Posts Tagged ‘Trains’
Helpful comparisons between Marklin model trains and other brands
Marklin model trains are some of the most popular and favored around the world. They give many hobbyists a lot of enjoyment and offer beginners a great way to get started in the hobby. There are however some differences that you need to be aware of before buying them. There are some differences in the way that Marklin model trains work and this article is going to explain them.
You need to understand both the comparisons and the differences of different manufacturers, in order to get maximum usage from the trains that you collect and operate.
As with many of manufacturers of model trains, Marklin can be used on the HO scale. Indeed this is one of their best selling scales. Usually, you will find that most brands are compatible with each other on the HO scale, meaning you can collect models from many different manufactures and operate them on the same track. This is a great incentive for both hobbyists and manufacturers alike.
However, with Marklin there are some differences that make them more unique, but can cause issues. As they are made in Germany, they have a unique set of standards and many of them are not compatible with other brands of model trains (in the HO scale).
The reason for this lies in the fact that most HO scales use a two rail track. Marklin model trains are different and use a three rail AC system.
The two rails tracks use one rail with positive DC power and the other with negative DC power. If you live in North America then you will be probably be used to two rail DC tracks. The issue is that Marklin use three rail AC systems. In this setup, both outer rails are electrically connected to each other. They are also grounded. The middle rail is then used for supplying the AC power.
In fact, the modern Marklin kits have a third rail which is very hard to see and not even a solid rail. Instead it is a series of studs that are placed on the sleepers of the rail track. This is the case for the HO track M, K and C.
These different features mean that trains and railroad cars built for three rail tracks will not run on two rail tracks unless the wheels are first insulated from each other. You can use trains from two rail track and have them run on three rail tracks, but they won’t activate certain controls. This means that you will lose part of the functionality.
This means that many hobbyists actually convert three-rail trains for two-rail operations. The opposite conversion is also made. In order to do this, it requires the person to replace the wheel assemblies of the train or car. You can also replace metal axles with axles made from a non conductive material.
Remember to keep these points in mind when you are thinking about merging Marklin trains with trains from other manufacturers.
Philip Redfearn is an avid model train enthusiast. For more great information on model trains, and to sign up for a free Ultimate Model Railway Secrets 11 lesson mini-course, visit http://www.ultimatemodelrailway.com
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A Background of Model Trains
Creative, fun, historic, nostalgic…these are a just a few of the words to describe the fascinating hobby of collecting your own toy or model trains and designing the villages that compliment them.
Let’s take a step back in time and explore the beginnings of the model train. Did you know their manufacture began in the Victorian period? Did you also know that, originally these trains were made in Germany? Their immediate popularity was a natural consequence of actual trains becoming a fashionable form of transportation. In fact, the first toy trains were, in reality, promotional tools.
“Carpet railways” (the first model trains) were made in 1840. There have been many innovations since that time, though those early trains are certainly collectibles and very valuable. These trains actually had “boilers” that produced steam and powered the train.
Since that time there have been many, many exciting developments in hobby trains. For instance, the early trains did not even run on a track nor were they made to scale. Now, not only do they run on tracks but they have standard gauges and they have been made entirely to scale.
The company that led the way in standardizing the tracks was Marklin Company. This innovation allowed a large variety of trains to run on a track. These first gauges were designated “one, two, three”. This great achievement was followed by the creation of the “O” gauge. This opened up the door for great expansion, not only for the manufacture of trains, but in terms of different accessories as well.
With the advanced technology that the 20th century afforded the evolution of hobby trains took off. Marklin introduced ranges and scales which would change the world of toy trains forever. This innovation spread to Great Britain and Germany like wildfire.
Though the impetus of toy trains was actually a promotional tool for salesmen, the popularity of this hobby grew even as trains as a transportation diminished.
The technology of the 20th century generated the development of remote controls for signs and lighting, signal switches and even train operators. In addition, both N and Z gauges (for smaller trains) were introduced as well as the G gauge for larger scales.
Today, you can even get software to help you design your layout. Now there is computerized technology that sets your train on a certain course and let’s off steam or make train sounds which all add to your enjoyment. There have been a plethora of changes over the years, this is just a glimpse.
You may wonder why hobby trains are as popular, or more, than ever. Well there are many reasons: a person may have an interest in the history of trains themselves, they may enjoy creating the environment around the trains themselves, or they may just like going down memory lane to their childhood. But one reason is universal…it’s just plain fun!
To get more information on this fascinating hobby of model railroading (also called hobby trains) you can go to http://hobbytrainsinfo.com
Toy Model Trains FAQ
Those looking to get started with toy model trains have many different options to choose from. There are different design features and model scales to make a decision harder to come across. Naturally this will cause you to have many questions. I have written out a list of frequently asked questions, and their answers for you.
(1) What Does Scale Mean? A scale is the letter used to designate the size of the model train. These usually represent a specific size ratio, which range from 1:220 ratio to a 1:8 ratio. The most popular scales are the N, Ho, Z, and G scales.
