Posts Tagged ‘track Layout’
Model Train Track Layout
February 15th, 2011 
dwalton 
Posted in Uncategorized 
Tags: model train, model train track layout, track Layout, train track 
10 Comments »N Gauge Model Railway Layouts For Sale
January 11th, 2011 dwalton 
The American Flyer Model Train
Author: John Vanse
Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.
With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.
The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.
Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman's American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.
In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company's founder, who had taken over the business following his father's death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.
In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like 'real train track'.
With the advent of television - to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies - together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.
At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.
General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.
Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.
The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-american-flyer-model-train-471683.html
About the Author
John Vanse, a model train enthusiast, has a number of websites concerned with model trains. All these sites can be accessed through the hub site: The Model Train Guide For more specific information about American Flyers see: American Flyer Model Trains
Model Train Layouts Ho Scale
November 20th, 2010 dwalton 
Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train
Author: John Vanse
For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.
The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.
For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.
An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.
Four of the more common basic patterns are:
* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;
* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;
* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;
* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.
From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:
* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;
* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;
* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;
* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;
* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;
* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.
The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/track-layout-ideas-for-your-model-train-229089.html
About the Author
John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide
Model Trains Made In Usa
May 30th, 2010 dwalton The American Flyer Model Train
Author: John Vanse
Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.
With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.
The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.
Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman's American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.
In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company's founder, who had taken over the business following his father's death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.
In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like 'real train track'.
With the advent of television - to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies - together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.
At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.
General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.
Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.
The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-american-flyer-model-train-471683.html
About the Author
John Vanse, a model train enthusiast, has a number of websites concerned with model trains. All these sites can be accessed through the hub site: The Model Train Guide For more specific information about American Flyers see: American Flyer Model Trains
 |
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99  |
|
1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
 |
Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
 |
Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
|
Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
 |
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
|
This Life-Like Rail Master Toy Train Set comes with 100 pieces, and is a great starter set for anyone with an interest in toy trains! Giant 47" x 38" oval track layout. Contains a F40PH Diesel Locomotive with working headlights, 3 authentic railroad cars |
 |
MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
|
== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
 |
MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
|
MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
 |
PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
|
MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Posted in Uncategorized Tags: american flyer, Gilbert, lionel, model train, model trains, model trains made in usa 2, s gauge, s scale, track Layout No Comments »Model Trains Games
May 26th, 2010 dwalton 
Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train
Author: John Vanse
For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.
The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.
For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.
An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.
Four of the more common basic patterns are:
* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;
* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;
* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;
* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.
From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:
* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;
* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;
* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;
* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;
* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;
* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.
The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/track-layout-ideas-for-your-model-train-229089.html
About the Author
John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide
|
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99 |
|
1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
|
Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
|
Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
|
Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
|
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
|
This HO-gauge train set includes a bright-yellow Union Pacific diesel locomotive, two freight cars, a caboose, and a 45-by-36-inch oval track that's more than enough to get the train up to top speed... |
|
MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
|
== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
|
MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
|
MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
|
PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
|
MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Athearn Model Trains Locomotives
May 26th, 2010 dwalton Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train
Author: John Vanse
For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.
The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.
For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.
An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.
Four of the more common basic patterns are:
* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;
* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;
* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;
* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.
From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:
* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;
* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;
* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;
* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;
* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;
* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.
The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/track-layout-ideas-for-your-model-train-229089.html
About the Author
John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide
|
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99 |
|
1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
|
Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
|
Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
|
Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
|
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
|
This HO-gauge train set includes a bright-yellow Union Pacific diesel locomotive, two freight cars, a caboose, and a 45-by-36-inch oval track that's more than enough to get the train up to top speed... |
|
MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
|
== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
|
MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
|
MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
|
PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
|
MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Posted in Uncategorized Tags: athearn model trains, athearn model trains locomotives, designing Model Train Layouts, designing Track Layouts, ho Scale, layout, locomotives, model railroading, model train, model Train Track, model trains, n Scale, scale Model Trains, track Layout, z Scale No Comments »Model Trains For Girls
May 26th, 2010 dwalton Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train
Author: John Vanse
For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.
The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.
For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.
An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.
Four of the more common basic patterns are:
* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;
* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;
* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;
* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.
From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:
* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;
* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;
* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;
* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;
* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;
* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.
The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/track-layout-ideas-for-your-model-train-229089.html
About the Author
John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide
|
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99 |
|
1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
|
Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
|
Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
|
Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
|
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
|
This Life-Like Rail Master Toy Train Set comes with 100 pieces, and is a great starter set for anyone with an interest in toy trains! Giant 47" x 38" oval track layout. Contains a F40PH Diesel Locomotive with working headlights, 3 authentic railroad cars |
|
MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
|
== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
|
MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
|
MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
|
PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
|
MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Discount Model Trains Online
May 26th, 2010 dwalton 
Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train
Author: John Vanse
For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.
The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.
The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.
For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.
An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.
Four of the more common basic patterns are:
* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;
* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;
* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;
* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.
From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:
* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;
* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;
* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;
* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;
* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;
* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.
The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/track-layout-ideas-for-your-model-train-229089.html
About the Author
John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide
|
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99 |
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1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
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Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
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Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
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Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
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Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
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This HO-gauge train set includes a bright-yellow Union Pacific diesel locomotive, two freight cars, a caboose, and a 45-by-36-inch oval track that's more than enough to get the train up to top speed... |
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MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
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== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
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MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
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MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
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PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
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MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Model Trains Retailers
May 26th, 2010 dwalton The American Flyer Model Train
Author: John Vanse
Although The American Flyer model trains were at their peak of popularity between the 1940s and the 1960s, they actually had a long history before that, and their popularity seems to be on the increase again today. William Hafner, working as a toymaker in Chicago, developed a clockwork motor for use in toy cars in the very early part of the 19th Century and by 1905 was making toy trains using that clockwork motor.
