Model Railroading - Train Equipment
Model Railroading - Train Equipment
Model Railroading - Train Equipment
Model railroad trains are the focal point of a model railroad display. They are the reason for everything else: the scenery, buildings and accessories. The train is what everything else is built around, and the scenery and buildings progress as the train moves through one section to the next in your display.
In order to suit a variety of themes, preferences and space constraints, trains come in many different types and sizes. The trains themselves are regulated by the National Model Railroad Association, also known as the NMRA. This organization promotes standardization within the hobby and creates universal measurements for trains and accessories across brands so that, for example, an HO scale model under one brand is compatible with an HO scale model made by another.
Types of Trains
The theme of the display will point you to the type of model railroad trains that you should use. Various types of trains include:
Steam- Real steam trains are powered by steam engines that burn wood, oil or coal. Model steam trains are generally suitable for the time period between the early 19th century and the middle of the 20th century, when these trains were used most often.
Diesel - In real life, these trains are powered by a diesel engine. They quickly became the primary mode of locomotive transportation in the 1950s. Over time, diesel trains transformed into "hybrids" such as diesel-electric, steam-diesel and diesel hydraulic that are used even today. Therefore, versions of these model railroad trains can generally be used for themes post mid 20th century.
Electric - The first electric locomotive debuted in the late 1800s in response to the pollution that steam engines were producing. Some of these locomotives run from overhead lines or on-board engines running on diesel or gas.
Types of Cars
The cars that follow behind the model railroad train's engine also model after the "real thing." The cars help to illustrate the train's purpose, furthering the theme of your display. The two general classes of cars are cargo, also known as freight, and passenger. Cargo cars are used to transport goods and livestock, while passenger cars are used to transport people.
Depending on your theme, some varieties of cargo cars that you may want to integrate into your display include:
Stock - used for transporting animals such as cows, pigs or sheep
Box - a closed car used for freight
Hopper - an open or closed car used for transporting coal, iron and grains
Refrigerator - a car that may be used for carrying food items
If your display includes railroad station stops for passengers, you may want to include some of these passenger cars:
Coach - the general car used for transporting passengers
Dining - the car where passengers can sit and enjoy a meal
Sleeping - also known as a Pullman or sleeper, the car that provides passengers a place to rest if traveling overnight or for an extended period of time
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