Classy Model Trains

Model Trains for Beginners

2012-03-20T02:49:47Z

For a lot of you, your exposure to model trains has been limited to Thomas the Tank Engine as children. Once one of the most popular hobbies, the rise of technology, has made the model train fall out of favour.

Perhaps you need a break from visiting your favourite sites like partycasino.com, updating your Facebook status etc, and want a distraction. If you are seriously considering taking up this hobby, here’s a few basics you need to know.

Understanding A Model Trains Scale

The meaning of the word scale in relation to your model trains can seem complicated. Scale means the size of the train engine and/or accessories you are using. For example, would you want the entire finished structure to fit on a desk top, or prefer it to run through your garden?

As an example, the ‘G’ scale train model is 1:24 in scale. This makes your model one twenty-fourth of the size of a real life train. You will often find this size train model in a garden, weaving in amongst the landscape.

The ‘Z’ scale on the other hand, is only 1:220 in scale. This makes the model 220 times smaller than a real locomotive. At this size you can fit the model on a desk.

What Is A Model Trains Gauge

The gauge is often confused with scale, but in fact is entirely different. The gauge is the measurement of the distance between the train track rails. So, if you had an 8 gauge train track, this will indicate there is 8 millimetres of space between the rails.

Beginners

In the case of beginners such as yourself, it would be better to make a model that is in the HO scale aka 1:87. Small but big enough for a newbie to handle.

Remember, there are no limitations to the train types and model train accessories you use. That would be very boring. Use your imagination, and you’ll realise how exciting model trains can be.

Celebrity Model Railroaders Relax With Model Trains

2012-05-04T04:45:19Z

You have something in common with movie and TV personalities — aka celebrity model railroaders

Celebrity Model Railroaders

How do some of our favorite movie and TV personalities spend their leisure time? Would you be shocked (but delighted) to know that many celebrities build model trains and have the coolest famous model train layouts? You’re about to discover some well-known celebrity model railroaders!

Famous Celebrities You Never Knew That Enjoy Model Trains and Railroading

by Frank Keenan

What do Johnny Cash, Winston Churchill, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Roger Daltrey, Joe DiMaggio, Rick Green, Gene Hackman, Tom Hanks, David Hasselhoff, Elton John, Michael Jordan, Frank Sinatra, Bruce Springsteen, Rod Stewart, Neil Young and Gary Coleman all have in common?

All these celebrities love watching miniature trains running around miniature mountains, rivers and towns.

In short, they are all train model addicts.

Famous Model Train Layouts

Johnny Cash, the American singer and songwriter, made TV commercials and endorsements for Lionel Trains in the 1970s.

Neil Young is part owner of Lionel trains.

Rod Stewart, in between getting into blondes and who know what else, spent considerable time and money on building train models. In fact, Rod’s impressive replica of New York’s Grand Central Station, complete with 100ft of tract, buildings and figures in 1940s period dress, graced the cover of Model Railroader in October 2007 — an honor Rod claims to mean more than ‘being on the cover of Rolling Stones.”

Imagine.

The late Gary Coleman was another afficionado of train models. In an online interview with ABC News, he said, “Currently I’m doing Lionel trains. I’m doing them as prototypically as possible, even though they are toy trains. I still like to do it as realistically as possible.”

Gary Coleman also allegedly left his complete train collection to Allied Model Trains, The Original Whistle Stop and The Train Shack in L.A.

So if you are a train modeller, you know you are in great company. You can even get Frank Sinatra’s train layouts on DVD.

So what is the appeal of these toy trains?

Adult Hobbies, Not Toy Trains

First of all, they are not toys.

Enthusiasts will tell you they are works of art. They are scaled down versions of the real thing.

They operate like the real one.
There is a sheer number of skills you need to master a working layout.
You are a jack of all trades: a semi-competent carpenter, electrician, metalworker, painter, sculptor and designer all rolled into one.

