Archive for December, 2010

Lionel Christmas Train Sets

December 29th, 2010 dwalton
Lionel Christmas Train Sets

Monograms: Examples of Monograms

Author: Nicholas Tan

Monograms have been used for centuries as identifying marks and embellishments. Wedding invitations are some of the best examples of monograms and the most widely used example. What a great way to start a new life together with a special and imaginative design to share with your family and friends.

The basic three-letter styling of monograms has not been changed much since the late 19th century to the early 20th century. These monograms are designed with the first initial to the left, the middle initial to the right, and the last initial in the middle. Examples of monograms used in this manner are, stationary, towels, pillow cases, and of course wedding invitations, just to name a few. These styles are the most classic examples of monograms and the most widely known.

While monograms are not readily used as true identifying marks so much anymore, they are still used as more of a decorative keepsake, the most popular being wedding invitations. These can be done very elaborately or in a simple sleek design. The monogram should go hand in hand with the theme of the wedding and the direction the couple would like to go. 

When looking for the perfect monogram for wedding invitations you should look for examples of monograms. The best way to do this is to get on the computer and open your basic text editor, such as Word. In this program you will find many fonts and can make different arrangements with the initials. This is actually really fun to do and the possibilities are almost endless.

Many online software programs also offer ad on packs with even more font choices. The next step would be to find a friend with some artistic ability and have him or her draw some simple designs, or go to the stationary store and research ideas there. Go to a reputable store which features an in house designer that can give you some examples of monograms.

Examples of monograms are also readily available on the internet. A simple search brings up many site results and examples offering a bounty of information and ideas. You may even be able to find the perfect online retailer to purchase your items from. Many businesses, especially wedding oriented ones, operator mainly by the internet and offer deep discounts compared to a brick and mortar store. The designs, however, may not be very unique or original.

Another great idea to find examples of monograms is to ask to see someone such as a grandmother or older aunt's jewelry collection. In the not so distant past and even today monogrammed jewelry was very popular. If the special person has some jewelry of this sort, see if you like the examples of monograms engraved. If you find something you like, have the stationary store or person creating your wedding invitations recreate this design. What a unique and special tribute to your family, and future together. 

Creating your wedding invitations can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With a little creativity and a helpful hand you are sure to send out something truly special and unique to your guests.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/collecting-articles/monograms-examples-of-monograms-682712.html

About the Author

Nicholas Tan has been involved in Article Writing, providing Free Articles, Internet Marketing, SEO, Adwords, & Adsense for more than 5 years and designs and develops websites. Submit your free articles and get your articles noticed! Get your Free Articles here! Submit Articles! We provide free articles and information. Check us out at Free Articles!



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Christmas Train Sets

December 29th, 2010 dwalton
Christmas tree with train ...

The Top Five Organizers for Christmas Ornament Storage

Author: Rachel Jackson

A great deal of time and money is usually spent decorating our homes for the holidays. After investing these resources, we do not want to risk losing our decorations to water damage, breakage, or by misplacing them. The best way to prevent this from happening is to purchase storage containers which are made specifically to store holiday items. It is important to buy enough of these containers to avoid overcrowding your decorations. After carefully packing away your holiday items, placing the storage containers in a safe place.

With the variety of storage containers available, it can be difficult to decide which container you should purchase. Here are some of the containers that you can choose from, as well as some reasons why they are a good choice.

Ornament Storage Boxes - Ornament storage boxes are used to store Christmas tree ornaments. They not only prevent your ornaments from being broken, but they also make it much easier to take down your tree. When you use an ornament storage box, you do not need to wrap your ornaments in tissue or newspaper. Ornament storage boxes are plastic boxes that are divided into smaller partitions. These partitions keep your ornaments from hitting against one another, which can scratch or break your ornaments. The plastic box is extremely sturdy, which allows you to stack your boxes of Christmas decorations on top of each other without the risk of crushing the ornaments.

