The German toy company Marklin developed the O scale train in 1900. Instead of providing a realistic train experience, they focused on making model trains fun. Before long, everyone used the O scale for their model railroads. Once the United States got through the Great Depression, it became standard to use O scale model trains. O scale tracks typically have three rails on them. You can find current O scale tracks in three or two track outfits, though (three rail tracks are powered). Since the advent of more realistic train operations, people have been passing over the O scale trains for HO and NO scale model trains. However, people still tend to start out their train collections with O scale trains.

What do O scale model trains do? Train scales are determined between the difference in size between their real counterparts. Regional scales tend to be a little different, though! O scale model trains in America are at 1:48 scale. However, British O scale trains have a 1:43.5 ratio. The rest of Europe has a 1:45 O scale ration. Therefore, you shouldn’t count on all O scale model trains worldwide to be the same size. Make sure you know how different the trains can be as you shop for O scale items.

What exactly is the O-27 scale and how is it different? You can find this among several O scale tracks. A regular O scale model has a 31 inch diameter when it’s made into a perfect circle. It’s technically O-31 scale, but since it’s the standard, it’s just called O scale. However, O-27 scale gives you a 27″ diameter if you lay out its track in a perfect circle. There are many different sizes of O scale track, like O-31, O-72, O-27, and O-54, so look out for these variations. As before, the number on the scale is the diameter of a circular track. With the smaller tracks, you can have a better efficiency of space, but it’s not as realistic, and it can be harder for full sizes O scale trains to navigate the track. You can, though, mix and match your track sizes so you can make your own custom track that meets your desires.

O scale model trains are becoming more popular of late, despite the dominance of N and HO scale trains. Due to this newfound popularity, it’s easy to find O scale equipment and trains nowadays. In the past few decades, O scale model trains have enjoyed a much higher level of detail. Since O scale standards tend to be confusing, it’s hard to find consistent equipment. Make sure you know how different O scale is in each region, and whether or not you want two or three rail tracks. Despite all this, you can’t go wrong with O-27 scale model trains, especially if you just want to get started with model trains as a hobby.

Originally posted 2009-11-05 10:09:08. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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A good place to start with sectional track is to plan your layout. The simplest designs are circular or oval and more complex layouts may include complex crossings. Consider how much space you have available. Once you have a design planned out for your Lionel trains, take the time to invest in a range of track. You want large pieces as well as small pieces so that you can avoid holes. One of the biggest mistakes is not having enough of the right pieces on hand to build the desired layout.

There are many types of track to choose from. There are of course the basic straight and curved pieces of track as well as more complex options. For example, a turnout is a piece that helps a train enter in one direction and leave on two or three other tracks. Crossings are pieces where you have two pieces of track crossed in 90, 45, or even 30 degree angles.

Some forms of model trains sectional track include roadbeds. These pieces have interlocking tabs that will keep your train running without risk of derailment. With or without roadbed, it is recommended to nail the entire track layout to a piece of plywood. This will prevent carpet fuzz and debris from breaking up the track and interfering with the engine of the train.

To position your sectional track, line up the pieces so there isn’t a gap between them. Be sure the pieces are level: You don’t want one overlapping the other. Do not try and force pieces of track together, especially curved pieces. If you do this, you risk creating a gap or having an awkward section of track that can cause derailment. You want your curves to be tight so that you can run many model trains on your track, but you do not want the curves to be unnatural.

At first, it may take a while to plan and build sectional tracks, even for popular brands like Lionel trains. You may start with an idea only to realize you lack all of the necessary pieces or that its design is larger than you anticipated. Sectional tracks are like pieces of a big puzzle. Assembling the pieces will help with estimating the layout’s dimensions and the necessary supplies needed to for its construction.

Originally posted 2009-11-24 12:08:40. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The custom model layout creates excitement and fun for children of all ages. With expert and professional help and assistance people can build train layouts of all sizes and complexity. Parts or the entire layout that is created can be shipped to the recipient all over the country if it is packed properly and the sensitive pieces are wrapped carefully once it has reached its destination. The finished product should be electrically wired, trimmed and set up to go prior to shipment.

