Model O Scale Trains

Funny Vacation Rental Commercial

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 13:53:32 +0000

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See their hillarious and super funny video vacation rental commercial! I’m still laughing.

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Different model train track arrangements to inspire you

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:42 +0000

Model train track can be arranged into a number of different variations. There are now some model trains tracks that almost defy belief. They are huge and span large warehouse. Of course these are not generally created by model train hobbyists, but it shows what?s really possible when you experience with different model train track arrangements.

Originally posted 2009-11-08 11:34:01. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Basic Things You Should Know About Model Trains

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:41 +0000

Model Trains has become a leisure pursuit by many for years. It is a good way to engage your time and polish your artistic talent.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 10:57:55. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The American Flyer Model Train

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:40 +0000

Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.

With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.

The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.

Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman’s American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.

In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company’s founder, who had taken over the business following his father’s death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.

In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like ‘real train track’.

With the advent of television – to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies – together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.

At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.

General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.

Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.

The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.

John Vanse, a model train enthusiast, has a number of websites concerned with model trains. All these sites can be accessed through the hub site: The Model Train Guide For more specific information about American Flyers see: American Flyer Model Trains

Originally posted 2009-11-03 10:28:44. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Are G Scale Model Trains The Beauty Or The Beast?

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:39 +0000

Originally posted 2009-11-05 09:57:55. Republished by Old Post Promoter Related posts:O Scale Model Trains –Take Another LookMost Popular Scale Model TrainsOverview of g scale model trains Related posts:

What is a N Scale Model Train?

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:38 +0000

Are you new to the world of model trains? It may sound daunting at first to hear about scales and gauges, but rest assured that doing this type of work is not above your head. As you continue to work with model trains, so, too, will you understand the terms used within the world of model trains.

First thing to think about when you’re creating your model and selecting your first train is size. Model trains and train tracks are made by

Originally posted 2009-11-06 10:06:02. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Guide to Flexible Track for Lionel Model Trains

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:37 +0000

What is flexible track? It is the most common form of track used with model trains railways today. Flexible track can be used with Lionel trains and just about every other brand because it is made by the majority of model trains manufacturers. Most flexible track pieces are three feet long and are indeed flexible, yet still fairly rigid. If you bend them one way to begin with, that is the shape that they will pretty much stay in from that point on.

The Super-Flex, however, from Atlas, works in a somewhat different way ? you can bend it in to pretty much any shape you like, but it always spring back; this is due to the fact that the Super-Flex has both one floating rail and one fixed rail. Which style you prefer is entirely based on personal taste, though both have their advantages and disadvantages.

There are four advantages to having some form of flexible track for Lionel trains or any other brands of model trains to run on.

First, there are fewer joints in any given run of track. With just one three foot section of flexible track, you instantly cut out the need for four nine inch pieces of sectional track, thus giving you far fewer connections and a lot less potential for any problems on the track.

Second, you can curve flex track into any particular radius you want. It can also be shaped into a much easier kind of curve for your trains to run on than would otherwise be the case. The curves can also be shaped into the kind of curves you require to fit the area, rather than be stuck with a fixed shape that might not work for the space you have available.

Third, flexible track pieces can be cut to any length you require. This helps make your layout work because it can be adjusted to fit into whatever space is available.

Fourth, when trying to find the best layout for your track, it is helpful to mark the lines you want the track pieces to follow before nailing them down. With normal track this can be very challenging to get it right. However, with flexible track it is easy because you can use pieces of flex track as a template to draw around and mark the track locations. There are some tools available to buy that have been specifically designed for this purpose, but you may find they are not entirely necessary ? a yardstick, pencil and a few extra track lengths can do the job just as well and cost less.

The advantages of flexible track are clear and unequivocal. All things considered, flexible track for your model trains to run on is unquestionably the way to go.

Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about lionel trains toys. Click here to download a free model trains guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 10:56:52. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Model Train Layouts – A Quick Summary

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:36 +0000

When it comes to model railway layouts, pretty much the skies the limit, depending on your resources and space. You can decide on various kinds of model train scale, and it really depends of what ideas you come up with.

HO railways are the common ones you’ll see; they’re at 1:87 scale, which is eighty seven times smaller than a real railway. You can also acquire different kinds within the HO scale that provide for narrower track lengths.

There are numerous ways in which HO scale model trains are the greatest alternative. Basically, first time train owners find them extremely easy to use, and they’re easier to manipulate, especially with people with big hands.

It is a excellent ’show’ train, and isn’t so little that it makes designing layouts complicated. It’s the easiest to locate in most local hobby shops, and the accessories are in abundance, and if you are creative, can be created at your house.

8×4′ ply board is the regular size for a train design, but you can cut that as you see fit. If you wish to have an sampling of the dedication and time it takes to become a model railway enthusiast, look up some of the model railroad designs you can find online, and you’ll see a score of painstakingly elaborate and complex designs in pictures and videos.

