Model Train Secrets

Model railway's global uber-view

2009-03-24T17:14:00.000-07:00

Rail enthusiasts can now enjoy views of Scandinavian fjords, the Swiss Alps, and even Mount Rushmore - in Germany.

Twin brothers Frederick and Gerrit Braun have built the world's longest model railway in the city of Hamburg.

It has six miles of track, cost £8m to build and its 1,150 square metres (12,380 square feet) take in the US, Scandinavia and the Swiss Alps.

By the time the layout is completed in 2014 it will be twice as long and will take in France, Italy and the UK.

The Braun brothers, 41, began work on the Miniatur Wunderland project in 2000.

Their model railway now comprises 700 trains with 10,000 carriages, 900 signals, 2,800 buildings and 160,000 individually designed figures.

It even includes scale models of the Rocky Mountains, Mount Rushmore, the Swiss Matterhorn, and a Scandinavian fjord complete with 4ft cruise ship.

The scenery took 500,000 hours, 700kg of fake grass and 4,000kg of steel to build.

So large is the layout that 160 staff are employed to show visitors around the railway.

"Our idea was to build a world that men, women, and children can be equally astonished and amazed in," said Gerrit Braun, according to the Daily Telegraph newspaper.

"With this attitude we managed to create technology which amazes our visitors."

Source

Train tracks to link Asian nations

2008-11-29T19:55:00.000-08:00

Train lovers and travel nuts have long had a dream of going from Europe to Singapore by rail.

The journey to the East goes well as far as China, and the upgrading of tracks - sometimes with high-speed trains - is easing passage as far as Hong Kong.

From then on south, the rail buff, and potential cargo carriers, must wait just a few more years.

From south China into South East Asia is a bigger leap than it looks on the map - and not only for trains.

Diplomacy and funding from France and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have been agreed for the next step, from China to the Vietnamese capital of Hanoi.

And there are more routes being built from Kunming in the Chinese province of Yunnan.

Regional transport specialists told the BBC that two-thirds of the line from Kunming to the Chinese side of the border is completed, and a project is under way on the Vietnamese side to Lao Khai on the border.

MORE from the source at BBC News

France to unveil super-fast train

2008-02-05T02:51:00.000-08:00

The AGV (Automotrice Grande Vitesse) train will travel at up to 360km/h (224mph), powered by engines placed under each carriage, the company says.

The unveiling at Alstom's research centre in La Rochelle will be attended by French President Nicolas Sarkozy.

With an engine under each carriage, the AGV - which translates as "high-speed, self-propelled carriage" - is unlike the TGV, which has engines only at the back and front.

The TGV's maximum speed currently is 320km/h.

The AGV's new engines are more energy-efficient and the innovative multiple-unit design allows more passenger space, Alstom says.

It also reduces maintenance costs, the company says.

The new train achieved a new world rail speed record for a train on conventional rails last April, reaching 574.8km/h (356mph).

The Italian operator NTV has already bought 25 of the trains, and will operate them on the Italian high-speed network at a speed of 300km/h in 2011.

Source

Every model railroad magazine in one place!

2007-10-29T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ever had a problem finding the great model train magazines that are around these days? Perhaps they do not stock some of them where you live? Well the search is over thanks to this great site we just found. click here.

Devoted collector’s ‘ultimate train set’ set to fetch £30,000 at auction

2007-10-25T23:05:00.001-07:00

Clifford Patrick, of Surrey, created the set in his attic and was a collector of Hornby O-Gauge model railways until his death in 2003. The entire collection is to be auctioned separately by his family. Duncan Chilcott, of the auctioneers Chilcotts in Tiverton, Devon, said that it was one of the finest and most impressive prewar model train sets.

“The layout included sidings, tunnels and sections of countryside, and among all this were Dinky model cars, taxis and trucks, figures of railway workers and passengers, and sheep and horses, also in good condition. It all looked very realistic, just as Frank Hornby had intended,” he added.

Among the most coveted items are the Folkestone Flyer (likely to fetch £1,000 to £1,500) and the Cornish Riviera Express (£500 to £800) electric passenger train sets. A further 12 locomotives could be sold for up to £400 each.

