A model train set can have either plastic or metal wheels. Understanding model train wheel-set construction is important when considering which type of wheels is best for you.A train wheel consists of a flange and a tread. The flange is the inside part of the wheel and is deeper (or longer) than the other. The tread is the flat portion that actually rides on the rail. Real trains have the same type flange and tread manufacturer. Some wheels are...more
If you are new to model railroading, here are a few important facts to help you get off to a great start. Your local train toy dealers can be a great help to you. Most dealers are eager to help new hobbyists learn the ropes and start building their collection. However, buyers must beware because there are also some unethical dealers who take advantage of beginners. The unfortunate result is spending too much money on foundational components or...more
What is flexible track? It is the most common form of track used with model trains railways today. Flexible track can be used with Lionel trains and just about every other brand because it is made by the majority of model trains manufacturers. Most flexible track pieces are three feet long and are indeed flexible, yet still fairly rigid. If you bend them one way to begin with, that is the shape that they will pretty much stay in from that point on. The Super-Flex, however, from Atlas, works in a somewhat different way - you can bend it in to pretty much any shape you like, but it always spring back; this is due to the fact that the Super-Flex has both one floating rail and one fixed rail. Which style you prefer is entirely based on personal taste, though both have their advantages and disadvantages.There are four advantages to having some form of flexible track for Lionel trains or any other brands of model trains to run on. First, there are fewer joints in any given run of track. With just one three foot section of flexible track, you instantly cut out the need for four nine inch pieces of sectional track, thus giving you far fewer connections and a lot less potential for any...more
Sectional track is great for people who want experiment with their model trains. Users can control the shape of their track layout by adding curves and intersections plus much, much more. The following includes a basic guide to sectional track for Lionel trains.A good place to start with sectional track is to plan your layout. The simplest designs...more
Cleaning your Lionel model trains railroad tracks is a task that should be conducted when the tracks are noticeably dirty or when the train seems to stick and pause during operation. There are several methods that work well and you may want to experiment to find the one that suits you the best. The more you use your model trains, the less often you...more
The first step in adding ground cover to a Lionel train set is choosing the season you wish to display. Winter ground cover will obviously be different from summer. Even fall and spring ground covers will be markedly different. Consider the look you wish to achieve for your Lionel train set.Winter ground cover generally includes a facsimile of snow. Snow can be created by using virtually any white powder, such as baking soda, flour, dry plaster, or even white marble dust. Sprinkle your white powder around your train set, then mist it with a 1:1 mixture of white glue and water, with a drop or two of dish soap to allow the mixture to flow.Spring or summer ground covers include grass facsimiles, which are created using ground foam and the same water/glue mixture described above. Ground foam is available from retail stores in various colors, but it can get quite expensive, particularly for detailed train sets.Luckily, ground foam can be made using ordinary chair padding and acrylic or craft paint (available at any craft store), and an old blender. The chair padding should be cut into small cubes (about 1" around). The blender should be loosely filled with the cubes and turned onto a...more
There are many ways to lay track for trains toys, but most experts agree that, for anyone really serious about model trains, roadbed is a must. What is roadbed? In the real world, roadbed is the foundation on which train tracks are laid, and is made...more
Although Lionel offers several kinds of model trains and track, most of their sales come from O gauge trains. What's an O gauge train? To better understand that, you first need to know a few things about scale and gauge.Let's start with scale. Model...more
For those just starting out in the world of Lionel trains or any other brand, and who are looking to add wooden structures to them, the first instinct might be to go out and buy pre-packaged kits. After all, why to go all the trouble and time of...more
One of the first things new model railroad enthusiasts learn is the terminology. Things like scale and gauge become everyday lingo. We've outlined some of the most popular scales used for these popular model toys. Keep reading and before long, you'll...more
When it comes to deciding which type of HO model scale train to purchase, steam and diesel locomotives both have their distinct characteristics, both good and bad. By being aware of these characteristics, you can make a knowledgeable decision without...more
Weathering your train makes it look more realistic. Weathering adds the appearance of dirt, rust, and even graffiti to your train, making it look like a train that's paid its dues and been around for a while.Here are some weathering tips and...more