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Build Your Own Model Train Display Case

Model Trains Layouts — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:51:49 +0000

Anyone who has spent the significant amount of time it takes to be a railroad hobbyist knows the importance of using model train display cases to keep their investment safe. There are far too many factors that can hinder the functioning of a model train not to take precautions against them. If you find the right one, not only will your investment and hobby be safe, but you’ll still be able to view and enjoy it as much as when it’s running.

You have two options when it comes to model train display cases, you can hire someone to build one for you, or you can take on the project and build it yourself. Of course hiring someone would be far easier, but much more expensive. If you’re like most of us, you’ll want to save some money and decide to build it yourself. I hope that these tips will give you some assistance in the process.

Instead of starting from scratch, you can buy some pre-fabricated cabinets – i.e. medicine cabinet-in which to store your model trains. Be sure to purchase the cabinets with glass front doors in order for your train pieces to be viewed. From here, you will design the set-up of the display case around the dimensions of your train pieces. This is inexpensive, fast, and easy to accomplish. These cabinets make the perfect model train display cases.

If starting from scratch, purchase enough wood to construct a similar structure as the cabinets above. The open-ended box you create will serve as the frame of your display case. It should be shallow and have dimensions to fit your model train pieces. When installing the shelving, you want to be sure that they are adjustable to different heights. By simply drilling different holes and inserting dowels you allow yourself the ability to adjust the shelving around to accommodate the different sizes of your pieces.

The shelving you decide upon should be either wood or glass. If you choose to go with the glass shelving, your model pieces should be displayed on the track pieces themselves, separated by stoppers on both ends. If you choose to go with wooden shelving, the pieces can simply be placed on mini dowels you have drilled into place to hold your model pieces in place.

When constructing the backing for your model train display case, many folks tend to go for a mirrored effect. Mirrored backing is much harder to work with than a simple wooden backing. However, if you wish your case to encompass a bit of class, then you may want to steer towards a mirrored backing. The doors once again need to be glass or some form of clear acrylic sheets in order for your model to be displayed and viewed. Be sure the hinges are strong and mounted correctly.

While hiring someone to construct your model train display case may be the easier way to go, you’ll be very pleased with your finished product considering you built it by hand and you saved yourself a load of money. Take your time and do it right, and you’ll be enjoying your model train set for years to come.

For more information on model trains and model train layouts visit Model Trains Today.

Originally posted 2009-11-02 21:46:53. Republished by Old Post Promoter

How to Build a Model Train Bridge

Model Trains Layouts — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:51:43 +0000

If you are into model trains and want to add some character to your model train layout, you may want to consider adding a train bridge. Not only is this an excellent way to give your train collection a little bit of pizzazz, but it is also a great way to present your skill as well.

There are many different types of materials from which your train bridge can be built, and the type of material that you decide to use will all depend on how much weight the bridge is going to have to carry. Adding a bridge will also give you a chance to add more features to your layout such as ponds, rivers, streets, schools ect. In addition you will also gain a world or knowledge, and after you have built your first bridge, you will be ready to tackle some larger projects as well.

Before you get ready to start construction on your new bridge, you will first have to figure out how wide and long you want your bridge to be. After you have made the decision, you will need to start out by building a base for the tracks. Keep in mind that your base will need to be strong enough to support the trains and the landscape, as well as any landscaping that you have decided to add to your surrounding layout. What this simply means is the bigger the train, the stronger the wood. Most people opt to use 2×4’s for a project of this magnitude.

The next thing that you will need to do is build your basic box and cover it with plywood, after which you will move on to building your arches. In order to accomplish this, you will need to decide precisely what size you want, and how many arches you are going to use. You will also need to decide if you want your train to pass through the arches as well. The next order of business is to place your arches along your structure, being careful to make sure that you place them evenly throughout. After that you will need to secure two pieces of foam core.

Place the pattern that you want onto the top sheet of foam and cut it out. This process will be a whole lot easier if you cut both pieces at the same time, and will also help you to make sure that the cuts are evenly cut. After the necessary pieces have been cut, your next order of business is to glue them to the track bed. Make sure that you give the glue sufficient time to dry. After this step has been completed, turn the bed upside down so that you can easily access the bottom of the train bridge if you need to.

Now you are ready to move on to the installation of your supports. It is suggested that these be installed between each of the arches in order to provide strength to the bridge itself. Pieces of foam are perfect for this step, just make sure that you cut the pieces so that they will fit together snugly.

After you have checked to make sure that you have a level fit across the bottom of the bridge, you will be able to move on to the process of gluing them carefully into place. The outside of your project can also be decorated at this time as well.

Last but not lease, cover your train bridge with whatever decorations you would like to add. Some people will decide to go with a couple of brick designs which can be made by printing out some brick shaped designs and painting them to look like bricks, or they can be painted directly on the foam if you so decide.

