My modeling interest is in the world of HO trolleys. Unfortunately modeling HO traction means I have to build most of my trackwork from scratch. As a result I have developed a set of techniques that work for me and may be of interest to other modelers including those interested in building custom trackwork for traditional railroads.
1. I have found that using an image scanner and a graphics-drawing program on my PC gives me a great set of tools to develop plans and templates for my custom trackwork. I use one of the earlier versions of Jasc’s PaintShop Pro©. The key to developing a plan which can be used later as a construction template, is to figure out the appropriate match between the drawing scale and the printed paper template.
Scanning a piece of model track can make a good start at this match. For example put a piece of flex track, or even a whole turnout, in a scanner and copy it into your drawing program. Draw some lines into this scanned image to represent rails and do some trial printouts, varying the print scale. Keep track of each test print until you find the scale that produces a printout that matches the actual flex track and then mark that scale in your drawing. You should save this drawing to use in future projects so you do not have to repeat this “scaling” step.
2. Now using the drawn track lines, create your custom track design. You can use the drawing program’s tools to rotate and cut/copy/paste to build up the design starting just from those original drawn track lines. One of my custom track work designs is shown in one of the illustrations.
3. I use a printed copy of the design as a template for construction. I tape down the printed page to some Homosote and then start cutting and filing rail to size and shape. I spike the rail into position right over the printed template, soldering when appropriate. Use of a track gauge would be a good check on positioning. I use temporary soldered brass strips to hold the custom trackwork rails in position when moving the assembly to the layout. This discussion did not go into the shaping of custom rail work such as points and frogs which has been covered in the modeling press. But it has instead focused on a way of developing the custom trackwork plan and a working template.
Thanks Again,
Donald Foster.
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Thursday, September 1, 2011
What Is Scratchbuilding?
Scratchbuilding is exactly what it says on the tin; building from scratch. True scratchbuilding is done completely using raw materials, from the foundations of your model train layout, to the buildings and detailing you use to decorate your model railway. Rather than using a shop-bought kit, which simply needs assembling, scratchbuilding is the creation of a scale model by hand from raw materials. Plywood, clay, plaster, metal and plastic are all materials that can be used to create your model railway if you choose to scratch build it. Whether you choose to buy some of the extra layout detail, such as buildings, signs etc. is down to personal preference.
There are definite advantages to scratchbuilding. Your layout becomes completely unique, with the exact measurements and specifications you desire. It is very satisfying to stand back and admire your hard work once completed. The raw materials required to scratchbuild are cheaper than a commercial kit, which is an attraction to those with the practical skills to make a successful scale model by hand. Planning is an essential part of scratchbuilding. The concept of your railway layout can be based on commercial designs. Many scratchbuilders gain their experience from assembling kits first. To begin with, you may wish to kitbash to help you get started. With a big project, merging pre-made kits to create a new design, without having to think one up yourself, can be a good way to start. Always plan your layout carefully. You can include as much detail as you like. Specialized software is available to plan your model railway on a computer.
Simulations of the track and trains are very useful if you struggle to visualize a 2D design in 3D. Making the transformation from paper to model isn’t easy, however scratch building allows ultimate flexibility as well as the ability to recreate a totally original model train layout. Although scratch building uses raw materials, this doesn’t mean you can’t use things like plastic. It simply means that instead of buying landscape detail, you build everything to start from scratch. For example, instead of buying trees or buildings, you will scratch build them yourself. Using wood, cardboard, or even paper, every last piece of your model train layout can be hand made from raw materials. Very satisfying! Scratchbuilding is not for the faint-hearted but is incredibly satisfying. It takes time and requires motivation, precision and patience. Almost everything can be scratchbuilt, from the buildings to the sheep grazing on your mountains. I recommend to start by learning the basics through kit building. This will give you an idea of how commercial, pre-made items are finished and then you can try to replicate them. Scratchbuilding is a satisfying way to create your own unique model train layout. When every last detail is perfect, sit back and enjoy your hard work. You deserve it! Enjoy Your Scratchbuilding,
Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
There are definite advantages to scratchbuilding. Your layout becomes completely unique, with the exact measurements and specifications you desire. It is very satisfying to stand back and admire your hard work once completed. The raw materials required to scratchbuild are cheaper than a commercial kit, which is an attraction to those with the practical skills to make a successful scale model by hand. Planning is an essential part of scratchbuilding. The concept of your railway layout can be based on commercial designs. Many scratchbuilders gain their experience from assembling kits first. To begin with, you may wish to kitbash to help you get started. With a big project, merging pre-made kits to create a new design, without having to think one up yourself, can be a good way to start. Always plan your layout carefully. You can include as much detail as you like. Specialized software is available to plan your model railway on a computer.
