Past Time Hobbies

Bachmann HO "Cargo King" Starter Set

2016-11-17T21:15:00.000-08:00

The GP40 is a 4-axle diesel-electric road-switcher locomotive built by General Motors, Electro-Motive Division between November 1965 and December 1971. With a EMD 645E3 16-cylinder engine generating 3,000 hp (2,240 kW).

The GP40 is 3 feet longer than its EMD 567D3A-engined predecessor, the GP35, and distinguished visually by its three 48-inch radiator fans at the rear of the long hood,

while the GP35 has two large fans and a smaller one in between.

It was built on a 55 ft frame; the GP35 was built on a 52 ft frame - as was the GP7, 9, 18, and 30. The difference in length can be seen in the GP40's ten handrail stanchions compared to the GP35's nine.

1,187 GP40s were built for 28 U.S. railroads; 16 Canadian carriers, Canadian National; and 18 were built for two Mexican carriers, Ferrocarril Chihuahua al Pacifico and Ferrocarriles Nacional de Mexico.

60 units were built with high-short-hoods and dual control stands for Norfolk & Western Railway. Two passenger versions, the GP40P and GP40TC, were also built, but on longer frames to accommodate steam generators and HEP equipment.

Discontinued January 1, 1972, replaced by the GP40-2, which has a modular electrical system and a few minor exterior changes.

Bachmann captures the spirit of the original GP40 with the "Cargo King" Starter set Start hauling the vital freight that keeps our industries humming. EMD GP40 diesel locomotive, this Bachmann 155-piece set includes a station, bridge, and figures to let you rule the rails! Complete and Ready-To-Run HO-scale Electric Train Set. This is a great starter set or complement an exciting layout. This preowned Train set one is complete with all peaces. Check out the picture's Below Maybe you might want to add this to your layout.

Being a preowned Item there maybe some ware and scratches here and there but not that I could see. The caboose is missing its coupling hooks but can easily be fixed parts can be found on the Bachmann web site or your local hobby shop.

Available on E bay ( Click Here)

The box is damaged as you can see here.

The train is in excellent shape and runs forward and backward Light works as well.

WAS SOLD

Available on E bay ( click Here for info)

Harry Potter and "The Sorcerer's Stone' Express HO train

2016-11-05T21:26:00.003-07:00

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone (SOLD)

This is a train I have Listed on E Bay. The train as you can see is in very nice condition. And does work both front and back comes with enough track to make an oval. The video below is the train under operation. The engine does need a set of piston arms to make 100% perfect that can be purchased on the Bachmann web site If you are interested in this for your collection you can find it by clicking the link under the Video to my E bay listing.

Go To My E Bay Listing

As you can see in these two pictures, The piston arm is not tracking right and does bind the wheels. The parts needed are just $6.30 from Bachmann.

Kansas City Southern - EMD E6A Diesel Locomotive

2016-03-24T14:24:00.001-07:00

Trains are a fascinating piece of our history.

EMD E6A Loco with Pusher. Wikipedia picture

The EMD E6 was a 2,000-horsepower passenger train locomotive manufactured by Electro-Motive Corporation, and its corporate successor, General Motors Electro-Motive Division, of La Grange, Illinois.

E6A was manufactured from November 1939 to September 1942, and 91 were produced.

The booster version, or E6B, was manufactured from April 1940 to February 1942, and 26 were produced. The 2,000-horsepower (1,500 kW) was
achieved by putting two 1,000-horsepower (750 kW), 12-cylinder, model 567 engines in the engine compartment.

Each engine drove its own electrical generator to power the traction motors. The E6 was the seventh model in a long line of passenger diesel of similar design known as EMD E-units.

Compared with passenger locomotives made later by EMD, the noses of the E3, E4, E5, and E6 cab units had pronounced slants when viewed from the side. Therefore, these four models have been nicknamed "slant nose" units. Later E models had the "bulldog nose" of the F series.

One interesting E6 variant custom-produced for the Missouri Pacific was the model EMC AA. This was a motorcar-style unit which had only one prime mover and 1,000 horsepower (750 kW) and substituted a baggage compartment where the other diesel V-12 would have been.