Dr Patrick’s other models include flying boats, jet airliners, rare classic and sports cars, and groups of stations and platforms.

The sale of 345 lots will be on October 23.

Rod Stewart is a model railway enthusiast

2007-10-25T23:01:00.000-07:00

His secret is a spectacular model railway set. Laid out at his mansion in Beverley Hills, it is a perfect 1:87 scale model of New York’s Grand Central Station in the 1940s.

It comprises 100 ft of track, scores of period locomotives and carriages with a backdrop of skyscrapers, streets, railway buildings and hundreds of tiny passengers.

The 62-year-old rock 'n’ railer, as he may now become known, has long craved recognition for his private hobby. He said several years ago that such an honour would “mean more to me than the cover of Rolling Stone”.

He explained: “I’m a great model railway enthusiast and I’m building a huge layout over there in California so that takes up a little bit of time and football takes up a little bit of time.”

It is just as well that Stewart, whose previous blonde model lovers have included Kelly Emberg and Rachel Hunter (his second wife), has sold 250 million records and had 62 hit singles. Recreating Grand Central Station is not child’s play.

The largest train station in the world, it has 44 platforms, 67 tracks, a cavernous concourse with clock faces made from opal and a clock on the front of the station that is the largest example of Tiffany glass in the world. Find out more here

TRAIN TRADER (Southern Hemisphere)

2007-10-25T22:56:00.000-07:00

These guys are the southern hemisphere's leading retailer of new and pre-owned electric model trains, accessories and fixtures, and Sydney's largest specialist model train shop and repairer. They stock an extensive range of quality pre-owned model locomotives and rolling stock, and specialize in those hard-to-get collectors items. You will find excellent examples from the following manufacturers:

Marklin, Marklin mini-club, TRIX, Hornby, Wren Railways, Hornby Dublo, LGB, Lima, Rivarossi, Roco, and Fleischmann. Contact them here

32nd Annual Dayton Train Show

2007-10-25T22:52:00.000-07:00

This is one of the biggest and best in the state of Ohio with thousands of square feet featuring the largest exhibition of operating train layouts in the area, vendor tables and trains for the kids to ride.

The show, presented by National Model Railroad Association, features over 300 tables that will showcase all the new, antique and collectible trains and accessories needed to start or expand a model train hobby.

Continuous “how-to” clinics, door prizes and a layout raffle round out the show. Kids can look for the “Thomas the Tank Engine” display and enter to win a “Thomas” train set.

Hours are Saturday, November 3 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m and Sunday, November 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Admission is $5, good both days of the show. Children under 12 are admitted free. Parking is free. For more information on this event go here

New Model Train Videos Posted

2006-11-04T21:22:00.000-08:00

To watch the videos below simply click the Play button under the picture.

Depending on your connection speed, they may not play smoothly. If that happens click the Play button again (this will pause it) and wait a few minutes to let the video stream. Then click Play and it should be fine. Special thanks to the many people who helped compile these videos.

Enjoy!

Reedsvill Railroad with Johnny Cash

2006-11-04T21:18:00.001-08:00

Japanese train model "ENODEN".

2006-11-04T21:18:00.000-08:00

Narrow gauge model exhibition

2006-11-04T21:16:00.000-08:00

Model railway exhibition in the "smalspoormuseum Valkenburgse meer", a narrow gauge railway museum in the Netherlands.

Drummer Creek Garden Railroad Video

2006-11-04T21:14:00.000-08:00

Learn about the Greatest Hobby in the World! Large Scale Model Railroading

Aztec Trains Model Railroad Track Cleaner

2006-11-04T21:13:00.000-08:00

John Claudino shows some of his model railroad track cleaning cars that he designed and
manufactures. His track cleaning cars can be used on HO and N Scale model railroads.

Nice layout at a model railroad show (Click to play)

2006-06-11T20:06:00.000-07:00

Update on next edition and a free gift for you

2006-05-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note to let you know that due
to health reasons, Albert has still been
unable to finish the new edition.

We're very sorry about this and will let you
know if and when it is completed.

You can however get a great guide
called "How to operate and build a model
railroad" for free by clicking here:

http://www.modeltrainreport.com/

Thanks for your understanding,

Tech support

Model Railroader magazine's "Layout in a Week" project.

