Addi Knitting Needles » Model Train

Model Train Scale Tips: A Newbies Guidebook

ama-publisher — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 02:39:18 +0000

Model train scales are a measurement of how big the model trains, as compared to the actual one. For beginners this can be the most bewildering part of this pastime, and often they accidentally confuse scale for gauge.

While this is a general mix-up, many model trains hobbyists will get fairly upset if you confuse the two. Gauge is the space in between the rails on a track, not size.

First a few facts about model railroad scales. It is measured like this.

First thing you will observe when looking at a model train scales is a letter. Here are the most common lettering system, in order from largest to littlest.

While there are some others that can be bigger or littler, they’re difficult to find and various smaller sizes are hard to work with, especially if you have large hands, or have arthritis. HO is probably the easiest to work with, find parts and accessories easily, and is one of the most common train scales.

In order from largest is G scale. These railways are 1:24, meaning they are only one twenty-fourth the size of a real train.

While you may think of these railroads as the ones you may have seen circling a tree at Christmas time, they’re larger than that. You would most often find this scale in a outside setting, intermingled in a garden or landscaping scene.

They’re made to be rugged and durable and will take the stress of weather fairly well. The size commonly associated with Christmas trains are the ‘O’ model railroad scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they’re 1 48th the size of an actual train.

You mostly see these in the hands of smaller children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You will almost certainly not see many of these railroad layouts indoors, because of the space they use.

HO is as mentioned before, the most popular used and effortlessly found. HO scale is 1:87, which is small enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to showcase very well.

You’ll see these model railway scales in most layouts, because of the convenience of parts and miniatures that are obtainable. This train size is great for the newbie, because it has scores of basic sets, and can be expanded as the user becomes more experienced.

The next two are N, which stands for nine, which is the space between the tracks for this model, 9mm. This scale is 1:160, and is small enough to show in a bedroom, or a garage setting.

Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a total basic track for this size can fit on an office or home desk top. But, this size is not advised for kids for those with vision problems, etc. because it is so small.

Again gauge is the measured space between the track, and there are lots of different gauges. Generally when you buy a set, you really do not have to be concerned about this, as the train and tracks always match.

When you are buying extra track, then you’ll need to identify what the gauge is, so you won’t get tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this information about model train scales, it ought to help you figure out which model railroads are going to be perfect for you.

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Lionel Model Trains

ama-publisher — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:53:20 +0000

Ever since they were in the initial days of their existence, Lionel model trains have improved a great deal. Though keeping true to its original design consisting of working lights, sounds and even smoke, these trains continue to improve with the progression of the real trains that we see today. With the Towercom audio feature, your train set will come to life with an electronic voice calling out commands such as “you’re clear for departure” as well as the specific information associated with whichever locomotive is presently on your track! Advances in the smoke functions allow plumes of smoke correlated to the shaft’s wheel revolution! The realistic nature of their trains has always been part of Lionel reputation and the most modern model trains are more genuine than any of the past. No matter what model scale you collect, such as Traditional or Standard O, Lionel manufactures it. The capabilities to the realism of your train set are illimitable, thanks to the continual innovations in model train technology.

Be sure your son or daughter is old enough to operate a Lionel model train before deciding to acquire one. If your child is five years of age or younger, it is essential to supervise their time spent with their toy train set at all times. Introducing your children to the exciting world of model trains from an early age can lead to a treasured life-long hobby. The possibilities for expansion of these model train sets are so boundless, that adding on to your set could be an ongoing obsession. New models, locomotives, cars, and buildings will always be available on the market.

So it doesn’t matter whether you’re an avid collector, or somebody new to the model train industry; Lionel makes trains that appeal to anyone’s and everyone’s needs.

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The Origin of Lionel Model Trains

ama-publisher — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 10:05:57 +0000

Born to a Jewish immigrant family in 1877, Joshua Lionel Cowen would go on become the founder of Lionel Trains. It was just after the Civil War that Lionel Cowen immigrated with his family, settling in New York. It was in the midst of major changes in the world, namely the industrial revolution that Lionel Cowen began his life in America. The electric light had just been created by Thomas Edison and railroads and trains became perfect symbols of this new industrial and mechanical age. America was finally joined by the Central and Union Pacific lines which meant both the shipping of goods, as well as people, was now a possibility in the exciting exploration of the west. Given the context of his formative years during the westward expansion and the industrial revolution, it’s quite fitting that Cowen would grow up to build and invent. Credited with the invention of the flashlight, and getting his first patent for a component used in camera flashes, despite being a college drop out, he had already made some significant achievements.

It’s rumored that Lionel Cowen made his first toy train before the age of ten. He carved a small train out of wood and fixed a small steam engine to it. Unfortunately, his parents kitchen was damaged when the steam exploded the engine. Lionel did not get discouraged despite the loss of his early steam locomotive and in 1900 at the turn of the century, founded the Lionel Corporation. It was at this point that rail travel was the seen as being the epitome of modernity, style, sophistication and progress. Both children and adults alike marveled at it’s technology.

The initial train made by what would soon become Lionel Corporation was designed to be a store display prop to help showcase featured items. It was a gondola train called the electric express. The success of this gondola train displaying items as it went around a circular track in the store window took an unexpected direction. It failed to highlight featured items in the gondola, this was because it succeeded in creating so much interest that customers would want to buy the fascinating new electric train. Lionel Cowen took notice of this and focused Lionel Corporation on what we know and love them for, model trains.

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