Scale Model Railroad Trains

How To - Design Railroad Operations

Railroad operations are the reason for a railroad. Richard Schumacher presented a great article to the May, 1999 National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) National Convention. He suggests that the first way to improve and make your operations more realistic is to SLOW DOWN. He suggests laying down a yard stick (36 inches long) along a straight section of track on your railroad and practice running your train at a scale 5 miles per hour. A train moving at 5 mile per hour in N scale takes 65 seconds to travel 36 inches; in HO it take 36 seconds; and O scale takes 19 seconds.

Real trains do take their time travelling at speeds for dropping off and picking up trainloads of goods and merchandise. If your trains are running too fast the freight will shift inside the cars and be damaged. Coupling takes place at a crawling pace. Great care must be taken to not damage couplers and to set them so they either hold or release as needed. Long trains with lots of freight or passenger cars take a lot of power to pull them. It takes a lot of braking power to get them stopped too. In small layouts it would be rare to have a train running at “bullet train speeds”. The trains need to stop and pick up passengers and freight.

Have fun!
Trainguy

News - December, 2008 - World’s Smallest Model Railroad Contest Winner Announced

Carl Arendt operator of Micro/Small Layouts for Model Railroads website http://carendt.us/index.html announced the 2008 Winner of the World’s Smallest Model Railroad Layout Contest. Contestants from around the globe entered technically correct (though improbable) and also prototype inspired solutions to one of model railroading’s greatest challenges.

As with all record setting offers the rules had to be very tight and very specific. The rules were finalized in September, 2008 and called for:

World’s Smallest Working Model Railroad
CHALLENGE!

(Note: Though probably not the world’s smallest, this XTS Train System N-scale pizza layout gives you an initial benchmark for smallness! It measures 6in square and is 2in tall, for a cubical content of 72 cu in. Its longest-side-to-gauge ratio is 152.4mm to 9mm, or 16.93:1.

Seems to me there are two important authenticity tests that must be met by the World’s Smallest Working Model Railroad:

1. It must use flanged wheels running on rails (that’s a basic definition of a “railroad”).
2. It must actually operate: you must be able to run laps or switch/shunt a car to a different track. (Thanks to Tyson Rayles for this definition of a “layout”!)

Given those tests for authenticity, what is the world’s smallest working model railroad? Many extremely tiny models have been constructed (see article above), but the ones I’ve seen fail one of more of these tests. So to find the smallest, here’s a new Challenge!

Readers are challenged to send examples of very small layouts to webmaster-AT-carendt-DOT-us (replace “-AT-” and “-DOT-” with the appropriate symbols). If you’re submitting someone else’s work, please identify the originator (with, if possible, a Web reference). And feel free to design your own! Any conceptual design, an unusual idea that has not yet been built, must also include a “proof of concept”—either build the thing or create a mockup to demonstrate that it will work. Send photos and/or drawings (including size indicators), not the models themselves.

All entries will be acknowledged, and the entrant of the tiniest one (measured by its cubic area—footprint x height) will receive a very small prize along with considerable acclaim in these pages. Entries must meet both of the authenticity tests, should have at least minimal scenery, and must be received before midnight U.S. Eastern time (GMT - 5), 30 November 2008. (Note that earlier entries may be published before the Challenge ends, to spur everyone’s creativity!)

In Addition:

Several readers have insisted that “smallness” is always relative to scale. Though I disagree, this challenge will also recognize the layout entry that is the smallest relative to its gauge. A second very small prize will be awarded to the proportionally smallest working layout design submitted in any of the commercially-available gauges… from 45mm (1¾in) down to 6.5mm (or is it now 3mm?). Size will be measured as a ratio of the layout’s longest dimension to the gauge: for example, an HO-gauge (16.5mm gauge) layout measuring 165×48x34mm would have a ratio of 10:1. (In the case of ties, the ratio of the second longest dimension will decide the winner.) Scale of the models is optional, only the gauge will be used for proportional size comparisons.

The same two authenticity tests will apply to all entries, and the submission deadline for all is midnight U.S. Eastern time (GMT-5) on 30 November 2008.

—Carl Arendt

You can find the name and photos of the final winner at http://carendt.us/scrapbook/page80a/index.html. (Normally I’d print the winner’s name but a visit to the site complete with photos and videos is well worth it. You should thank Carl for running the contest.) The outcome of the contest is a show of creativity and craftmanship. You are the winner. The benefit to the starting or developing modeler is inspiration and ideas for making “small” work on your own railroad. Be prepared to spend many joyous visits to this outstanding web site. The “Scrapbook” section is worth a visit to a “candy store” of model railroading in a small space.