A visit with Red Pine Precision Modeling

2014-11-17T12:28:00.001-08:00

My wife and I were looking for a place to store our camper for the winter and came across an ad in Craig's List that fit the bill for what we wanted.

So this visit was purely by divine coincidence.
Once we arrived to saw the storage facility that we would be renting.

As we walked down to the buildings we began talking with Nancy Cox. and really enjoying the conversation talking about their acreage, grandchildren, the weather, and much more.

Thomas joined us shortly in the storage building and started another round of conversation.
We must have talked for a good 45 min to an hour before walking up to their house to complete the lease for storage. Inside we began talking and chatting
(If you have never met Thomas and Nancy Cox, trust me you will enjoy their spirit of kindness and their enthusiastic nature)
So I noticed the train track running across the wall at the bottom of the stairs. (Well, of course, I'm going to ask about it!) I Love Train Modelling and Dioramas. That started the discovery of What and Who Thomas Cox is and his love for transforming model trains into a work of art and history for Train enthusiasts worldwide.

What came next was a tour of the Model trains in his lower level and a first-hand look at some of the Modeling projects he was presently working on.

Thomas Cox is amazing to listen to if you have a Train engine and want to present it at a certain period of its time like New or End-Life.

Thomas would most likely be able to tell you all about it from the company that first started using it to the company that decommissioned it. what track it ran on and just a torrent of information and history this man has in his head.

I was all so given the first look at an amazing sound system that has the authentic rail sounds for the engine from start-up to roaring down the track.

So if you're looking to have your Train Engines detailed to a realistic period of time contact Red Pine Precision Modeling.

You'll be amazed at the talent and information that Thomas Cox will share with you.

Red Pine Precision Modeling.com

Inexpensive Ways to Make Trees

2014-03-14T08:00:00.002-07:00

Inexpensive Ways to Make Trees and Ground Cover For Your Model Railroad Layout

One of the most exciting aspects of model railroading is creating the scenery to enhance the landscape of a layout. The scenery is what adds the personality and interest to a layout to make it truly unique.
There are all sorts of scenery accessories you can purchase from online model train stores, but many things can be made from everyday items around the home. You do not always need to spend money when there are things around you for free.

Twigs from your back yard are a good example. They can be used for making small trees and shrubs, or be cut to resemble logs. There is no need to paint them, because they are already the right color. Small wooden meat skewers (from the supermarket) can also be used to make logs and they are very inexpensive to buy.
The same goes for adding grass to your layout. You can purchase some very good products such as "Static Grass Flock" to provide ground cover, or you can make your own. Some model railroaders use a mix of ready-to-use grasses from the hobby store, and combine this, with there own home made grass recipe.

Gather some fresh mulberry leaves and dry them in a microwave oven. After they are dried out, drop them in a kitchen blender and you have instant ground cover. The best thing is; it costs you virtually nothing to make. Store it in a plastic bag for when you need it.
The only disadvantage with making your own ground cover is you will not necessarily know how long it will last when compared to the bought stuff. Many of the ground cover products from a hobby store will have been treated to help them maintain their color and withstand temperature and humidity variances over time. Some of them are non-flammable and nontoxic, so you need to decide what is important to you.

A lot of model railroaders use dried kitchen herbs for leaves and ground cover. They mix different herbs (eg. thyme, oregano and parsley) for different effects. When doing this it is best to lay some newspaper underneath, as it can be a messy process. That way you can catch and reuse any herbs that do not stick the first time.

Sea Foam (also called "Forest in a Box") is a popular material for making small inexpensive trees. You can bend it to look like trees and then spray on some adhesive and sieve on some flock. It is usually best to mix a few little pieces together rather than use just one piece for an entire tree.

Click here for lots more clever model train layout ideas

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Fine brass wire can be used to strengthen the trunks and branches. Torn up pieces of masking tape can be wound around the tree trunk to add some width. This can then be sealed with a mixture of wall filler and PVA white glue.

You can even add sprinklings of kitchen herbs as mentioned earlier. You can then spray the trees all over with matt varnish, or spray them (upside down) with a mix of white glue and water. You then leave them to dry overnight.

