Posts Tagged ‘Toys’

Metal and wooden train models remain one of most beloved hobbies for many of us. It’s a way to connect with our children as well as a way to take our own trips down memory lane remembering trains toys and other childhood favorites. Anyone who’s ever known the satisfaction of seeing a completed Model Train assembled by his own hands knows how important the details are.

It’s the passion and desire for perfection that draws people to building and adding their own wood structures versus incorporating a pre-fabricated kit. There’s a sense of pride in knowing the tiniest details were carefully and painstakingly created by the owner. Whether you’re a seasoned train collector or are just discovering this satisfying pastime, keep reading for a few tips for successfully adding wood structures for your metal or wooden train.

Your first task is to define the project. In your mind, what does the finished project look like? Like the idea of tunnels for your train to travel through? Making your scenery interactive with the working train isn’t as difficult as you might think. You want it to blend seamlessly with the train and the tracks. Other ideas include greenery, mountains and of course, buildings.
Two options to consider include pre-fabricated kits that allow you to build your wooden structures with relative ease using the pre-cut pieces, or as many prefer, you can tackle the project “from scratch”. This method is a bit more time-consuming, but the pride of having finished a project such as this is indescribable.  

If you are considering the “from scratch” option, here are a few basic tools and materials that will help you get started:
•    Crafting knife – also referred to as a hobby knife
•    Exacto knife and blades – we suggest varying angles and curves for your blades which can be found in any hobby or craft store
•    Pencils with erasers
•    Ruler or a traditional tee square
•    Carpenter’s glue
•    Wood strips
•    Durable cardboard or press board to create templates

Remember, if you decide to build your wood structures, you’ll need to first create templates from which to cut the sheets of wood from. Using your template, carefully trace it onto your strip wood. Don’t forget windows and doors if they’re part of your plan. From there, you’ll be able to cut your wood verbatim to your template. One advantage of creating templates is the fact they’re re-useable. Using your wood or carpenter’s glue, secure the panels together to form your buildings. If you creating several buildings with the intent of using them as miniature homes, churches or other buildings, you’ll naturally want them to vary in height and width.

Once your glue has dried, tiny nails gently driven into the seams will serve as additional strength to the structures. Sandpaper smoothes out the rough edges and provides a better foundation for any paint or stains you intend to apply.

It should be noted many avid toy train collectors build their models with roof structures that can be removed to decorate the inner walls. It’s not uncommon to see houses with fireplaces drawn and chimneys extending from the wooden structures.  Again, this is your vision, your metal or wooden train and your project. Be as creative as you wish.

Your trains toys and wooden designs very well can become a part of your legacy as it’s passed down to children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Technorati Tags: Adding, Guide, Metal, Structures, Toys, train, wood, Wooden

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 be an old hand with all things model toys.

First things first, let’s define scale as it’s used in reference to model railroads: Scale is the proportion to an actual size train or its prototype; the smaller the scale, the more you can fit into your allocated Model Train area.

G Scale – 1:22.5 – G scale is most often used in garden layouts and is sometimes referred to as an LGB scale. It’s ideal for those who appreciate gardening and landscaping.

O Scale – 1:48 – Although similar to the O27 scale, there are a few differences which we’ll outline below. If your goal is to keep the proportions as realistic as possible, you should consider a large area to build around this scale. The trains are bigger than all other scales except for G scale, and incorporate DC currents.

O27 Scale – 1:48 – Similar to O scale, O27 is differentiated by the curves in the tracks. The O 27’s area is a 27″ arc or circle while the standard O Scale will encompass 31″. Another significant difference is the 27’s shorter and thinner rails. This is a particularly popular scale since there are so many accessories available that are life like and have working parts.

S Scale – 1:64 – It’s been said the S scale isn’t quite as popular as many of the others; however, many of us are sentimental and are drawn to this particular scale since it’s what we’re most familiar with from our childhoods.

HO Scale – 1:87 – Another popular scale, the HO is 1/87th in terms of comparison to the real thing. Its size is considered ideal and easily works on standard plywood sizes. This is another scale that offers a lot in accessories.

TT Scale – 1:120 – Many tend to avoid this scale simply because suppliers of accessories aren’t plentiful.

N Scale – 1:160 – Not the smallest scale, but very close. That said, it’s a popular scale for model toys since it’s perfect for those with limited space. Its size is half of what the HO offers. Like long curves and a lot of scenery? This might be your best option.

Z Scale – 1:120 – This is the smallest sized trains, but ideal for really tight spaces or smaller bedrooms. Another strong point the Z scale brings to the table is its ease of transportation.

With just a little consideration and thought about how you intend to incorporate your model railroad into the available space, you can easily choose the best scale for your needs.

Technorati Tags: From, Guide, model, railroad, scale, size, Toys

Couplers are used to connect various model railroad train cars together. Couplers are typically either hook or knuckle type. Couplers have three distinct criteria. First, they must join the cars when the cars are pushed against each other. Second, the coupler needs to be able to be uncoupled. Third, from the manufacturer’s perspective, the coupler must be inexpensive to produce. Additionally, model railroad train enthusiasts prefer a coupler that looks realistic.