Christmas Light Storage Box - Christmas lights are a storage nightmare. Christmas lights can easily become tangled and they can be difficult to store. If you manage to remove them from your tree or the outside of your house without tangling them in a hopeless ball, odds are that by next year, they may have found a way to tangle themselves. A Christmas light storage box is a plastic box that contains inserts for your lights. Each insert sits upright in the box, and in slots that run down each side. You remove one of the inserts and wrap a string of lights around it. You then slide it back into the box. By the time you have removed all of the lights from around your home, the storage box may be full, but each set of lights should be tangle free.

Wreath Storage Containers - Boxes made specifically for wreath storage are an excellent addition to Christmas storage. They provide a sturdy home for your wreath so that it is not crushed, and take up little room. A wreath is fragile and they can become damaged very easily. These boxes are an excellent way to prevent them from becoming damaged and they can last much longer.

Regular Plastic Containers - Many of the items that are used for holiday decorations do not have their own storage container. Train sets, stockings, candles and ceramic figurines are all part of the holiday scene, and need to be carefully stored. For these items, you may have to use a regular plastic storage container. These containers are not specifically made for what you are storing in them, so packing is more important. Use as small of a box as possible, and fill any empty space in the box with crumpled newspapers so that your decorations do not slide around.

Plastic Storage Bags - Plastic storage bags are an excellent storage solution for many holiday items. While they should not be used for breakable items, they are a great choice for oddly shaped or sized decorations. Plastic storage bags should not provide any real reinforcement, but can keep the item clean and shielded from sunlight and moisture while it is in storage.

With the combination of these five organizers, you should be able to safely store all of your holiday decorations. They all provide protection for your items from breakage as well as dust and UV damage. Once you purchase these organizational tools, take the time to carefully pack your ornaments, removing hooks before putting them in the ornament box. Make sure that all of your decorations are clean before packing them away. For ornaments that you can wipe clean, use a damp cloth. Soft or cloth items can be cleaned with a gently pass of your hairdryer.

A few extra minutes spent packing away your holiday ornaments can help ease the organizational headache that happens each year during the holiday season. Clean, well-packed ornaments, organized in containers made for the items you are storing, is the best way to ensure that your sentimental favorites make it safely from year to year. Next holiday season you should consider these storage solutions as they can greatly reduce the stress of locating your decorations. Many benefits are provided by properly storing your holiday items and the most important reason is that you can prevent your memorable Christmas ornaments from becoming damaged.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/parenting-articles/the-top-five-organizers-for-christmas-ornament-storage-682930.html

About the Author

Rachel Jackson is a freelance writer and blogger who writes about topics concerning home maintenance and organization. Rachel Jackson writes about seasonal organization issues, such as Christmas ornament storage



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Hornby Model Railway Layouts

December 28th, 2010 dwalton
Hornby Class 56 project by ...



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Ho Model Train Layouts Plans

December 28th, 2010 dwalton
... small HO model train layout

Ho Model Trains

Author: Jason R. Dodson

One train hobbyists might want a model train that operates through his garden outside. Another one might have wide space for spreading out a large set of train tracks, and someone else might have smaller area but wants it to be filled with a couple of different train tracks. All these were fulfilled by model train makers who made several different train sizes.  

The size O is known to be the most popular size of the large scale trains. O has a scale of 1/48th or 1:48.  This means that it is one 48th the size of a normal sized train. The measurement for O is one and 1/4th inches. Most of these larger sized trains are put up outdoors in gardens. But of course, not all hobbyists in the train world are already contented with this.

The O scale is twice as large the size of the HO gauge. HO is the abbreviation of "Half of O". The scale of HO is 1/87. The standard size track gauge of 16.5mm is being used by the HO trains. For layouts, HO scale is the most popular size to be used. Their size is good enough to be able to use constructive sceneries with properly designed track plans in a lesser amount of space. But their size is large enough to be able to handle a great deal of detail in finer models. Their size is also adequate for children to handle without having to think about the risk of having damaged or broken small parts or tiny components. And because HO scale being able to provide the balance that train enthusiasts need with regards to the details of larger scales and the low space requirement, it became the most sought after railroad line as compared to other scales.

