HO Scale Model Trains

Model Train Newsletter Issue #105 Is Hot Off The Press

Dan Morgan — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:23:15 +0000

Hello all model railroaders… Issue #105 of the model train newsletter is available at http://howtobuildamodelrailroad.com/model-train-newsletter-105/

In this newsletter we cover…

1. Which locomotive do you choose?

2. A video of an amazing LGB layout

3. Voltage for a 3 way switch

4. Help for a simple layout

5. Lighting adjustments

6. Subscriber photos

7. Creating orchards

8. And so much more…

There is something for everyone. If you have any suggestions or comments please reply to this email and tell us.

Enjoy,

Dan Morgan

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Model Train Sets For Adults – A Guide On What To Look For

Dan Morgan — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:19:29 +0000

More at http://modeltrainsforbeginners.com/

Are you looking for model train sets for adults?

Some people think that model trains are for children, but there is a big range of model train sets for adults.

If you have ever attempted to build a model train set, you would have quickly realized that there are an incredible amount of little different pieces to this big puzzle.

And, it’s probably very true when the experts say a model railroad is never completed.

There is this never ending learning of new techniques and better ways to create the look and feel you are after. Making your model railway layout look more realistic is the end goal.

That is why it so important for the beginner to have patience. This is not a race to complete your train layout as quickly as you can.

Thought has to be put into your planning and every portion of your creation should be enjoyed.

It is not just a train track placed on a bench with some power to drive the locomotive.

It is the complete planning and building of a miniature world. There are the buildings, roads, trees, mountains, hills, rock formations, fields, meadows, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, waterfalls and more to be built.

Model railroad mistakes are expensive so you should carefully consider how your dream model railroad will look and operate.

Things to consider are the scale of your model railway, the era you are choosing to model, the landscape and the operation – DC vs DCC.

Careful planning in the beginning will save you a lot of time and money in the future. Model railroads are a great hobby to escape from the stresses of life. You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a huge amount of fun.

There are armchair model railroaders who research and do nothing more. Then at the other end of the scale you have experts who have accumulated their model railway equipment over 20 or 30 years and fill basements with their layouts.

At each end of the scale there is a lot of enjoyment to be had. The hobby can be as expensive or time consuming as you want it to be.

Sure there are some money saving tricks and tips to model railroads that every beginner should be aware of, but other than that, model railroading is undoubtedly the best hobby in the world.

And yes, there are model train sets for adults.

Dan Morgan is the author of Model Trains For Beginners which should be compulsory reading for anyone considering model trains as a hobby.

Are you looking for a step-by-step guide to avoid the expensive model train mistakes almost all beginners make?

Check out my recommendations at http://modeltrainsforbeginners.com/recommended and learn more about the must-have model train resources I recommend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_B_Morgan

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Model Trains Stores Can Be Expensive

Dan Morgan — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:03:50 +0000

Model trains stores can be expensive, but then you do get what you pay for. If you are a beginner then model trains stores should be your first stop.

Notice I said model trains stores and not hobby shops, because there is a difference. Hobby shops are usually staffed by people that are not experienced model railroaders.

While model trains stores are usually owned by very well experienced model railroaders.

Building a model railway is the most enjoyable hobby in my opinion. There is no other hobby where you can learn and improve a wide variety of skills in one place.

Building a model railroad exposes you to planning, design, woodwork, metalwork, wiring, electronics, kitbashing, scratchbuilding and so much more. But, you don’t need to know it all when you start.

The model trains stores in your area are filled with people waiting to advise you on building your dream model railroad.

So, why is model railroading known as an expensive hobby?

The answer is in the decisions they make. These are the 7 most common model railway mistakes you should avoid:

1 – Not Knowing What You Want

Most model railroad beginners start with an electric train set that comes complete with an oval track, locomotive, some cars and a controller. Often this is because it is cheaper to buy the set rather than individual components, but you get what you pay for.

As soon as you add more track to expand the oval, the problems start.

The power pack in the electric train set may have only been designed to power the oval length of track. When you add extra track, the power pack is now not powerful enough. This results in a voltage drop on the track and intermittent starting and stopping of the locomotive. This can be very frustrating.

