Narrow Gauge
Collecting Models Trains As A Hobby
Model trains have seen an increase in popularity among miniature enthusiasts and hobbyists. While these hobbies are fun, they can also help you discover your creative side. This activity is not focused on just the model trains. It is also about the whole layout, which means you need to understand aspects such as the scale and the gauge.
Scale refers to the proportional size of your small locomotive to the real thing. The most popular scales out there are G, O, HO, and N. The G and O scale, which are 1:22 and 1:48, respectively, belong to the larger scale category. These scales run on a No. 1 track. The HO scale is 1:87, and is about half of the O scale. That's where it got its name from – HO means half an O. Much smaller is the N scale, which is 1:160, and is about half of HO or a quarter of an O scale. If you pick a scale, you have to stick to it. Other less-popular scales are the S, the TT, and the Z scale. The TT scale which is 1:120, is about half of an S scale which is 1:64.About half of an S scale which is 1:64.N smaller – 1:220.
The gauge pertains to the width of the railroad track. There are different Model Train manufacturers, but they all respect one standardized size for model train scales and track gauges. A real track gauge measures about four feet – four and eight and a half, to be exact. Narrow gauges do exist. These track gauges measure anywhere between three to four feet.
Perhaps what gives the railroading hobby its color, both literally and figuratively, is the layout. The hobby is about the surroundings as much as it is about the trains and the tracks. The hobbyist can sculpt the environment to its taste. There can be mountains, trees, valleys, caves, train stations, power lines, hills meadows, and others. To make it even more realistic and beautiful, hobbyists can include lakes, rivers, or even waterfalls. You really get to have fun while developing your artistic side. You can either loop your track, or you can make it stop upon reaching a "station". Oval, the number eight, and the dog bone are all basic track shapes. Whichever you choose, make sure to extend curves a little so as to avoid derailment.
Model railroading doesn't have to be just that – a model that doesn't move – since it is a fun and interesting hobby. It shows that people of all ages are thrilled by the hobby. You can even use this hobby to bond with your children and grandchildren, and they can pick up the hobby as well when they grow up.
About the Author
Jason R. Dodson is a toy enthusiast and a miniature piece collector with a special interest in locomotives. He pays special attention to his model trains and has built the website www.ultimatemodeltraincenter.com to help model railroaders get started with the hobby.
Narrow Gauge
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 Maine 2 Footers in Color NEW SRRL narrow gauge WWF  US $22.95
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 Full Year of 2000 Vintage Narrow Gauge Short Line GAZETTE Model Magazines US $18.00
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 MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS COLLECTIBLES Narrow Gauge and Shortline Gazette 1988 US $12.99
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 Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette Model Building Info Magazine Jan Feb 1993 US $12.99
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 Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette Model Building Info Magazine Jan Feb 2001 US $12.99
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 Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette Model Building Info Nov Dec 1996 US $12.99
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 NARROW GAUGE SHORT LINE GAZETTE NOV DEC 2000 SCALES O On3 On30 HO S N US $12.00
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 Narrow Gauge And Short Line Gazette Model Building Info Magazine May Jun 2004 US $9.99
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 Maine 2 Foot Quarterly narrow gauge SRRL HOn30 Sn2 On2 On30 Wiscasset BSR 1997 US $9.95
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 Maine 2 Foot Quarterly narrow gauge SRRL HOn30 Sn2 On2 On30 Wiscasset BSR Nov US $9.95
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 Narrow Gauge Short Line Gazette Vol 08 3 July 1982 US $9.95
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 Narrow Gauge Short Line Gazette Vol 06 6 Jan 1981 US $9.95
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 Narrow Gauge Short Line Gazette Vol 07 1 March 1981 US $9.95
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 Narrow Gauge Short Line Gazette Vol 16 3 July 1990 US $8.95
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I have a '06 Honda Civic EX, Whats the best way to clean the area in front of the gauges?
Any suggestion on what to use to make it easier to clean that narrow area between the windshield and speedometer gauge? I've tried a few things but have had little success and I'm open to any ideas that anyone with this vehicle might be using.
The blue shop paper towels that can be bought at any auto parts store work really well also. You run it through the water, just to get it barely damp. Viva paper towels barely damp work as well.