Model Train Software

When your dad was putting his model train setup together, all he had was his two hands and his imagination. Most of the buildings were built by him, or if bought were used right out of the box. He probably used a magnifying glass so he could see well enough to make the railroad crossing signs. This was before there was any model train software, and maybe even before there were computers to run it on.

Well, welcome to the 21st century. Things are not like those early days of modeling. Even though model train setups and landscapes still require a lot of time to build, there are numerous tools available that were not around when hobby model trains began.

In the old days, the planning of the track layout was pretty much a hit and miss affair. It consisted of taking a piece of paper and calculating distances, track lengths, scale and terrain. It wasn’t unusual to start and stop a few times before actually laying the track. We now have software that can greatly aid in that planning process. There are several different types costing less than two hundred dollars. Some companies even offer free demos so you can evaluate the product first. You can produce a three dimensional picture of your setup based on your area and the track pieces you have.

After you decide on the track plan, you will need to begin to assemble your scenery pieces. With additional software and a good quality color printer, you can produce many of the items that were so tedious to create by hand. With sign creator software, you can easily make many of the standard signs such as railroad crossing, yield, children crossing, stop, and the list goes on. After you select the signs you want to print, you enter the scale of your train, and you’re done. You still have some work to do with sign posts and backing, but the signs will look much more realistic than what you can produce by hand.

For your miniature structures, you will want brick or block exteriors. This can be done with software made just for that task. On some buildings, you will need windows and doors, and maybe even stained glass windows for your churches. It is so much easier to print these and attach them to the buildings than to do it by hand.

At least one company produces American advertisement signs. These are like the old billboards that once lined the roadways in the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. They include advertisements about automobiles, food, household products, and many others. There are generic shop signs to put on your buildings. One company makes graffiti software, so you can give your layout that human touch.

Most of these software products can be purchased for less than fifty dollars each. The time saved in comparison to producing the same work by hand makes it an attractive alternative.

One of the most intriguing facets of model railroad software is the ability to control the routes and schedules of the trains. Model trains are built today with chips to control lights, motion and other things. This is called DCC, or digital command control. State of the art software can be purchased to basically run your entire setup. There are several producers, and the prices can be high. When you determine exactly what you need for your system, then you should shop around for the product that will work best for you at the best available price.

Our forefathers might have thought that the use of a computer in model railroading was out of place. I am sure if they could see what can be accomplished with 21st century technology, they would change their minds. Model railroad software is to the hobby what the diesel engine was to the old steam engine. Who knows what will come next.

Model Train Scale

Nothing about model trains seems to be more confusing than scale and gauge. We cannot sufficiently discuss one without discussing the other. There have been so many different sizes of trains produced, and each seems to have variations on the gauge. It is important for anyone who follows this hobby to understand something about model train scale. Scale is defined as the ratio of the model to the full size train, and gauge is the distance between the two track rails.

We will not attempt to list sizes of trains based on their date of inception. The list may not be inclusive of all the different scales because there have been many.

The more common scales of model trains are: G, O, HO, N, and OO. The typical scale and gauge of these are as follows:

G has a ratio of 1:22.5. This varies from 1:19 to 1:32. The typical gauge is 45mm.
O has a ratio of 1:48 in the USA (1:43 in UK and 1:45 in the rest of Europe). The typical gauge is 32mm.
HO has a ratio of 1:87 and a gauge of 16.5mm.
N has a range of ratio between 1:148 and 1:160. The gauge is usually 9mm.
OO is primarily found in Great Britain and has a ratio of 1:76.2. The gauge varies from 16.5mm to 19.05mm.

Some of the less common scales of models are:

ZO with a ratio of 1:60 and gauge of 24mm, introduced circa 1938 from Czechoslovakia.
ZJ with a ratio of 1:220 and gauge of 6.5mm
ZZ with a ratio of 1:300 and gauge of 4.8mm
T with a ratio of 1:450 and a gauge of 3mm
EM with a ratio of 1:76 and a gauge of 18.2mm
S with a ratio of 1:64 and a gauge of 14.3mm

With all of the above being said, keep in mind that there are countless variations. Variations are usually found on the packaging of the unit. You will see the designation of the scale followed by a letter such as ‘n’ that signifies narrow gauge, and then the gauge of the full size track that the original prototype ran on. Examples are;

HOn3′ denotes the HO scale on a narrow gauge track based on a 3 foot track.
Nn30” is N scale on a narrow gauge track based on a 2 foot 6 inch track.