2006-02-09T15:59:00.000-08:00

During the week of February 6, 2006, watch the MR staff build the Black River Junction – a '50s-era HO scale model railroad. In addition to watching the construction process, be sure to check the Weblog for progress updates and to see close-up photos of some of the work. The Black River Junction series will be featured beginning in the January 2007 issue of MR. Enjoy the show!

Click Here For The Model Train Layout Project

Posted by Albert Williamson

Henri Collin's Model Diesel Locomotive!

2005-11-04T15:58:00.000-08:00

This beauty is powered by a Kubota 2 cylinder diesel engine.

You can see the locomotive in action in the Turnhout (Belgium) city park. Click here for his hompage for more pics and details.

India train derails, killing 100

2005-10-29T20:54:00.000-07:00

One hundred people have been killed after a passenger train derailed in floods in southern India, railway officials say.

Rescue workers have been searching for people trapped in carriages amid fears the death toll could rise further.

Initial reports suggest an irrigation tank burst, causing a bridge to collapse, derailing seven carriages.

The crash occurred early on Saturday south of Hyderabad, the state capital of Andhra Pradesh.

Heavy rains have killed more than 100 people in south India this week.

Holidaymakers

The Delta Express crashed near the town of Veligonda in Nalgonda district, about 30km (18 miles) south of Hyderabad.

Seven of the 14 coaches and the engine of the train were derailed and at least three coaches fell into the flood waters.

Divers from the air force and navy used blow torches to cut through the wreckage to free the scores of people still feared trapped. Some survivors were clinging to luggage racks and ceiling fans.

India's state-run railway system carries more than 13m passengers a day.

It has one of the world's largest rail networks, but also a poor safety record.

About 300 rail accidents are reported every year, resulting in a high number of casualties.

Source: Train News

Wiring your model railroad track

2005-10-16T17:57:00.000-07:00

To read this great article with pictures click here
-albert williamson

Model railroader Pam Lindsey show how to wire track.

Materials:

HO-scale transformer
Power rail joiners
Rail nippers
Wire strippers
Flathead screwdriver
Eraser-type track-cleaning tool
Power drill, with 1" and 1/4" bits
8" two-part wire
Safety glasses
Soldering iron and solder

1. Position a transformer at any corner of your layout, in a spot where you don't plan to build anything. Be sure it's close to the track but not close enough to interfere with the operation of the train. The transformer is positioned close to the track to minimize exposed wires. It's important to make sure there's enough room between the power pack and the track so that the power-supply cord doesn't interfere with the train's smooth operation.

2. Drill two holes with a 1/4" bit -- on one side of the track, next to the rail, and between the ties, directly across from the transformer box. Drill through the cork rail bed, the insulation board and the plywood to create a hole so the wires can be run under the board and out of sight.

3. Using a hobby knife, cut a 2" by 2" square from the insulation board down to the plywood, approximately 2" behind the transformer. Remove and discard the square of insulation.

4. Using a 1" bit, drill two holes side by side and overlapping through the plywood in the area exposed when the 2" by 2" piece of insulation was removed (figure A). The hole must be large enough to accommodate the power-supply cord so it can be dropped through the hole and under the table.

5. Take approximately 8" of flexible two-part wire, and pull the wires apart. Do not remove the plastic covering on the wires. Feed one wire through one of the holes drilled beside the track in step 2, keeping approximately 1 1/2" of wire above the table. Repeat with the second wire on the other side of the track (figure B).

6. Use wire strippers to remove approximately 1/2" of the plastic coating at the end of each of the wires that remain above the table. With a soldering iron and solder, touch the side of the rail approximately two railroad ties away from the spot where the wire comes up through the holes in the table (figure C), and leave a small drop of solder on the side of the rail. Solder on the outside of the rail, and don't leave solder on the top of the rail, as it would make the train derail.

7. Touch the solder and the soldering iron to the stripped end of each wire, leaving a small drop of solder on each wire. Turn the wire horizontal with the rail, and join the wire and the rail (figure D) with the soldering iron, making sure the wire is even with the rail. Repeat the process on the other side of the rail, using the second stripped wire.