Railroad expert services can be done with DCC, DCS or Legacy digital controls or conventional. Most accessories on the layout can be programmed into the hand controllers and all that is needed is for you to press the button. The scenic designs are created and made like an artist, who help make the Railroading real fun, practical and true to life. They use countless trees and shrubs, all kinds of grasses, people, cars, rock formations, stone walls, realistic looking water creeks and falls. They use boats, hot air balloons, airplanes, oh just everything to create a realistic scene all in the specific gauge and scale. When they are done, the layout is totally complete and looks it.

Model railroads can accommodate street cars and bumper cars. The finished tables can be done with bridges, mountains, tunnels and on multi levels, depending on size and digital controls. You can run many more trains at a time than you would think. Often they are built on plywood with a Homasote panel top or with cork under the tracks. The complete layout should have furniture quality trim and legs. The cross braces under the layout, are for space framing and will make the layout strong enough for you to stand or walk on. Through the under structural supports place the electric wiring and make it protected for electric power shorts. You can wire for reversing loops and for all lengths of track runs and levels. Place sidings and in many cases round houses for all the additional train cars and train engines that you will add in future years for your enjoyment and fun.

Created layouts for the enthusiastic person come in all sizes and finishes. The gauge creates the size of the layout in many instances. The size of the radius curve is important to the operation. When you want to run the new and larger sophisticated engines most likely you will need wide curves to accommodate the engine and cars to run properly. So, the layouts or models must be correctly sized to allow you to operate what you want on a particular train line and allow for smaller curves and the operations of smaller engines and cars on narrower curves. The model train layout or toy train layout brings railroading to a point of sophisticated operation when built by us. The layout table size may be 4 feet by 6 feet or 20 feet by 40 feet for example, whatever you desire.

Take the time to learn about your options. Soon you will realize that you can create or have created for you almost anything you desire. Beaches, ski mountains, rock climbing scenes and golf courses are just a few of the amazing finished products.

Originally posted 2009-10-31 11:36:12. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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For HO scale trains, you can purchase a track-cleaning car. You fill the car with light oil and the track-cleaning car is pulled around the track by the engine. Be careful that you don?t overfill the track cleaning car, for in doing so, oil may spill over onto the tracks or the scenery. Add oil sparingly to avoid the mess. The cars contain a small tank with protrusions that rub on the rails, cleaning the rails as the train travels the length of the track. The track-cleaning car can be used frequently. If you use a brass track, you may notice oxidation forming. If so, a more thorough cleaning of the track may be necessary.

For heavy-duty cleaning and eliminating oxidation from brass tracks, you will need a product such as Walther?s Bright Boy. It is a hand-held cleaner that looks like a small flat eraser, measuring about 2? x 1.5?. You rub the bar across the rails, allowing the grit to remove dirt, paint, and oil from your model tracks. If you have brass tracks for your toy model, this cleaner will remove most of the oxidation from the tracks. Using sandpaper or emery is not recommended as these products could leave pits in the tracks of your toy model trains.

Once you have cleaned the tracks with the bar, you will want to rub a soft cloth along the tracks to remove any residue left behind from the cleaner. Cleaning your tracks regularly will keep the toy trains running smoothly, giving you more time to enjoy playing and less time cleaning.

One more cleaning option is to use a liquid product that is made for track cleaning. LifeLike is one such product and can be purchased at your local hobby store. Dampen a soft cloth with the liquid and rub the tracks. Keep changing places on the cloth as you go so you are not using the same spot repeatedly. Dry the train tracks as you go. As you are cleaning, inspect your track for signs of damage and repair or replace them as needed.

Once your model trains tracks are clean, you will need to perform regular maintenance to keep them that way. A product such as Pacer Technology?s Rail Zip is a good cleaner to maintain your track?s cleanliness. You squeeze a drop or two on the track in a few places and let your toy model trains run for several minutes. This allows the product to be spread fairly evenly around the track. Additionally, this product will keep the wheels clean. Rail Zip will also restore the electrical conductivity by preventing and reducing sparking.