Lichen is also ideal for making shrubs and trees. It is very versatile and looks good as mass foliage and undergrowth on a train layout. It is also inexpensive and easy to work with. You can purchase it in a range of colors that can be used separately or mixed together.

So, there are many, many ways to make ground cover and trees for your model railroad layout. It is a lot of fun and you might want to try some different options to see what works best for you. The point I am really making here; is that things on your train layout do not always need to be expensive. You just need to be a little creative in your approach. Have fun!

Join Robert Anderson's popular online Model Train Club(ad) to get lots of clever model railroad ideas to help you build the model train layout of your dreams!

Model Railroad Scenery-How to Add Excitement

2014-03-14T07:41:00.001-07:00

Model Railroad Scenery How to Add Excitement on Your Model Train Layout

Creating realistic scenery is the part that pulls your model railroad layout together and brings it to

life. Little details can make a big difference, as many spectators will spend a lot of time watching the trains operate, so they will get to notice the little things that add to the overall effect. Your visitors will see the vegetation that grows alongside the track and notice the signs on the buildings and the weathering techniques used on the trains.

Tunnels and a bridge will add interest to a model train layout. You will need a rail station too. Put operating signals at crossings. Use either a set of crossing flashers or a flasher and drop-arm combo. Kids (and adults too) are mesmerized by the 'lights and action' items.
Other ideas like a working grain elevator, water tower, coal loaders, or a control towers help complete a scene.

Be creative, but specific, when making scenery for your model railroad layout.
Make sure any vehicles and rail crossings are from the right era. One idea is black washing the grilles and hubcaps to add depth and realism to the scene. Using a small brush you can also paint taillights, parking lights and door handles if needed. Then consider taking the cars apart and install drivers and passengers. Nothing looks more unreal on a layout than vehicles seemingly driven by invisible ghosts!

Click here for lots more clever model train layout ideas
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You can purchase miniature figures in male, female and child variations all molded in 'flesh' color. The arms must be attached by gluing. Then the figures can be painted. Sometimes, the figures will not fit between the steering wheel and the seat. It sounds a bit cruel but you simply cut the legs off with pliers and they fit just fine. Use flat (rather than glossy) model paint to make painted clothing and hair look real.

When buying adhesives for joining scenery, there are several choices in hardware stores and hobby shops. They are not all suitable for the same job.

When building scenery try using an acrylic matte medium or white glue as both of these modeling adhesives are water soluble. However, a contact-cement may be more suitable in some applications.
If you are going to use white glue, you may want to dilute it with water using 2 parts glue to 1 part water, or a 1 to 1 ratio, depending on its application. Try adding a few drops of liquid dish-washing detergent as this will help break up the surface tension of the water. Another thought is to add a small dab of latex paint to tint the glue and help hide any bare spots.

Always keep scenery, buildings, people and structures to the right scale relative to the trains.

Join Robert Anderson's popular online Model Train Club to get lots of clever model railroad ideas to help you build the model train layout of your dreams!

A Key To Keeping Trains In Mint Condition

2014-03-14T06:33:00.000-07:00

A Key To Keeping Trains In Mint Condition Protected From Dirt, Dust And Grime

Model railway locomotives and rolling stock all need to be kept clean and well-maintained, as does the track-work and layout in general. It can be a constant job to keep things operating efficiently and protecting trains and structures from dirt, grime and dust build up. Some veterans in the hobby give the scenery and track a light spray with distilled water as one method of maintaining it in good condition. There are various other tasks including track cleaning and locomotive lubrication that need to be done periodically. When the tracks are dirty the trains will pick up the dirt and dust and this can potentially cause big problems. Leaving locomotives sitting on track for days, weeks, or months on end can also be problematic.

One of the most important accessories in the model train hobby has to be model train storage boxes. These boxes are a must in order to keep your train in mint condition.

Click here for lots more clever model train layout ideas
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There are various options, the first being to make your own storage system. It depends how fussy you want to be whether you make them out of wood, cardboard, or buy ready-made plastic containers. The important thing is to protect your trains from damage and dust.

You can also buy customized storage boxes equipped to fit various railroad scales whether it is: N scale, HO Scale, O Scale, S scale, On30 or G scale. There is a storage box made particularly to store almost any size of locomotives and cars.