For more information visit Diecast Trains

Originally posted 2009-11-28 11:09:24. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Model Railroad Layouts: How to Build a Masterpiece

Model Trains Layouts — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:51:35 +0000

Building a model railroad is a classic hobby that continues to grow in popularity year after year. High-end model trains actually end up becoming heirlooms that are passed down from one generation to the next. What sets a model train owner from a master collector is the model railroad layout.

Once you have determined the scale and make of model train you intend to collect you will then need to focus on designing a layout for your collection. It is important to do your due diligence when it comes to selecting the model railroad and scenery you wish to use within your layout. Getting these elements right may make a profound determination in how you layout your railroad. If you are a novice in building a model railroad system it is highly recommended that you purchase a kit for your first layout. Creating a layout from scratch should be left to the veteran collector since it is a very tricky job and one that should not be ventured into lightly. A model train kit will come equipped with the model train scale of your choice, railroad tracks as well as some minor landscaping, equipment and accessories. Kits are easily available in specialty model train shops all around the world and it is the best way to start off from scratch.

For you seasoned collector there is plenty of room for experimentation. An experienced model train collector should stay away from the simple and yes boring circular tracks. Begin to push the envelope with your layout and go for a railroad that offers a more exciting and dramatic route. Ask yourself what do you find interesting about trains in general and build on that thought. The masterpiece comes from your imagination. Put your civil engineer hat on and begin to see the layout as a passage through time. See the terrain with rivers, gorges, mountains, deserts, bridges, highways, etc. The layout should be a growing organism. It can start very small, however the layout should be set up to be expandable beyond the space you have available. Over time you may wish to move the entire layout to a new location and the layout should be able to grow into the new location.

For a true masterpiece you will want to incorporate various track designs. You may want to use a continuous loop with an out and back setup. A continuous loop on its own is monotonous and boring but when you add a variation to the setup it becomes part of a masterpiece. The out and back will allow you to incorporate tunnels and bridges, turning circles and even train stations.

Another option that you can explore is that of point-to-point model railroad layout. Although this is of a simple design where the model train has to go from one end of the track on the way to the other, they tend to be far more exciting yet simple to work with. Most of the times you find these tracks accompanied with a train station.

In conclusion the kind of custom model railroad that you choose to build should reflect your character and passion. This is what will make it unique and allow it to become a masterpiece. You should also consider the availability of space and the level of experience that you have in setting up a model railroad. However, do not limit yourself to a short-term situation when you may have more available space in the future. Be sure and visit model railroad shows and comb through model railroad magazines for ideas. The sky is the limit!

Michael Weston is a Model Train Expert. For great information on model railroad, visit http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com

Originally posted 2009-12-06 12:23:22. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Want to Build Your Own Model Train Set?

Model Trains Layouts — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 04:51:10 +0000

There is something very satisfying when you look at your finished model train setup complete with working lights, lifelike trees, building, and even little people. So, if you are thinking of getting into and building your own landscape for miniature trains, read on to find out what you need to know before you begin down this very rewarding road.

The Table

You’ll need a table, but not just any table. You need one that can support the weight of the landscape on top. This might mean that you will need to customize it. That would be ideal. For a simple setup, though, with no mountains or the like, you could get by with a standard heavy duty solid wood table. Once you get into mountains and rolling hills, you might need to strengthen it by adding support pieces under the places that carry the most weight.

Model Train Accessories

A setup is never complete without accessories. You can make it yourself or you can go out and buy pre-made pieces. The advantage to making them yourself is that you can make it look anyway you want. You could create pieces that look like the buildings near where you live. You could even re-create the area where you live that has a railroad! That would be amazing to have in your house! I’m sure people will be amazed at that! As for accessories, you will want to invest or build buildings, trees, snow, water, mines, people, lights, railroad crossings, and all such things that you might see in the landscape. Yes, it gets very detailed and yes, it can be a never ending process of continual improvement and/or change. That’s probably why there is so much appeal to it. Like there is for the simulation games like Sim City and the like.

Different Scales

If you’ve been shopping around either in physical or online stores, you probably noticed that there are different size scales you can get for both the trains and accessories. HO is the most popular size. Different scales have different trains available and different accessories. So you would have more to choose from in the HO size. But of course, if you were to make your own accessories, the size you choose would only depend on the available trains.

Needed Space

The larger the space, the more you can add on to your railroad scape. The minimum space you would need for a model train setup would depend on the size train you pick. The smallest you could go is if you had just a circle for the train to go round and round in. Your table would simply measure the size of that circle. If you opt for more space, take into consideration how easy it would be to move. In case you have to move houses, you would most likely want to take your setup with you. Keep that in mind. If you have a big setup, remember to build it so that you have connecting pieces that you could easily maneuver out the door.

The model train hobby can get very expensive. But there is help out there. Go check out the review on Model Train Help which gives you creative techniques that will save you money in building and maintaining.

Originally posted 2009-11-06 11:18:18. Republished by Old Post Promoter