Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?
Gundam Model Basics
Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...
Filling Model Kit Seams
Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...
Model Rocket Range Boxes
You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...
Aftermarket Model Kit Parts
Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...
Building A Model Rocket
Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.
Model Rocket Recovery
You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.
F-100 Model Kit Review
The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...
Model Kit Weathering Guide
Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.
Model Train Track Layouts
A track layout is a bird's-eye view of a railroad track that has been scaled down for model trains. The layout not only contains the track, but scenery, stations, tunnels and buildings as well. It looks like a mini city with train tracks. The layouts come in all different sizes, from ones that are small enough to fit on table tops, to ones that take up almost the entire floor.
There are four basic layout types:
The Continuous Loop
A continuous loop layout is basically what it sounds like, a circular or oval shape track where the train is continuously going around and around. This is the most basic type of train track layout for modellers.
Point To Point
The point to point track layout is just a long straight line, which the train runs back and forth on. There is usually a station on each end of the track.
Out and Back
The next type of track layout is an out and back. This type of layout is usually in a pear shape. The trains leave the station and go around a balloon loop; also known as a turning loop. This allows the train to reverse its direction with no need for stopping or shunting.
A continuous loop train track
Shunting
The last type of track layout is called shunting; in North America it is called switching. This layout concentrates entirely on freight and requires the modeller to come up with an operational concept to keep the trains running and always have freight on them. This layout also needs the operator to shunt or move empty cars to a parallel track to keep the railway clear for all other trains to come through with additional freight. This type of track can be made in to a complex puzzle, challenging the operator to keep the trains moving by switching the tracks they are on while still get the freight delivered.
When deciding on the proper layout for your trains, there are a few things you have to consider such as: a theme, what you want the trains to do, what you want the trains to be hauling(people or freight, for example). Another thing to consider is how large do you want your layout to be. The size of your room might dictate how large your track layout can reasonably be, so keep that in mind. Other things to consider are: do you want the trains to stop or just continuously go around, do you want to have to stop or shunt the trains at different times and switch the track so another train can come down the same track, do you want it to be a simple kind of layout or one that is really complex? All of these things really need to be taken into consideration when trying to decide on the proper layout for you and your trains, to ensure that you get the best layout possible.
Rural City Layout
N Scale Model Train
Rural City Layout #2
Rural City Layout #3
Rural City Layout #4
Rural City Layout #5
Generally, for novice modellers it is good to start out with a relatively simple continuous loop track layout. Not only will this get you started quickly, but it is also less expensive to start out with a simple loop. You'll get a feel for model trains and if you actually want to invest more time and money into building a more elaborate setup.