|
Model Railroad Basics
Layout:
the term used to refer to how an individual sets up his or her model
railroad. Layouts can fit in a briefcase, fill entire buildings, or
circle your property (garden railways). Modelrailweb.com
will publish as many different types of layouts as possible, so that
information and experience can be shared and enjoyed by all. back
to top
Trackplan:
the track design used to establish a train's potential routes through a
model railroad layout. Three primary trackplan/layout types are defined
here: Loops allow a
continuous run without many wiring or switching complications. Out
& Back may require a reversing loop but allows the
train to make a journey to a location and then a return from that
location. Point to Point
is the most realistic in terms of replicating prototype operations, but
will typically require more space to provide a satisfactory experience.
However, any or all of these types of layouts can be combined in any
way: the most important thing is that the trackplan should satisfy the
owner's interests and provide enjoyment.
back to top
Control
& Power: the type of power and control system used to
operate the layout. This can be as simple as a power pack and two wires,
or as complex as a separate room with a radio controlled dispatcher and
digitally programmed and controlled locomotives. back
to top
Track
& Turnouts: model railroad track is available as a variety
of fixed radius curves and straight sectional pieces. There is also
pre-fabricated flexible track and miniature wood ties and rails
that can be used to actually lay track by hand. A "turnout" is
a set of rails that splits into two or more different routes and is
often called a "switch track" or "switch."
Scale:
the ratio between the model and the real thing. There are six
primary "scales" in model railroading: Z=1:220, N=1:160,
HO=1:87, S=1:64, O=1:48, and Gn3=1:22.5. For example every actual 1 foot
of distance in HO scale represents 87' of distance in the real world.
back to top
Gauge:
a standard established to ensure compatibility among common users.
In the real world, "standard gauge" rails are 4'-8 1/2"
apart, while "narrow gauge" rails are less. This term is
sometimes interchanged for "scale," as the letters in model
railroad scales often stand for a common measurement. For instance, N
scale originated in Europe as a "N"ine millimeter gauge
modeling system. back to top
Prototype:
the real thing, or 1:1 scale! The term can also refer to a
specific railroad or set of practices. For example, "My favorite
prototype is Conrail" or "Gee, pouring model coal into my
hoppers from a measuring cup isn't very prototypical!"
back to top
NMRA: National
Model Railroad Association a non-profit organization dedicated to
promoting model railroading and establishing standard practices. Joining
the NMRA offers many valuable opportunities for growth and learning
within the hobby.
back
to top of basics |
|
Computer/Internet Basics
Browser: A
software program designed to view web pages. Browser programs open a
"window" that is used to display web content. The two most
popular browsers currently are Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator.
Modelrailweb.com
is best viewed with Internet Explorer.
back to top
Resolution:
the number (in area) of pixels (dots of light) used to display text and
images on your screen. For PC/Windows users, your screen resolution is
established by activating your Start menu (bottom left) then choosing
"Settings," "Control Panel," then
"Display," then choosing the "settings tab" and
moving the screen area slider control." Modelrailweb.com
is best viewed with a screen resolution of
800 x 600.
back to top
Navigating
on the web: to get to modelrailweb.com, you either entered
"www.modelrailweb.com" in your browser's address bar or you
clicked on a link from some other site or search engine. Just above the
bar that shows our site address, you will typically find navigation text
and/or buttons to help you move around on the web. You may wish to
select "Standard Buttons"
from the "View - Toolbars" drop-down menu if you do not see
any navigational buttons (you should see the words "File,"
"Edit," and "View" at the top left of
your browser window: clicking "View" will show you the
"Toolbar" drop-down menu where you can choose "Standard
Buttons"). Using the "back"
and "forward" buttons will help you get back
to a "main" page in the event that you land on a page that
does not appear to have internal web navigation. Internal web navigation
includes buttons, text and images that turn your mouse pointer into a
hand, or prompt an image or text change to indicate a clickable area
which allows you to go to a new page.
back to top
Scroll
bars: these are the little mini-windows on the right side and
bottom of your browser window. There are little arrows at each end, with
a dark bar indicating that you can click either on the bar or the arrows
to move your screen view to the left, right, up or down. This allows you
to see more information on a page. You have probably used your right
scroll bar to move this far down on the page... but it's important to
take note of these bars because they let you know when there is more
information available that you might not have seen. Modelrailweb.com
has made every effort to present data and images that do not extend
beyond the width of a normal screen view, so that you can check out our
site with minimal use of the left-to-right scroll bar.
back to top
Underlined
text: text that has been underlined often contains a
"hyperlink" to a page or location related to the underlined
text... this means you can click "back to
top" and this hyperlink will take you back to the top of
this page.
Image
links: Many of the smaller sized images found on the layout
pages are linked to full size images that provide a much more detailed
view of the modeler's handiwork. If your mouse pointer turns into a hand
over an image, you can click to view the larger photo in a full window.
However, please be advised that doing so may take up to a minute or so
depending on your browser and connection capabilities, and when you get
to the larger image you will need to use your "back
button" to return to the original source page.
back
to top of basics |