Originally posted 2009-11-08 12:34:54. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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During that time, trains were also one of the premier methods of travel, especially over long distances. With that came huge coverage and media interest in everything about trains. Cowen decided to leverage on that, as well as his own passion in the subject, to produce toy trains of such detail and quality that they quickly became popular with children and men of all ages, and were often a favorite choice as gifts. Lionel trains sets also became the choice for collectors and it was often that you would see individuals from that time who had amassed huge personal collections of toy trains which primarily consisted of Lionel prewar trains, which were a popular choice.

Till now, you can often find someone making a Lionel trains purchase as the continued passion in collecting of toy trains and railroad model paraphernalia remains strong, especially in the United States. This is entirely expected with the long and fabled history of the mode of transport which reached its height of strength in post war America. Despite the advancement of technology which has resulted in high tech trains that can now travel at supersonic speeds or speeds which easily overshadows their aged counterparts, there remains an affinity amongst collectors for the antique designs of both prewar and postwar Lionel trains. Part of this is due to the mystique which lends itself to the highly detailed craftsmanship that was invested in building those model toy trains, which was the result of Cowen constantly hiring skilled model locomotive builders who spent long hours making sure that the replicas were true to the original designs.

Along with the consistent number of model railroad collectors worldwide, the tradition of toy train collecting also continues to be spread down from generation to generation. The fact that these toys still hold a fascination with men of all ages and diverse backgrounds, lend them to being timeless mediums for bonding between family members. It is quite a sight to behold when a railroad set is completed and a toy train is seen chugging along the tracks with both father and son, or sometimes the entire family, smiling and cheering on their efforts. With other accessories including scenic landscapes that come with these railroad sets, it is not difficult to understand why Lionel trains remain close to the hearts of train collectors everywhere in the world.

Originally posted 2010-01-11 10:47:04. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The first and simplest method was the use a simple variable transformer as introduced by Lionel in 1906 to lower the Alternating Current [AC] voltage from the wall to a lower, safer value and allow the user to control the speed of a model electric train by changing the amount of AC power applied to the track. In the 1920’s, Lionel included remote control reversing switches to allow the user to control the direction of the model train.

When Direct Current [DC] powered trains with permanent magnet motors were introduced, a different standard was developed for most two rail train tracks where the direction of trains were controlled by the polarity of the DC track power applied to the track.

In the late 1940’s Lionel added a new concept of applying DC on top of the AC track voltage to turn on and off an on-board whistle by remote control. This concept of high frequency transmission was introduced in the Lionel Electronic Train Control. This system supplied ten different signals that would control ten different remote control effects. The different high frequency signals were superimposed on the standard AC power when selected buttons were pressed at the control center. Each remote engine or rail car was equipped with a receiver unit that was tuned to the individual frequencies. When the correct high frequency signal was transmitted, the corresponding receiver would toggle or turn-on some remote effect.

These high frequency signals increase the ability to remotely control various effects but they had other problems. Transmission losses were usually high and it was critically important to keep the track, the track joints and the wheels of the receiving car or locomotive extremely clean. However extra feeder wires to different parts of the track were used to prevent signal losses and placing capacitors across the track joints and adding inductors at the power supply and on each accessory being used assisted in reducing signal loss and in ensuring that all components of the model train layout operated properly. All this additional equipment however added to the cost, the complexity, and the maintenance for the model train operator.

Model train manufacturers have, over the years, introduced different methods of applying high frequency signals to the model train track to increase the remote control capabilities including independent train control which means that the operator can control the speed, direction and features of a number of different engines all on the same powered track section. With most DC and AC systems however, the biggest problem is that there are only a limited number of remote control signals possible and their application is slow by modern digital standards.

The application of digital technology uses remote control signals to carry digital signals to decoders in the engine for digital command control of locomotives and other accessories.

Digital Command Control (DCC) is a method of controlling individual engines, rail cars and accessories by transmitting digital remote control signals down the track to on-board digital receivers and decoders in the locomotives, wagons and other rolling stock and accessories.

DCC has been around since the 1970’s but had not received wide acceptance because of the limited technology at the time and the difficulty and expense of installing receivers in each engine. With developments in digital technology these problems have diminished and over the last ten to fifteen years major model train manufacturers have produced several different versions of DCC. So many that unfortunately customers have been confused about which system is best.