Simulations of the track and trains are very useful if you struggle to visualize a 2D design in 3D. Making the transformation from paper to model isn’t easy, however scratch building allows ultimate flexibility as well as the ability to recreate a totally original model train layout. Although scratch building uses raw materials, this doesn’t mean you can’t use things like plastic. It simply means that instead of buying landscape detail, you build everything to start from scratch. For example, instead of buying trees or buildings, you will scratch build them yourself. Using wood, cardboard, or even paper, every last piece of your model train layout can be hand made from raw materials. Very satisfying! Scratchbuilding is not for the faint-hearted but is incredibly satisfying. It takes time and requires motivation, precision and patience. Almost everything can be scratchbuilt, from the buildings to the sheep grazing on your mountains. I recommend to start by learning the basics through kit building. This will give you an idea of how commercial, pre-made items are finished and then you can try to replicate them. Scratchbuilding is a satisfying way to create your own unique model train layout. When every last detail is perfect, sit back and enjoy your hard work. You deserve it! Enjoy Your Scratchbuilding,
Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
Scenery and Structure Basics For Model Trains
When you are getting started with model trains, it is easy to get carried away with the trains and the tracks themselves. However, part of what makes model trains such a great hobby is the scenery. The scenery that your model train will run through and over makes the whole layout interesting and it is fun to create. You should take a moment and learn more about how to create great realistic looking scenery.
Model trains are a hobby that can grow over time, and the more time that you spend working on it, the better your layout will look. If you are a model train beginner or not, you will find that kits are going to be the best place to initially get the results that you are after. Model train kits give you everything that you need to create a realistic model train world. With just a little bit of work, you are going to be able to get some impressively detailed scenes. You can get scenery that will take you through many different types of landscape and through many different time periods, and you will discover that there are plenty of great options open to you. Just remember that you should choose ones that will match each other. You should have a unified look and you should take a moment to work on how you are going to tie the whole look together.
Many novice model train builders end up with results that they do not like because they expanded their model train set without thinking about what they really want. You should consider the scale that you want to build on, and how you are going to be able to get the full effect that you are going for. Consider what kind of models you want to use and what you want them to be made out of. Plastic is the most common material used, and many great sets are made completely from plastic. Some people disapprove of plastic because of the way that one model can look identical to another, but this is easy to fix with just a dab of paint or some other details.
Think about how your layout is put together and how you can create a unique look, no matter what materials are used. Wood is another material that is used, as is a mix of hard plaster, resin and cardstock. You might find kits that have metal bits that need to be snapped or soldered in, and this can be a great opportunity to learn new skills as well. Take a moment to learn more about model trains and the scenery that makes them so special. This is something that can make a huge difference to your model train layout at the end of the day! Thanks And Take Care Railway Modelling, Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
Donald Foster
Model trains are a hobby that can grow over time, and the more time that you spend working on it, the better your layout will look. If you are a model train beginner or not, you will find that kits are going to be the best place to initially get the results that you are after. Model train kits give you everything that you need to create a realistic model train world. With just a little bit of work, you are going to be able to get some impressively detailed scenes. You can get scenery that will take you through many different types of landscape and through many different time periods, and you will discover that there are plenty of great options open to you. Just remember that you should choose ones that will match each other. You should have a unified look and you should take a moment to work on how you are going to tie the whole look together.
Many novice model train builders end up with results that they do not like because they expanded their model train set without thinking about what they really want. You should consider the scale that you want to build on, and how you are going to be able to get the full effect that you are going for. Consider what kind of models you want to use and what you want them to be made out of. Plastic is the most common material used, and many great sets are made completely from plastic. Some people disapprove of plastic because of the way that one model can look identical to another, but this is easy to fix with just a dab of paint or some other details.
