Crafting Realistic Rock Molds for Your Model Train Layout

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

Rock molds aren't difficult to produce. You'll need a little patients, a few tools and I'll supply you with the basics. In order to save some time I'll review the most popular method while taking note of the lesser used techniques.

Firstly, before any molding is attempted, you'll need to identify the type of rock formation and general landscape required. Secondly, locate a suitable rock or small bolder to use as a template for your mold. If safe to say that there is an ample amount to choose from if you venture out your front door or even go as far to take a sample from your prototype. Either way make sure you choose a foundation that closely resembles your desired effect.

When you locate your specimen begin the process by cleaning the rocks surface in order to craft a true to form molding. Once clean pull out your liquid latex and baste a coat over your clean rock surface. Let dry, then repeat at least two more times.

Upon completion of first few layers of latex, grab some gauze from your arsenal and cover evenly over portion of rock you wish to mold! When done covering rock with gauze go after another layer or two of latex!

I know what you must be thinking... it sounds like a heck of a lot of work and to some it may be, so here is your alternative. Go to your nearest hobby shop or model train dealer and purchase a pre-fabricated mold or purchase one online!

You can save a little time and money by reducing the number of molds you purchase and simply re-using your existing mold. Create individuality by reversing your molds or alternating their position.

If choosing this technique don't forget to place your molds in completely random positions never repeating the same pattern unless dictated by photo or prototype.

Following these techniques will provide you with the truest molds and the most efficient applications to provide your layout with realistic rock formations. - 31503

About the Author:

For more information on scale model locomotives visit Daryl's Website surrounding modeltrains, you may also stop in to read thomas the wooden train reviews.

Manipulating Multiple Model Train Sets Electronically

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

Model train lovers of all ages and skill levels will be the first to inform you that operating their layout is a blast with simply one locomotive circling the tracks. Those same modelers will also scream to you the excitement of handling 3 or 4 scale model locomotives traversing their rails.

If you want to experience the full trill of model railroading you've must have a solid grip on cab controls and the steady handed art of wiring. Switches and energy amplifying power packs are necessary tools needed in bringing these connections together. If it weren't for these instruments you'd have a difficult time maintaining momentum and keeping your trains out of harms way.

Resolving Problems of Controlling Several Model Trains In Your Layout

Manipulating locomotives separately requires each model train be hooked up to its own power pack. This will assure enough juice for your locomotive and the accessories located in that block to function. Blocks very in size and are separated by tiny electrically insulated gaps in your rails.

Switches are used to connect however many switches you have directly to the tracks via a wire from the switch to the track. Then the toggle switch reaches out to one of the cabs with an additional wire. There is a common connection or wire between however many cabs you support and the rail opposite your switches wire on the tracks. These wires are also many times referred to as the Block Feeder and Common Feeder.

Your switch will also have a wire called a common connection that interlocks each individual cab, creating a web of well disciplined electrical communication. The cab is responsible for informing your trains engines which way to run and how fast to get there. The magic of this electrical orchestra can only be accomplished if the switch is also connected to the opposite rail of its Block Feeder.

With great power comes great responsibility. You now have the yard by the ears so it's important to keep your eyes open and your ears peeled to avoid any collisions or poor timing in switching near turnouts or throughout the rest of your track. As you have more locomotives rolling on your lines the chances for collisions climbs higher.

Ok, that's the basics This information is sure to give you insight into the electronic requirements of operating multiple locomotives around a single layout. - 31503

About the Author:

For more information on scale model locomotives visit Daryl's BLOG surrounding model trains, you may also stop in to read thomas the wooden toy train engine reviews.

Electronic Hurdles of Running Multiple Model Trains

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

As a model train enthusiast you are familiar with the joys of conducting one model train on a single layout. It's safe to assume that manipulating multiple locomotives is twice or perhaps three times as gratifying.

To grab hold of the throttle and speed up one train, slow down another, and keep a third from slamming into them both, you must embrace cab control techniques and wiring required to make it tick! Power packs that AMP up power, toggle switches that choose your train of desired control and throttle cabs are the crucial tools needed in dodging your own disastrous bullets!

