Building Railways and Scenery For Your Model Trains

The hobby of collecting model trains or locomotives includes building railroads and the scenery. Many people find it stressful and a lot of work but it actually is a lot of fun. Building the railroad and the scenery for your train set is a perfect chance to let out your creative juices

The HO Scale Model Train – Benchwork and Track Planning Tips For Great Layouts

The popularity of the HO scale model train is in large part due to its ideal blend of size and detail. Besides the detail provided by the model trains themselves, modelers pride themselves in their quality track planning and benchwork. The preparation and design of the track layout itself is referred to as track planning. The underlying structure beneath the track is called the benchwork.

Using Noch Ground Cover in Your Model Train Layout Scenery

Noch is a German company that specializes in manufacturing modeling supplies for model railroad scenery for all scales. Noch makes a variety of ground cover material to simulate everything from short ground cover to tall grass. Proper use of the material depends on which type you are adding to your scenery.

Model Railroad Track Plans

An important part of your model railroad is the track plan. This is the layout of all your track work and will determine where the trains will run. There are several options when designing your model railroad track plan. The design will ultimately depend on your interests and available resources including space. The types of trains you wish to run will also play a big part into determining the most suitable track plan.

A Good Quality Locomotive Will Make All The Difference

It can be very frustrating having a locomotive that you need to push to get going, or it suddenly speeds up and falls off the tracks. A locomotive runs by picking up the electricity from the track through its wheels.

How Model Train Locomotives Work

A locomotive runs by picking up an electrical current from the metal rails through metal wheels that ride on the rails. The electricity is transferred from the wheels to the motor, which causes the motor to run.

How Model Train Track Works And What Can Go Wrong

Model train track consists of two metal rails separated by plastic tie sections. Each rail carries one side of the electrical circuit. To work properly, the two rails should not contact each other and no metal object should contact both rails together.

How To Avoid Model Railroad Derailments

Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time to time? This was a major frustration for me. I would fix one section of the track and the next day the train would derail on another section.

Mailbox Color for Your Era

You’re about to add scenic detail to your layout. Perhaps a few lamp posts, fire hydrants and a mailbox on the street corner. But what color should that mailbox be?

Uncouple Tip

One of the things I’ve learned while volunteering at the Twin City Model Railroad Museum (TCMRM) is how quickly and easily uncouple cars without lifting them off the track with your hand.
A simple plastic stir stick, available at most fast food restaurants that serve coffee, can be used as shown in the pictures at right to uncouple two [...]

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