8. Now you'll need to attach the other ends of the wires to the back of the transformer box. Bring the wires from under the table through the hole you created in it. Use wire strippers to remove approximately 1/2" of the plastic covering from the end of each wire. Twist the individual strands from each exposed wire (figure E) over each other. Bend the end of each wire to create a small hook, which will make it easier to place the wire on the back of the transformer. Position each hook so it's facing the direction in which the screw rotates when tightened. With wire wrapped around each screw, under the head, tighten the screws (figure F) at the spot marked "variable DC." Transformers vary greatly, so make sure to read the directions in the owner's manual.

9. Run the power-supply cord from the back of the transformer through the hole in the table (figure G). Before plugging in the power supply, use an eraser-type track cleaner to remove any solder or particles that may have gotten on the track . Brush the track cleaner back and forth along the track a few times, making sure to follow the rails.

10. Plug the power supply into a standard household outlet, and test the track with the first run of your engine (figure H).

Adding Ballast To Your Track For Realism

2005-10-16T17:53:00.000-07:00

I've posted a few tips both by myself and aticles by others over time. Yet this one by Kent McBee is nice and simple. Making your model trains realistic is half the fun! Enjoy this article.
-Albert Williamson (ultimateguidetomodeltrains.com)

Materials:

HO-scale ballast
12 ounce plastic or StyrofoamB. cup
Plastic spoon
Small spray bottle
White glue
Water
Liquid detergent
Small school paintbrush
1" paintbrush

Fill a spray bottle with water and two drops of liquid detergent, and shake well. Remove the cap from a bottle of glue. Pour half the glue into a resealable container such as a clean margarine tub, cover, and set aside. Refill the half-empty glue bottle with water and two drops of liquid detergent, replace the closed cap, and shake until mixed. This is "ballast mix" glue. Set the mixture aside.
Pour ballast into the plastic cup. Using a plastic spoon, carefully apply ballast to the track between the rails and along both sides of the track, generously covering everything but the rails.
Shape the ballast to the contours of the cork roadbed with the paintbrushes, gently brushing ballast between the ties and covering the entire roadbed (figure S). Shape the ballast on both sides of the track, covering the entire roadbed.
Use a spray bottle to spritz the ballast with the water/detergent mixture. Don't spray the ballast directly: instead, spritz to create a rain-shower effect. This will help the glue mixture soak in.
Run a generous bead of ballast-mix glue down the center of the track, between the rails. Then squeeze the glue mixture onto the ballast on both sides of the track. Depending on the amount of ballast you've used, you may need to repeat this procedure to glue all the ballast in place. Allow the glue mixture to dry for at least 12 hours before repeating.
After the ballast is dry, run a fingernail along the inside of the track to remove any ballast that may have gotten stuck there. Make certain the top of the rails is free of ballast.
Model railroaders recommend purchasing an engine and the largest car you plan to run on the track before building the layout. Once you have these cars, determine whether you can run them on your layout without derailing them.

Train sounds!

2005-10-16T17:44:00.000-07:00

Steam and Diesel. Downloadable free train sounds here.

2005-10-16T17:43:00.000-07:00

Posted by albert williamson

2005-10-16T17:42:00.000-07:00

Multiple levels always adds a nice extra dimension to a model railroad. If you're designing a new layout, why not consider it?

Designing a Model Train Layout

2005-10-16T17:28:00.000-07:00

Planning and design are very important in model trains. After all, once the track is in place, the train must run on it! It sounds obvious, yet it is an area many people don't spend enough time on and later regret. Get it right by following these simple tips!

-Albert williamson

It's wise to plan your layout even before laying the track. Using a black marker, begin by drawing the main components of the layout on the insulation board (figure I). There's no need to create elaborate renderings -- just sketch the location of mountains, lakes, rivers, buildings, roads and other major components (figure J). Be creative but not too ambitious: you'll have to build or buy everything you add to the layout.

Our layout was designed to have a 1950s theme and includes a downtown with numerous buildings, a mountain and quarry, a tunnel, a lake, a bridge, two industrial structures and a home. It features two turnouts and two spurs. source