Have fun!
Trainguy

News - December 23, 2008 - Walthers to Distribute LGB

Model railroad distribution giant, Walthers, announced that it will distribute LGB, Lehman Gross Bahn, large scale trains and G scale products effective January, 2009.

Walthers announced the deal on its web site http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/lgb

Walthers is pleased to announce they have been appointed by Marklin, Inc., to be the North American distributor of LGB (”Lehmann Gross Bahn”) products.

Walthers will be responsible for the sales, warehousing and distribution of Marklin’s LGB product line for the entire U.S., Canada and Mexico.

Walthers will also provide warranty and retail service for LGB products, and will stock a full assortment of LGB parts. Marklin will provide marketing and product/technical support to Walthers and the North American market.

For more information on LGB’s 2008 products, visit www.lgb-bahn.de to download the 2008 LGB new items brochure. LGB’s new items for 2009 will be announced in February at the Nurnberg Toy Fair in Germany.

Complete details about LGB product inventory at Walthers will be available in early 2009 and will be posted on walthers.com at the earliest opportunity.

This is good news for large scale and LGB fans. There was considerable doubt as to how LGB would distribute products to North America and whether the firm would continue at all.

Have fun!
Trainguy

FREE Downloads - Paper Scale Model Buildings

FREE Downloads of paper scale model buildings give you the chance to try some new ideas, get a feel for how large some buildings are, and allow you to see how these additions to your scale model railroad can work.

HO, N, O, S scale FREE model building and directions
25mm scale buildings, with interior details
a paper outhouse in many scales with excellent details

If you’re not ready to commit to scratch building plastic or wood models, paper models are just the thing. Some of these designs are very detailed. Many are classic examples of period architecture and architecture suited to different geographic locations.

It will take some basic tools, such as a sharp hobby knife, cutting mat or cutting board, glue, and metal straight edge to construct these buildings. Some of these buildings are so good you may want to reinforce them and finish them for a long-term stay on your model railroad layout or school diorama. You can glue the paper sheet to cardboard, card stock, or foam core board. If you don’t want to glue the paper to this stiff sheet materials you can glue the paper to corners, ridge lines, and foundations made of thin strips of painted wood (to avoid warping).

Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE Downloads - Track Planning Software

Planning your track for your scale model railroad layout can be tricky. Using standard switches and track sections makes assembly easier than hand laying track or even cutting flexible track to length. The challenge is planning it out beforehand. A good track plan will help you set your wish list for future purchases. It will also assure you that you will have the size curves and switches that you need to run your favorite trains. Modeling scenes and industries can be planned to increase the realism and fun of your railroad. As your scenery and railroad matures you may want to add passing sidings, more switches in a holding yard, and some new scenic features. A scale drawing of your track plan and layout can be the key to future success and averted disappointments. It’s easier to modify a plan at the design stage than it is once you have started building or operating your railroad.

Here are some FREE unlimited track planning software programs:

Xtrak CAD and Atlas Right Track. Here are two FREE download, limited trial, versions of track planning software:ANYrail and CADRail.

Have fun!

Trainguy

More Events in January, 2009 for Scale Model Railroad Trains

January, 2009 has a huge selection of events for scale model railroad trains beginners and enthusiasts. There are so many events I had to add this second post to give you a good sampling. Make sure to check with local groups, clubs, dealers, museums, and parks for even more events close to your home. Magazines, blogs and online discussion groups are good sources for events of interest too.
January 2, 2009; January 3, 2009; January 4, 2009
Hazelton, Pennsylvania

The Anthracite Model Railroad Society will be hosting an Open House on Fridays and Saturdays from November 27th thru January 3rd, plus Sunday, January 4th, at the rear of 1057 Peace Street (Hanover Court). Hours will be from 5:00 pm. to 8:00 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Fridays; from 12:00 noon to 8:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on January 4th. For more information, e-mail jps2102@verizon.net, chuckandmaryann@verizon.net, or trainnut@ptd.net; or visit www.amrsclub.org

January 3, 2009 - January 4, 2009
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania

