This post on Brass HO Trains looks at space planning for your model trains.  Before buying a set of model trains or Brass HO trains, it is important to understand the space available in the house or garden, so that one can plan the size and layout patterns. In general, a ping pong table is an ideal size, though the structure may have to be stronger to hold trains, structures and other sceneries. One can also use a licensed contractor to build the storage space and display areas or go for a modular layouts available in the market. If you just want to display your models then look at getting a display cabinet.

Building permanent layouts for Brass HO trains require serious planning of the space and the structures. Once the scale is chosen, the size of the display can be finalized. If a table or similar structure is chosen, careful planning has to be done to keep the track and the accessories within reach. Small scales such as HO or N can be accommodated into peoples den, basement or garage. Apartments can fit in elaborate Z scale models also.

The recent trend is to build large rectangular layouts along the walls of the room. This keeps all the trains and structures within reach and does not take up space in the room. Sceneries can be painted on the walls to merge with the designs of the layout. Usually, two feet wide layouts from the wall in an L or U shape is built with an extension at the end or an island in the middle. More than two feet width would limit the reaching of the trains.

Multi level layouts can also be built along the walls, and can be limited to two sides or even one, if there is not enough space for the trains. A helix or spiral tracks can be used to move the trains along the different levels. This would make the whole display look more complex, but interesting and fun. Constructing railroads for Brass HO trains and model trains and also things like trees, hills, cities and roads need a lot of careful planning and skill too. It is better to refer to various books and other sources of information before building such layouts.

Brass HO Trains

This post on Brass HO Trains looks at why the Brass HO Trains are preferred over other trains. Earlier the garden railroads were more popular and people had them in the yard. Many have also dedicated the whole of the attics, basements or rooms for the perusal of their hobby of collecting model trains of the bigger scales like O and smaller ones like Brass HO trains. However, using bigger models took up a lot of space and people wanted more than a simple oval or a round track. The collectors of the model trains wanted to give a realistic look and add the scenery and landscaping from their imagination.

Thus, HO model trains gained popularity as the size was good enough to provide detailing and big enough for handling. They use standard gauge train tracks that are easily available with many of the hobby shops, retailers and also on the internet. HO basically stands for Half-O, which means that it is half the size of the O scale model. The model HO trains are durable, sturdy and offer a good balance of the detail of the bigger models, occupying lesser space, and also costs less than the bigger ones.

When HO trains were first introduced in 1930s, people found it too small and did not overtake the popularity of the O scale trains until the 1950s. Today more than 65% of the hobbyists prefer this scale. Once the hobbyists found the size to be comfortable in all aspects, more and more people started buying, pressurizing the manufacturers to make them easily available. The manufacturers have now come up with trains, tracks and railroad accessories in all the possible sizes making it possible for a wide variety of sizes and shape of layouts available.

The Brass HO trains is preferred among other materials used because of the rich look and the enduring quality. Unpainted and painted versions of the HO brass model trains are now available and one can also get custom painted ones. Some models are given a coat of rust and mud painting to give a look of wear and tear. With model trains, one can go to any extent of giving life to one’s imagination.

Brass HO Trains

This post on Brass HO Trains is about Digital Control Systems. Today’s digital world has found its way to the Brass HO trains and other model trains, to make it more interesting, workable and easy to operate. The most popular control system is the Conventional 12V DC, but the Digital Command control is taking over the trend. This is because the digital systems make it possible to control all aspects of operating as a separate entity. It also uses minimal wiring, along the rails. Digital signals are sent along the rails and control most of the operations including the signals, turnouts, cranes, turntables, level crossings, etc.

The component of a typical control system include throttle, central unit, booster, locomotive decoder, stationary decoder, sound and funtion decoders, feedback bus and computer interface. Each of the component has its own function. The throttle controls the operation of the train and are also known as cabs. They are used to select the train to operate at a given time and also control the speed and direction of a train at a time. The Central unit, being the center of the whole digital system, gets the commands from throttle and sends the corresponding signal to the track so that the commands are executed by the respective parts of the track.