It was in the UK that the first HO scale model trains first appeared during the 1930's. HO model trains were introduced to become an alternative choice for the OO scale. But, since the OO scale was already established in the UK, HO scale had a hard time making any real commercial headway. Luckily, hobbyists from the United States have high demands for a realistic based toy during the late 1950's which in turn made the HO scale model trains to really take off throughout the 1960's and continued until the present. Among 3 hobbyists, 2 would prefer choosing HO scale models to be their favorite as compared to other models.  

The popularity of the HO scale made way for many different companies to make a wide array of locomotives, sets, accessories, and rolling stocks. Train enthusiasts can find a large array of HO scale train sets with different variations such as ready to run trains, craftsman grade, as well as limited edition models made of brass. It was also known that hobbyists will even go the distance of looking out not only local hobby shop supplies, but also global and foreign manufacturers and suppliers just to find the perfect piece in order to complete their lay out.

So, if you are one of those train enthusiasts who dreams of having a beautiful and vast landscape with creative scenery along with a model train, then the HO scale model trains fits you best. Try to awe your friends or people around your house with watching your magnificent model train chugging down the rail, winding up and down the hills, and going through tunnels. Having an HO scale model train can fulfill all your dreams.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/ho-model-trains-2173798.html

About the Author

Jason R. Dodson is a toy enthusiast and a miniature piece collector with a special interest in locomotives. He pays special attention to his model trains and has built the website www.ultimatemodeltraincenter.com to help model railroaders get started with the hobby.



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Wooden Ship Model Kits

December 28th, 2010 dwalton
Flickr: Oceaneer99's ...

How can you use wooden ship kits?

Author: sridhar doss

Wooden boat kits are easy to use. It is so designed that it is not only simple to put together but also an enjoyable past time. All you need to do is to pick the right kind of kit. How would you do that? Well, you have to decide what kind of model boat or model ship you aspire to build. Once you have decided on the model you have get hold of the appropriate kit. There are kits for almost any model boat or model ship you wish to build. Easy availability of the kit is one of the greatest advantages of using a kit to build your model boat or model ship.
Once you have got the kit in hand you will need to find out what you have in the kit. So open the kit and check out all the things in there. Make sure that the pieces in the kit and the pieces mentioned on the list all match up. Sometimes a few pieces can go missing and that could take the fun out of building. The process of checking the pieces also ensures that you get to know the parts of the model boat or model ship and when you begin to read the instructions and how to go about making the model boat or model ship it will be an easy enough affair. 
The instructions on the kit are very simple. Methodically follow the instructions. Do not try to jump steps or be hasty. Be organized. Arrange your pieces neatly on a table so that you can see what you are working with. Most of the pieces have already been already cut and shaped. All you need to do is to fix it appropriately as per the instructions without having to spend time trying to figure out where which piece has to be fixed. So it is a rather a simple process.
By organizing your work schedule and your manner of working model ship building or boat building can be rather enjoyable. Once you have laid out the pieces on a table and taken a good look at the pieces then you have to make sure that all the pieces in the kit are in good condition. There should be no warped pieces as then jointing these pieces could become difficult.
There are some useful tips to make the whole process more enjoyable. Like for example, you could begin to build the keel and the frame and then carry on from there. It would help a great deal if you were systematic as this would help you work faster and more accurately.
Handcrafting these model boats and model ships is a highly rewarding experience as the final result is very beautiful to look at. Take care of all the intricate details. Sand paper the joints so that there are no rough surfaces.
There is no point in rushing through the process. Be patient and practical. Like when you have applied glue. Wait until the glue has dried before you proceed to the next step

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/crafts-articles/how-can-you-use-wooden-ship-kits-2315645.html

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Free Model Train Layouts Plans

December 28th, 2010 dwalton
... Man | Triang Model Trains

Free Layouts for Scapbooks

Author: Heath Hodge

Scrapbooking is no longer the simple collection of magazine cutouts which we happen to find interesting. Or the bare collection of photos with minimal designs bounded together in a book.

