StagingTracks News

Google Gadget Created for StagingTracks

geof — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 15:38:00 GMT

by geof on July 14, 2009

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.

New Calendar Added

geof — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:08:00 GMT

by geof on July 09, 2009

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.

Links July 1, 2009

geof — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 20:00:21 GMT

by geof on July 01, 2009

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

Links June 23, 2009

geof — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 20:01:00 GMT

by geof on June 23, 2009

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.

Got other useful links? Let me know

Links June 18, 2009

geof — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:00:00 GMT

by geof on June 18, 2009

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

Links June 16, 2009

geof — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 20:04:00 GMT

by geof on June 16, 2009

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

Links June 14, 2009

geof — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

by geof on June 14, 2009

Atlas N Code 80 Layout Gallery – N scale model railroad track plans using Atlas sectional track.
Atlas HO Code 100/Code 83 Layout Gallery – HO scale model railroad track plans using Atlas sectional track.
N Track Plans – KATO USA – N scale model railroad track plans using Kato Unitrack.
HO Track Plans – KATO USA – HO scale model railroad track plans using Kato Unitrack.
Mike’s Small Trackplans Page – (from website) This page is dedicated to the many model railroaders who don't have enough room to build a layout… or so they think. These N scale track plans are small, but each has enough features to be interesting. Minimum radius is 9-3/4" and grades are 2.8% unless otherwise noted. Most are displayed to the same scale. The 2×4 plans should easily fit on a 4×8 in HO scale.

Got other useful links? Let me know

Links June 13, 2009

geof — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

by geof on June 13, 2009

XTrkCAD – (from website) XTrkCAD is a CAD program for designing model railroad layouts. Using it, you can Design layouts in any scale and gauge, Use the predefined libraries for many popular brands of turnouts to help you get started easily, Add your own favorite components, Manipulate track much like you would with actual flex-track to modify, extend and join tracks and turnouts, Test your design by running trains, including picking them up and moving them with the mouse. At any point you can print the design in a scale of your choice. When printed in 1:1 scale the printout can be used as a template for laying the track to build your dream layout. Learning XTrkCAD is made easy with the extensive on-line help and demonstrations. XTrkCAD is available on Windows and on LINUX. Being an open source project, you won't even have to pay for it!
RailModeller – (from website) Build layouts by simply dragging tracks from the library to the plan! Plug them together, arrange them and try different variations, preview them in 3D and finally print your layouts in full scale! RailModeller provides a set of powerful tools and features to support you in the creation of your model railroad layouts, no matter what scale or manufacturer of tracks you prefer. (Mac only)
3rd PlanIt – (from website) Version 8 offers you unparalleled design capabilities for your railroad layout. Built on a strong, innovative set of design tools, the new 3D terrain and landscape features let you really visualize your layout like never before. Its powerful Dynamic Design Tools™ let you quickly build precise track of any design. And a comprehensive suite of 3D Object Design Tools let you craft buildings, rolling stock, equipment, automobiles, cranes, boats and just about anything you can imagine. (PC only)
Cadrail Model Railroad Layout Design Software – (from website) Cadrail has all the extra features that will satisfy advanced users. Beginners can pick it up quickly and grow into the harder parts of railroad design. You get a rock solid, all around drawing tool for all your drawing needs. Design railroad layouts, buildings, bench work, schematics or anything else you need. (PC only)
Right Track Software 8.0 – (from website) Right Track Freeware is a layout planning program for the PC (Windows only). The program allows you to design your dream layout using electronic templates of Atlas O's 21st Century Track® System, Atlas N scale and HO scale Snap-Track and Super-Flex Track, HO True-Track, switches, bridges, turntables, buildings and electrical controls. There are even templates for structures from Walther's Cornerstone Series, Railway Design Associates, Design Preservation Models, Life-Like, Lionel and Atlas O, LLC.
TrainPlayer – Operate trains on model railroad trackplans – (from website) If you enjoy model railroads, classic track plans, and computers, you're in the right place! TrainPlayer offers bold new adventures in mouse-driven armchair model railroading. Designed for the railroader who studies track plans and dreams of an empty basement—with TrainPlayer you can dream and run trains! (PC and Mac)

Got other useful links? Let me know

Links June 11, 2009

geof — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

by geof on June 11, 2009

Rail transport modelling – Wikipedia – As always, the Wikipedia has lots of great information on model railroading, or rail transport modelling. The best part about the Wikipedia articles is how you can easily jump to other aspects of model railroading and model trains. I even use it to learn about the railroads and practices I want to use on my own layout.
How to Get Started in Model Railroading – This is a series of videos for an introduction to model railroading brought to you by the people behind the World's Greatest Hobby campaign. If you would rather watch model trains than read about them, this is a good resource for showing you all sorts of things related to starting your own model railroad.
NMRA – Introduction To Model Railroading – A good introduction for people getting started in model railroading. The National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) website has lots of great resources for new model railroaders. This article and the related pages will be useful in helping get your first model railroad up and running, as well as learning all the model train lingo.

Got other useful links? Let me know

Links June 10, 2009

geof — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 07:00:00 GMT

by geof on June 10, 2009

NMRA – Directory of World Wide Rail Sites – The NMRA Directory has sections for finding clubs and hobby shops, as well as many other model railroad related websites.
World’s Greatest Hobby – The World's Greatest Hobby website has an extensive listing of model railroad clubs and shops. If you can't find a local model train shop or area model railroad club on StagingTracks.com, check out this resource.
Trains.com: Events – This is another resource the for finding model train related events brought to you by the same people who publish Model Railroader, Trains, and many other railroad magazines

Got other useful links? Let me know