The most popular sizes for model railroads are N, which is found in the United States, Europe and most of the world, and OO which is the favorite in Great Britain. New sizes seem to appear every few years, but most hobbyists stay with the standards.

Whenever you purchase locomotives or box cars, check the gauge to see if they are compatible with your track. Keep in mind that the distance between the rails is not the only thing to be concerned with as some manufacturers may make track with a lower or higher profile than the standard. You must pay close attention to model train scale in all of your hardware purchases.

Model Steam Trains

When model trains become more than just a hobby, the next step is live steam engines. No other type of model can give the realistic sights and sounds of model steam trains.

At the turn of the 20^th century, a British company, Bassett-Lowke, produced model steam engines that actually ran on steam. These were very expensive toys for their day. When the company ceased production and eventually closed, the art was somewhat lost to the electrical train. There have been some upgrades and resurgence since the 1970’s.

Astor Hobby Co., Inc. of Japan produces 1:32 scale live steam engines. They are distributed in the United States through Astor Hobby USA, LLC in South Carolina, and you can find them on the worldwide web to select the one right for you. Their products give the user the flexibility of buying ready to run models or building from kits. These kits can vary from 100 to 1,500 parts and can take over 300 hours to put together. The trains are typically powered by alcohol and can run about an hour on a tank of fuel. New models, some based on American train prototypes, are released sporadically in limited numbers. The great attention to detail makes these one of the premier units available in the marketplace.

If you’re searching for something a little bigger, Abbots Model Engineering in the U.K. offers their 5″ and 7 ¼” gauge models. They are approximately 20% of the size of a real train. The cars are built to be waterproof so they can be left outside, and they are large enough to be ridden on. Other items offered are sound systems and smoke generators. Of course, this is a very expensive hobby requiring a large layout area. As with most suppliers, you can find them on the internet.

Alco West Locomotives are custom steam and diesel model builders. They specialize in 1.5″ and 2.5″ scale. However, you can get just about any scale you want from these guys. They have some great pictures at their website, and you can email them with almost any kind of request. You will have a difficult time finding anything closer to the real thing.

In support of the above mentioned manufacturers, there are many companies that cater to rolling stock and other needs based on the gauge and scale of the steam trains. The price tag attributed to all of these precludes the average modeler from owning them. The most affordable of the ones listed is the Astor 1:32 scale. It can be had for a few thousand dollars. You will need to be a very serious train lover to commit the funds necessary to own any of these. If you love model steam trains, what a way to go!

Model Railroad Supplies

After you start your hobby of model trains, it doesn’t take long to realize that the model you pull out of the box is just the beginning. It’s a lot like purchasing a freezer for your home. It looks good, but you have to get food to fill it. Your train may look great, but after it has gone around the track a few times, you are going to start thinking about all the other stuff to make it come to life. Many times the people you purchase the model from do not carry all the other model railroad supplies you’ll want.

Typically, a train purchase includes some number of box cars to go with the engine, and that may be sufficient for the average person. However, most collectors will want to add other rolling stock to their setup. For instance, if you have an HO scale train and a large enough setup space, you may want to have 100 or more cars. For variety alone you might want to get the other cars from a different supplier than the one you got the train from initially. The wonderful thing about model railroad supplies is that most companies make their products to be compatible with the standard scales and gauges.

A lot of us want to use as many natural items for our scenery as we can. We use rocks and sticks from the yard because they are already authentic. That works well for those things, but to get buildings and signs that look real, we have to depend on third party suppliers. Carpentry skills help in the construction of a railroad setup, but making believable houses for a small scale is not easily done with common carpentry tools.

For the hobbyist with children, there is the option of raiding the toy box for miniature props. This may do it for some items if the child doesn’t take exception to it, but it won’t be the solution for all model railroading needs.

Lights, digital command controls, track hardware and other items that may not be in that original box have to be purchased somewhere. For this reason, it is important to find a reputable company from whom you can get acceptable additions for your gear. Take the time to find out how long the supplier has been in business before you make any purchases. Check pricing between at least three companies who offer the same or similar items, and include the price of shipping for the comparison. It is also good to call and be sure that items you want are in stock because some suppliers place their own orders after you order from them. If you have a local hobby store where you can get your items, see how their prices compare to mail order. Sometimes the pricing of mail order is not the best, and it’s nice to pick up supplies instead of waiting on UPS to knock at your door.

It is a necessary part of the hobby to find a place to get model railroad supplies. Make that part a pleasant one by selecting the right supplier for your hobby.

