DCC Portal

Important figures in railroad history

admin — Sun, 15 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Flanged Rails
John Curr invented the flanged rail while in the employ of Sheffield colliery. Building upon the concept that a stiff wheel on a rigid rail uses less energy to transport heavy loads, Curr developed unflanged wheels running on L-shaped plates; further reducing the energy needed move heavy loads. Over time and experience the uniformity of iron rails and wood spanning proved superior, especially for curves.

Steam Powered Locomotive
The introduction of a steam driven engine by Scottish inventor and mechanical engineer, James Watt, was built upon an engine created by Thomas Newcomen used to pump water out of coal mines. Watt developed the engine into a reciprocation process which could power a wheel to move. The power was transferred to moving a piston which drove gears and the wheels of an entire locomotive which was capable of pulling heavily laden wagons.

Economically Hardened Steel Rails
The Bessemer process led to the expansion of railways in the 1860s. Two men actually created the process to harden steel economically, William Kelly in the United States and Robert Forester Mushet in England, independent of one another. Sir Henry Bessemer was able to financially bear the expense to bring their discoveries to commercial fruition; thereby the name Bessemer process was endowed.

Important skills you can learn from modeling

admin — Tue, 03 May 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Model trains are a fun hobby for many people of varying ages. This hobby also can help provide important skills that the collector will need throughout life. For small children, having a teacher in this type of hobby is very important.

One important skill that is learned from modeling will be using the mind and hands to form a creative landscape for your train. The actual building of the scene will improve fine motor and large motor coordination as well. In addition, an adult will learn to be a teacher while working on this type of project with others. Another important skill that can be learned or honed involves mathematics with the ratios and scales of the various types.

Anyone who is involved in modeling shares a camaraderie with fellow collectors. Usually there are clubs and groups that are formed where those sharing the passion will get together and share experiences, tips and hints with others.

Other skills that are learned when one begins modeling include basic carpentry and electrical work as well as painting and assembly. For some, this is a hobby used for stress relief and relaxation. For others it is used to satisfy the desire to build something with their hands.

Tips for landscaping your model railroad

admin — Tue, 19 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When you have a model railroad, you know that having the best scenery can be key to having it look authentic. That is when you should have some tips for landscaping your model railroad to ensure that it has the best look possible.

One tip will be to utilize items that you already have inside of your home. By doing this you will save quite a bit of money, but you will also be clearing out space inside of your house that you can utilize to expand your layout.

Another tip will be if you are using the fake grass to use glue to secure it. If you do not use glue, it is possible for you to have the landslide that you do not want and it could even block your tracks at times.

Something else that you should do will be to have a background painted on the wall at times. If you have a layout next to the wall you can easily add depth to your set by painting the wall in a landscape. Not doing this could lead to your layout looking small and not as large as what it could be.

Being able to add landscaping to your model train layout is a wonderful thing. Without having any tips on how to do this, though, you could have the problem of not being able to have a great looking layout and will have to settle for the normal boring look.

Find a Community for Your Model Railroading Hobby

admin — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

While many people discover model trains as children, serious model railroad hobbyists know that there are many intracacies with the hobby that can only be fully appreciated by another adult. Sometimes it can be difficult to find people who take model railroading as seriously as you do or know which trains are special.

A model railroading community or forum can help you whether you are new to the hobby or are itching to share your knowledge and enthusiasm with other adults who share your passion. Forum participants can share information about train buidling, track wiring and more.

Of course, being involved in an online railroading community forum requires a reliable Internet connection like the ones provided by www.wildbluedeals.com. Once you are tapped in, you can access a whole world of information you never imagined.

Whether you collect vintage trains, or prefer to build your own there is something for you waiting just around the bend. Many times people who connect in online forums sharing similar interests are able to connect offline as well and develop friendships or are able to use each other for professional business netwrking purposes as well.

The possibilities are endless once you get on the right track and share your knowledge with the model railroading world.