The Black Diamond Society of Model Engineers will be holding an Open House on Jan. 3-4, at 902 East Macada Road. Hours will be from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. in November and December, and from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in January. Attractions to include two floors of operating train displays in O, S, and HO scale, as well as pre-owned trains and accessories for sale. Admission: $3.00, adults; $1.00, students; under 6 admitted free. For more information, contact: C. Maguire, (610) 395-0752; www.bdsme.org

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Oaks)

The World’s Greatest Hobby On Tour will be held January 3-4, at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center. Show hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Attractions will include entertainment, operation model layouts, manufacturers, and hobby shops. Admission: $10.00, adults; children under 16 admitted free; admission is good for both days. For more information, contact: World’s Greatest Hobby On Tour, P.O. Box 11, Elmhurst, IL 60126; (630) 279-5094; fax: (630) 214-4113; www.wghshow.com

January 3, 2009; January 4, 2009; January 10, 2009; January 11, 2009; February 7, 2009; and February 8, 2009
Richboro, Pennsylvania

The Abington Lines Model Railroad Club will be having Open House on Dec. 6-7, 13-14; Jan. 3-4, 10-11; and Feb. 7-8, at 2066 Second Street Pike (PA Rt. 232). Hours will be from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Attractions will include multiple trains with digital radio control and sound, two track mainline exceeding 1,000 feet in length, extensive trolley operation, a circus, operating roundhouse, industrial switching areas, waterfront with rail car ferries, wilderness waterfall, and multiple buildings with exquisite interior detailing. Admission is free; raffle trains, donations appreciated. For more information, call the Club at (215) 598-7720; or visit: www.abingtonlines.org

January 3, 2009; January 4, 2009; January 10, 2009; January 11, 2009; January 17, 2009; and January 18, 2009

Elkins Park, Pennsylvania

The Cheltenhills Model Railroad Club will be having an Open House on January 3-4, 10-11, and 17-18, at Cheltenhills Model Railroad Club, 8000 Old York Road (at Railroad Bridge adjacent to Elkins Park Square). Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted. For more information, call (215) 635-9747.

January 10, 2009; January 11, 2009; January 17; January 18, 2009; January 24, 2009;and January 25, 2009
Phoenixville, Pennsylvania

The Schuylkill Valley Model Railroad Club’s Annual Open House will be held December 6-7, January 10-11, 17-18, and 24-25th at 400 S. Main Street. Hours will be from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Attractions will include the club’s layout which models Reading to Philadelphia with numerous buttons that allow visitors to bring scenes to life, Thomas the Tank, and a scavenger hunt. Admission is free; donations gratefully accepted. For more information, visit or call the club on Tuesday evenings, (610) 935-1126; e-mail: svmodelrailroadclub@yahoo.com; or visit: www.svmrrc.com

January 10, 2009 - January 11, 2009
York, Pennsylvania

A Greenberg Train & Toy Show will be held January 10-11, at York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Avenue. Show hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. Show will feature a huge marketplace of train, toy, and hobby dealers, operating model railroads, and instructional presentations. Admission: $7.00, adults good for both days; children under 12 admitted free. For more information, contact: Greenberg Shows, P.O. Box 34, Elmhurst, IL 60126; (630) 279-4087; e-mail: Staff@Greenbergshows.com; www.greenbergshows.com

January 11, 2009
Dalton, Ohio

The All Trains Swap Meet will be held on January 11th, at Montgomery Co. Fairgrounds, 1043 S. Main. Hours will be from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attractions to include model trains in all scale, railroad antiques, and collectibles. Refreshments will be available. Admission: $5.00, adults; under 12 admitted free. For more information, contact: Larry Zeller, 1215 Camaro Ct., Piqua, OH 45356-9793; (937) 773-7186.

January 17, 2009 - January 18, 2009
Allentown, Pennsylvania

The Great Lehigh Valley Train Meet will be held on January 17-18th, at Merchants Square Mall, 1901 S. 12th Street. Hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday. Attractions to include over 12,000 square feet of model trains, parts, railroadiana, operating layouts, door prizes, and more. Admission: $5.00, adults; children 12 and under admitted free with an adult. For more information, contact: Valley Rail Promotions, P.O. Box 64, Coplay, PA 18037; (610) 440-0487; www.valleygoto.com

Plano, Texas

The 24th Annual Dallas Area Train Show will be held on January 17-18th, at Plano Center, 2000 East Spring Creek Parkway. Hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Admission: $7.00, adults; children under 12 admitted free. For more information, contact: Bart Bartholomew, 6403 Duffield Drive, Dallas, TX 75248; (972) 733-4998; www.dfwtrainshows.com