American Model Trains

The United States has a rich history in the model train industry. Even though the first toy trains were built in Germany, the U.S. was not far behind. In the early turn of the century, American model trains led the world in production and sales.

Ives Manufacturing Company (1868-1932) was the first American model train maker. Sometime before 1900, they were manufacturing a windup train set. They were the first to make a train that ran on a track, and by 1910 they were producing an electric model. Trains became an important part of their toy product line, and Ives became the leading American model train maker from 1910 to 1924. In 1924, Ives introduced the ‘E’ unit which lived on through another company after Ives closed its doors.

William Hafner developed a clockwork train around 1905. His friend, William Coleman, controlled Edmonds-Metzel Hardware Company. Hafner agreed to a partnership, and they started model train production in Chicago circa 1906. They were able to get contracts for their trains from such notable retailers as Montgomery Ward. In 1908, the name American Flyer was adopted, and in 1910 the hardware company was renamed to the American Flyer Manufacturing Company.

Alfred Carlton Gilbert acquired the American Flyer in December of 1937 from the son of William Coleman. Gilbert moved the plant to New Haven, Connecticut and made design changes which helped the line grab a large share of the market.

While standing in front of a toy shop window, Joshua Lionel Cowen had the idea that movement in the display could draw buyers into the store. He had invented a small motor which he placed under a toy flatcar. When he convinced the storekeeper to put it in the window, it became a huge success. The display sold, and there was a demand for more. This was the start of Lionel Model Trains.

Louis Marx and his brother David began Marx Model Trains in the late 1920’s. Within thirty years, they were the top producer of American model trains. This line was more affordable than most of the others of that time, but they were still well made.

Most of the older American producers of model trains have closed, been bought out, or bankrupted. Changes in production procedures and society have added to that. This does not mean that the craft is dead in the United States.

In about 1975, Ron Bashista found it almost impossible to get parts for his American Flyer S scale train. The parts he was able to get were poor in quality, so he conceived the idea to make his own. Early in the 1980’s, Ron convinced his wife to sell their home and use the cash to fund the tooling for the FP-7 locomotive. Many people who owned S scale trains encouraged him to make more items than just the locomotive. He has continued on until the present day, and his company, American Models, still makes only the S scale model trains. You may want to check them out at americanmodels.com on the internet.Quality Craft Models was founded in 1965 to produce buildings and rolling stock in the N and O scales. The company has continued to grow and now produces ready-to-run 2 rail and 3 rail O scale models. In the 1980’s, Weaver Models, a division of Quality Crafts, was born. In 1995, Weaver began to publish a catalog of all the models built in-house. You can find them at weavermodels.com on line.

Other American companies produce switching, buildings and backdrops, software, and other items needed for the model train experience. American model trains are still a part of our culture, and we hope they remain for a long time to come.

Toy Model Trains

Many young boys and girls are awed by trains. Even in today’s environment of space flight and huge leaps in technology, there is still an allure to the power and magnificence of the train. Most of these young boys and girls had toy model trains as gifts while they were growing up. During their early years, they read or heard stories concerning locomotives and small engines.

Trains in general are a rich part of the heritage of many countries. They represent the first motorized mass transit system and are still used for that purpose. Today, it is no wonder that the fascination is global, and that children and adults from all parts of the world own toy and hobby model trains.

Is there any one of you who does not remember the story about the small engine with the positive attitude? It was intended to make us all believe that we could do something even in the face of tough odds. It was not a very realistic train, but we made the association between it and the real thing. When we are young, realism is not as important to us as pretending what we would like things to be.

The difference between toy trains and hobby model trains comes with the development of our own thoughts on realism. Consider the giant monster movies of the fifties. The effects produced by these film pioneers were of very poor quality, weren’t they? As children, we were not as concerned with detail because our imaginations made the monsters real.

When we see them today, we are usually not impressed. We know why we enjoyed them as children, but we realize that the innocence of that age clouded our perception. As we grew older, our need for more realistic effects grew also. The same is true with the comparison of toy trains and model trains.

Toy trains are plastic, with little detail except the fact that they move. They are low quality as their cost reflects. Just as movement interests a kitten or puppy, it entertains the young human mind. When that mind no longer is amused by that simplistic motion, it needs better stimuli to produce the same joy. This is when we move from toy to model trains. The young in us still has imagination, but the older part needs to be able to see more and envision less.

Plastic trains do not have to be scaled correctly to emulate any particular existing model, whereas model trains are expected to closely resemble their larger real life prototypes.