Resolving Issues Surrounding Conduction of Scale Model Locomotives

Independent control of separate trains requires you connect each model train to a separate power pack through different blocks of track. Blocks are electrically isolated sections of track divided by insulation in your rails.

Connected to tracks by a Feeder, the switch has a flap in it's mechanism that diverts current when moved or toggled. The diverted current travels to chosen cab where it can shout out commands to its favorite locomotive. The switch responsible for this passing of information is connected to a block of track by a feed know as a Block Feeder.

The switch also has feeds leading to each individual Cab or speed and directional controller. The cabs are interlinked by a connection called a common connection. This common connection or wire that connects the cabs then leads from both cabs to the alternate rail the switches Block Feeder is attached to.

All this wiring and controlling of speed and direction means you as a model train engineer must keep on your toes when running multiple locomotives. You must pay very special attention to your switches, speed and directions to avoid any Casey Jones Scenarios!

That's the basics. We hope this information is useful and keep tuning in for more on model trains and model train electronics. - 31503

About the Author:

For more information on scale model locomotives visit Daryl's Website surrounding model trains, you may also stop in to read thomas the wooden toy train engine reviews.

Diesel Locomotives and Model Train Maintenance

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

Yes! You're correct, most model trains today come ready to run. Don't let this fact let slip away from you the importance of pre-run inspections and frequent tune ups.

More than likely your locomotives chassis will be a snap to release. Seriously... it will snap off once you spread the bottom of the casting.

Once casting is lifted and electronics are exposed, place locomotive on track and trouble shoot for such poor operations as stuttering, binding gears, slow starts and odd noises. Make absolutely sure your trains trucks are resting comfortably. If you notice your train resting uncomfortably it may be necessary to adjust screws or reset truck.

An almost instinctive first plan of attack is cleaning wheels. By purging your wheels of imminent dust clusters, you limit dust entering your motor and bogging down performance. To clean wheels attach test leads to motor, ignite engine, flip locomotive upside down and with your free hand apply abrasive block on wheels until they shine like new!

Mechanical Checks Are Always Wise Following Wheel Cleanings

After your locomotives wheels are clean take apart their gearbox and inspect for plastic shavings and also take this opportunity to clean the inside of your gearbox. Once clean and dry, apply lubricant as needed. Be carefully not to apply access amounts as this can lead to the very problems you where attempting to avoid.

Pay extra special attention to the electrical connections housed in the trucks. These smooth metallic surfaces are the direct channel currents take when talking to your loco.

Finally, once tune up is complete, test your locomotive safely and enjoy the freedom and relaxation of your model train set.

In rapping things up you should be assured that once the above instructions have been followed you and your family will enjoy the fine hobby of modeling even more as you'll have cut your chances of having a really bad day expediently. By adjusting trucks and making sure they rest evenly on tracks and also by spit shinning your wheels for tangent connections you are lining yourself up for smooth rides and historical runs. If for any reason you should encounter problems simply trouble shoot familiar mechanical locations around your loco and test once more. If problems insist, it's not unheard of to have acquired a potentially bad decoder or possibly some other poorly functioning electrical component. - 31503

About the Author:

Be sure to check out Daryl's BLOG surrounding model trains, you may also stop in to read thomas trian engine reviews.

Life of Legendary Train Engineer - Casey Jones

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

In in'63 somewhere in southeast Missouri, a legend was born to Frank and Ann Jones. John Luther Jones was the oldest of five children blessing Frank and Ann

John was interested in trains early in life. Around- yrs of age... John moved with his family to C-A-Y-C-E Kentucky.

John developed an ever deeper appreciation of locomotives while in the small town of Cayce. At 15 John determine he wanted to be an engineer, which was about as good a paying job as one could receive in the late'00s.

Johns dreams landed in his lap when the Mobil & Ohio Railroad offered the 6"4' legendary engineer a position on their team. It's hard work and challenging at times but that's what Casey loved.

Upon the request of the H&O Railroad, John moved to Jackson, Tennessee in'81. While in Jackson the soon to be famous HERO lived in a popular boarding house. When asked where he was from....... John replied... CAYCE Kentucky!