An integrated booster helps amplify the low-power signal that the central unit produces or limits the high current to more tolerable levels as in the case of Brass HO trains and other smaller models. In larger layouts, partition of the track into segments and each will be powered by its own digital booster. Each of these boosters is connected to the Central unit or to the next booster segment to receive the signals to be amplified.

There are two main types of decoders for the devices. The locomotive decoders are fitted inside the locomotives. It receives the command from the central unit via the booster and interprets them to the rails. Thus the changes in speed, direction, etc are sent to the motor to execute. The Stationary decoders are those that are connected to the fixed devices like signals, level crossings and turnouts. They are generally mounted under the layout, where they are less obvious. Many other types of decoders also can be placed for specific functions like controlling headlights, ditch lights and others. The PC sound cards are used as sound decoders. Many sounds of the trains starting and sounding horns are pre-recorded and they are synchronized with the movements of the train. Some decoders come as a single unit and perform the functions of the locomotive control, sound effects and also the function control.

The feedback bus is basically a sensor that keeps a track of the movements of the train and sends the information to the central unit. This knowledge helps the central unit to know when to stop sending signals and when the train has reached its destination, trigger a particular signal or close down a level crossing. Some of the central units are also connected to the computer of the collector. This way, the trains and their movements can be controlled with the help of the computer interface. The digital command control systems are one type of the digital model train control systems. However, in general, they are understood as a generic term for all types of digital systems pertaining to model trains.

Brass HO Trains

In this post on Brass HO Trains we go to South Korea! Overland models, Inc. imports fine scale brass model railroad equipment from South Korea, including Brass HO trains, N and O scale models. The company specializes in diesels, steam locomotives, cabooses and rolling stock from these scales. With over 30 years of importing, the company has captured a good range of models, both new and old. These models are built to inspire and are highly precision crafted. The company houses a library of its own with a great collection for reference and the team is involved in activities like taking on-site measurements, photos and interact with railroad and other employees.

The Brass HO trains are available in various types. Boxed Set, Caboose, steam, Diesel, Electric and passenger car. In each category of the HO model trains, one can find a lot of variety. These models are handcrafted by some of the world’s foremost manufacturers using our specifications. They are then finished at our state-of-the-art factory to represent their prototypes to perfection. The HO scale detailed parts for the HO brass model trains are also available like E-bell, Exhaust system accessories, fuel retension system, gerenal maintenance, headlight accessories, coupler lift bars, trucks and sideframe accessories, cooling coils, door handles, and so on.

Other scales available are 3 rail scales, O and N. The 3-rail locomotives and Ferdinand Megalan Presidential Car, the O scale Diesel, electric and structures and the N scale caboose, diesel, electric and passenger car are the commonly available models. The company also offers a limited repair service at the office, if the dealer is not able to do it. However, replacement parts belonging to older models are limited.

The latest models are BNSF isolated cab and KCS standard & isolated cab locomotives, which vary in terms of paint scheme and details and other features. The BHP SD70ACe Isolated unit has items such as nose and tail marker lights, additional piping on the pilot, additional roof detail applications, fire suppression system, and the addition of a 2nd row of railing for safety. The Richard ‘Toad’ Montgomery has an appliance applied to the cab roof to test clearance throughout the system prior to all modifications being made. As for the modified SD70ACe from the former BNSF series, the have features like marker lights, step wall protection, additional railing, cab window protection and fire protection system installed.

Brass HO Trains

MTS imports, Inc. has been a dealer of Brass HO trains for a long time now. It also has O scale Brass model trains and a few other non-brass model trains. The online store has a homepage that lists the upcoming models of HO brass model trains, apart from the currently available models. One can browse through the various models along with their photos to find out the right one to add to their collection. After deciding, the order or reservation form can be used to place an order, where the information on warranties and train shows are also included.

