Choosing The Proper Model Train Scale

Model train sets come in different sizes, called scales. Choose a scale that's right for the age of the child. Here is some model train scale information that willbe helpful in choosing what your best fit is. An adult should supervise and help set-up any train set -- unless noted, all sets are electrically powered, and most sets include many small parts. All sets are recommended for children age 8 and over.



Z Scale Train Sets:

Z scale was developed in by Märklin in the early 1970's, and is the smallest of all the working models -- so tiny that a little layout will even fit in a briefcase. Most Z trains and equipment are based on European railways.



N Scale Train Sets:

This scale is an ideal choice for apartments or anyone with limited space. N-scale trains are easy to store when not in use and are ruggedly built for trouble-free operation. The small size is fine for teenagers and adults; younger children will need an adult to help to set up or take down a set.


HO Scale Train Sets:

"HO" means "half - o;" models are half the size of O Scale. HO is the most popular scale with the greatest selection of sets and accessories, as it allows lots of railroad action in a small area. Children may need adult help to set up or take down the set.


S Scale Train Sets:

S Scale trains appeared in the 1950s (American Flyer was one of several popular brands) as houses grew smaller. Its chief advantage was size; larger than HO for more detail and improved reliability, but smaller than O Scale so less room was needed for a layout. Today, the selection of kits and assembled items is small, but this has made S Scale popular with modelers who enjoy the challenges of scratchbuilding and kitbashing.



O Scale Train Sets:

(also On30, 027)
O Scale trains also include "On30" Sets, which are O Scale models that run on a narrower track -- just 30 scale inches wide. They're ideal for use with Christmas Villages. "O27" gauge sets will take tighter curves -- which makes these O Scale sets a good choice when space for bigger trains is limited. (The number 27 refers to the 27" diameter of a full circle of track.) If you grew up with Lionel trains, you'll remember that they were O Scale models. Ruggedly built, they're a good choice for youngsters or permanent layouts. Many sets feature animated accessories.



G Scale Train Sets:

Big models, sometimes called "Large Scale" trains. Sizes range from 1/22.5 to 1/25 and also includes #1 gauge (1/32 Scale) equipment. The largest electrically powered models, starter sets set up in small areas. Some brands can be used outdoors, in garden layouts. The large size of G-scale trains allows for rugged handling by younger children. Many models have working parts that enhance play value.

Simple Evergreen Trees for Your Model Train Layout

What model train layout is complete without an abundance of trees... especially if your train layout includes hills and mountains like mine.

One of my favorite techniques for background trees is the tried and true bottle brush technique. They are cheap and easy to make. Even with my short attention span, I can knock out a dozen pretty quick.

Material List:

• Sisal twine
• Wire (regular steel or aluminum works well)
  
• Walthers goo
• Brown spray paint
• Coarse ground foam of desired foliage color. I prefer a bluish green.
• Block of foam to hold the trees

Tools:

• Wire cutters
• Scissors
• Cordless drill with hook to twist trees. Can be easily made from coat hangar.
  
• Vise to hold the trees during twisting

Steps:

1. The first step was to cut the sisal twine into approximately 12′ lengths and boil. Yes, your family may give you strange looks, but what model train aficionado isn't used to that? . After boiling for a couple of minutes I draped the wet twine over some pipes in the basement to dry. I attached a clamp to the ends to hold them straight. The boiling helps to straighten the fibers.
   
   
2. Cut the fibers into pieces ranging from 1/2″ to 2 1/2″. I typically put them in three piles - short, medium, and long.
   
   
3. Cut the wire into pieces approximately 2″ longer than twice the desired height of your trees. I typically create trees in the 4-8 inch range.
   
   
4. Now the fun begins. Fold the wire into tight V shape and apply Goo to one leg of the V leaving about an inch clear on each end. Attach the twine pieces up the wire working from wide to narrow. Spread the fibers apart using your fingers. The Goo gets tacky very quickly and will hold the twine for the next step.
   
   
5. Tighten the V together and clamp the free ends into the vise.
   
   
6. Twist slowly until the fibers rotate around to complete the tree shape.
   
   
7. Remove tree from vise and cut off top loop with wire cutters. Leave the free ends for a trunk to hold onto. Trim the stray strands with scissors and make it look like a tree. Next, apply fairly heavy spray paint. Your lungs would appreciate it if you did it outside. If you have to do it inside, use a respirator.
   
   
8. Sprinkle on ground foam from top, bottom, and sides. Shake off excess. If you are smart you will do this over top of something in order to recover the excess. Do not do it over the area you used for the spray paint step. It goes much faster if you batch each of the steps.
   
   
9. Stick it into foam until planting time and enjoy. You now have a beautiful new bottlebrush tree to complement your hopefully as beautiful model train set!
   

Landscaping Around Your Model Train

Model train landscaping is one of the more enjoyable aspects of the model train hobby. Most fun is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through. For some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create any scene you desire.