January 24, 2009 - January 25, 2009
Wilmington, North Carolina

The Cape Fear Model Railroad Club Inc. will be hosting its 12th Annual Model Railroad Show & Sale on January 24-25, at the American Legion Post 10 Building, 702 Pine Grove Drive. Show hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Attractions will include 43 vendor tables, free clinics, and operating layouts. Admission: $5.00, adults; $3.00, children 6-12; children under 6 admitted free. For more information, contact: Ben Jackson, (910) 270-2696; (910) 617-1724; or visit: www.CapeFearModelRailroadClub.org

January 31, 2009
La Crosse, Wisconsin

The 4000 Foundation will be hosting the 18th Annual “Great Tri-State Rail Sale” on January 31st, at the La Crosse Center, 300 Harborview Plaza, located at Second and Pearl Streets. Show hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attractions will include a railroad flea market, hobby sale, and swap meet. Admission: $4.00, adults; children under 12 admitted free. All proceeds to maintain and restore the La Crosse Short Line Railroad display. For more information, contact: The 4000 Foundation, P.O. Box 3411, La Crosse, WI 54602; (608) 582-4761; e-mail: pdlamke@juno.com; www.4000foundation.com

Source
Have fun!

Trainguy

FREE Downloads - Paper Scale Model Railroad Trains

You can make scale accurate models of railroad trains using these FREE download sources. It’s fun to add to your fleet of trains without paying for the detailed manufacture and working mechanisms. You can try out some trains on your layout before making the full commitment. You can test your skills in a whole new area of modeling. You can even put wheels and powered trucks under some of these trains and run them on your layout. Some of the models are so amazing that you can keep them as a permanent part of your railroadania displays.

Tools and Supplies

If you have been building up plastic models you should have most of these supplies and tools on hand. If not, they are basics that you will use again and again. Paper models need accurate cutting. You’ll want some sharp hobby knives such as Xacto with a number 11 blade. Buy a pack of extra blades. Sharp cuts need sharp blades. Gather a metal rule. Preferably with a square straight edge, rather than and angled one. You may even want to select a metal rule that has engraved markings for your favorite scale. If it comes in two sizes, buy the larger (longer) one. The accuracy of measurement is well worth the few extra dollars. Make sure that the rule is steel. Aluminum or plastic rules can be cut by the sharp blades and easily wear down with normal use. Paper cutting scissors are another good item to have at the ready. Do not swipe a pair of scissors used in the garden or kitchen, They probably are dull and have nicks in them already. Sewing shears should be reserved for cloth projects only. These scissors will be reserved for detailed paper cutting and will NOT be used for rough cutting materials such as cardboard.

Adhesives are your next category of supplies. Cements and super glues are great for some plastics. They should not be used for paper. Select craft glues especially designed for paper and mixed items such as paper and fabric, or paper and metals. They are readily available for less than $2 per bottle in major craft store chains such as Michaels, A.C. Moore and JoAnn Fabrics. Select glues that dry clear. PVA glues like Elmer’s white glue is acceptable but may be a little too wet and cause curling or wrinkles if you use too much. A thin layer should avoid this problem. Prepared School paste is often “blobby” and dries inconsistently. Avoid it. Flour and water pastes work fine but they could attract bugs to your creation. Use paper crafts glue instead. Get some contact cement as well. There are situations where a thin layer of contact cement (sometimes on both pieces) is just what’s needed. Buy high quality contact cemnet that has not been sitting on the shelf for a long time. The rubber cement may have lost some of its liquids and may need to be replenished if its not fresh. Rubber cement with the brush applicator is best.

Sealants - You may want to seal the paper models when you are done.

The sealants protect the paper models from fading due to exposure to Ultra Violet light rays and can protect them from moisture in the air. Sealants can help stabilize the printer inks and help them set on the paper. Test the sealants sprays on a extra sample page or two of the printout of your paper train before constructing the train and spraying it with sealant. Some sealants are NOT compatible with printer inks and may cause the ink to run or the paper to curl or change colors. Test first.