There is also the joy of escapism.

You can forget the business of living for hours on end while you pore over the plan for a perfect world, all of your own making.

And it’s never complete.

You just keep scouring for more things to add to your model to make it perfect. Adding a mountain here, a pond there, more tracks. The list is endless. It can take you years. Then, of course, there’s the ultimate thrill of seeing your trains going round the track.

No wonder so many celebrities are hooked on model trains!

Celebrity model railroad layouts on DVD are available from Amazon.com

Original article by Frank Keenan, reprinted with permission.

Keenan is an avid train collector for 25 years and the founder of LionelManuals.com – The repair guide plus catalog collection of vintage antique model trains. Discover all the closely guarded model train tips and secrets. Visit ModelTrainDesign.com: model railroad. Learn to create amazing model trains layouts easily…

Article Source: Ezine Articles ~ Image Credit: Hollywood courtesy of Sörn via Flickr, Creative Commons License.

Want To Know More About Celebrity Model Railroaders?

Here are a few additional places where I found the scoop on celebrities who love model trains, including their fictitious counterparts . . .

Boldts maintains a chart of both real and imagined railroaders, including famously funny Roseanne, U.S. nightly news anchor Tom Brokaw, and kingly actor Yul Brenner (remember him in Cool Runnings?).

Wikipedia has a more extensive list that also highlights train modellers who are part of the print magazine industry (like Model Railroader Magazine) that caters to model train enthusiasts.

The Model Rail Forum had an interesting thread about famous (and some infamous) model train owners. The discussion is from a few years ago but still useful.

Circuit-master Ray Del Papa of SMARTT shares insider tidbits about characters he’s met who are at the top of their own train games and rub elbows with internationally acclaimed celebrities from all walks of life. And he let me in on a secret about some of my favorite people from one of my favorite television shows: Star Trek!

And then there are non-Hollywood celebrities like this model railroad tycoon!

I found the professional photographic print of Italian Opera Singer Ezio Pinza (shown above) at Art.com. If you’re into train-related art of celebrity railroaders, click on the image above and search for your favorite celebrity.

Your Turn to Share

Do you know of other singers, movie stars, or TV actors who have famous model train layouts? Tell us about these celebrity model railroaders in the comments below.

Atlas Model Trains – Model Railroad Tycoon

2012-03-15T00:42:33Z

The Story of an Immigrant Who Became a Model Railroad Tycoon

by Gabriel Delaney

A family-owned business, Atlas Model Railroad is an innovative inventor of model trains, model train track, switch boxes and other accessories. From immigrant to innovator, the Atlas brand continues to delight model train enthusiasts the world over.

For a period of sixty years, the Atlas brand has been one of the leading makers of train models, including manufacturing the model train track and other accessories. The company has also overseen plenty of innovative inventions that continues to exemplify the company as an international brand. Atlas is a business that was started by one family and also paved the way for its sister company known as Atlas O.

The Atlas Model Trains brand and its history is especially well-known

Among avid model train enthusiasts, the Atlas brand and its history is especially well-known. The brand was conceptualized by a young man known as Stephan Shaffan Jr who was very inventive and had moved from his native Czechoslovakia to New Jersey. He initially worked for his father for a while but later on began making models just as a fun pastime. Shaffan Jr initially began creating model airplane. However, he then switched to model trains after he was given some model trains by the proprietor of a model airplane.

Shaffan Jr came up with an innovation that allowed the miniature trains to slow down while they are moving on the track. This was done by altering the electricity voltage on the brass tracks using a connected switch. He then started the Atlas Model Railroad firm which used a switch set as the flagship model for the company. Shaffan Jr. was the same inventor who was responsible for the creation of plenty of many other accessories that have revolutionized this industry.

Switches and Switch Control Boxes by Atlas Model Railroad (Hover for details)

The company later became Atlas Model Trains

The company later became Atlas Model Trains and came up with the first pre-assembled rail tracks. This would make it much easier for train enthusiasts to assemble the rails. In addition, the Atlas models were made with painstaking detail and often were created in the likeness of actual passenger or cargo trains.