Fortunately, in recent times, the National Model Railroad Association [NMRA] has established a preferred method of transmitting and receiving digital transmissions on model train layouts, based on the Lenz system developed in Germany and this is recognized as the accepted standard for DCC.

Originally posted 2009-11-03 16:22:36. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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Based on an analysis of Google searches where a model trains brand name was included in the search phrase, the most popular brands are Lionel trains and Bachmann trains. These two brands account for over 70% of searches, both in the United States and globally.

Lionel trains dominate the model train hobby with 59% of all searches in the United States and 37% of searches globally. Lionel trains are primarily O scale, which is one of the most popular scales available, especially among serious hobbyists. Lionel is also one of the oldest brands with train sets dating back to 1900. However, the original Lionel Corporation went out of business. The brand was revived in 1969 by General Mills, the cereal company. They launched Lionel, LLC and quickly became the leading brand.

In the United States, Bachmann trains are the second largest brand with 13% of searches. Globally, Bachmann is the third largest brand with only 8% of searches. Bachmann trains were first introduced in 1946. Bachmann manufactures a large product line consisting mostly of HO scale trains, including the popular Thomas Tank Engine electric train sets. Bachmann also produces N scale, O scale and large scale trains. Prices range from under $100 to over $2,000 per train set.

Globally, Hornby is the second largest brand with 35% of searches, placing them just slightly behind Lionel. However, Hornby is based in the UK and their sales are almost all outside the United States They received only 1% of searches within the United States. Horny trains have a reputation for quality but their product line within the United States is very limited.

The top three brands, Lionel, Bachmann and Hornby, accounted for 73% of searches within the United States and 80% of searches globally. The remaining searches were spread among a dozen other brands led by LGB and Marklin, each with 5% of global searches. MTH with 3% and Atlas and Micro each with 2% of global searches. The remaining 3% of global searches were spread among all other brands. Of these remaining brands, the largest was Athearn, which received 3% of searches in the United States but only 1% of searches globally.

Originally posted 2010-01-19 10:33:54. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The Super-Flex, however, from Atlas, works in a somewhat different way ? you can bend it in to pretty much any shape you like, but it always spring back; this is due to the fact that the Super-Flex has both one floating rail and one fixed rail. Which style you prefer is entirely based on personal taste, though both have their advantages and disadvantages.

There are four advantages to having some form of flexible track for Lionel trains or any other brands of model trains to run on.

First, there are fewer joints in any given run of track. With just one three foot section of flexible track, you instantly cut out the need for four nine inch pieces of sectional track, thus giving you far fewer connections and a lot less potential for any problems on the track.

Second, you can curve flex track into any particular radius you want. It can also be shaped into a much easier kind of curve for your trains to run on than would otherwise be the case. The curves can also be shaped into the kind of curves you require to fit the area, rather than be stuck with a fixed shape that might not work for the space you have available.

Third, flexible track pieces can be cut to any length you require. This helps make your layout work because it can be adjusted to fit into whatever space is available.

Fourth, when trying to find the best layout for your track, it is helpful to mark the lines you want the track pieces to follow before nailing them down. With normal track this can be very challenging to get it right. However, with flexible track it is easy because you can use pieces of flex track as a template to draw around and mark the track locations. There are some tools available to buy that have been specifically designed for this purpose, but you may find they are not entirely necessary ? a yardstick, pencil and a few extra track lengths can do the job just as well and cost less.

The advantages of flexible track are clear and unequivocal. All things considered, flexible track for your model trains to run on is unquestionably the way to go.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 16:50:45. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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The beginner getting in the ho example train hobby will have numerous queries. Even that can be serious, because you want to recognise some thing about the issue you are curious.

Your line of questioning will have to deal with the intention you wish the ho model train for. If you are designing on becoming a collector, or are you only make a primary layout for something to do, but are not going to get overly involved, or is a present for a youngster?

If you are planning on becoming a collector, so your first question would be where can you collect whatever particular information as to the history of the Lionel trains. It would be speculative to pay top dollar for a train set that was not reliable. Several vintage parts can be very costly.