Think about how your layout is put together and how you can create a unique look, no matter what materials are used. Wood is another material that is used, as is a mix of hard plaster, resin and cardstock. You might find kits that have metal bits that need to be snapped or soldered in, and this can be a great opportunity to learn new skills as well. Take a moment to learn more about model trains and the scenery that makes them so special. This is something that can make a huge difference to your model train layout at the end of the day! Thanks And Take Care Railway Modelling, Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
Donald Foster
So How Does Someone Considering Model Trains Decide Which Scale To Start With?
This comes down to 3 deciding factors –
1. How much space you have available for your model train layout,.
2. The physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and. 3. The accessories available for that model train scale..
Let me explain these 3 points in detail… .
1. How Much Space Do You Have Available? Building a model railroad layout in HO scale will be about 1/2 the size of a similar model train layout in O scale. The turning radius’ in HO scale will be tighter, the structures will be smaller, the detail will be less important and it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale like HO scale. It can be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale. HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic. A HO scale continuous loop model railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 foot table, while a HO scale switching model railroad can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table. A model train layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop. If you don’t have that much room available, then you should consider a N scale layout which can be built in less than 1/3 of the area required by a similar HO scale model train layout. .
2. Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With? It can get very frustrating trying to work with a locomotive or car that you struggle to hold, or struggle to see the small fiddly pieces. A big magnifying glass, bright lighting and tools to work with your trains can solve many of these problems, but often it’s easier to just model a bigger scale. This hobby should be fun, so there is no need for frustration searching for the lost magnifier or your glasses… Children will also find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards. Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail. .
3. What Accessories Are Available For The Scale You Are Considering? At this stage HO scale is the most popular model railroad scale. Because of this the manufacturers have responded and are constantly creating a huge amount of accessories and rolling stock for HO scale. The popularity has come from HO scale being just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail, the amazingly good running performance and the price. Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want. Then have a look at eBay. .
Thanks Again, Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
1. How much space you have available for your model train layout,.
2. The physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and. 3. The accessories available for that model train scale..
Let me explain these 3 points in detail… .
1. How Much Space Do You Have Available? Building a model railroad layout in HO scale will be about 1/2 the size of a similar model train layout in O scale. The turning radius’ in HO scale will be tighter, the structures will be smaller, the detail will be less important and it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale like HO scale. It can be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale. HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic. A HO scale continuous loop model railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 foot table, while a HO scale switching model railroad can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table. A model train layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop. If you don’t have that much room available, then you should consider a N scale layout which can be built in less than 1/3 of the area required by a similar HO scale model train layout. .
2. Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With? It can get very frustrating trying to work with a locomotive or car that you struggle to hold, or struggle to see the small fiddly pieces. A big magnifying glass, bright lighting and tools to work with your trains can solve many of these problems, but often it’s easier to just model a bigger scale. This hobby should be fun, so there is no need for frustration searching for the lost magnifier or your glasses… Children will also find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards. Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail. .
3. What Accessories Are Available For The Scale You Are Considering? At this stage HO scale is the most popular model railroad scale. Because of this the manufacturers have responded and are constantly creating a huge amount of accessories and rolling stock for HO scale. The popularity has come from HO scale being just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail, the amazingly good running performance and the price. Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want. Then have a look at eBay. .
Thanks Again, Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
A Good Quality Locomotive Is Essential
A Good Quality Steam Locomotive on a Model Train outlet. 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. The wheels transfer the electricity to the motor, which then turns the gears to drive the locomotive. A locomotive with poor pickup on the wheels or a poor gear set up will give you lots of problems. As with most things, you get what you pay for… but this is one area you do not want to skimp on. A great operating locomotive is 90% of the way to having a fantastic model train layout.
When buying a locomotive these points are critical:
1) The amount of metal wheels that pick up the electricity – the more the better, but definitely more than 1 set.
2) A good gearing ratio and motor which requires the least amount of electricity to move the locomotive, with a slow but smooth start.
3) Flywheels at one or both ends of the motor to ensure a smooth take off and smooth stop.
4) The weight of the locomotive should be just right to maintain a good connection to the track at all times but not too heavy to make the locomotive sluggish.
5) The length of the locomotive – shorter diesel locomotives are less likely to derail on the curves than longer steam locomotives.