From fanciful hobbit themes, alien worlds or realistic re-creations: there is nothing that you cannot create and display. All it takes is a plan, some materials, a little skill and some time.

First and foremost you need a plan or at least a concept.

Do you want to duplicate an existing landscape?
Do you want a faithful historical recreation of a place now lost in time?
Are you more inclined to creating a never-before seen or unlikely scenario to wow the masses?

Making a choice on one theme for your layout and staying true to that theme is perhaps the most important keys to success. If you change your methods and style in the middle of your landscape the result will be inconsistencies that will detract from the overall impression you are trying to form.

Ideally those you invite to view your work will see a delightful scene, and the harder they look the more detail they will find. Nothing is more enjoyable than hearing those delighted squeals when a viewer notices ever more subtle details as he looks closer and closer. The key to obtain such results is consistency and persistence.

Once you have a plan for the theme you need to decide on track placement and terrain. Many modelers create the terrain and then try to force the track to follow through that, just as occurs in real life ” but one of the advantages of modeling vs. real life is that you can consider all aspects and requirements up front. If you know you will have a bend or a switch at certain points why design rough terrain that you will then try to overcome with ‘grading’ in your models at those points?

Next you should collect your materials. Some items you can find around the house; others you may wish to purchase from dealers such as www.oakridgehobbies.com and www.jttmicroscale.com or your local hobby shop, but always stay true to your plan. Just because you find an amazing little miniature you long to use doesn’t mean it belongs in your model! Common materials you will need include:

1. Tables or Stands

2. Plywood (preferably outdoor grade) for base if using stands or building model train tables

3. Glues

4. Twigs, ‘dirt’ gravel, crushed or powdered stones, herbs etc. for plants and groundcover

5. Paints of various kinds for touch-up, covering the base and backgrounds, creating model railroad water areas, etc.

6. Poster board, wax paper, aluminum foil, tissues etc. for texturing and shaping

7. Styrofoam blocks and sheets for shaping


Optional items you may wish to use include:

8. Plaster of Paris and / or fiberglass

9. Talcum powder, pepper and salt, cayenne pepper ” for texturing and colorants

10. Corkboard and cork ‘paper’

11. Roof repair tar (for road surfaces etc.)

12. Paintable caulks and adhesives for securing items in place

Model Train Controllers

In the past 100 years, many types of electric controllers for model trains have been developed.

The first and most straightforward method was the use a simple variable transformer as introduced by Lionel in 1906 to lower the Alternating Current [AC] voltage from the wall to a lower, safer value and allow the user to control the speed of an electric model train by changing the amount of AC power applied to the track. In the 1920’s, Lionel included remote control reversing switches to allow the user to control the direction of the model train.

When DC-powered model trains with permanent magnet motors were introduced, a different standard was developed for most two rail model train tracks where the direction of trains were controlled by the polarity of the DC track power applied to the track.

In the late 1940s Lionel added a new concept of applying DC on top of the AC track voltage to turn on and off an on-board whistle by remote control. This concept of high frequency transmission was introduced in the Lionel Electronic Train Control. This system supplied ten different signals that would control ten different remote control effects. The different high frequency signals were superimposed on the standard AC power when selected buttons were pressed at the control center. Each remote engine or rail car was equipped with a receiver unit that was tuned to the individual frequencies. When the correct high frequency signal was transmitted, the corresponding receiver would toggle or turn-on some remote effect.

These high frequency signals increase the ability to remotely control various effects but they had other problems. Transmission losses were usually high and it was critically important to keep the track, the track joints and the wheels of the receiving car or locomotive extremely clean. However extra feeder wires to different parts of the track were used to prevent signal losses and placing capacitors across the track joints and adding inductors at the power supply and on each accessory being used assisted in reducing signal loss and in ensuring that all components of the model train layout operated properly. All this additional equipment however added to the cost, the complexity, and the maintenance for the model train operator.

Model train manufacturers have, over the years, introduced different methods of applying high frequency signals to the model train track to increase the remote control capabilities including independent train control which means that the model train operator can control the speed, direction and features of a number of different engines all on the same powered track section. With most DC and AC systems however, the biggest problem is that there are only a limited number of remote control signals possible and their application is slow by modern digital standards.

The application of digital technology uses remote control signals to carry digital signals to decoders in the engine for digital command control of locomotives and other accessories. Digital Command Control is a method of controlling individual train engines, rail cars and accessories by transmitting digital remote control signals down the track to on-board digital receivers and decoders in the locomotives, wagons and other rolling stock and accessories.

DCC has been around since the 1970’s but had not received wide acceptance because of the limited technology at the time and the difficulty and expense of installing receivers in each engine. With developments in digital technology these problems have diminished and over the last ten to fifteen years major model train manufacturers have produced several different versions of DCC. So many that unfortunately customers have been confused about which system is best. As always, there remains no shortage of choices for the model train enthusiast.