The importance of storing your railroad cars:

Most importantly you want your railroad cars to be in the best condition that they can be every time that you use them. The only way you can maintain that condition is if you store them after each use. Each box comes equipped with proper foam padding that keeps all dust and oil from reaching the train and causing any destruction to the paint or construction of the model.
• Organization of your train can be difficult, especially if you do not have enough space to leave the train on display for long periods of time. You will need proper forms of storage to keep the train until you can leave it on display. The best way to organize all of the different cars is in tightly packed foam boxes that can be cut to the specific dimensions of each car. This insures the protection of each model train and keeps them all in an organized area.
There are several companies that make parts for model trains along with boxes to store them in. Axian is one of these companies that make specific model train storage boxes. When you purchase ready-made storage boxes here's what you should consider:
• Quick and easy delivery with quality packing of the boxes. It may seem strange to be particular about boxes and how they are packed for mailing, but since these storage boxes are to store your valuable model trains, they should be in good condition when you get them.
• Each box should come with foam strips to lay your train on and keep organized. There should be additional foam pieces included that will keep your railroad cars from touching and scratching each other within the box.
• Decide how many trains or cars you want to store in each box. Some will take 20 cars within each box, but most train hobbyists have found this to be difficult with cars of different shape and style. You may be able to store 20 to a box if they are only coal or iron ore hoppers.
• Are the boxes suited for passenger cars? You may not be able to store many cars over 50' in one of these boxes.
• Will the boxes fit on any storage shelf neatly and in a tidy fashion? Will they take up much room?
• Make certain you do not experience any rattling or movement of the cars when lifting the cases from one place to another. The cars will need to be tightly packed within the boxes and the box does a sufficient job of keeping the cars safe.
• You might also consider placing some paper between the cars and the foam for long periods of storage, because certain paints can stick to foam.

Many model train hobbyists recommend that you find model train storage boxes that fit the dimensions of your cars. It depends on the era of model trains you have, because the more modern they are the larger they usually are. If you have larger cars then you will not be able to pack as many into a box, so you need to check the dimensions of the box and the size of your cars before you purchase a good model train storage box.

Remember, you don't need to buy everything ready-made; you may prefer to improvise by using containers made for other uses, or to make your own. Doing this might save you some money and provide you with storage boxes that are more suited to your particular trains.
Join Robert Anderson's popular online Model Train Club to get lots of clever model railroad ideas to help you build the model train layout of your dreams!
or
Robert Anderson is the author of Model Railroad Scenery & Layout Construction Ideas.
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The Adaptability of Digital

2013-11-13T07:20:00.000-08:00

The Adaptability of Digital Command Control (DCC) In Model Railroading

A simple DC (Direct Current) transformer will give you a nice chugging locomotive going one way on your model train track, however, with a DCC (Digital Command Control) unit you can have the flexibility of having an entire train-switching yard happening right in front of your eyes!

That is the adaptability that is available with this coming-of-age technology in the model railroad hobby!

Assuming you have already done all that you can with your standard controller that you got with your train set, whether that is a Bachmann, Kato, Marklin, Atlas or other brands and you want something new, what now?

You know about the different types and combinations of wiring that can be used to make all the lights work, all the smoke come from the stacks to mimic the operation of your engines and the different things that can be accomplished with traffic control devices and lights, whistles etc.

Now it is time to take your layout to the next step.

By using the Digital Command Control, you are doing just that. The DCC sends a continuous electrical current to all of the many things you have installed on your train layout board, just as you have had all along, however, now you have a digital receiver installed in each one of these items. You can thus control each and every one of them with the selectable controller and enhance the operation and, more importantly, the look and feel of your system.

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The technical side of the Digital Command Control is, actually, not as complicated as you might think.

The digital nature of this very popular and gaining popularity every day. A DCC system is easier to wire than a straight DC system.