With the overwhelming success from these humble beginnings, the company has continued to thrive and even has began to develop HO and N scale models. In addition to this they have also introduced industrial rail lines.

This company has no doubt come a long way and its rich history has served as a platform on which all its subsequent success can build upon. The company still holds a large share of the current model train market and strives to maintain the same spirit of the founder, which is to create magnificent trains that provide enjoyment to enthusiasts not only in the United States but also all over the world.

Atlas Model Railroad products are available from Amazon.com

Original article by Gabriel_Delaney, reprinted with permission.

Want more information on Atlas model trains? Gabriel O. Delaney is the author of “Model Train Secrets Exposed” which teaches you everything you wanted to know about Atlas model trains, including valuable information on how to save the most time and money with this hobby. For a free subscription to Gabriel’s “The Secrets of Successful Model Railroading” course, visit http://www.ultimatemodeltraintips.com.

Article Source: Ezine Articles ~ Image Credit: Wordle, created by TaylorTheTrainer.

The story continues! Find out more about Atlas O scale model trains at ClassyModelTrains.com.

7 Ways to Stop Model Train Derailments

2012-03-19T23:17:44Z

Back On Track – How to avoid model train derailments

by Dan B. Morgan

Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time to time?

This was a major frustration for me. I would fix one section of the track and the next day the train would derail on another section. It frustrated me to the point of wanting to give the hobby away.

A smooth running model train is a dream for most model train beginners. But it is actually quite easy to achieve with a little attention to detail. Here are 7 ways to stop your model train derailing:

Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly fitted.

Sounds like common sense? But poorly assembled track joints are the worst offenders for derailing model trains. Slide your finger across the joint. It should feel level with the gap between the tracks kept to the absolute minimum. I solder my joints because this stops any problems with expansion and contraction opening and closing of the joints. With a small file I am able to create a continuously level track and have a beautifully smooth running model train.

Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and frog assemblies.

Another common problem for model train derailments is incorrect track gauge. A tight track gauge will cause the wheels to climb up and derail off the track. A wide track gauge will also derail your model train as the wheel flanges can not span the track properly. The gauge can be adjusted using a soldering iron to gently heat the rail, moving the rail to the correct position and allowing it to cool.

Check your switch points for sharpness when they switch.

Some new switch points can be fairly blunt on the moveable section where it strikes up against the stock rails. This can grab on the wheels and cause a model train derailment. A small file can be used to gently smooth the moveable part of the points to allow a nice smooth transition. Remember to check the gauge in both positions.

Check all your model train couplers.

A snagging coupler will cause model train derailments. Some new carriages can come with unpolished couplers which can catch and force derailments. Clean off any rough edges and adjust the couplers for proper centering. The manufacturers usually provide these instructions.

Add extra weight to your freight cars.

I find that most freight cars are too light and sometimes all the wheels do not contact the rails equally. By adding a small amount of weight to the cars your model train will run smoother and you will eliminate derailments, especially on the tight radiuses. Just make sure you add the weight as low as possible to the car and in the centre, keeping a low centre of gravity.

Check all your wheel sets for proper operation.

Wheel sets that are out of gauge, not aligned or moving freely will cause your model train to derail. Check your wheel sets and make sure that your carriages are not crabbing and forcing the wheel flanges into the rail, making it prone to derail. The carriages should rock freely to take up any small imperfections in your track.

Lubricate the squeaks.

Sometimes the smallest drop of light oil will cure a problem with your model train derailing. An unlubricated or snaggy wheel, or coupler, can cause a slight tip over, or jar, which usually forces the wheel flange to snag the rail and derail your model train. Oil attracts dust and can damage paintwork, so make sure you use only the smallest amount required.