Some paper models (particularly buildings or other straight flat sections) can be made flatter and durable if you glue the printed sheet to some card stock, cardboard, or slightly stiffer paper. Glue the sheet before cutting unless your model is turning a sharp corner. When doing sharp corners you may wish to cut the cardboard piece first then glue the pre-cut printed paper. This will help in bridging the gap that may be created as you turn the corner. If the designer has not designed for this additional space in the paper model you can glue to the cardboard, cut, glue the corner together, after it dries you can color the corner with a color that is compatible with the model and cover the color of the card stock that may be exposed. Crayon or chalk should be sufficient to color the edges.

FREE Downloads

Paper models are most popular outside the United States (there are some American sites that are very worthwhile). You will find many excellent  paper train downloads are available from German and Japanese web sites. Use a free translation service such as http://babelfish.yahoo.com/ to translate instructions on web pages. Babelfish translations are mechanical lookup type translations and usually need a little leeway in the interpretation for a specialty like paper trains and paper folding.

One of the best free download site for paper trains is here. It features numerous modern engines and trains.

A FREE download of the famous Pennsylvania Railroad GG-1 electric locomotive is available here. This detailed paper model comes complete with track and display stand.

Have fun!

Trainguy

Events - For Model Railroaders in January, 2009

January 3, 2009 - January 4, 2009

Somerset, New Jersey

A Greenberg Train & Toy Show will be held January 3-4, at the Garden State Exhibit Center, 50 Atrium Drive. Show hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. both days. Show will feature a huge marketplace of train, toy, and hobby dealers, operating model railroads, and instructional presentations. Admission: $7.00, adults good for both days; children under 12 admitted free. For more information, contact: Greenberg Shows, P.O. Box 34, Elmhurst, IL 60126; (630) 279-4087; e-mail: Staff@Greenbergshows.com; www.greenbergshows.com

January 4, 2009.

Shelton, Connecticut

Classic Shows, LLC will be holding a train and toy show on January 4th, at the Courtyard by Marriott Shelton, 780 Bridgeport Avenue, exit 12 off Route 8. Hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Admission: $5.00, children 12 and under admitted free with adult. For more information, contact: Classic Shows, LLC, P.O. Box 2415, Shelton, CT 06484; (203) 926-1327; www.ClassicShowsLLC.com

January 11, 2009

Freeport, New York

The Great South Bay Model Railroad Club will be presenting their 19th Annual Winter Train Show and Exhibition on January 11th, at the Freeport Recreation Center, 130 East Merrick Road. Hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Attractions to include operating layouts in all major scales, door prizes, and raffles. Admission: $5.00, adults; children under 12 admitted free with an adult. For more information, contact: The Great South Bay Model Railroad Club, 9 North Longbeach Ave., Freeport, N.Y. 11520.

January 17, 2009

Stuart, Florida

The Martin County MR Train and RC Show and Sale will be held on January 17th, at Martin County Fairgrounds, 2616 Dixie Hwy. Bldg. G, A1A across from Witham Airport. Hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attractions to include a layout, clinics, and door prizes. Admission: $5.00, adults; children under 12 admitted free. Parking is free. For more information, call: Al Galli, (908) 619-1814.dzs

Lakewood, Colorado

The Foothills Society of Model Railroaders’ Model Railroad and Toy Train Swap Meet will be held on January 17th, at Christ on the Mountain Church, 13922 W. Utah Avenue. Meet hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Admission: $3.00, adults; $1.50, over 64 or under 12. For more information, call George, (303) 989-0087; or Eric, (303) 985-1491.

January 24, 2009

Homosassa, Florida

Regal Railways Presents Train Show will be held on January 24th, at Lions Club Hall, located at 3705 S. Indiana Terrace and CR 490 E. Homosassa Trail. Hours will be from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Attractions to include operating layout, and vendors. Admission: $4.00, adults; children under 13 admitted free. For more information, contact: Joe Schramm, 1424 Regal Road, Clearwater, FL 33756; (727) 244-1341.