You will need to get power to all sections of the track, lights in all rolling stock, lights in all houses, streetlights, cars on the roads, trestles, drop bars at street crossings, smoke from chimneys in houses and stacks from engines. In summary; everything that is happening on your train layout board can be controlled with a Digital Command Control. All that is needed at this point is a digital receiver, in each of these, to make them accessible from your command center.
It will be a relatively easy task to "bundle" certain things to happen at the same time if needed and this can also be set up to activate in series so that it will duplicate the changing of time as people, (in your little world) get home from work, move about the board to go to grocery stores and just generally live their lives.
The ability to set up the activation of certain sounds, such as air horns, screeches of wheels on track and the normal operational sounds of a busy train yard can add to the realism that you have begun this very interesting hobby to bring about in your own "train room". The flexibility of the Digital Command Control system will assist you in this endeavor.
Join Robert Anderson's popular online Model Train Club to get lots of clever model railroad ideas to help you build the model train layout of your dreams!

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Race days

2013-06-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Books on Amazon

Do you remember those race days with your Eldon race set or maybe you had the Aurora Ho scale. I had them both my brother, myself and Dad would spend hours racing each other and make up tournaments. Its was just a great time and one that is such a found memory now that my Dad is gone.

I still have my Ho aurora set and a few more such as Tyco and the newer AFX by aurora. I still from time to time get them out and set them up for my grand kids. How about you?

I Stumbled across a you-tube video with Jay Leno from the tonight show, He was with the founder of slot mod.com they create Atlantic 1/32 scale racing plate forms and was doing one for his Garage. They are a have to have one racing platform. Check out the Video it's fun and amazing what SlotMod does.

Slot Mod.com With J Leno

As Kids in Waterloo Iowa we were at the hobby shop every weekend racing our slot cars it was fun and competitive. I would love to see this form of entertainment return for the young people of to day. It was a fun way to socialize and at the same time use your skills and thinking cap to make your slot car run better and look the coolest.

Building Your Model Railroad Layout

2012-06-07T08:35:00.002-07:00

Deciding a Track Plan Before Building Your Model Railroad Layout

When planning construction of a model railroad there are all sorts of possible track configurations and plans to consider. It really depends on the space you have at your disposal and what type of train operation you would most enjoy.

Real railroads (prototype) run from one destination to another rather than go around in a circle. In reality, real railroads usually have hundreds, if not thousands, of miles of track to work with. Even in a scaled down form, most model railroads lack the space to fully replicate this, so a degree of adaptation and compromise is usually required.

Full size trains often run for long stretches over monotonous landscape, which if reconstructed on a model layout, would be rather boring. To give you an example, the Ghan Train in Australia, runs 1,880 miles across mostly barren desert. Imagine replicating that on a scaled down model railroad - it would probably stretch from one end of town to the other!

The main line begins at one point, and travels to another point, and stops, hence the term - a point to point railroad.

Although a point-to-point layout is necessary on real railroads, the format is not generally practical for the average home (or club) model train layout. Replicating the scale mileage of a true point-to-point railroad does not generally work that well.

To make things a little more practical (and interesting), prototype railroads have branch lines, sidings and other subsidiary systems. Adding these to a model layout can be a good idea.

Before departure, the trains are turned around at terminals using yards, loops, wyes, and turntables. A single or double-track main line usually stretches from point to point.

When planning your point-to-point layout, you might want to include switches and yards at one end of the layout, and a turnaround at the other.

Click here for lots of clever model train layout ideas

Most small layouts would not have enough space for two terminals, so use an "out-and-home" track configuration. An out-and-home layout accommodates only one terminal and is like a point-to-point layout double backing. The train journey would start at the terminal and it would pass through various landscapes, possibly a small town, and eventually arrive back at the same terminal.
Some might say it is cheating, but unless you have unlimited space (and money) for your layout, a little compromise is usually required.
Constructing an out-and-home layout usually enables a little more mileage between terminals. The train will still arrive back at the terminal in a reasonably short space of time.
You could add more realism and interest by combining an out-and-home, and point-to-point, format with continuous pikes. You would need a fair amount of space though.
Many model railroaders prefer a continuous layout because it allows for varied train movements which make operation more interesting.
Whatever track plan you decide, the important thing is to have fun.
Join Robert Anderson's popular online Model Train Club to get lots of clever model railroad ideas to help you build the model train layout of your dreams!Robert Anderson is the author of Model Railroad Scenery & Layout Construction Ideas.

