Articles
Practical Track Planning for Operation and Enjoyment
This article approaches the planning of model railroad layouts in practical terms, using common-sense reasoning and knowledge to take us from a dream to the construction of our layout.
At the outset there are two common principles that affect all modellers:
Article from the Australian Model Railway Magazine.
Create Changes in Height Use a Helix
Both real railroads and model railroads have the same problem when two places are at different heights.
In prototypical track planning, the best option has always been to make the distance between two places a reasonable length apart to accomplish change in height.
Making the Earth Move with Elephants
Here is an interesting diorama using the latest offering from IDR Castings. It’s the NSWGR elephant van from the early 20th century. There were six built from 4 wheel cattle vans. The height of the vans was increased to transport elephants but the vans retained their CW cattle classification.
Colour – We All See It Differently
Colour in model railroading is a factor that can make a model or layout come alive. Modern Australian locomotives have strong and distinctive colours. If we model Australian scenery we expect to see a preponderance of browns and dull greens. Other prototypes have their favourite colours too. But, we can shape the enjoyment of our work by putting effort into the colours we use. As modellers we can use colour for many purposes:
Build a Mobile and Useful Workbench
Modellers need a comfortable and welcoming place to work. Modelling can be any activity from building a structure to repairing wheels on an S truck; and anything and everything in between. The basic necessities are a good chair and a desk with a nearby place for all tools, parts, glues, paints and whatever else needed for the project at hand.
Heritage Train
The Heritage Train at speed south of Gunnedah. The locals have seen it all before – modern train travel is so common.
Progress on Construction of the Loop Line and Big Hill Cutting
Construction of a place to call home for my layout completed in April 2021. A plan of the rail lines in and around my new home was created. Layout construction
commenced almost immediately on the main southern line from Maldon to Bundanoon, but particularly the Loop Line from Picton to Mittagong.
Weathering with Artist Powders
Recently there have been articles published about weathering rolling stock using artists’ powders or chalks. The thrust of these articles has been related to the resulting ease and speed of using modern chalks in modelling. Artist chalks have always been available but a new process gives them great depth of colour and
better fixing to substrates such as plastic, metal, card and wood commonly used by modellers.
Keeping it Together as a Model Railroader
The art of being a good modeller is to keep your projects intact during construction and ensure they remain complete when sitting on the layout.
Modellers need to know their glues!
In this short article you will read about one modellers use of the various fixatives available and useful techniques for good gluing.
Terminal and Continuous Running
Two rail lines run parallel to each other. Continuous running is made possible using a loop or circle of track. Trains can be operated as either “Left-Hand” or “Right-Hand” running, depending on the prototype.
Build the Manildra Flour Silos at Gunnedah
Flour delivery silos are an integral part of the Manildra operation in Gunnedah. The Manildra Group operates a multi-faceted business receiving grain, milling grain into products such as flour and delivering products by rail and road throughout the country. Grain for the milling operation is delivered in railway wagons and road trucks.
Article from the Australian Model Railway Magazine.
Sugar Train
This is a story of a tourist rail line that arose from the demise of the sugar industry in Hawaii. The Lahaina, Kaanapali & Pacific Rail Road runs for 10 km through old sugar growing country on the island of Maui. The sugar industry ceased in 1969 but the short line was saved by a dedicated group for tourist operation.
Railroads or Railways?
There is conjecture amongst modellers and others about the choice and use of words to describe their interest in the hobby of model railroading; or is it model railwaying? When we use the word “railways” or “railroads” there is sometimes objection from other modellers.
Base Board and Room Shapes
The accurate description of your available space or base board shape is the starting point for the design of your new layout. Examine the drawings above to identify the base board shape, room or shed space that best fits your circumstances.
