Additional Articles

Digital Command Control

For most model railroaders the design and creation of their model railroad has been and is a rewarding experience.  One can safely say that “leaving no stone unturned” is the  mindset of the hobbyist when it comes to the detail of their layout, and yet far to many railroading enthusiast find that after a few [...]

Adjusting Model Train Layout Switch Machines And Ground Throws

The objective when throwing your switch points is to move one point away from the stock rail while pushing the other against the opposite stock rail which must result in holding it securely.  There are two ways in which this can be accomplished, and they are through some type of remote control or by doing [...]

Adjusting Model Train Layout Turnouts And Crossings

Ask any experienced model railroader and he’ll tell you that the most problematic pieces of trackage are the turnouts or switches on his layout.  Where it is true that the frog and guard rails can present problems, this can usually be avoided through proper adjustment.  More often than not, more troublesome problems occur with the [...]

Adjusting Model Train Trackwork

If you are an experienced model railroader you already know that keeping your track clean is only part of the battle for keeping your trains running.  It is essential that you maintain your track to certain tolerances to both gauge and surface for your trains to routinely run smoothly and trouble free.  Because of the [...]

Maintaining Your Model Train Layout

Most model railroaders invest a tremendous amount of time in building their layout to the highest of standards which is typical and understandable.  However, it is just as important to develop a planned and well thought out maintenance schedule that is at the same high level for your layout as well.  Maintaining your model train [...]

Rolling Stock Maintenance

Although rolling stock maintenance and repair is not quite as complex as what is required for powered locomotives, insuring trouble free operation is just as important.  When you decide to add rolling stick to your layout, you’ll discover after making a trip to your local model train hobby shop, that you have more than one [...]

Locomotive Repair

With periodic maintenance most model train locomotives will run for years.  However, there will definitely come a time when your locomotive will break down, and this is especially so because of the widespread use of DCC.  With that said, being able to repair your own locomotive, rather than having to send it out for locomotive [...]

Locomotive Maintenance

As any model railroader will tell you, the hobby of model railroading is a very special and unique pastime.  If there is a problem, it is that our layouts are not static displays, as is the case with many other types of hobbies.  Rather, model railroading is a dynamic hobby and hobbyist put a great [...]

Creating Model Train Layout Water Effects

Dave from Michigan Toy Soldier does a great job in demonstrating how to create a water effect and information about the product he is using.  I think these videos will be very helpful……I’ve added a second video by Matt and Trevor who are also using Woodland Scenics Magic Water and these two guys do a [...]

Model Train Store

A model train store is a hobby shop which is specifically devoted to the rewarding hobby of model railroading.  There are definite benefits for the hobbyist who chooses to do his or her shopping in a store of this type.  For example, this type of store will most often offer a complete line of products [...]