Hobbies And Interests
Powering
Developing a model railroad requires a strong understanding of electrical wiring. Rail tracks are separated between positive and negative polarities. For your track to operate, these must be carefully planned so the opposite polarities are never connected. Using separate coloration for wiring is helpful to prevent confusion. Reversing loops will require switches to adjust the polarity as well as the isolating of these switching sections of track. Developing a setup in which multiple trains are separately controlled requires multiple power sources and a combination of sensor and switch devices.
The Layout
Building a layout is one of the most challenging and creative aspects of designing a model railroad. Layouts can be as simple as a rectangular table setting, to elaborately planned and hand-built structures including mountain tunnels using hidden tracks, bodies of water, and the use of transitioning electric lights to give an impression of night and day. Modelers have recreated cities in different decades, depicted sections of Europe like the Swiss Alps, or realistically portrayed logging and mining operations. Some materials used include chicken wire and plaster cloth, foam sprays, paper-mâché, waded newspaper, or wood and paint. Hobby stores have all forms of materials for making trees and creating the impressions of weathering that will add a realistic finish to your tracks and train cars.
Track Planning
Tracks must carefully be planned and set down in order to have a successful model railroad. You may choose to work by hand with a draft board or download one of the several choices of railroad planning software. Tracks generally run from point to point or in a loop. Using maps of actual railway tracks can provide inspiration. Studying the tracks of other modelers can also provide ideas. Testing track patterns before constructing the rest of your model environment can also help develop ideas.
Scales
Model railroads are made in over 10 different scales. Choosing an appropriate scale is an important step in beginning a railroad project. One of the most popular scales for indoor use is the N-gauge. Scales are made in proportion to actual railroads. A few common scales are N (1:160), HO (1:87), O (1:48), On30 (1:48 with narrow gauge tracks), G (1:22.5 also known as Garden scale -- good for outdoor use). It is important to note that there is no international standard for these scales and there will be differences between a Japanese, American and English N-gauge scale.