Why HO Scale for your Model Trains?

There are a number of scales people use to build their model train layouts, and everyone has his favorite. When I first entered the hobby, I narrowed my initial choices down to HOn3, HO, Sn#, and On30.

Here's how I did my final analysis on which scale is best:


Physical Properties:

The larger scales (1:48, 1:64) allow enhanced detail, literally down to the bells and whistles. Generally, your model trains will also have better operating characteristics. The smaller scale (1:87) allows more terrain on the layout, allowing for more miles of track and additional city and landscaping.

Space and concept:

I wanted to build a layout that borrows heavily from Furlow’s HOn3 San Juan Central (and 8' by 10' layout for those unfamiliar with it). I could fit a layout only slightly bigger than that into my available space, an important consideration for anyone considering a new layout. These space limitations tipped me towards HO or HOn3.

Detailed Models

I am a long time, avid reader of Narrow Gauge & Shortline Gazette. The majority of real quality work seen in a typical issue is in larger scales. There is currently a wide variety of structures, a great variety of On3 rolling stock and scratchbuilding materials. On30 has a lot of energy and enthusiasm surrounding it these days, and I am comfortable with the slightly less formal atmosphere of the On30 community. This area tipped me towards On30.

Vehicles and Figures

I love model period vehicles and figures. I also wanted to have a complete model population of figures. In 1:48, there is a fair variety of figures but a marked shortage of vehicles. It's possible to use 1:43 vehicles modified slightly, but then that diminishes the layout's fidelity.

HO boasts a large number of vehicles in the late-20’s to mid-30’s timeframe that so intrigued me and also a wide variety of figures -- which means one unit of "tip" toward HO.

Pragmatic Concerns

Namely... What do I already own. That's an important question to ask since there's no need, after all, to completely reinvent the wheel. I have many classic HO structures, a fewO scale structures, a variety HO standard gauge kits, several HO locomotives, and two HOn3 engines. This all means: HO and HO standard will be cheaper to get going. Additionally, some of these HO kits are what I’ve always wanted to have on a layout. (call it one unit of tip towards HO).


HO wins so far: Narrow or Standard gauge?

I like narrow gauge, but I find that the models are awfully small. Bachmann has recently begun providing excellent inexpensive small and medium size steam engines in HO standard that look and run great (and I already even own several).

My primary goal is to overcome the intertia inherent in starting a new gradiose layout, and so I'm going to get with what I already have a basis for: HO standard guage. Perhaps in the future, once I have an initial success under my belt and build some momentum, I'll try something more alien (to me anyway) and ambitious.

And so, the question begs: Am I paying a price for my security?

I personally believe that projects of any sort turn out best when we acknowledge and accept the compromises we feel are necessary to make and confirm that we are really comfortable with them. A fellow by the name of Boone Morrison really summed up the choice I decided to make:

“HO is a great scale to build a model of a railroad; O scale is a great scale to build railroad models.”

Why Model Trains?

Model trains are a time-honored American tradition, but are they still in vogue? In a hip, technological world where anything can be done on a computer, why should people still invest their time in the world of model trains?

Here are a few thoughts:

#1 Model railroading is a social activity, one which appeals to people from all walks of life. Hobby shops and conventions are great places to meet new people to share ideas (and complaints) with other railroad enthusiasts. There are national and local clubs and associations all across the US -- and the world. There are also an entire host of amazing contests and shows where avid railroaders can show off their talent and accomplishments.

#2 Working on a model train set can be a great family activity. It seems that in today's world far too few activities can be enjoyed by the entire family, but model railroading allows for many people to work together on large and ambitious projects without worry of exposure to any kind of inappropriate content or unhealthy risks. What's more, creating a decent display requires the combination of many talents: painting, creativity, fine motor skills, construction, and design. The hobby is also an enduring one, an activity which adults and children alike can enjoy at any age. Many people stay involved in the model community for life.

#3 Model railroading is educational. We know from brain research that staying mentally active and cognitively fit is of tremendous importance to leading a long and fulfilling life. Working on model train sets requires one to think flexibly in a variety of different arenas. The successful model train designer learns about history, basic carpentry and electrical skills, economics, model building, artistic techniques, planning and design, spatial reasoning and visualization, research skills, fine motor skills, geography, and culture. And they have fun doing it!

#4 It takes time! Painting model trains and designing railways is not quick business. In a world of instant gratification and an accelerating pace of life, having to relax and work slowly but intentionally on a project can be a healthy and fulfilling experience.

#5 Model trains are not just for geeks! Plenty of traditional professionals, sports stars, and otherwise wildly successful individuals have enjoyed model railroading. Such people include Tom Brokaw, Rod Stewart, Bruce Springsteen, Winston Churchill, Tom Hanks, Joe DiMaggio, Phil Collins, Michael Jordan, and Neil Young.