DCC Bus
Heavy-gauge copper wire used to distribute the electrical power from the booster around the layout.
Deadhead
A car or train, usually passenger, moving empty; a passenger traveling on a pass.
Decal
A type of lettering material for models.
Deck
A bridge floor which may be either ballasted or open (with the track bolted to the supports).
Decoder
In DCC, small circuit board [...]
Cab
Usually a handheld piece of equipment with necessary controls to send speed, direction, and other information to the locomotive. Frequently referred to as “throttle”. On the prototype, the part of the locomotive that houses the crew.
Cab Bus
Used to connect handheld and stationary cabs to a command station. Wireless cabs are indirectly connected to a cab [...]
Backdrop
A painting or scenic photograph on the wall behind the layout.
Ballast
On real railroads, a layer of material – usually crushed rock, cinders, or gravel – on top of the roadbed that holds the ties in position and facilitates drainage. On a model railroad, ballast is simulated by fine gravel spread between the ties and alongside [...]
Howdy y’all. I’ve decided to start a glossary of model railroading terms for all you model train enthusiasts to refer to. I’ll add to it over time and would love to have your suggestions as well. Here it is starting with “A”:
Access hatch
A hole in the benchwork and scenery, sometimes concealed with a lift out [...]
The first self-propelled steam locomotive had its maiden outing at Pen-y-Darren, Wales UK in 1804. Since then, the steam locomotive has evolved with awe-inspiring results. Here are some of the astounding achievements of the steam locomotive, as chronicled by the Guinness Book of World Records.
Heaviest train pulled by a single locomotive
The heaviest train ever hauled by [...]
For all you beginner model railroaders out there looking to build a nice first track, the Tehachapi Loop is a great option. It’s a wonderful section of track, and it is relatively easy to build. Now the exact size of your layout will be dependant on how much space you have to build your track, [...]
The National Model Railroad Association North Central Region Northeast Hoosier Division 3 2009 Annual Convention starts tomorrow, October 15, 2009 in Fort Wayne, Indiana. This wonderful model railroading convention continues on through October 16, 17, 18 at the Fort Wayne Marriott. If you’re in the Fort Wayne area be sure to check out this convention because [...]
Continue reading about NMRA North Central Region Northeast Hoosier Division 3 2009 Annual Convention
Atlas has announced that it is releasing a few new model railroading locomotives in May 2010. Specifically, Atlas is manufacturing a series of HO SD-24 and SD-26 locomotives, and here are the details.
With over 220 units produced by EMD between July 1958 and March 1963, the SD-24 locomotive generated a total of 2,400 hp with [...]
The Train Mountain Railroad is the longest steam powered model railroad in the world. Located in Klamath County, Oregon, the Train Mountain Railroad is over 25 miles long! Here’s the astounding track plan:
This is Athearn Trains new HO RTR SD40-2, due to be released in early March 2010. Athearn Trains certainly has made some great locomotives in the past, and this beautiful locomotive looks like it’ll continue to build the reputation of Athearn Trains. Here’s a closer look at the technical data of this prototype:
Key Features:
– Fully [...]
Continue reading about Athearn Trains HO RTR SD40-2 w/81″ Nose, BN/Bicentenial #1876