Birmingham Dribblers: the birth of model railroading

www.dcc-portal.net — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 18:18:11 +0000

The train is such a fascinating invention that it’s not surprising how quickly it became a hobby. After modern rail systems appeared in England in the 1820s, models began to pop up around Europe. In 1825, Josef Ritter von Baader built a model railroad near Nymphenberg Castle as a presentation for the king of Bavaria. Ten years later, the Nurnberg-Furth railway was opened in Bavaria, and toy-makers started offering solid casts of trains. But the most interesting part of early model railroad history begins a few years after this in the early 1840s. We refer to that unique toy known as the Birmingham dribbler.These toys didn’t actually feature a model railway, but instead simply ran along the carpet, gaining them their other name of “carpet railways.” These toys were working steam locomotives made of brass and with an oscillating cylinder driving the wheels. To run the train, one filled the boiler with water and lit the burner. Once steam was being produced, the toy was capable of running until the water ran out.However, many trips ended in disaster for both the train and the surrounding furniture. The Birmingham Dribbler was given its name because of the trail of liquid it dribbled behind it. Often, this was a blend of water and whatever fuel was used in the burner. The number of Dribblers found in the trash after accidentally upsetting and spilling burning fuel is unknown, but it’s sure to be high. Rudimentary safety valves were added to offset the damages, but the Birmingham Dribbler was not destined for longevity, and today remains in the annals of model railroading history.

The largest model railroad in the world36,000 feet and growing

www.dcc-portal.net — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 07:07:04 +0000

If you want to visit the largest HO scale model railroad in the world, you’d better pack your bagsthe Miniature Wonderland is located in Hamburg, Germany. For true hobbyists, though, it’s worth the trip. With over 11,000 meters (36,089 feet) of fully computerized track, the model is both a memorial and a challenge to DCC enthusiastsyou can’t help but be inspired to go home and stock your own set up a little bit.The model celebrates the international appeal of model railroading, with sections based around America, Hamburg and the Coast, Scandinavia, Southern Germany and the Austrian Alps, and Switzerland. Perhaps it’s better to just let the numbers tell the story, though: in 2009, there were over 10,000 train cars, 170 computer-controlled cars, 200,000 people, 200 cameras, 300,000 LED lightsI say 2009 because the creators, brothers Frederik and Gerrit Braun, aren’t done yet. By 2014 they aim to add five more sections. About 1,396,300 has been spent on the railroad so farafter the final completions are done, the value should be somewhere around 2,094,450.

On track to a better model railroad with guidebooks

www.dcc-portal.net — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 20:32:58 +0000

Model railroading is one hobby where a good guidebook can really come in handy. The vast amount of details and specifications that go into even the smallest freight car or piece of scenery can be a headachebut also a lot of fun if you have the patience and the right resources. These books have come in handy in the pastwe hope they work for you, too.How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery by Dave Frary: This is one book you can judge by the cover. If you’re having trouble making your railroad presentable, check out this book for advice and examples of how to create everything from lakes to mountains. Reviewers have also commented that it applies well to any other hobby where you need to make realistic backdrops.Track Planning for Realistic Operation: Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad by John H. Armstrong: Plotting the layout of your track is integral to making an authentic and interesting model railroad. So what better source to go to than actual railroad plans, and what better guide than the beloved modeler John Armstrong, creator of the Canandaigua Southern Railroad model?Basic Model Railroad Benchwork: The Complete Photo Guide by Jeff Wilson: Wilson takes you through the aspect of model railroading that is always noticeable, whether it’s done well or poorly. That’s the benchwork, which supports your track layout. The book covers many different sizes and scales, and is great for beginning or experienced enthusiasts.The Model Railroader’s Guide to Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels by Jeff Wilson: Wilson also wrote this slim but informative guide to setting up interesting set-pieces for your trains to ride over and through. It’s recommended that you have at least an intermediate understanding of model railroad mechanics before tackling this book, but once there you’ll find a wealth of designs and materials to play with.