Now you have no reason to put up with your model train derailing. It usually comes down to a small bit of maintenance from time to time. With the quality most manufacturers are producing today, and some ongoing maintenance, you can make model train derailments a thing of the past.

Original article by Dan B Morgan, reprinted with permission.

Want more information on how to build great layouts and stop model train derailments? Then check out the popular and 100% FREE Model Train Newsletter. This is compulsory reading for any model train beginner. It contains valuable information on the right way to build your dream model railroad and achieve this within the time, space and budget you have available. More at www.BuildModelRailroad.com

Article Source: Ezine Articles ~ Image Credit: Model train track layout, member photo by Jan Nielsen, used with permission.

More tips on how to avoid model train derailments.

:: ::

Model Railroad Scenery – Building Scenery On A Budget

2012-03-19T23:18:04Z

Realistic model railroad scenery

by Dan B. Morgan

Model trains can be an expensive hobby, especially the model railroad scenery.

This is usually the case if you source all your materials from a hobby shop where you end up paying full retail price.

But, if you keep a keen eye on expert model railroaders, you will observe that they have a tendency to keep every little thing as opposed to throwing them away. Jars, boxes, cartons and little bits and pieces of almost everything has potential to be used in one way or the other as part of their model railroad scenery.

They make use of a wide range of tools to create the various parts of their model railroad scenery.

One example is the use of a normal hair comb to give wood grain effects by running it along wood or a softer plastic in the direction that natural wood grain would follow.

In addition, the ground can be made of sawdust or tea leaves and colored with fabric dye. The process here is that you mix the dye in a container and add saw dust to the dye. Dry it properly, either in the sun or in an oven set on low.

Purchasing ground covers is really for the lazy beginners, but taking the time to do it yourself will not only save you money but will give you greater appreciation for the art of model railroading and the satisfaction knowing that you did it all from scratch.

Doing it yourself is usually easy and more fun. Using tree branches, hay, grass, dirt and other natural elements will make your design more authentic. Another example is using match sticks to build sign posts and bamboo skewers can be used for telegraph poles. Black thread can finish it off by representing the telegraph lines.

Here are some other tips to make your model railroad come alive and look more realistic.

Passenger cars should contain people and it gives your model railroad scenery a more realistic touch when it does. This may involve some effort though as you may have to disassemble the rail car to do this.

Remember to be true to the era you are representing. If your model is based on the 20′s, you shouldn’t have a 1950 Chevy parked in front of the train station. This obviously doesn’t capture the time period you initially had in mind.

At some point you may encounter a sale on accessories and structures but don’t be driven to buy something that doesn’t fit the scale of your railroad plans. It makes no sense to have a building that’s ten times larger than everything else around. It will stick out like a sore thumb and it makes your railroad look very amateurish. Think of uniformity when you are planning your design.

Giving your structures a weathered look will surely add to the realism. All your buildings shouldn’t look like shiny new items you bought from the store. Rough them up a bit to create authenticity. You can add scratches to the surface by using sandpaper or mix some hobby paint with paint thinner and apply to the surface. Before it dries though, gently wipe some of the areas off with a rag. For a metal building use blue, black and gray or for a barn use brown, black and tan.

Creating realistic model railroad scenery is great fun, give it a go.

Original article by Dan B Morgan, reprinted with permission.

Want more information on model railroad scenery? Then check out the popular and 100% FREE Model Train Newsletter. This is compulsory reading for any model train beginner. It contains valuable information on the right way to build your dream model railroad and achieve this within the time, space and budget you have available. More at www.BuildModelRailroad.com

Article Source: Ezine Articles ~ Image Credit: HO scale model of RS3 and RS2 locomotives crossing a bridge. by Roger Traviss, used with permission, licensed Creative Commons.

More tips about creating realistic model railroad scenery.

Weathering Wooden Model Train Structures

2011-09-22T07:08:50Z

One of the essential components of creating life like structures is weathering. Weathering is the altering of newly modeled structures and prototypes to closely resemble it’s true to life counterpart.