The other engineers added the tag... and John Luther J. has been CASEY JONES ever scenes. The spelling of Casey as we're familiar is C-A-S-E-Y... although the town where Casey originates is spelled C-A-Y-C-E!

Casey married southern bell Janie Brady in'86. The pair had three children. Helen, John, and Charles. In'90 Casey's wish came true and he was promoted to engineer and given his very own route.

The Following Years Groomed a Legend

Casey's punctuality was such that one could set their watch by it! Casey's reputation remains iron clad, it's his desperation to keep his reputation that seals his fate.

The Year is'00 and Casey Will Soon Be a Legend

Their's trouble on the line and Casey is asked to pull an additional run as his fellow engineer was unable to make the trip. The run is behind when Casey takes the gears and he's forced to push the mighty engine to it's peak. Casey and his passengers are headed to Canton Tennessee only to discover trouble with the switch's ahead.

Casey Steamed Mighty #382 Passed 100mph

When taking over the run Casey was 40 minutes to the rear, although by the time he'd reached his destination he and fireman Sim Webb cut that time into 10 minutes. In a desperate attempt to maintain his reputation of arriving on time, Casey Pushed Forward at record breaking speeds.

There was trouble ahead as Casey and Sim where unaware of the broken switch at the stop ahead. The fouled switch caused two trains to be forced to rest back to back length wise forcing the end caboose and two other cars to hang out too far on the rails.

Trouble Ahead as Disaster Approached Casey at 75mph

Too late... No chance of stopping. Casey's Engine #382 is headed for a collision that will echo across the world and make Casey last words infamous... JUMP Sim, JUMP!

Sim later recalled that day and Casey's famous last words. With his hands gripping the break for his passengers and the lives of the poor souls ahead.

CRASH... the engine slammed hard like an atomic bomb! Casey saved everyone but himself as his tenacity on the break provided enough slowing to reduce their speed enough to where the passenger cars in tow where unscathed and no one was killed.

When they found Casey he was no longer alive although reported to be still gripping the break. Casey Jones died an american hero! - 31503

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Looking to find the best deal on thomas the toy train engine. Visit Daryl's Blog surrounding model trains

Great Alternative to Manually Cleaning Model Train Tracks - Track Cleaning Cars

By Daryl Clayton Kennedy

The two rail cleaners that stand out above the rest in function and quality are of a simply design. Before their identities are exposed I'd like to inform you that these widgets come in a variety of inconspicuous costumes. Refrigeration cars, stock locomotives and Yep... even box cars!

The prototypes pull extra duty as cleaning cars. They piggyback heavy rough sheets of Masonite carefully hitched to the underbelly of any locomotive you wish to bond Masonite cleaning attachment to. Made of heated, treated, pressurized wood shavings, this composite is a perfect tool for aggressively polishing your tracks while seemingly undergoing normal layout operations. These assistive cleaning slabs come in HO, S, N, G, and O scale attachments.

I recommend sliders, better known as track cleaners that utilize the rolling method of cleaning rail. They too can be found in HO, O, G, S, and N scales.

Recommendation 1... Centerline Products manufactures a variety of gauges. These home made cleaners work by the roller rotating as the locomotive advances on the rails. When you see black streaks lining the paper towel as it's drug along things are progressing smoothly.

Liquid cleaners also work with this tool. I use Goo Gone as it proves itself each and every time! There are other solutions like electrical cleaners which work when applied appropriately. Many old timers who've been around a while like using a solution known as NO-OX. This product is an electrical cleanser and is said to really deliver a bang for your buck as it requires tiny amounts to cover vast areas of rail.

Recommendation 2... Sliding Track Cleaners. These instruments come in multiple forms to provide methods of cleaning for the many different styles of track and layouts covering the model railroad hobby. HO, N, S, G, they all have an attachment capable of traversing these Gauges. The coolest thing is you can attach the apparatus to a car and spectators wont be the wiser as their untrained eyes will only see a box car or caboose but you'll know that you're secretly providing entertainment and performing a few hands off maintenance duties to boot.