Among the currently available in the model HO trains, the Ferry truck Car with removable Trailers, Line car, Baldy Elevated cars, Bench Open Trolley, Center Entrance City Cars, Forney Locomotive and the Rail Diesel Cars available along with other models. The upcoming Brass HO trains include the San Diego SD-100 Light Rail Vehicle, BMT Bluebird articulated subway car, New York central series car, Pacific Electric Steeple cab, Liquid Chlorine Tank Car and the CTA 3200 series Morrison-Knudson Rapid Transit car are open for reservations.

A detailed listing of the HO scale models, O scale products and the Non-brass models are presented in a separate page of the website. All products are presented with their features like paint characteristics or colour schemes, number of cars or trucks, numbering or lettering details, powering features and so on. The pricing is mentioned in a separate column for each. Other information about warranty, reservation policy and ordering/shipping information, etc are all mentioned in a separate page.

Apart from the Brass HO trains and the brass O scale products, the non-brass HO and O scale products are listed along with the features and photos. These include model trains and subway car kits. The subway kits have one piece carbody and are available in custom assembly and painting versions.

Brass HO Trains

RailServe is a treasure house for the collectors of the Brass HO trains and other model trains. It is a directory of anything and everything concerned with real and model trains ranging from hobby shop listings to consulting, logistics and Legal services. A section each on children’s toys and wooden trains, computer games and train simulators, etc are a part of the directory, and information on model trains is separately listed.

The model railroad clubs and museums are also mentioned with a listing of more than 760 clubs in North America alone and 286 of them in other countries. The various discussion forums for the modern railroaders are listed for people to join and contribute towards their subject of interest. Information regarding magazines and Journals of the trains and model trains are available here. One can use the railway maps of different countries, cities and urban areas to make a prototype layout for their own model trains and display their collection in a favorite city or railroad according to the specifications.

Various websites dealing with model trains, whether multi-scale or specific scales, are categorized according to their specialty. The model railroad manufacturers that produce anything concerned with model trains are mentioned. The listing includes more than a 100 manufacturers in each category like brass trains, Electronics and DCC, Structure kits, track & roadbed, locomotives & Rolling stock and their kits, etc. A lesser number of the companies that supply scenery & backdrops, structures, Storage & display cases, etc. can be found.

The information about the model railroad retail stores is categorized as hobby shops listing, Websites and mail order listing, model train movies on DVDs, Model train shows & Railroadiana callendar, etc.

Brass HO Trains

Modelrailroad.net  is a treasure of ideas, information, photos, books and all kinds of secrets about all kinds of model trains, including Brass HO trains. The site provides information about all kinds of websites and companies that deal with model trains and also online places like ebay and others. The collectors can have their own websites listed in this online directory and make it known to the public. The collectors can get ideas about others doing the same thing.

Many companies list their site in this directory. This information can be used to find and compare the various models of each company, their prices and suitability to their own collection. Also available is the information about the various layouts in the different scales like S & Z scales, N, HO, O, G and other scales. The layouts are from the various companies that manufacture them and have different themes. The layout themes set personally by the collectors are also listed here.

Books and videos that reveal model railroader’s secrets that are required to build, maintain and repair model train sets, step-by-step model railroad building instructions, tips for building and maintaining railroads trouble-free, etc are shown on the site. There are other books on DCC, track planning, model railroad, wiring, scenery, benchwork, and many other topics that are explained in simple and illustrative manner and are made available for the collectors to browse and buy. Various videos of layouts, rare collectible toys, etc and brass HO trains guide books can be found here. Companies offering books and videos are also listed here.

The Live Steam section lists the live steamers companies dealing with the steam and locomotives and also layouts for model trains of all scales. The listing includes a picnic spot with 1:8 scale modes at various locations that are open on certain days for the public. There trains can be ridden on with real steam engines. Companies that make custom railroad graphics, clubs that have the members to update their model railroad photos and videos and other such listings are given in this section.

The Model railroad clubs can list themselves in this site and also find others who are listed. A collector who is interested in joining a nearby club can find a suitable one here. The listing also mentions the interests of the members regarding the scales used, display methods and layouts.