January 24, 2009 - January 25, 2009
Springfield, Massachusetts

The Amherst Railway Society Railroad Hobby Show will be held January 24-25, at the Eastern States Exposition, 1305 Memorial Avenue. Hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Sunday. Attractions to include more than 40 operating layouts, G, O, S, HO, N, and Z scales, manufacturers, displays, model dealers, booksellers, railroadiana, clinics, live steam, historical societies, and railroad industry representatives. Admission: $10.00 daily, adults; children 15 and under admitted free when accompanied by an adult. For more information, contact: John Sacerdote, Show Director, Amherst Railway Society, P.O. Box 247, Monson, MA 01057-0247; (860) 243-0811; e-mail: showdirector@amherstrail.org; www.railroadhobbyshow.com

January 31, 2009 - February 1, 2009

Timonium, Maryland

The “Great Scale Model Train Show” plus the “Hi-Rail & Collectors Train Show” will be held January 31– February 1, at the Maryland State Fairgrounds, 2200 York Road. Show hours will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, and from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Sunday. Attractions will include 25,000 square feet of beautifully detailed display layouts in all scales; free train movies; clinics and demonstrations; and over 800 tables of model trains, equipment, and related items for sale. Refreshments will be available; parking is free. Admission: $9.00, adults; children under 15 admitted free; $18.00, family. Good for both days. For more information, contact: Howard Zane, 5236 Thunder Hill Road, Columbia, MD 21045; (410) 730-1036; e-mail: hzane1@comcast.net; www.gsmts.com

Source

Have fun!
Trainguy

How To - Add Realism to your Railroad with Sound

Add sound to your model railroad and add realism. Here’s how.

Some trains come with their own sound systems on board. Many older sound systems just run a continuous loop of digitized sound through the smallest and lowest cost speaker that a train manufacturer dares to include with the train. Others have taken great pride in putting the best possible sound computer chips on-board and best speakers that will fit inside the cramped space that a model train allows. These computer chips are capable of triggering particular sounds that are coordinated with the movements of the train.

It is possible to add sophisticated sound (computer) boards and speakers to your trains after they have been manufactured. The competition in this field is increasing. The results are better and better sound quality and easier installation.

Sound does cost money. The chips are expensive. The electronics boards are specialty items, usually in limited production quantities. The speakers have improved immensely especially when compared to those used in the past. Memory prices have come down, but railroaders are demanding better quality (higher sampling rate) sounds and more sounds for different situations (speeding up, slowing down, idling, ringing the bell, sound the horn, etc.) This increase in quality and number of sounds usually takes a larger capacity memory chip and therefore costs more money. The speakers must be designed to operate in very tiny quarters, with little physical volume, mass, or exposure to the air, to push the airwaves and make sound.

Manufacturers realize that sound makes such a difference (and in fact often make the sale) and are putting their best foot forward for this add-on technology.

Sound engineers have a better understanding of sound works and what works in the model railroad setting. This has improved greatly over the last 20 to 30 years. The know much better how to get better results than they did before.

In addition, train control technology has grown in sophistication and can be coordinated with the right sound board and sound systems. As  the train throttled is turned up the sounds are coordinated and changed accordingly. As the train sits idle on the track, the sound is adjusted for idling sounds. The control mechanism can send a signal to the bell or horn on the model train. The results can be very realistic and satisfying.

The field of railroad sound technology is making advances off the train as well. Highly advanced sound theory is being used to created small local sounds that are placed around the layout. Sound cancellation technology is being used to create 3 dimensional impression of sound as you move from one area near the model railroad to another. This way the sound of a sawmill operation can be on the same layout as a harbor sound scene without overwhelming each other. Specialists in collecting, orchestrating, producing, and delivering ambient sound now deliver numerous sound scenes on DVD’s that can go with your scenery. The good news is that properly placed low cost speakers can do the job well. The realism achieved is astonishing.

When your train comes through the scene generating its own train sounds and they mix with the local scene sound the impact is remarkable.

There’s plenty of help available including a free book and free discussion group.

Have fun!

Trainguy

Event - Dec. 2008, Jan. 2009 - Model Trains and the National Tree in Washington

Every year America celebrates the season of peace on earth in the capitol in Washington, D.C. For the last 15 years a group of volunteers have been setting up a model train display that runs around and near the National Christmas Tree at the Ellipse.

The display is open to the public throughout the holiday season. Check with the National Park Service for details and hours of operation.

America has so many things to celebrate and so many symbols to share in the holiday season. It’s amazing that model trains are such an integral part of the holidays that they should be hosted as part of our national celebration.

The holiday train display has grown over the years from a simple loop around the national tree to nine main lines plus three trolley lines, totaling over a thousand feet of track. The honorary volunteer Chairman of the train layout is 71 year old, Vietnam Veteran, Bill Frank.

Visit Washington, D.C. and stop in at the National Christmas Tree. Visit the trains and say hello to the team of volunteers. Maybe you can join up and help in future years.

Have fun!

Trainguy