There are points on and within your structure that will need attention if you’re considering weathering with any degree of realism.

Roof tops and outer walls are the most visible aspects of your structure so you’ll need to focus on their cosmetics first.

Inner walls and windows are next. In order to make this work you’ll need a hand full of tools and condiments. Stains such as Weathering Mix… Light Grey, Micro-Marks… Age-it-EASY, Weather-It, and Timber Strain are commonly used by experts in the hobby to bring their layouts to life.

Many of these stains have a water base so after applying we suggest you place some type of heavy flat object on top of the stained wash to prevent it from warping.

When applying stain, make sure you use a small 1/2′ brush. This will allow for optimum control over small areas.

A good trick of the trade to prevent future warping of walls over time is to craft inner walls to be used as braces to stop warping. Be sure to prime the inner walls and coat with a realistic interior paint to give the illusion of accurate scale depiction.

Distressing your structures can give your buildings and prototypes the added boost they need in appearing real to the naked eye. Wood finishing pads and distressing tools are awesome for delivering this effect.

When weathering roof tops use peel and stick three tab shingles as they make it easy to give the roof a random effect by allowing you to omit patches of shingle when desired. Here is a quick tip. Always have a photo of your prototype handy for consultation.

Soot stains, peeling paint, broken glass, and bleeding rust marks are just a few attributes you should look to reproduce when considering an authentic weathering job.

Broken glass simulation is as easy as an #11 blade used to simulate shattered glass. Use a clear flat to simulate dirt and grime within pains.

VISIT: Amazon.com for “All” YOUR model train needs!

Another Great Photo From Anton Zillich | Model Train Layout Pictures | Member of Facebook Group

2011-11-06T04:37:20Z

Hi All… Here is another guest picture courtesy of Anton Zillich from Ohio. Thanks again Anton and we are so happy you are a member of our modellers group on Facebook. We absolutely love your pics and we’ll continue to post these masterfully recreated replicas and layouts!

Guest Photo by: Anton Zillich

VISIT: Amazon.com for “All” YOUR model train needs!

Cam Trucks | A birds Eye View | How to Build a Cam Truck

2011-09-22T07:08:50Z

Building A Cam Truck For Your Large Scale Model Railroad

Most modellers are truly kids at heart. One of the outstanding qualities of youth is the ability to explore your imagination by projecting yourself into different worlds.

Many of us are satisfied with the simple operations of our layouts.

Cool effects, life like replicas and true to life sounds of our locomotives gliding across rails at scaled down speeds.

The only missing element is that spectacular birds eye view that every engineer is blessed with on any given day.

Wouldn’t you like to see the curve of the track and feel the G forces as your loco leans into its turn and hangs on two rails.

Yep, I bet you would.

Today is your lucky day as I’ll provide you with detailed plans on how to create this experience and immortalize your layout on film for eternity. Keep in mind this invention is best used on larger scales such as On3 and Lgb scales.

The sheer size of Garden scale trucks allow this gadget to work for most modern compact digital cameras. Other scales can be fashioned to view the tracks from these true to life perspectives although the techniques are a bit different.

For this example we’ll discuss how to build and mount common handheld digital cameras to #1 Gauge layouts.

Lets not wast any time. Firstly you’ll need a handful of tools and parts, so lets make a list:

Hacksaw
Screwdriver
1/4- 20 tap
1/4″ -Drill Bit
1/4 -20
#7 drill bit
1″ x 3″ aluminum bar, 1/8″thick
1/4-20 1″ stove bolt
1/4-20 x 3/8″ stove bolt
1/4-20 nut
A truck with metal wheel and a truck mounted coupler

OK, now we’ve got the tools and parts so lets get this show on the road.

