Latest Model Train News

In another attempt to get local model railroading information where I want it most, I created a Google Gadget for my customized iGoogle start page. By entering a US zip code, I can now easily see upcoming model train shows, local model railroad clubs, and area model train shops. It is just starting out, so if you can think of other things you would like to see on this gadget, let me know.

You can now see what model trains shows are happening this month by taking a look at the new calendar. If there is a model train show that you know of that is not listed, feel free to add it yourself.

• CVP Products – (from website) As technology advances, your EasyDCC System is designed for quick and easy upgrades. Our warranty on most products is the best in the world. CVP Products was established in 1974 and has a collective knowledge of more than 400 years of experience in model railroading and model railroading electronics. We simplify everything with plain text displays, simple controls, and intuitive operation. You can pick up a throttle and operate a train without referring to a complicated manual. EasyDCC requires no background in electronics. Easy to use manuals can be downloaded free from our website. EasyDCC is guaranteed to work with all brands of decoders.
• Digitrax.com: DCC Products for all Scales and all sizes of Model Railroad Layouts! – (from website) Digitrax is a full time professional company dedicated to bringing superior engineering, quality and affordability to model railroaders everywhere. The first time we ran a digital command control system we knew we couldn't live without one but, we couldn't afford it either. Digitrax decoders and command stations are our answers for model railroaders who want to enjoy the excitement of DCC without taking out a second mortgage. The system is affordable and flexible. You can get started in DCC for a small initial expenditure with our Zephyr, Empire Builder or Chief Starter Sets and then expand as your needs and interests dictate. Your system can be as simple or as complex as you wish, IT'S UP TO YOU!
• Digital Plus by Lenz – (from website) Lenz Elektronik GmbH, the world's leader for Digital Command Control, is celebrating our 28th year in business. We have manufactured DCC products for a number of fine model railroad companies including ROCO, LGB, Con-Cor and Atlas. Lenz GmbH also produces, Digital plus, our flagship line of Digital Command Control equipment for model railroads. Our products are carried by fine hobby stores worldwide. Our goal is to produce products with exceptional quality, value, and performance, while maintaining true compatibility.
• MRC: Train Controls, Train Power Packs, DCC, Digital Command Control – (from website) MRC's Prodigy Advance 2 , Prodigy Wireless and Prodigy Express are so sophisticated and creatively engineered that they enabled us to put quick start instructions on the back of the handheld. This allows you to enjoy the advanced features DCC has to offer while spending more time with your layout and less time with instructions. The Prodigy DCC series delivers an optimum DCC experience by eliminating the complexities of conventional operation.
• NCE: The Power of DCC – (from website) NCE has been manufacturing DCC Products on an OEM basis since 1993. Originally we offered only “chip sets” that contained software enabling other DCC manufacturers to build DCC systems. As time went on some of those manufacturers asked us to first supply partial assemblies then complete assemblies in addition to the chip sets. This has helped NCE to grow into a full time electronic design and manufacturing firm devoted entirely to the development and sale of products for the control of model railroads.
• NMRA – DCC Home Page – (from website) This is the official site of the NMRA Standards & Conformance Department's Digital Command Control Working Group. The Working Group is made up of manufacturers and NMRA members, who develop and extend the DCC Standards.

Got other useful links? Let me know

• lloydslayouts.com – Take Your Model Train Layout to a New Elevation – An interesting concept for model railroads, these kits allow your model trains to climb up and down to many different elevations. The kits can be used for HO-scale and N-scale model trains
• Mod-U-Rail System Module Kits – Woodland Scenics – Easy to build modules for model railroad layouts. The modules can be used for any scale model train, are lightweight, and easy to move. Be sure to check out Woodland Scenics complete model train layout kits: Scenic Ridge (n-scale), Grand Valley (ho-scale), and River Pass (ho-scale).
• Terrain for Trains – Terrain for Trains produces fine hard-shell molded plastic layouts, providing a no-mess, no-hassle method for building and operating model trains layouts. They have N-scale and HO-scale modules that can be connected to form even larger layouts.
• IBL Products – Preformed Model Railroad Train Layouts – Preformed model railroad layouts for N-scale and Z-scale model trains. IBL can provide you with just the base, or can include the trackwork as well.

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• Ztrains: Z Scale (1:220) Model Train Layouts – An online magazine for Z scale model railroading with lots of great information for getting your tiny model railroad up and running.
• Z-Bend Track Modular Railroading – (from website) The concept is simple. Z-Bend Track uses a double track mainline running down both sides of a module. Modules can be of any length, or width in the middle and any overall shape you desire. The "standard" called Z-Bend Track only applies to the last five inches (12.7 cm) of the module’s interface to other modules, the electrical interface and the module height. There are very, very few "rules" for the rest of the module.
• Micro-Trains | Z scale model trains – Micro-trains has a wide selection of Z scale model railroad equipment and track for North American railroads.
• Märklin Trains: Scales >> Z Gauge – (from website) Since Märklin revolutionized the model railroad world with the introduction of Z Gauge (1:220 scale) in 1972, model railroad enthusiasts have come to appreciate the intricate detail and quality craftsmanship Märklin puts into all Z Gauge products. From hefty locomotives made from die-cast metal to rolling stock that is incredibly rich in prototype detailing, Märklin Z provides a realism unsurpassed in small scale railroading.
• Z scale – Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia – A good history Z scale model railroading.

Got other useful links? Let me know

• Model Railroading Forums – TrainBoard.com – An active model railroading forum with section devoted to each model railroading scale and layout design. This model train forum has been around for a long time and has quite a following.
• Atlas Model Railroad Forums – Forums from the manufacturer, Atlas Model Railroad Co. While some of the topics are around the Atlas products, there are plenty of other topics around model railroading in general.
• Trains.com – Model Railroader – Online Community – Model Railroader Forums – The forums from the magazine Model Railroader. It is one of the largest and most active model railroading online communities out there.

Got other useful links? Let me know