A Tiny Bit of Creativity and You Can Construct Your Own Track Cleaner - 31503

About the Author:

Be sure to check out Daryl's BLOG surrounding model trains, you may also stop in to read thomas the wooden toy train reviews.

Starting a Model Train Collection

By Kristyna Shalmar

Children have perpetually fallen in love with trains, both boys and girls. They seem to have a type of delightful magic about them. Children usually get keyed up once they see and hear a train speeding by. It can be fun to have one going over you on a bridge or passing one on the road as you count the number of train cars on it.

There are many stories and shows that lend trains to the inventive minds of children. Most of us can recall reading The Little Engine that Could. This is a timeless tale concerning a train that kept pushing itself to reach the top of the peak despite all the odds being against it. This is often a great story to encourage children from a young age to by no means give up because they can do anything they put their minds to. Thomas the Train has become a terribly popular icon for children these days. This fun blue train can be found in books and on TV. Thomas the Train is an interactive program that encourages children to learn valuable skills including counting and reading. There are educational learning opportunities including oral hygiene and getting along with others.

Several adult collectors of train memorabilia found their interest in trains during their childhood years. It's a logical next step for kids who love trains to grow and develop their appreciation for railroad collectibles.

You will find the market is stuffed with interactive trains for kids of various ages to enjoy. Some of them sing songs or play music. Others allow them to push them along or they go by themselves with the touch of a button. Your kid can find hours of entertainment with trains from a very early age.

For older kids, you'll want to invest in a model train set. They'll spend hours fixing the track and the train so as to get it to travel around and around. There are such a lot of nice accessories that they can add to the mix that they will personalize it to suit their style in no time.

If there's a kid in your life who loves to look at or browse about trains, you might wish to introduce them to their initial train kit. Relying on the kid, you will or may not wish to incorporate them in choosing the type of train they can receive as a gift.

It's not uncommon for fathers or grandfathers to pass their trains on to their youngsters or grandchildren. This may be a outstanding family heirloom that your child can continually treasure. As time goes by many of these early models of trains can continue to increase in value.

Some kids may choose to pursue their love of trains into adulthood and be in a position to turn it into a career that they love. If you're looking for a gift for a child that will not just get pushed into a corner and forgotten, consider having a look around for a top quality train set. You might be the one they remember for helping them to begin a favorite collection. - 31503

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Railway Modelling: Tips For Making Your Own Model Railways From Scratch

By Sam Allen

Staring a new hobby can be daunting, and model railway building is no different. The various books and magazines tend to filled with jargon and can be difficult for beginners to follow. For this reason, it is a good idea that beginners get themselves a simple starter pack.

Another place you will find good, practical advice and plenty of encouragement is by joining your local modelling club. But to get you started here are a few tips to think about.

You should first ask yourself if the model is for children or for adults. While there is great enjoyment for both, the requirements are quite different. If the model is for adults getting the detail right is going to provide greater satisfaction. Whereas if the model is for children to enjoy, it will need to be robust enough so they can play with it.

One of the first decisions you will need to take is what gauge track to use. Basically, track gauge is the distance between the two rails. A larger gauge model tends to require more space. If space is limited a smaller gauge is probably your best choice. This decision influences how the model will develop.

The next feature of your model to think about is the layout. Novices to model railway building are advised to stick to the standard oval track starter kits are set up for. Another good layout for beginners to start with is the simple, straight layout.

Having got the basic issues sorted out, then you start thinking about the details, such as track length, the size and positioning of your station, the detail of the scenery, and that is where your creative side comes out.

Setting up your first model is the best way to enable you to get to grips with the basic skills and the jargon of model railway building. Once you are confident with these skills you will then be able to develop and extend your model in ways you have always dreamed about. - 31503

About the Author:

I know how you feel, you're really excited about railway modelling, but not sure where to start. Then this is what you need to do NOW...First, click http://4modelsrailway.com/model-railway-reviews to get honest and impartial reviews on some popular and successful 'model railway' products. Next If you are serious about building great model railways, TRY one of them, they do work. Third enjoy the site and pick up some tips. Fourth, there is no fourth, NOW is YOUR time, grab this opportunity and start building, you deserve it