In fact, this hobby has already become a craze and believe it or not, its popularity has exceeded golf. At a conservative measure, there are four scrapbookers in every American family while there are only three golfers who could play golf in each household.

Its popularity was added by multi-level marketing enterprises, which seemed to have raised the overwhelming collections of scrapbooking materials. Add to this the fact the myriad of collectors and vendors who seem to have their entire lives with scrapbooking.

While it already has evolved into a pool of vendors, collectors, traders and buyers we should still have to trace back the origin of scrapbooking.

It of course has started as a hobby. But with entrepreneurs seeing the lucrative prospects from scrapbooking, many has now toughed the tides and made this a billion dollar industry.

From scrapbooking product designs to product selling. From scrapbooking softwares to the nitti-gritties like charms, stickers, stick-ons and everything in between, there surely is some place for tactics that would help better the industry. And that including the free bees that we normally get from the web.

Well, the free scrapbooking layouts here that we are talking about are not the exact layouts that you would use step by step. Instead, we have prepared free scrapbooking layout plans that will contribute largely with the development of your craft and your own style. After all, scrapbooking is one good way for your personality to radiate.

Here are the following layout plans:

The newspaper style
One of the most obvious mediums by which we can see effective layouting are from the newspapers. There no boundaries in making the layouts for your scrapbooking, anything and everything is possible. Now if you would want to layout your family pictures or personal photos in tabloid form, you may choose to lay them on columns. Just like the ones you see posted in tabloids. Birthdays, weddings an sporting events all fit well in this type of formatting. For optimized results, you may use an old English font for the script and Times New Roman for the titles.

Try the handprints
This works best with an album for your child. You may trace his hand print or his foot print and do whatever that pleases you. You may have it traced on the cardstock or the paper itself. For an alternative, you may mount a picture of your child on any traced medium and make use of the area around the page.

Use the rub on transfer technique
Rub-ons for long, had been the favorite among both amateur and veteran scrappers. They create pretty effects that make layouts extra special. There are plenty of ways for which you may use rub-ons. The most common of which is to apply them on the cardstock, photos or any sort of papers, may it be patterned or plain.

Rub-ons need some learning curve. It might even take time before you master the technique. They come in helpful tools though like a rubbing would for easy design transfer. However, once you have mastered the craft, you would be able to use it even to trickier mediums like ribbons, glass, mesh, and ribbons. Please assure to it that when doing the techniques on these materials, the rub-ons are adhesive enough so as to create better effects.

Chalk solutions for your scrapbooking layouts
Texture, color and dimension...that are what chalks do. chalks appeal to most surfaces especially those that are paper-based so there really is no problem when using chalks. The soft color that they add makes baby albums a bit more babyish and solemn albums a bit more solemn. Somehow, chalks intensifies that concept in ways that cant be doe with any other medium.

However using chalks would mean that you have to prepare for messy works. Nevertheless, it's all worth it.

There. Now you have more ideas from our free scrapbooking layout designs. They can be combined with other techniques to complement for the concepts and for intensifying the design on minimal degree or to make them as the general idea for your layout concepts.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/free-layouts-for-scapbooks-1665835.html

About the Author

Information on noni berry can be found at the Gardening Central site.


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Wooden Toy Trains

December 27th, 2010 dwalton
Flickr - Photo Sharing!

The Fun of Wooden Toy Trains

Author: Amy Wells

There's just something special about very little wood toy trains. They've long been a favourite among children and became an icon for the Christmas season in many countries. They're still a in style gift selection for kids and often a collectible among adults. It's nearly not possible to have simply one picket toy train; many folks choose to make upon their cherished toy to form their own toy train system. While the picket toy train is a widespread show at Christmas, some folks have whole rooms or sections of their house dedicated to displaying their wood toy trains.

Usually, it can be tough to find wood toy trains in these days's society. Most toy trains of these days are created out of metal and plastic, with decals displayed so as to make the toy look as realistic as possible. Some individuals flip to the web to seek out picket toy trains, whereas others scout live much longer than auctions and antique stores in hopes of finding the picket locomotive they knew and loved as a child. But, it is attainable to search out new wood toy trains because of a company referred to as Community Playthings.