With a friend, William Coleman, and using a small hardware manufacturing business known as the Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company, Hafner began producing toy clockwork trains during 1906-7. These Edmond-Metzel trains were sold so successfully through some major retailers that the brand name The American Flyer was adopted for marketing purposes and by 1910, the name of the hardware company had been changed to American Flyer Manufacturing Company.
The American Flyer trains proved very popular, in part because they were lower priced than other makes popular at that time, and also because their detailing made them more realistic than other low budget model trains.
Hafner left the partnership in 1913 to start up his own company and Coleman's American Flyer trains did extremely well during the First World War as they had no competition in the US from the German companies. By 1918, the first of the American Flyer electric trains were in production and business boomed during the 1920s but declined sharply during the Great Depression.
In 1938, William Coleman Jr, son of the company's founder, who had taken over the business following his father's death in 1918, sold the American Flyer to the A C Gilbert Company. Gilbert had been manufacturing and selling an extensive range of toys but not toy trains. He moved the company from Chicago to New Haven, Connecticut and immediately began to re-design the trains. He re-developed the American Flyer as S-scale in 1939 , a scale which was a modification of the very popular O gauge model trains then on the market. The S scale, which scales trains to the 1:64 ratio and made them smaller than the O scale trains, had a number of major advantages in terms of the track and track layouts.
In 1946 Gilbert made another major change to the American Flyer. Until that stage model electric trains had run on three rails, with the centre rail carrying the current. Gilbert developed a two rail system for running the American Flyer. This two-rail track, which had seven-eighths inches between the rails, made the track layout, and hence train operation, more realistic as the track now looked like 'real train track'.
With the advent of television - to distract both younger people and older people from their regular hobbies - together with the rise of the discount chain stores which undercut prices and demanded lower wholesale prices, A C Gilbert Company ran into trouble and in 1962 was sold to Wrather Group. The new owners produced lines of toys, including model trains, which were of very poor quality and sales dropped sharply until in 1966 production of the American Flyer ceased. By 1967 the Company was bankrupt.
At this time, Lionel Corporation, which was itself in financial trouble although it had been the leading model train manufacturer for many decades, bought the rights to the American Flyer. However, by 1969 Lionel Corporation itself was bankrupt and sold the rights to the manufacture of its model trains, including the American Flyer, to General Mills.
General Mills began selling some of the original Gilbert designed American Flyer trains by 1979 but in 1984 sold its Lionel Company section to a toy manufacturer, Kenner who on-sold the company to Richard Kughn in 1985.
Kughn was very successful for over 10 years with the Lionel and American Flyer trains but sold in 1996 to Wellspring Partners who set up the company Lionel LLC, which operates today selling a range of model trains, including the S-scale American Flyer. Initially Lionel LLC concentrated on promoting the O and O27 scale model trains of its original lines but since 2002 has been releasing more and more American Flyer models.
The American Flyer then, is now more that 100 years old, and has gone though a number of ownerships and fluctuations in popularity. Dedicated S-scale enthusiasts now believe that this renowned model train is once again making a resurgence.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/sports-and-fitness-articles/the-american-flyer-model-train-471683.html
About the Author
John Vanse, a model train enthusiast, has a number of websites concerned with model trains. All these sites can be accessed through the hub site: The Model Train Guide For more specific information about American Flyers see: American Flyer Model Trains
|
Revell Big Boy Locomotive List Price: $24.99 |
|
1-87 Scale. This kit by Revell Germany Measures 18.2 inches long when complete features 87 pieces. The American Big Boys are some of the longest and largest steam locomotives ever built anywhere in the world... |
|
Proto 2000 Heritage Series Steam USRA Heavy 2-10-2 Powered; Standard DC - Erie #4224 - Southern Valve Gear List Price: $399.99 |
|
Large HO, RR, N Scale Hot Wheels Trains Display Case Wall Cabinet-(HW05B-OA) List Price: $139.95 |
|
Beautifully constructed display case HO, N, and Z scale trains and hot wheels. Such and elegant way to showcase your collection. 6 wooden shelves with 38" long each for trains and cars. Felt matted background to create an elegant display... |
|
Life-Like Trains HO Scale Rail Master Electric Train Set List Price: $79.99 |
|
This HO-gauge train set includes a bright-yellow Union Pacific diesel locomotive, two freight cars, a caboose, and a 45-by-36-inch oval track that's more than enough to get the train up to top speed... |
|
MRC Throttlepack AC 1301 List Price: $97.99 |
|
== Key Features == / / * Special sine-wave output circuitry provides plenty of controlled power / * Separate, UL Listed power supply keeps the THROTTLEPACK AC footprint small / * Whistle/horn & bell buttons included / * Special "Booster" button for added power when needed / * Precise, slow-speed throttle control for realistic performance / * Direction button / / == Overview == / / The THROTTLEPACK AC features advanced sine-wave circuitry so onboard locomotive sounds will function no matter what the brand... |
|
MRC Prodigy Express List Price: $149.99 |
|
MRC's Prodigy Express breaks fresh ground in DCC. If you're a modeler running solo, chances are you won't need the multitude of features Prodigy Advance has to offer. That's why we created Prodigy Express... |
|
PIKO G Scale Rio Grande Water Tower Kit List Price: $151.99 |
|
MANUFACTURED IN GERMANY BY PIKO. |
Posted in Uncategorized Tags: american flyer, Gilbert, lionel, model train, model trains, model trains retailers, s gauge, s scale, track Layout No Comments »