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Hobby Ideas

2012-05-03T14:39:00.000-07:00

Hobby Ideas You Will Like

What is your favorite past time? Hobby enthusiasts know that spare time is not to be "spent" but savored. If you have a past time you enjoy, you will never look at your spare time in the same way again. If you're not sure what past time hobby you would enjoy, here are some suggestions.

Many people listen to music as a favorite past time. There is much you can learn about any style of music. You can learn composers, famous melodies, and all about performers past and present. You can develop sophisticated tastes in jazz or classical music or collect a large assortment of CD's. Music makes a great past time hobby.

A lot of people love animals. Pets of all sorts can become your hobby. Perhaps you enjoy watching birds. If you have trouble finding them in the trees to watch, maybe you'd like to get a pair of canaries, a budgie, or a cockatiel. People who live in the country sometimes become interested in raising ornamental chickens, pigeons, or pheasants. It is very interesting to watch a mother bird take care of a nest of young chicks. Perhaps you can even raise some prize winners!

Dogs make a great hobby, too. Walking and enjoying a pet dog is one thing, but breeding and raising show dogs is something else entirely. Show dogs may require a bit of an investment, but many puppies are free. There is also the aspect of training a dog in obedience. Dogs give a lot of love back to their owners, too, so if you start a past time hobby of caring for a dog, you will never be lonely. However, dogs require quite a bit of work and attention, especially when they are being trained, so keeping dogs is not for everyone.

Bicycles can become your favorite past time. Hobby bicyclists are becoming more and more common to see cycling along lesser traveled highways seeing the countryside up close and personal. Bicycling requires a helmet and suitable clothes as well as a small tool kit for roadside repairs. Or maybe you would enjoy cycling on a smaller scale, simply taking fun rides with your family. The choice is yours.

The world is full of interesting things to learn and do. Don't merely sit back and watch TV. Get interested in a past time hobby. It's good for your mind. In fact, it might even keep you from going senile in your old age, if you stay active in a past time hobby. And it's a good example to our kids and grandkids if we spend our time doing something meaningful.

Check out these Books from Amazon.com, To help you get started in a hobby that's fun and rewarding to do. Just Click on a Book for more information

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EMD Desel gp50

2012-01-31T21:51:00.000-08:00

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

An EMD GP50 is a 4-axle diesel-electric locomotive built by General Motors Electro-Motive Division (EMD). It is powered by a 16-cylinder EMD 645F3B diesel engine, which can produce between 3,500 and 3,600 hp (2,610 and 2,685 kW). 278 examples of this locomotive were built by EMD between 1980 and 1985. BN 3110-3162 were all delivered with five cab seats, the final five of these having the cab lengthened 23 in (584 mm) vs. the standard EMD cab. The GP50 retains the same overall length of 59 feet 2 inches (18.03 meters) as the EMD GP38, EMD GP38-2, EMD GP39, EMD GP39-2, EMD GP40 and EMD GP40-2.

In 2014–2015 the Norfolk Southern Railway rebuilt 25 GP50s into the low-emission GP33ECO.^[1]

EMD GP50

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EMD GP50 Diesel Locomotive

Norfolk and Western - From Historic Rail & Roads

Detailed Description

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A replica of a four-axle GP50 diesel locomotive (of which EMD built 278 between 1980 and 1985), this HO scale Bachmann model features a powerful motor and precision gearing for smooth operation, a finely molded body with factory-installed handrails, working headlights, a die cast chassis, all-wheel drive with RP25 metal wheels, magnetically operated knuckle couplers, an authentic Norfolk and Western paint scheme, and more. Measures 8" long and arrives ready to run.

Check This out Here at Historicrail.com

2011 Christmas-Hobby Ideas

2011-11-25T06:08:00.001-08:00

Here are 3 handy tips kindly supplied by
members of the Online Model Train Club:

1. Toning Down Colors
Here's something I've discovered. I no longer use white or black paint on my layout without mixing in other tones. I find pure white and pure black a little stark and unreal as those colors stand out too much! I also stick with matt paints (not gloss) on most things. Gloss might look ok on a shiny new loco, but it looks too unreal on most things. To tone down black or white paint I usually add a small drop of another color such as diluted brown just to take the starkness away. Remember with white to just add a tiny dab of another color, because if you add too much you'll have to add a big quantity of white to overcome the problem. If you add too much brown for example, you might be best to pour it out and start mixing again.