Community Playthings began as a tiny organization of young fathers in rural Georgia. These men had one issue in mind - to make safe, sturdy toys for their children out of wood. The concept soon spread to local schools and academics began requesting the wood toys for his or her classrooms. When childcare became a well-liked plan among working parents, daycares ordered wood furniture from Community Playthings. It wasn't long before the company expanded into a well known name in the toy industry, and thus the creation of wood toy cars, trucks, and trains.

The toy trains you will find made by Community Playthings are simple and actually nothing fancy. You won't realize exclusive hand-painted detail, battery-operated engines, lights, sounds, or any other bells and whistles. Those are best left for firms who focus on creating state-of-the-art, realistic replicas. The toy trains from Community Playthings are designed for the inquiring child, plain and simple. Without all of the added extras, children are able to use their own imagine and develop motor skills as they push along and play with their wood toy trains.

Along with toy trains, Community Playthings conjointly makes picket furniture, youngsters's lockers and cubby holes, art and sand tables, classic wooden blocks, and a wide variety of furniture for babies and toddlers. It is very simple to buy anything wooden from Community Playthings. Their web site provides a complete listing of all of their accessible merchandise, prices, and photos of each item. Many kids's marketing websites additionally carry things from Community Playthings for reasonable prices.

For a trip down memory lane back to your childhood, or to buy picket toy trains for your very little one, consider getting your next toy train from Community Playthings. In a society where everything has gotten thus modern, it's nice to understand there is one company out there who will take you back to the "good old days".

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/the-fun-of-wooden-toy-trains-1675870.html

About the Author

Visit http://www.hotoytrains.com for the latest deals and buying guides for ho gauge toy trains.



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Model Railways Online

December 27th, 2010 dwalton
Model Railway Shop | Model ...

Model Railway Track Cleaning

Author: Stuart James Smith

Many folks that are true enthusiasts of model railroads know the importance of having it cleaned periodically. Model railroad track cleaning is essential in the upkeep and maintenance of any structure that you have in collection in order to keep it running smoothly and without error. If you are unable to complete the cleaning yourself, then it's time to find someone that can complete the service for you.

Model railroad track cleaning is a very tedious project. Every nook, cranny, and connective rail needs to be cleaned, aligned, and checked for wear and tear. Dirt and dust seem to be the biggest offenders when it comes to a track that isn't functioning as it should. If you have a brass rail, then the possibility of oxide forming on the track is also a factor where the electrical current is hindered. That is why nickel-brass is recommended due to the oxide being a conductor of electricity and thus not interrupting the functioning at all.

If you are prepared to clean the track yourself, understand that you are in for quite the project. Cleaning the track takes some serious elbow grease, but there are some things you can do to make it easier for you. The first cleaning method is to purchase or make your own cleaning car. These cars can either use a dry abrasive wheel or pad, or a wet pad that removes the dust and dirt. Most hobbyists use both when completing track maintenance. The wet car uses a cloth moistened by track cleaning fluid, while the dry car trails behind. It's an effective method when cleaning and a good way to keep from any further issues happening.

If your track appears to be extremely dirty or hasn't been used for quite some time, then you may have to use an abrasive cleaning block to get it running properly again. You'll have to rub the block along the track paying close attention to the turns, points, frogs, and other tracks in those areas. Do not use sandpaper to clean the track. It is too abrasive and may cause grooves that will later collect more dust and dirt. After you use the block, run a cloth along the track to remove any residue that has accumulated. You may even wish to use a vacuum as well to ensure there are no lingering dust and dirt particles laying on the track.

The key to any model railroad track cleaning is to keep it from becoming dirty in the first place. By isolating your layout from areas where there is a lot of dust or dirt accumulation, it significantly makes the cleaning process all that much easier. Keep windows closed, and insist that smokers refrain from doing so when near your rails. Install ceilings if the setting your layout is in doesn't have one. These simple precautions will keep your train running smoothly, and allow you to enjoy it for years to come.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/model-railway-track-cleaning-848060.html

About the Author
If you're model railway needs to be cleaned but you're not sure of the best way to begin, visit Model Trains Today for more information.