Step 1: Cut 3″ aluminum bar with your hacksaw

Step 2: Drill two holes with #7 Drill… One in the middle and one about 1/2-3/4″ from the end

Step 3: Tap both holes with you 1/4-20″ tap

Step 4: Drill a third whole 1/2″ from the opposite end of the previous two holes with your 1/4″ bit

Step 5: Take your 1/4-20×1″ bolt and torque her into your truck for at least 1/4″ | This is your lock nut for the mount

Step 6: Place your aluminum bar on top of the 1/4-20×1″ bolt, this is the housing for your camera.This mount and screw will allow you to swivel your digital camera in a 360 degree radius.

Step 7: Thread the bar onto the bolt through the center hole

Step 8: Place the 1/4-20×3/8″ bolt through the untapped hole and mount your camera to the bar with it

Step 9: Adjust your camera to the center line of your track by manipulating its swivel

Step 10: Use hook and loop coupler to tug cam truck around your layout as they are less likely to bind in the curves

Pretty simple yes?

Below is a quick video of what you can expect to see once this project is complete.

VISIT: Amazon.com for “All” YOUR model train needs!

Model Train Pictures | Guest Photo By: William Baird

2011-09-22T07:08:50Z

Canadian Railway Observations returns home and once again delivers top notch photos for YOU to view!

Thanks William… can’t wait to see what you pull from your magic hat next!

Canada Central Passenger local is leaving Grande Prarie, QC, as CPR GP9's on a westbound sit on the mainline paralleling track work on the south track

VISIT: Amazon.com for “All” YOUR model train needs!

Guest Photo By: Anton Zillich | model train pictures | detail structures

2011-09-22T07:08:50Z

Anton sent us this fabulous pic through Facebook. Anton is a regular contributor and active member of our social network.

Anton is an avid train enthusiast and modeller from Ohio. We are happy to post this detailed miniature of a classic colonial style farm house.

Way to go Anton!

We’ll be seeing more of Antons snaps in the future.

Guest photo by: Anton Zillich

VISIT: Amazon.com for “All” YOUR model train needs!

Classy Model Trains

Model Trains for Beginners

Understanding A Model Trains Scale

What Is A Model Trains Gauge

Celebrity Model Railroaders Relax With Model Trains

You have something in common with movie and TV personalities — aka celebrity model railroaders

Celebrity Model Railroaders

Famous Celebrities You Never Knew That Enjoy Model Trains and Railroading

Famous Model Train Layouts

Adult Hobbies, Not Toy Trains

Original article by Frank Keenan, reprinted with permission.

Want To Know More About Celebrity Model Railroaders?

Your Turn to Share

Atlas Model Trains – Model Railroad Tycoon

The Story of an Immigrant Who Became a Model Railroad Tycoon

The Atlas Model Trains brand and its history is especially well-known

The company later became Atlas Model Trains

Original article by Gabriel_Delaney, reprinted with permission.

7 Ways to Stop Model Train Derailments

Back On Track – How to avoid model train derailments

Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time to time?

Ensure every joint on your track is level, aligned and properly fitted.

Check your track gauge on joints, turnouts and frog assemblies.

Check your switch points for sharpness when they switch.

Check all your model train couplers.

Add extra weight to your freight cars.

Check all your wheel sets for proper operation.

Lubricate the squeaks.

Original article by Dan B Morgan, reprinted with permission.

More tips on how to avoid model train derailments.

Model Railroad Scenery – Building Scenery On A Budget

Realistic model railroad scenery

Model trains can be an expensive hobby, especially the model railroad scenery.

Here are some other tips to make your model railroad come alive and look more realistic.

Original article by Dan B Morgan, reprinted with permission.

Weathering Wooden Model Train Structures

Another Great Photo From Anton Zillich | Model Train Layout Pictures | Member of Facebook Group

Cam Trucks | A birds Eye View | How to Build a Cam Truck

Model Train Pictures | Guest Photo By: William Baird

Guest Photo By: Anton Zillich | model train pictures | detail structures