2. Making Buildings Look Real
I took some digital photos of the displays in some local shop windows and reduced them on my computer and printed them out so they fit the scale of my buildings. I glued them in place and covered them with some clear acetate to represent windows - you could use recycled clear plastic lids. They look so real! Join the online Model Train Club for

SURPRISE GIFT FOR ALL CURRENT AND NEW MEMBERS TO THE ONLINE MODEL TRAIN CLUB

If you're a member of the online Model Train Club (or you're about to join) you'll get a surprise this Christmas! Because, just before Christmas, you'll get an email giving you special private access to download an exciting Christmas Gift... absolutely free!

If you are not yet a member of the club... NOW is the time to join. You'll not only get access to hundreds of great tips, monthly tutorials, and ideas to help you build the layout of your dreams...you'll also still get the 4 advertised bonuses, plus the surprise Christmas Gift!

Now is the best time to join!

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

3. Building A Shelf Layout
Here are my essentials for building a shelf type layout:
1. I install track re-railers following every turn. This assists to re-rail the cars which can come off the track around the curves.
2. I think it is a good idea to install a wire guard rail or flex glass to protect the trains from serious damage as they could accidentally derail and smash to pieces on the floor. OOOCH!!
3. Running the trains often helps keep the track clean, as will a track cleaning car. High level layouts can be harder to clean and can accumulate dust and even rust more quickly.
4. I painted my baseboard black. This way everything is highlighted on my black baseboard.

Model Train Help

2011-06-06T10:34:00.000-07:00

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What scale is right for your home?

2011-02-16T09:18:00.002-08:00

When planning to start your family fun with Trains or Slot Cars One of the considerations of course is room and size. Over the years they have started manufacturing many different scales to accommodate just different Sizes and spaces.

One of the most common in small sizes was the HO and Now The N Gage is the common choice when size matters. But if you live in a very small apartment and still wish to have a wonderful scaled model train the Z scale is what you're looking for.

I believe at the time I started writing this the Z scale Train is the smallest on the market today. Marklin offers a Z scale Marklin Swiss Old-Timer Z scale Train Set This size of the train is great if you want a nice layout the size of a coffee table and what a talking peace this would be. However, it all so comes with a larger price tag put is very unique. N scale is small and space-saving. You can do a layout as small as 24 x 48 and the cost is considerably less as well as more readily available at just about any toy store or hobby shop in your area.

Do you remember your hobby?

2010-12-20T07:33:00.001-08:00

Picture From http:// www.trainweb.org

I grew up in the 60,s and having a hobby was the entertainment for many kids. One of the biggest hobbies that I remember was the slot cars and trains. The first train my brother and I received for Christmas was an American flier. We played with this for hours and hours on end. Next Christmas my brother received a Eldon drag race set this was just way to cool the cars were fast and the track was setup with a working Christmas tree to start the race just like the real thing. We would set this up in the basement and spend most of the day and weekend racing the cars and tweaking them to go faster and do wheels on take off. We would but a little fine oil on the start track and make the wheels burn out. We just had the greatest time. Then a local Hobby shop set up some very large slot car tracks and this began my experience in slot car racing the cost was about 50cent an hour to run your cars and the Hobby shop would run weekend race competitions with great prices. it was fun and entertaining. I would love to see young people get into this hobby again. Its a great pass time.

I really believe the best thing we can do for our children today is start them in a hobby that all the family can participate in. The hobbies from past times are still the best to work with, getting a family involved with Model Trains or Slot Car racing can be fun as well as creative and best of all it well foster family connection and time for family fun.
How about, Do you still have a hobby you do from your childhood? and have you started your kids in a hobby? Hobbies for kids as they grow I think is a great way to help them learn and grow. Know matter the hobby I believe learning new skills in a fun and family involved environment is time well spent and a great way for family to interact and communicate.