The infinitely dedicated model railroad hobbyist will spend a lot of time and money into making their layout as complex as possible. You can even find organizations with other people who like model railways, where you can pit your setup against others to see who has the best.

Most beginner layouts would start with a basic track design, usually some kind of oval or oval modification. You would have the track go around close to the outside edge of the board, granting access to the engine and cars easier.

Starting with this basic design, you can be as creative and imaginative as you wish. If you don’t have the time to make your own, there are accessory kits out there that include buildings, miniature trees, people, and other decor.

You could make these yourself of course, but it may help to buy starting out. Realistic toy cars can help you create atmosphere, and all types of materials exist to manufacture your own houses from scratch and make them your own.

If you want industrial buildings like silos or other metal, cylindrical buildings, tin cans will substitute just fine; just stack them as high as you like and glue them together, slap a little paint on, and you have a realistic building for your design. There are many more props you can do.

There is a lot of information out there regarding model trains, designs for layouts, and explanations of the different railroad scales that are available. As mentioned before, you can locate sites that have images and videos that show numerous layouts and include photographs of the different types of cars and engines that you can purchase.

You’ll see ideas for homemade accessories, such as, taking plastic greenery apart to use for landscaping on your outlay. Local retailers will have numerous accessories in stock that you can get ideas from, or there may be some excellent packages, where you purchase a train set, and the retailer includes a basic accessory kit as part of the deal.

For more information on model trains be sure to sign up for my free “Secrets to Successful Model Railroading!” mini-course. This mini-course covers many important aspects of model railroading including model train layouts, how to properly setup your track to avoid future problems, and much more.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 10:57:02. Republished by Old Post Promoter

How to Take Care of Your Model Trains

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:35 +0000

All the components necessary to build up a successful model train layout are expensive – locomotives, rolling stock, tracks, power controllers, buildings, landscaping, to list just some – these are all expensive. It is no wonder that the hobby of setting up and maintaining a model train collection is considered one of the more costly hobbies that you can become involved in. However, that does not stop many thousands, may be hundreds of thousands of people, spending a considerable amount of money on their model train collections.

Because of the significant amount of money you will have invested in establishing your model train collection, it is essential that you should take all the necessary measures to ensure that it is properly cared for. You would not want to have your investment to end up in the trash.

You will find that taking good care of your model train collection will save you a significant amount of money for repair and maintenance in the years to come.

The following simple guidelines should remind you of the basic essentials of the good habits you need to develop that will help take care of your very valuable model train collection and maintain it in prime working condition:

Originally posted 2009-11-01 15:07:53. Republished by Old Post Promoter

The Joy Of Model Railway Trains

admin — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 05:04:34 +0000

Model railway trains have the potential to play a very big role in your life. There are some who dedicate a lot of time and effort into building trains and layouts from scratch in order to create the most realistic environment possible. For many, it is not even about the finished product that drives them to create. They are made happy simply through the art of creation. People have been known to spend decades working on a single train in order to make it look exactly the way they want it to. The joy you find in your model train is sure to be your own.

Christmas is a time of year in which many homes employ model railway trains to circle the tree. This has become a tradition in families even if they are not model train enthusiasts. Those who do enjoy the hobby a little bit more can be very creative in the Christmas themed layout they create to either go around the tree itself, or on a tabletop nearby. Most can remember the train they had as a child and want to recreate that same memory for their children. Others still want to start a tradition in which they share the fun for generations to come.

While model railway trains can be highly individualistic in nature, it can also be a very good social builder. With many different clubs in existence for those who love model trains, it is possible to find one in your area. It is fun to get out and show off the creations you have while enjoying the creations of others. Talking about model trains with others who enjoy your passion can give you ideas and invigorate you to get back to work on your current project. Model train clubs are a great way for those who are new to get ideas on how to get started.

Sharing your passion for model railway trains is a great way to create stronger bonds between family members. Many fathers have included their sons in projects to create great layouts they can both be proud of. Trips to the model shop as well as the hours spent on the layout create memories, which will be cherished for years to come. The layout itself will stand as a testament to the value of teamwork in creating something you can all be proud of. Chances are if families get involved in a project such as this, they will pass along the tradition for years to come.

For many, the biggest joy of model railway trains is the amount of detail they are able to give it. Being detail oriented requires a lot of attention, which means you will not have the ability to think about other things. Concentrating this hard on what they are doing allow many model railroaders to forget about other aspects of their lives. They view their model trains as a great escape from the daily grind. In fact, most model railroaders look forward to working on their models more then most anything else.

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on model railway trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there don?t forget to sign up for his FREE “Secrets To Successful Model Railroading” Mini Course.

Originally posted 2009-11-03 10:30:16. Republished by Old Post Promoter