Model-Train-Help- eBook: Train

Why Build A Branch Line Model Train Layout?

Branch lines are a popular theme for small model train layouts. A branch line is a quieter alternative to a main line layout and can be fascinating to build and operate. Although not always the case, a branch line layout generally requires less rolling stock. It can also mean greater flexibility in the complexity of your track plan depending on what you want to achieve.

Building a branch line is a favorite for many model railroaders, because it can allow more opportunities to include small dioramas within the model train layout.

More About Model Train Branch Lines

A branch line will commonly have a small station where trains can pass. The station has some shunting possibilities, e.g. serving a freight shed. To make the operations more interesting a "shadow station" or passing loop can be added to a branch line layout.

For for ideas on planning a branch line layout see the section in the Model Train Help Book. [http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09]

Many branch line layout designs consist of an oval shaped line, though on a shelf-based layout an out-and-back format is also reasonably common. The branch line theme often includes mixed freight and passenger trains running to a timetable-based operation.

Why Model Train Branch Lines Are So Much Fun

Most branch lines run through countryside giving the possibility for creating some truly amazing scenery. But, when creating a small layout branch line, you'll need to accept that it can be hard to depict the wide-open space of the countryside on a small train layout. One option is to use forests to "box-in" the scene. Another option, which works well, is to depict a branch line in a cityscape. This makes sense considering that most branch lines start off in a larger town. That way you can build a small station located in this larger town. The buildings will have the same effect of "boxing-in" the theme.

Plus you can add connections to several industries, although this does conflict with a countryside theme.

By Robert Anderson - Author of the best-selling Model Train Help ebook.

[http://www.model-train-help.com?hop=fossie09]

Planning A Small Model Train Layout?

Image via Wikipedia

When you plan a small model train layout, it's important that you know the limitations the small space imposes on you and your model train set.

Although the space you have available for your RR layout might limit your choice of scales, the major limitation is usually in the choice of themes you can model. In most cases main line model train themes wouldn't fit. Whereas, given that you only have a limited space available for your layout; industrial, branch line and tramway themes are possibly the best model train layout options to consider. If you must have a mainline theme, but don't have space for it, then you'll probably have to scale your model train layout down.

If don't want to compromise, then don't start a small model train layout.

There are a number of differences that you will need to accept or adapt yourself to when choosing a small layout: the curves may be too sharp, the angles of the switches may be too steep, and the sidings too short. With a small layout everything is compressed to the max. But when you think about it, although a small layout may not be your first choice, it is better than no train set at all!

By Robert Anderson - Author of the best-selling Model Train Help ebook.

[http://www.model-train-help.com/?=fossie09]

What Model Railroaders Get From The Hobby Of Model Railroading

Image via Wikipedia

If you ask model railway enthusiasts "what appeals about the hobby?" you'll get a variety of answers. For some model railway enthusiasts, it is a way of re-creating a fond childhood memory. Others; simply enjoy building a world in miniature with all its detail and realism. Then there are those model railway enthusiasts who love solving the technical problems of building and operating an electronic control system.

It doesn't seem to matter whether you’re 5 or 95... or somewhere in between. The personal satisfaction of building and operating a realistic miniature railway layout is rewarding and fun... no matter how old you are. Model railroading is a truly rewarding leisure activity that will keep most model railway enthusiasts busy and entertained for hours...if not a lifetime.

The Model Railroaders Own Wonderful World

Model railroading is a fun-filled leisure activity that provides plenty of scope for the creative individual with a technical bent. It incorporates a variety of interesting activities from building, maintaining, upgrading and operating a model railway. What kind of world you create, where you create it, and how much time you spend in it... is entirely over to the individual model railroading enthusiast. We are all different.

A model railroader can build a layout in the solitude of his or her basement, attic, shed or garage workshop...or they can sit in a sun lounger and watch trains weave around their garden... or the model railway enthusiast can join a local model railroad club and share their model railway ideas and experiences with others. The opportunities for the model railroading enthusiast are endless!

'We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing' George Bernard Shaw

By Robert Anderson - Author of the best-selling Model Train Help ebook.

[http://www.model-train-help.com/?hop=fossie09]

Model-Train-Help- eBook

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Why Build A Branch Line Model Train Layout?

Planning A Small Model Train Layout?

What Model Railroaders Get From The Hobby Of Model Railroading