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Model Railways Australia

December 27th, 2010 dwalton
... FA models built for export

Model Trains For Beginners Pdf Review

Author: wangfei

According to the report of Daily Mail of British, an American model train lover has made the "world's smallest" and movable model train with his knives and dexterous hands. It is said that the model is 0.3 centimeters wide, 0.6 centimeters long, nearly 35200 times smaller than the real one.
When my cousin reads this news, he is really attracted by that so called "noble game"---model train. Whats worse, the point lays on collecting the model train, of course with money, yet not manufactruing with experts hands and good ideas!
Undoubtedly, I pay a lot of money for quiet life to my cousion. Then, to everyone's surprise, this gay brings a G scale one coming home! I am really shocked by this huge locomotive, only shivering ask:"do you decide to bulldoze my apartment and pull down the fence building up your ‘big brother'?" Thanks to the kind-hearted shop keeper, we change for a smaller one, finally we save our house and don't have to sleep under the beautiful sky.
As you know, the nightmare is not over yet. This gay comes time and again, distubering my sweet dream asking some question about how to manage the railways, or the differences between engine and locomotive and so on. One time, he trys to throw out my bookcase just making a room for his new model train.
My colleagues and friends are so nice, they show the deep sympathy in another way. That is recommending an e-book called Model Train Help to my cousin in my name.
Thank god! Everything is solved! Through reading Model Trains For Beginners, the novice becomes an expert never troubling by some little questions. Still, as beginner, he really understands what has to be done . The point is that after guilding by the Model Train Help, he improves step by step, and now, he has been known for professional knowledge in my town.
"buy a railroad track and train combo for hours of family fun", my cousin usually says so. Yet he will rocommend you the book Model Train Help, for that is the secret of keeping your house and the fence!
Grab A Copy Click here

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/model-trains-for-beginners-pdf-review-2773017.html

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Model Trains For Beginners



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Model Railways Layouts

December 27th, 2010 dwalton
Town, Model Train Layout ...

Fun With Model Toy Trains

Author: Glenn Downer

Model toy trains is a very enjoyable hobby to be a part of. When I was twelve years old in 1962, I got my first train set. I remember the transformer had dual controls, and was about as big as a car battery, and just about as heavy.

 It had an engine that puffed smoke out the stack, if you put special capsules into it. I had cars that carried logs, and all sorts of tunnels, signs, and everything else I managed to collect for several years.

When I went in the service in the early seventies everything disappeared, probably sold at a tag sale. But I never forgot how much fun playing with model toy trains was, and a few years after getting out of the service I bought another set.

 For anyone who has ever had a train set, you know what I am talking about. If you have never had the pleasure, you should really give it a try. It's a very relaxing hobby, and wonderful for children if you have them. Kids are drawn to a train set, like bees to honey.

 Finding items for your model train layouts is half the fun. These items can be found at swap meets for model toy train buffs, tag sales, newspaper classifieds, and flea markets, just to name a few.

When you find something unique that will add to your model train layout, it is like finding gold, and you can't wait to put it in it's place in your rail yard.

 You can make your model train layouts as simple, or as detailed as you choose. Many railroaders use premade track, while others hand lay their track, complete with nailing it to the railroad ties.

 A lot of the fun with model toy trains is making the buildings and structures that will sit within your layout. This is what really brings the whole package alive, and they are relatively easy and inexpensive to build.

 They can then be painted to match the theme you are trying to obtain with your model train layouts. It could be a modern theme, a western theme, or whatever suites you.

 I have found that model train layouts, are usually a work in progress that really never ends. You always find one more thing to add, or an existing item that could use a little touch up with the brush and paint.

 But that is the true fun of model trains. Building your model trains layouts, and running and watching your model toy trains, especially if you have kids, can be a fun and rewarding hobby.

 

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/fun-with-model-toy-trains-840633.html

About the Author

To learn more about building your own train layout visit Model Toy Trains

http://www.get-more-info.net/trains.htm



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