Model Trains On A Budget

For those who don’t already know, an airbrush is simply a precision air driven paint sprayer. However, it
differs from a conventional paint gun or spray can, because it is precision instrument that can be adjusted
to achieve different and highly detailed effects.Airbrushing can add amazing realism and special effects to any model railroad layout. An airbrush can be
used for all sorts of projects from weathering buildings, adding subtle effects to landscapes and
backdrops, through to adding realism to advertising signs and rolling stock.

Airbrushing is a skill that takes time and practice to master, but when done well, results in a very good
finish. However, don’t expect to get a good finish first time… it takes practice.

Many airbrush artists create works that are so sharp in detail, so lifelike as to mimic the real thing. An
airbrush can also be used to get the opposite effect of feather-edged, cloud-like softness… the type of
subtlety that couldn’t be achieved with a paintbrush. So, whether it is detail, from fine lines to wispy, or
mere suggestions of color, an airbrush is a versatile tools to use on any model railroad layout.

Airbrush Spraying Techniques The first important tip is to always start spraying before reaching the model and continue spraying after
leaving the model. This will give a more even paint coverage on the model. It will also give you time to stop
spraying if the paint splatters or the color or effect doesn’t look right. Here is what I mean:Test the spraying again on a piece of old newspaper before spraying your model.

1. Start spraying before reaching the model. When spraying hold the airbrush at an angle to the model
being sprayed. The paint cup needs to stay upright to
avoid spillage.The airbrush should usually be positioned between 6
inches to 18 inches from the model depending on the size
of the model being sprayed and the volume and intensity
of paint required

2. Move the airbrush smoothly at a steady pace.
3. Don’t stop spraying until you are past the end of
the model

IMPORTANTDon’t try and coat the roof with just one coat of paint. Three or four light coats are usually best. Make
several smooth passes with the airbrush with the first coat being just a light dusting of paint that might
look very pale in color. Allow drying time between coats by following the paint manufacturers guidelines.
Repeat process 3 or 4 times

In the real world, most American railroads connect with other
railroads or other forms of transport. Railroads interchange cars
between each other, facilitating the movement of freight without
the need to move freight into other freight cars at the end of
each railroad.

Model railroads normally do not have a physical connection to
another model railroad, although layout owners may still
physically or virtually exchange cars. Incorporating interchange
traffic into your model railroad can be an good way to add
interest to you layout operations

The terms scale and gauge are two of the most confused terms
in the model railroad hobby. So let’s explain the difference
once and for all!

The SCALE proportion is expressed as a fraction of a real
life-sized railroad. As an example, HO scale is 1/87 the
size of real life-sized railroads.

For model trains, track GAUGE is the width between the inside
running edge of the rails. For toy trains, gauge is the
measurement from the center of the two outside rails.

Do Tracks Have The Same Gauge?

No they don’t, but there are two main types: standard gauge
and narrow gauge. In the US, Canada and most European countries,
trains run on “standard gauge.”

Interesting Fact:

There are few narrow gauge railroads still in operation.
Some have been converted to the standard railroad system.
Others have been dismantled and turned into scrap. Even
though narrow gauge railroads were inexpensive to build,
off loading and on loading became too much of an expense.
Each time a narrow gauge railroad met a standard railroad,
shipments would have to be unloaded and reloaded.