960s. What is, or was for that era, the standard distance in feet or yards between telephone poles?
Who likes model railroading? My Dad, and myself love trains. I have a large N scale layout. I personality have a problem finding a companion who can except me, and the fact that it's not a toy train set. That's what my X call it...lol I do have a life, outside of model railroading. It's like a artistic expression of myself, and a passion for detail. :)
Model train computer games? Just wondering if there are any computer games or websites where a person could run a model railroad.
How does one tell what gauge of Marklin one has? how do you tell what gauge model railroad is?
model railroading? what scale model railroading comes closests to 1/64 th scale
How many plan to run trains around the Christmas tree this year? Trains have been running under trees for most of a century now. It's time to dig them out and do a little service work. Clean the tracks with a green scrubby and oil the motor and gears. Check the wires from the transformer to the track, if it's missing any insulation replace it. Model Railroading the hobby that lasts a life time.
steam locomotives only model train layout? If you were to build a model train layout,would it be steam only?I personally don't care for diesel locomotives.They don't have all the neat sounds a steamer has.All you hear is a steady drone of a diesel engine.Steam,they have all kinds of chuffs,chugs.I love the sound of a steamer taking off.It starts slow,then as it builds steam,it gets faster.I love steamers,and my layout will only have steam engines.That's the way railroads started,and that's the way they should be.
How much does a locomotive cost? More specifically a GE Evolution Series cost? I've searched on the internet, but I've only found model railroad prices.
Has has anyone tried to take a photo of their computers monitor? I want to make nice transparencys for use in my model railroad.
Does anyone know where I can find crossing signal gift items? I have searched countless times here online and all I find is items for model railroading, actual old signals that would not fit in my yard, and toys for kids. Know where I can find novelty items based on crossing signals? e.g. clocks, lamps, telephones, pictures etc.
I need to write a letter in hopes of securing door prizes.? I belong to a model railroad club, we are holding our twenty year reunion. Help me to write a letter to manufactures of hobby products in hopes of their exposure to us modelers. I would like to ask for their promotional liturarure to be distribuited along with a sample of there product to be given away.
Where in the UK can I buy 3 rail O Gauge track to put in the garden, so that I can run Lionel trains? I would like to build a small garden layout to run my 30 year old Lionel Train Set (sorry - Model Railroad...) that I got when I lived in the US. I have tried to find companies in the States who would be prepared to ship to the UK but so far I've had no luck
An architect is using a computer program to design the entrance of a railroad tunnel. The outline of the? opening is modeled by the function f(x)=8sinx+2. in the interval 0 is less than or equal to x which is less than or equal to pie (90 deg.) where x is expressed in radians. sove algebraically for all values of x in the previous interval where the height of the opening f(x) is 6. If the x-axis represents the base of the tunnel what is the maximum height of the entrance of the tunnel?
pictures of the bridgeport railroad station between 1906-1980? elevated railroad station 1905-1980 details of this building so i can build a scale model of it.i would appreceate any demensions lxwxh.
Is there a water soluble adhesive that does not dry hard but remains flexible? IN model railroad practise, ballasting the track (adding fine granules of plastic/stone/sand etc) to the track (to look realistic) is done with a 50% mix water & PVA glue. This sets clear but sets hard. It makes it noisy when trains pass. What adhesive will not set hard but remain rubbery/flexible/pliant that will be therefore quieter without using smelly solvents? And cheap!!!! I'm in Perth Australia.
Where can I find a freeware model railroad car routing system? A freeware program that I can download.
Where can I find information lessons on Garden Model railroading? Information of lessons available on the subject of Model Railroading Garden scale, Ho Scale, N scale and O scale, and also address of on line instructors if any would be welcome
What is the difference between switcher locomotives and regular locomotives? I am new to model railroading and I would like to know what the difference is between a switcher locomotive and a regular, full-size locomotive.
Model train Question? I am fairly new at Model Railroading and I was wondering what 2-6-6-2 means when they are referring to a Loco.
I would like to buy a caboose and a railroad cart a real ones not toy or models? I live in Texas Dallas FW. area and I would have a couple of real railroad carts or cars? but not a models I want to put them in the back of my property and made them like a game room and a party room w/ bar and a bathroom I would like to buy some tracks also so I can seat them on the ground. enriquespls @yahoo.com
math problems??? help??? Hi i really need help with the following problems: 1) A scale drawing of a house has a scale of 1in./6ft. The house is 90 feet across the front. How many inches will the front of the house be in the scale drawing? 2) A model railroad car is made to a scale of 1in./87in. How many inches long is the model railroad car if the actual car is 44 feet long?? PLEASE I REALLY NEED THE EXPLANATION!! HELP! THANKS.
how do you find the ratio? here's the problem; building a model railroad on a n-guage model train set, a tank car is 3.75 inches long. and actual tank car is 50 feet long. what is the ratio of the length of the actual tank car to the length of the model tank car? can someone please explain to me how to do this? i just blanked out lol
more physics help!! 2 momentum problems? QUESTION: Imagine a 505 g hockey puck is shot from Mario Lemiuex toward a 75 kg goalie at 48 m/s. If the goalie catches the puck and makes the save, what is the velocity of the goalie and the puck together after the puck is caught? ( is this elastic or inelastic ) ANSWER: .32 m/s rounded. I know the answer because the teacher told us. (i just dont know how to solve it, please show procedure! thanx!) QUESTION: A 0.20 Kg model railroad car moves with a speed of 0.24 m/s is struck from behind by an 0.42 kg model locomotive moving along the same line with a speed of 0.52 m/s. If they stick together after the collision, what is their velocity? ( is this elastic or inelastic ) ANSWER: .43 <-- from the teacher ( i dont know how to solve this either, please show procedure!) thanx i really appreciate this!
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