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Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set - Click Here

Listed Price: $79.99 Sale Price 74.37 You save 5%

From the Manufacturer

Start Off Your Railroad Right with Life-Like Train Sets! Twice the fun in one complete set! With both freight and passenger trains running on two levels, this set is packed with big-time railroading action. The freight train includes a GP38-2 diesel with working light, wooden box car, tank car and sliding door box car, while the passenger train features a powered F7 diesel with headlight pulling a coach and observation cars, which also have interior lights. The action takes place on two complete loops of track: a 65 x 38" (1.6 x 0.9m) oval for the lower, plus a 47 x 38" (1.1 x 0.9m) oval with snap-in elevation piers for the upper level. Each level also has its own UL-listed power pack for independent control. For more big city fun, the set comes with a snap-together railroad station, plus Fire House and Police Station building kits, 24 signs, telephone poles, automobiles, street lights and much, much more. Set Up Size: 65" x 38" and an elevated 47" x 38" Track For fast and easy operation on any surface, sets feature Life-Like's unique Power-Loc(TM) snap-together track. There's no need for special boards, nails or tools - and there are NO fussy metal rail joiners to align - simply click each section to the next and you'll be ready to roll in minutes. Best of all, the built-in roadbed base means you can run your train on any surface, including a rug! There's also a handy re-railer that makes getting the cars and engine on the track easy, with simple plug-in wiring connections to speed assembly.

Product Description
A complete train set packed with all the pieces you need for hours of imaginative train play. Features:
GP38-2 Low Nose Santa Fe and F7 Santa Fe locomotives plus five cars
65" x 38" oval track layout with a 47" x 38" elevated oval track layout
Two lighted passenger cars
13 snap-in piers for elevated fun
Three building kits: police station, fire house and snap-together elevated passenger station
Automobiles, street and highway signs, and utility poles for added realism
No batteries required
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set

Life-Like Trains HO Scale Super City Elevated Rails Double Electric Train Set
Listed Price $249.99 Sale Price $119.99 you save 52%

From the Manufacturer

Start Off Your Railroad Right with Life-Like Train Sets! Twice the fun in one complete set! With both freight and passenger trains running on two levels, this set is packed with big-time railroading action. The freight train includes a GP38-2 diesel with working light, wooden box car, tank car and sliding door box car, while the passenger train features a powered F7 diesel with headlight pulling a coach and observation cars, which also have interior lights. The action takes place on two complete loops of track: a 65 x 38" (1.6 x 0.9m) oval for the lower, plus a 47 x 38" (1.1 x 0.9m) oval with snap-in elevation piers for the upper level. Each level also has its own UL-listed power pack for independent control. For more big city fun, the set comes with a snap-together railroad station, plus Fire House and Police Station building kits, 24 signs, telephone poles, automobiles, street lights and much, much more. Set Up Size: 65" x 38" and an elevated 47" x 38" Track For fast and easy operation on any surface, sets feature Life-Like's unique Power-Loc(TM) snap-together track. There's no need for special boards, nails or tools - and there are NO fussy metal rail joiners to align - simply click each section to the next and you'll be ready to roll in minutes. Best of all, the built-in roadbed base means you can run your train on any surface, including a rug! There's also a handy rerailer that makes getting the cars and engine on the track easy, with simple plug-in wiring connections to speed assembly.

Product Description

A complete train set packed with all the pieces you need for hours of imaginative train play. Features:

GP38-2 Low Nose Santa Fe and F7 Santa Fe locomotives plus five cars
65" x 38" oval track layout with a 47" x 38" elevated oval track layout
Two lighted passenger cars
13 snap-in piers for elevated fun
Three building kits: police station, fire house and snap-together elevated passenger station
Automobiles, street and highway signs, and utility poles for added realism
No batteries required
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Super City Elevated Rails Double Electric Train Set

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Design, Build, Maintain & Repair Your VERY OWN Realistic Model Railroad... Without Making Costly Mistakes!"

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Do you remember your hobby?

From the Manufacturer

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Product Description

Design, Build, Maintain & Repair Your
VERY OWN Realistic Model Railroad...
Without Making Costly Mistakes!"