Most hobby shops will let you test the locomotive on their in-house test tracks before you buy. Test the locomotive forwards and backwards… Check for a nice smooth take off and a nice smooth stop when the power is ramped up or down. I usually go into my local hobby shop after doing my research online, test the locomotive, and then I know what price to negotiate around… That tip has saved me nearly 30% of the retail price in some cases…
Buy quality when you buy your locomotives… I guarantee the investment will be well worth it.
To Your Success In Your Model Train Projects,
Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
A locomotive runs by picking up the electricity from the track through its wheels. The wheels transfer the electricity to the motor, which then turns the gears to drive the locomotive. A locomotive with poor pickup on the wheels or a poor gear set up will give you lots of problems. As with most things, you get what you pay for… but this is one area you do not want to skimp on. A great operating locomotive is 90% of the way to having a fantastic model train layout.
When buying a locomotive these points are critical:
1) The amount of metal wheels that pick up the electricity – the more the better, but definitely more than 1 set.
2) A good gearing ratio and motor which requires the least amount of electricity to move the locomotive, with a slow but smooth start.
3) Flywheels at one or both ends of the motor to ensure a smooth take off and smooth stop.
4) The weight of the locomotive should be just right to maintain a good connection to the track at all times but not too heavy to make the locomotive sluggish.
5) The length of the locomotive – shorter diesel locomotives are less likely to derail on the curves than longer steam locomotives.
Most hobby shops will let you test the locomotive on their in-house test tracks before you buy. Test the locomotive forwards and backwards… Check for a nice smooth take off and a nice smooth stop when the power is ramped up or down. I usually go into my local hobby shop after doing my research online, test the locomotive, and then I know what price to negotiate around… That tip has saved me nearly 30% of the retail price in some cases…
Buy quality when you buy your locomotives… I guarantee the investment will be well worth it.
To Your Success In Your Model Train Projects,
Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
Model Train Beginners Need This…
Model train beginners need clarity! Why do model railroaders need clarity? Because the model train opportunities are endless! You can build a layout in your basement, attic, shed, garage or garden. You can run steam or diesel locomotives. You can have multilevel railways with rivers, dams, mountains, snow… You get the idea! The opportunities are truly endless in this wonderful hobby. Some points to consider are: Where are you going to build your layout? In my case it’s "Where will my Wife let me?" :-) I find that I prefer being in the shed where I am out of the way and can enjoy lots of "me" time.
I have a friend who has a large model train layout in his front lounge area. How much space have you got available? The entire layout needs to be easily reachable by the operator to correct derailed trains, line faults, etc. "Against the wall" layouts need to be restricted to 3 feet wide.
A layout size of at least 3 feet 6 inches x 4 feet would allow space for a continuous loop railroad in HO scale. A layout space of at least 6 x 4 feet would be a better option. This would allow room to have a reasonably interesting model railroad. Which scale are you going to use? This is largely dependent on the space you have available and how much detail you want. Detail is easier to see and reproduce on larger models. HO scale is the most common and has the widest variety of accessories available. But if space is at a premium then consider N scale. You can build an N scale layout in an area about 30% of that area needed to build a similar layout in HO scale.
Will you model a real life layout or create your own? Most model train enthusiasts will eventually create models of real life systems. It can be challenging to model real life systems, but is very rewarding. Google Earth provides us with the perfect tool to check layouts, sizes, scenery, buildings and more. Being clear on what you want will make your life so much easier.
Thanks So Much,
Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
I have a friend who has a large model train layout in his front lounge area. How much space have you got available? The entire layout needs to be easily reachable by the operator to correct derailed trains, line faults, etc. "Against the wall" layouts need to be restricted to 3 feet wide.
A layout size of at least 3 feet 6 inches x 4 feet would allow space for a continuous loop railroad in HO scale. A layout space of at least 6 x 4 feet would be a better option. This would allow room to have a reasonably interesting model railroad. Which scale are you going to use? This is largely dependent on the space you have available and how much detail you want. Detail is easier to see and reproduce on larger models. HO scale is the most common and has the widest variety of accessories available. But if space is at a premium then consider N scale. You can build an N scale layout in an area about 30% of that area needed to build a similar layout in HO scale.
Will you model a real life layout or create your own? Most model train enthusiasts will eventually create models of real life systems. It can be challenging to model real life systems, but is very rewarding. Google Earth provides us with the perfect tool to check layouts, sizes, scenery, buildings and more. Being clear on what you want will make your life so much easier.
Thanks So Much,
Donald Foster,
http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09
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