To start with simply a introductory set and go from there, it might be well to go a reputable hobby store ,rather one that only addresses with train sets. Most of the individuals that have these kinds of stores have a love of trains and they have spent ages finding about them. The one bit of knowledge that you do have is you know that Lionel train sets have been on the market for some years, and are acknowledged to be worth the money you are about to invest. So in all likelihood your introductory enquiry should be, which models should you start off with. You will in all likelihood want to start with a easy elementary set and add up to it. Did not make the decision that it doesnt matter if there are add ons or not. It has been said that the train hobby is highly addictive. Which means theres a easy chance you may get to a greater extent involved then you projected.

Plan for the future. Ask the experienced hobbyist selling to you if whatsoever of the ho model train sets come DCC ready. This is new to model railroading, and what it signifies it that it utilises digital computer technology. If the result is no, and then require are there sets that can be upgraded and if so how much would it cost. You too require to know what is a average budget to have to start with the train series. They may have some package deals already defined.

If you are buying a set for a child. Your demands will depend on the childs age. Say they are rather young and so you will require a Lionel train set that is going to fit in with his capabilities to run it. Over Again ask the sales rep what they would recommend for that age group. He will be confident to show you train sets that would be ideal for what you are reckoning for. And Then you can pick the theme that your child would like well.

Originally posted 2009-12-14 10:33:23. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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When it gets down to it, their valued, or their selling cost, will look on whatsoever things, not the least of which is how much the buyer is ready to give you to get it. The most affected buyers will course pay more than someone who is not fanatic about it.

The last someone you want to deal your used Lionel train to is one of those someones who post ads saying “I buy trains!”. These somebodies are in the business of paying the bottom possible price, and then selling as high as manageable. You most likely will not get a good cost presently.

Who you DO want to talk to is proper collectors of used Lionel trains. They are most likely to give you a ordinary cost, and in this group of someones is where you are likewise most in all probability to learn a motivated purchaser. You may have a localized group of collectors in your personalized region. Hobby workshops that deal in old Lionel trains, or supply regions and add-on for them, can direct you in seeing the accurate collectors.

Nowadays that you recognize where to find a purchaser, here are whatsoever hints to help you put a price on your antique Lionel train.

The Train Collectors Association has direct grading banners that are observed by the regular train collectors in discovering valuations. They divide the entire range of conditions into 7 categories, ranging from brand new and unused (mint condition) to rubble, with some useable divisions (poor condition). The 7 categories are: Mint, Like New, Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor. Your train will drop somewhere into one of these families.

In addition, there are 2 quality leads released every last yr that can help you to fix a rate for your old Lionel train. These publishing companies are well honorable in this field, and have been writing these guides for some yr. The two guides are:

TM’s Lionel Price and Rarity Guide – Volume 1 or Volume two, betting on the date your Lionel train was constructed

Greenberg’s Pocket Price Guide to Lionel Trains

There are certain affairs you can do which can make a primary difference in your selling cost. If your train is in mint condition, plus you have the special package, you will get the steepest price possible. So do not ever so cast away the box if you have one. Also, clean your train so that there is no dust, soil, dirt, or old built up oil on it. A clean and polished train that doesn’t move can ofttimes require a high dealing cost than a dirty one that operates. In addition, sometimes just cleansing it up and making minor fixtures can reestablish that old train to a more worthy condition.

You can get an superior guide for fixing your old Lionel train at LionelManuals.com. The guide is actually 2 CDs full of instructions, blueprints, parts lists, and detailed plots for every Lionel train ready-made from 1906 through 1986. It makes reconstructing your train simple, and can easily double or triple the cost you can get for your train. With whatever of these payable trains, doing the uncomplicated restores can actually bring you thousands of dollars more when you sell it.

So you see, there is a lot that goes into committing a rate on your used Lionel train. Your well count to get a good trading price is to do your enquiry on your train, check the established guides, make contact with a collectors club, and show a reconstructed, clean and beaming train to a wild gatherer.

Originally posted 2009-12-30 10:49:11. Republished by Old Post Promoter

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