Real locomotives are heavy steel and very detailed. The model train enthusiast wants his (or her) smaller version to be just as detailed as the real ones. The framework cannot be made from plastic, because this takes away from the heavy metal feel that is desired.

As children we play. As adults we play some, too. Our adult toys are more involved, more real, and more detailed than youthful toys. We want our model locomotives to be light years ahead of the toy model trains of our youth. This does not take away from the importance of that experience. It only builds on it.

N Scale Model Trains

Of the most popular sizes, the N scale model trains are next to the smallest. With a ratio of 1:160, they are approximately half the size of the HO scale models. In plain terms, this means that the replica would have to increase in size one hundred and sixty times to equal the size of the real train. One of the reasons this size is popular among model train buffs is it allows the ability to add massive scenery in a small space. Because of the small size of the parts, the N scale is less expensive to purchase and add to a collection.

N scale model trains were first made by the German firm of Arnold-Rapido. The exact date the first was produced, as with many model trains, is a subject of much disagreement. However, it is agreed it was in the 1960’s. The “N” stands for neun, a German word meaning nine. This is taken from the distance of nine millimeters between the track rails. Early in production, this model was referred to realistically as N-Gauge, not scale. This has added to the confusion among beginning model train owners regarding the difference between scale and size.

The earliest N gauge model trains were toy-like and designed to appeal to the very young. As the popularity of the size grew, they became more true to detail and scale. Hobbyists now consider them to be official scale models.

The first positive thing about the N scale is that you can put it anywhere. Space is a problem for many people who love model trains. This train can be set up in a very small area; on a table, in a corner or even a closet. In Japan and other countries where there is little space for recreation, the N scale is the train of choice.

Even if space is not a problem, there is a definite advantage as to the length of track that can be used and the number of cars that can be pulled by the locomotive. It is easy to have setups with a hundred cars or more.

All model trains are fun, and there are a wide variety of sizes. If you have a lot of money and space, you probably want to own a G scale with a huge display. If you don’t have as much money to invest, the O and HO are probably more suitable, as long as you have sufficient space to place your setup. If you don’t fit into either of those categories, the N scale is probably the best bet. You won’t have to outlay a huge amount of money to get started, and it won’t take a long time to get your set into operation.

If you have not yet invested in the hobby, consider the smaller train as a good one to begin with. You can have countless hours of enjoyment with this one while you decide if you even want to go to a bigger train size. Anyway, N scale model trains will most probably be a part of the model train network for many years to come.

HO Model Trains

Of the larger scale model trains, the O scale is the most popular. In broad terms, these trains are about half the size of the largest scale, the G. HO model trains are approximately half the size of the O scale trains.

The HO is a misnomer because the O actually started as a zero. The 0 was originally intended to mean any train that was smaller than 1 in scale. Over time, model train makers began to refer to the size as O, and it stuck. In case you haven’t guessed, the H stands for half, meaning half of O. This size was created in the thirties, but did not become popular until the fifties when it was revived by Lionel, Marklin, Athearn and other manufacturers. These HO model trains never caught on in England where they favor the OO scale.

An advantage for the HO is that it is large enough to allow for a detailed layout in a limited amount of space. A larger train might require a whole room, whereas the HO can fit on a table. Also, the HO costs less to manufacture than its larger brothers, making it more affordable for collectors and enthusiasts.

Most HO trains run on two rail tracks with DC power. By adjusting the voltage to the rail, the train speed can be increased or decreased. Reversing polarity makes the train run in reverse. Marklin and some others produce an AC version that uses a third center rail.

The gauge used by most HO model trains is the standard that the European OO scale uses. However, there are variations among manufacturers that a modeler needs to be aware of when purchasing track. The most common variation from the standard is called Hon3. It was fashioned after the 3-foot, narrow gauge tracks that were used in the late 19^th century by the Rocky Mountain Railroad.

Because of the popularity of both O and HO scales, it is easy to find modelers to talk to and share with regarding either or both scales. All over the country, enthusiasts are members of module clubs for the purpose of communicating and sharing ideas. In these organizations, the members visit shows, complete projects together, and discuss scenery ideas.

One particular activity of a module club involves each member building a predetermined length of track that is designed to work in relation to the other members’ tracks. When they get together in one location, such as model train shows, they add the sections for a huge layout. The usual scenario is to plan an era or time period for the display. This can be present day or any time that they choose.

The popularity of the HO model trains makes it easy to find all the props you want. If you are not into making your own, there are countless suppliers for signs, buildings, people, vehicles, and other backdrops. This is a great train scale for the budget minded because of its affordability.