The best part is the listing of the hobby shops and those that have mail order businesses of the model trains. The collector can go through the whole list of hobby shops and select a suitable one. The websites can be visited to see what kinds of supplies are available and how to contact them to order and get the desired models or parts of the model trains. These companies are usually importers from various manufacturers and one can find all kinds of products in a single shop or online store.

The latest additions of the listings are done in a separate section and mention the newest models and companies. The collectors, suppliers and other who have to do anything with the model trains can set up a website of their own and get it listed in Modelrailroads.net.

Brass HO Trains

The products from Greenways includes Brass HO trains and other brass models from leading importers like Overland, Key, Coach Yard, Rail classics, MTS, Glacier Park, etc. Models required can be booked in advance or choose from the available stock. The other products include locomotives, rolling stock, parts and accessories for all scale model trains. If pictures of your train sets are sent, the company can send you the required or matching accessories or parts.

We have all scales of brass model trains including HO, O, S, LG, N and Z. Parts and accessories can be found in HO scale and multi-scale. Various accessories and parts are categorized under different topics for the ease of search and online purchase. The new products from the various companies are listed in a separate section. Another website of the same company has metal and steel cars, structures and accessories like trucks and wheelsets, freight car loads, lineside items, construction equipment and model automobiles.

The parts for HO model trains are listed separately. Parts and accessories like Sill with Steps, underbody tank assembly, boiler shell, center beam, tender signal hose, fanning house, tender ladders and numerous others are present in the stock to be ordered readily. The various track side parts like bells, frame components, pipes and fittings, stacks, steps, gears and motors, drawbars, etc are available and one can see the pictures before ordering them. On the whole, the company deals with Brass locomotives, Brass cars, Brass details, brass drivers, brass structures for Brass HO trains and other scales of Brass trains.

Brass HO Trains

This post on Brass HO Trains is on the Brass Locomotive company.  It has an official website that is accessible worldwide. It is a source for all scales of brass model trains and also all kinds of train supplies and accessories. The scales in which stock is available are Brass HO trains, HO passenger, HOn3, O, On3, G, N and 1:20:3 scales. The company deals with various importers like W&R, Accucraft, SUNSET, OVERLAND MODELS and others.

The HO brass train models include the Diesel, Gondola, Passenger, Pss Hwy Trucks and other models with finer detailing like inside gateway locomotive with road pilot, Factory painted Glacier Green, drifting valves, coal tender, Lighting in some of the models. One such model has a stove located in the middle of one side of the car.

The latest introduction comes from the North Bank Line called the Southern Pacific and is built as a coal burner for the SSW and was converted to oil in 1929. A modified boiler tube pilot is introduced and the model would have a unique footboard pilor/plow-flanger included. The W&R enterprises has come up with some of the new models of Brass HO trains. It is the Northern M-2 class series available that in in 4 versions., the Boom car, Box car, Ditcher Flat and Flat car. These model differ in terms of the brake types, roofing and colours in which they are painted. The HO Passenger units have very intricated detailing. The Canadian Pacific is a 60’ wood baggage car, 14 + 16  clerestory screened vests, short windows, stove located in the middle of one side of the car and is custom painted. Other models have designs like corner mounted stove, tall windows, wood baggage, steel reinforced ends and underframe, etc.

Brass HO Trains

Welcome to Brass HO Trains,

HO Scale is a type of model train.  It is a reference to the size of the model in comparison to the actual object that’s being modelled.  This ratio is 1:87.  So for any item found on the real train the model train’s item will be 87 times smaller. So if your train is 87 feet long then the model is 1 foot in length. The HO scale is the most popular and thus the easiest to find parts. As an example here’s a list of the more popular items and brands in this range: Athearn HO trains,  Bachmann HO trains,  Locomotives HO,  Broadway Limited HO trains, Marklin HO trains, Lionel HO trains and electric trains.

Join us on this site to explore all the toys in this space