2 – Building a Model Railway That Is Too Big

Often the impressive model railroads at the shows encourage beginners to go home and convert their entire basement into a huge model railroad.

Some of the model railway experts at those shows have spent 20 or more years on their layouts and a beginner trying to achieve that level of model railroading from the beginning will be disappointed.

Often the smallest of layouts can be more fun because they get to a level of enjoyable operation quicker. The experience adds up over the years and a small layout is always easy to expand.

3 – Paying Full Retail Price

If you are going to pay full retail price for every part of your model railway then it is going to be an expensive exercise.

Your local train club will have members, with equipment in good condition, that they will sell at a fraction of the new price. Model train experts are a generous bunch and always willing to help beginners.

Dan Morgan is the author of Model Trains For Beginners which should be compulsory reading for anyone considering model trains as a hobby.

Are you looking for a step-by-step guide to avoid the expensive model train mistakes almost all beginners make?

Check out my recommendations at http://modeltrainsforbeginners.com/recommended and learn more about the must-have model train resources I recommend.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Dan_B_Morgan

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The New Model Train Newsletter is Available

Dan Morgan — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 06:00:52 +0000

The new Model Train Newsletter has just been published and it's hot off the press…

Go get it at >> http://howtobuildamodelrailroad.com/news101/

Tell me your thoughts… Do you like it? How can we improve it?

We are also looking for model railroaders to contribute.

So, if you would like to write a short blurb or suggest a video about anything to do with model railroading, please let me know at:

www.howtobuildamodelrailroad.com/contact/

Enjoy the newsletter.

Dan

P.S. here's the link again:
www.howtobuildamodelrailroad.com/news101/

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Model Train Stuff in Canada

Dan Morgan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:57:26 +0000

We all want to save some money and get a great deal… So we have compiled this list of new and used model railroading equipment for you in Canada. However, if you are looking for something specific then delete the words in the search box, type in what you are looking for and click on the search button.

Please check back often as we update this page daily.

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Model Train Stuff in Australia

Dan Morgan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:46:45 +0000

We all want to save some money and get a great deal… So we have compiled this list of new and used model railroading equipment for you in Australia. However, if you are looking for something specific then delete the words in the search box, type in what you are looking for and click on the search button.

Please check back often as we update this page daily.

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Model Train Stuff in the UK

Dan Morgan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 08:09:53 +0000

We all want to save some money and get a great deal… So we have compiled this list of new and used model railroading equipment for you in the UK. However, if you are looking for something specific then delete the words in the search box, type in what you are looking for and click on the search button.

Please check back often as we update this page daily.

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Model Train Stuff in the US

Dan Morgan — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 07:29:46 +0000

We all want to save some money and get a great deal… So we have compiled this list of new and used model railroading equipment for you in the US. However, if you are looking for something specific then delete the words in the search box, type in what you are looking for and click on the search button.

Please check back often as we update this page daily.

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The Model Train Club Opens Its Doors To New Members

Dan Morgan — Tue, 05 May 2009 13:15:53 +0000

It’s been a long time in the making, but finally we have opened the doors to what will eventually become the biggest Model Train Club ever.

Why will it eventually become the biggest?

Because it is online and can be accessed worldwide. Never before has an online Model Train Club of this nature been offered before.

It is based on the myspace and facebook platforms and allows model railroaders of absolutely any skill level to socialize online.

There is the ability to create your own customized profile, friend other members, ask any question you like, upload your photos and videos, enter the conversations on the forum and much more.

This is a very exciting time for us, as the hobby desperately needed something like this… now it has it!

It’s free to become a member, so go check it out now.

Click here >>The Model Train Club

I look forward to your comments and feedback…

The Worlds Largest Model Railroad Or Is It?

Dan Morgan — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 17:35:22 +0000

Is Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg the largest model railway in the world? They claim it is and that it is one of the most successful permanent exhibitions in Northern Germany. Watch this video and be amazed…

Video not appearing? Please let us know by clicking here >>