(2) Which Scale Has More Detail? The larger the scale, the more detail the train will have. While Z scale may be beneficial to those who have minimum space, it is very difficult to put a lot of detail into such a small amount of material. N scale models have a decent amount of detail for the amount of money you end up spending.
(3) What Exactly is a Gauge? A gauge for toy model trains is a reference for the size of the track. Many people will interchange scale with gauge, but they are very different for the experienced modeler. The gauge will measure the width between the rails of the track in millimeters. They can range from 6.5mm to 148mm.
(4) What Gauge Track Do I Need? The gauge of the track will depend on the scale train you purchase. The standards in tracks will allow you to purchase a track, which will fit your train. Keep in mind there are variations in the sizes of scales depending on which country they are produced in. Your track may be off by a millimeter or two, but should not affect the ability to drive your trains.
(5) What is a Layout? The layout is the environment your train will travel through. You can create anything from landscapes to cityscape depending on what you are trying to accomplish. There are many different pieces you can buy to complete these realistic environments.
(6) Which Model Trains Are The Best? The best model train manufacturer is largely subjective. Those who buy toy model trains tend to be very loyal to one specific brand. They will tell you one brand is superior to another. The best advice is to look at the different trains available and choose the one you like best regardless of manufacturer.
(7) And what is Weathering? Weathering is where you make your train or layout appear as if it has been affected by the environment. For a cityscape, you can add environmental features such as oil, grease and smoke. For a desert environment, you can make it appear as everything has been scratched by sand storms.
(8) How Much Am I Likely To Spend? There is no limit to how much you can spend on toy model trains. With infinite add-ons and design features, you can spend a lot of money on the hobby if you are willing to. A good idea is to set a budget and then shop with your budget in mind. You can get money saving ideas from trade shows if you need them.
The more you get into train modeling, the more questions you will come up with. Asking questions of those with more experience is a great way to learn tricks and tips which will allow your toy model trains to be everything you want for them to be.
David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on toy model trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there don?t forget to sign up for his FREE “Secrets To Successful Model Railroading” Mini Course.
Model Trains For Beginners Insiders Club Tour
modeltrainsforbeginners.com The Model Trains for Beginners Insiders Club is the one stop resource for any model railroading beginner. Avoid the mistakes and save time and money. You will never have to buy another model railroading book or model train magazine again. Have a look, you will be pleasantly surprised. … “model railroad” “model train” “model railroader” “model train help” “model railroad help” “model train beginner” “model railroad beginner” “how to start a model railroad” …
Model Railway Trains – A Fascinating Hobby
Model trains have been around almost as long as real life railway trains. Model railway trains find their origins in 1891 when the first complete model train system was released by Marklin, a German company. Marklin followed up the first model railway train with a series of accessories, track expansions, and track gauges.
These days model railway trains are still a popular hobby, there are countless clubs, equipment, special interests groups, manufacturers and hobbyists out there. With so much variety those looking to get into the hobby might find themselves overwhelmed. Not to mention the model train hobby has developed its own terminology. It can take some time to get used to phrases such as “gauge”, “reverse loop”, “mainline”, “scale” and “benchwork”.
The sheer variety of model railway trains means that any hobbyist can specialize in a certain type. Anyone can find an area of interest that suits them when it comes to model trains. Some model train hobbyists prefer to act more as a collector, gathering parts of a particular kind whether it be operation, railway, or something else. Other hobbyists want to build an entire railway layout. There are even some hardcore hobbyists who want to create model train layouts that are as realistic as possible. These types of hobbyists seek to emulate actual railway operations with their model trains.
Let’s time to go over some of that model train hobbyistâ??s terminology. We’ll begin with choice of scale. The scale is the size of the model train compared to the real life size of the train it represents. The most popular scale is the HO scale which is 1/87th the actual train size. That means 1 inch of an HO scale track presents 7 feet and for inches of a real world track. Something on a larger scale, such as a G or “garden” scale requires a lot of space but is a much easier model to work with. A much smaller size like the N scale of model railway trains are difficult to work with but allow a hobbyist to build much more complicated layouts in a smaller space.
What gauge any given track is depends on the scale. Gauge is the word used to describe the distance between track rails. Naturally the gauge of a track needed will be smaller the smaller the scale of the model. Benchwork is the word that describes the supports of one’s model train layout. Beginning hobbyists generally begin with a flat layout. But of course a railroad isn’t always going to be flat in real life, so the benchwork can help create much more complex and realistic terrain. Many hobbyists enjoy building their benchwork and track layouts and crafting the scenery so that they can create a realistic small-scale representation of real world railroad operations.
Model railway trains have only become more sophisticated since Marklin introduced the hobby back in the late 1800’s and today it is a highly accessible hobby. With so many choices it’s possible to find something to interest any budding hobbyist. But how do you get started? Well there are a number of resources you could look to. There are many articles and books written on the subject, you could visits a hobby shop or a show, there are so many ways to learn about the exciting hobby of model railway trains.
Mike Foster is a model train enthusiast and enjoys helping others learn about this fascinating hobby.
For more on model railway trains, visit his website: http://model-train-essentials.com