G Scale Model Trains

All train enthusiasts are concerned about the scale of their model trains. All the bench work needs to be relative in size to the G scale locomotive and rolling stock. The G scale model trains are great because they provide for larger scenery and structures. The G scale is approximately 1:22. This varies from 1:19 to 1:32 depending on the manufacturer. It is the largest of the standard sizes of model trains. This size train runs on No. 1 gauge track which is 45mm between rails.

To give you an idea of the size of G scale, a six foot tall man would be about 3¼” high. Comparing this to the popular N scale, the same man would only be ½” tall. Whether you are making your own props and scenery or buying them, it is hard to get a lot of detail from very small figures such as the N scale accessories.

G scale originated in Germany and was first produced by Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk, a company founded in 1881. They did not begin production of this train size until the late 1960’s when it was often referred to as Lehmann Gross Bahn (LGB), which in English means “Lehmann Big Train.” The company had a location in the United States called LGB of America. The European design gave the train a short, fat, and top-heavy look that many people found appealing. The LGB trains had excellent detail but looked more like toys than any other model train on the market.

Because the G scale is closely associated with garden railroads, it is mistakenly assumed that is where the G came from. Actually, the G stands for the German word gross which means “big.” Even though G scale trains are commonly used outside, they make excellent indoor trains, too.

Outdoor or garden railroad setups are commonly created with the G scale trains. The tracks are usually made of brass, requiring little maintenance. Cleaning is simple and consists of a wipe with a clean cloth between uses. Another reason for using this size in the outdoor setups is to accommodate the wide radius of each curve in the track.

Aristocraft and Bachmann are considered the best G scale manufacturers in the United States. Their product quality and durability has made this size a favorite of parents and collectors. It is not uncommon to leave this model train outside because it is designed to be water repellant. No other size train is truly designed for outdoor use.

The older model G trains are valued collector’s items. As with all model trains, the market worth is based solely on the value placed on it by the buyer. This usually runs from a few hundred to several thousand dollars.

Whether for adult hobbyists or children, the G scale model trains are a popular train size. This scale offers flexibility in that it can be used indoors or out, and its scenery size allows for great detail.

Building Model Railway Trains and Scenery

One of the greatest satisfactions of the model train experience is creating the scenery. Model railway trains are not as impressive without the use of props and scenery. Trees, buildings, people, roads, and other accessories add tremendously to the visual effect of your train setup. All of these items may be purchased from vendors, but the true modeler will want to create at least some of his own backdrop scenery.

Bench work can either be purchased in kit form or hand made. With nominal carpentry skills, anyone can build their own. The best part of building your own is the flexibility it gives you to design any layout you want. Doing it yourself allows you to fit it to the space you have available rather than just taking the kit that is the closest fit for your room. Whatever you do, do not lay a piece of plywood on saw horses and begin building your neighborhood. This is most certainly a recipe for destruction, as someone or something is bound to knock the whole thing to the floor.

There are varying opinions on the height for your bench work. Some would have it at table top height, which is about thirty inches. This is a disadvantage to a person of average height when working on the display because of the necessity to bend over from a standing position. It also tends to leave the setup low enough for small children or animals to be able to pull things off. Many believe bar height, thirty-six to forty-two inches above the floor, is better. Keep in mind that most people will view the model train setup from a standing position so it won’t be too high as long as it is not above your chest. A major concern in height is how comfortable it is for the builder to work on.

When you begin the actual construction of the layout, keep the scale in mind as to how everything relates to the model train. If your layout is against the wall, it will be necessary to create the perception of distance by making objects closer to the train larger than the same objects back near the wall. If your display is placed in the middle of the room, your scale will need to remain pretty much the same across the board unless it is a very wide one.

Many builders find it helpful to use pictures of railroad yards and trains moving across country to create their layouts. The ones who strive most for authenticity may even take maps and layouts of particular places and recreate them. Many model train layout builders are as attracted to the hobby because of the freedom of creativity as they are of the trains themselves.

Use rocks, twigs and other items from your yard as much as possible in your displays. Natural ingredients that do not decompose are your best bet. The creation process puts you in charge of utilizing free or inexpensive items in ways that make them appear to be something other than what they are.

Natural is good, but dirt does not make a good prop because it can easily be spilled or shifted. You should try to attach everything together so a fan or unexpected gust of wind will not harm your delicate workmanship. If you move your setup, you want everything to stay intact.

The time and effort put forth on the scenery are what makes model railway trains the attraction they are. Yours will only be what you make it.