Horn hook couplers are the “standard” couplers usually included with a purchased model railroad train set. Horn hooks are typically included on trains toys. The horn-hook looks like a hook or the handle end of a cane, which joins the cars together. As the model railroad train cars are pushed together, the spring-action of the hooks connects them. The couplers rely on side-to-side pressure to hold the cars together. This can create problems when backing up the train as the pressure is loosened, possibly causing derailment. To uncouple a car, you can either lift it off the track and release the hook or use a device (such as a toothpick) to pop the train cars apart. For the casual model railroad train fan, horn hook couplers are usually sufficient.

Knuckle couplers resemble a person’s knuckles and look more realistic when compared to real-life trains. The knuckle couplers join together much as two hands are joined together fingers-to-fingers. This creates a fairly tight fit that will hold the train cars together around curves and in reverse. To uncouple the train cars, you can install magnetic un-couplers. They work by separating train cars as they pass over a magnet mounted under the track. The couplers contain one or two magnetized pins that sit just above track level. When the train is stopped over the magnet and then reversed, the cars become uncoupled. Alternatively, you can disconnect the cars by using a disconnect tool such as the “Switchman.” This tool is inserted in the knuckle couplers and rotated to pop the train cars apart. With this tool, you can uncouple train cars from anywhere on the track.

A Model Train railroad enthusiast might consider converting from a hook-style to a knuckle-style coupler to provide a more realistic and easier-to-operate system. The conversion could be costly as you might need to build shims to keep the pins and couplers at the correct train-to-track height. This is especially important when lining up knuckle-style couplers with magnetic de-couplers. If you have an extra train car, you might consider leaving it with one hook-style end and one knuckle-style end for ease of moving train cars around your track.

For a trains toy, the standard coupler is usually the best choice as children are often not as careful with their toys as a true model railroad fan. However, if your child’s interest in his trains toy is growing, you might consider upgrading him to a railroad train model set and teach him how to convert the couplers.

Visiting your local hobby shop will provide you with a large amount of model railroad train sets, couplers, tracks, and all accessories to create your own railroad world. Additionally, the staff will be able to assist you by answering questions or concerns.

Technorati Tags: couplers, Guide, model, railroad, Toys, trains

Are model scale trains toys or something more than that? Most of us typically think of model scale trains as the kind of toy that both children and adults can enjoy. But is it accurate to even call model trains toys? Calling them toys diminishes their value because it sounds like a frivolous pastime for children. But that perception might not be warranted.

Research has proven the cognitive benefits of play not only for youngsters but also for adults. We all benefit from play. Problem solving, creativity, socialization, and self esteem are just a few examples of what we gain from play. Calling scale model trains a hobby instead of toys may sound a bit more sophisticated, especially for adults who love building them.

The model railroading hobby grows with a person. There are lots of hobbyists who have spent decades perfecting their train sets, and even passed them down to the next generation. Perhaps they did not plan it that way from the start. Most beginners to this hobby start with a simple kit, which can be assembled relatively quickly. As the hobbyist matures and learns more about what is available, he gets the itch to upgrade components and add more track, locomotives, cars, structures and scenery. Hobbyists enjoy the challenge of seeking out more complex sets that require more skill. The only things holding most people back is time and money. Model scale trains require a commitment of both. Prices for model scale trains and components cover a wide range, from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. However, the benefits of the hobby can be enjoyed for many years and by people of all ages, so the costs associated are reasonable. In fact, if you’re not committed to it for the long haul this might not be the best place to spend your money. Serious model railroaders recognize these are not trains toys to be played with for a few months and then discarded. Model scale trains have tremendous sentimental value as beloved family heirlooms and as collectibles to be cherished for years.

Another benefit of owning Model Train Sets is that hobbyists can learn patience and perseverance. Because of their small scale, they require lots of attention to detail, especially when constructing scenery. Following directions step by step, waiting for one step to be done well before moving on to another, can be a real test of patience. Furthermore, model trains are an outlet for creativity as hobbyists can design their own track layouts, structures and scenery. The goal is to make everything look as realistic as possible. The creative process provides lots of opportunities for hobbyists to develop greater visual spatial abilities and fine motor skills.

This might not be a selling point for some, but model railroading can even help with learning academic skills. Math is essential for figuring ratios of the different scales. For example, how large should the city hall and trees be to match a certain scale train? Engineering and physics come into play as you create bridges, tunnels, and wire the electrical devices. History and geography may be a factor if you choose to make your models historically accurate or if you choose to create a scale model of an actual location. This can be a great opportunity to apply school lessons in a fun environment.

The model scale train hobby doesn’t have to be a solitary pursuit. There are train clubs and contests, conventions and shows. Plus model trains are the kind of hobby that several generations can enjoy together. Each member of the family can contribute their own particular talents and abilities. In this way, the hobby transcends the project of building a model scale train and becomes a way to build great family traditions and closer relationships.

So, are scale Model Trains toys? Regardless of what you call them, it is clear they offer many valuable benefits and one of those benefits is serious fun!

Technorati Tags: model, more, scale, Something, Toys, trains

Model Train Display, Z to G-scale

Technorati Tags: Bethlehem, display, Tots, Toys, train