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===Practical Beginnings===
The development of model railroading runs, for the most part, parallel to the development of real-life (or 'prototype') railroading. The first model railroads appeared after 1810 and were one-of-a-kind creations used in designing or promoting their full-sized counterparts. Railroading was first developed to reduce the time and effort required to move raw materials or people over short distances made otherwise difficult by bad weather and poor roadways. The first rail cars were pulled along by animals, while steam-propelled machines, whether trains or automobiles, followed as quickly as the public was ready to adopt them. Various authors from diverse countries each lay different claims to the origins of both railroading and model railroading; and for this reason it is nearly impossible to reckon the precise date and location of the first model trains. By the 1830's, however, several countries including Germany, France, England and the United States were each developing steam-driven railroads to move freight and passengers. Original models of these first railroads are still on display in museums, and the first toy trains appeared not long after in German and British catalogs of the 1860's.
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===On the Right Track===
The first toy trains of the 1840's actually ran on steam produced by filling the metallic model with water and placing in on a heating surface. These '[[w:Carpet_railway|carpet railways]]' didn't use track and often left a trail of water behind them. In 1891, the German company ''Märklin'' began offering a track system for its wind-up, or "clockwork," trains which were moving along on their own electric power within the decade. The famous American toy train manufacturer, ''Lionel,'' began selling its first sectional three-rail electric train track (later called "Standard Gauge") in 1906, just five years after their first store window display called the "Electric Express" captured public attention. By 1910, the British company ''Bassett-Lowke'' had opened a London showroom exclusively for its model trains. Other early toy train producers from around the world were ''Lima, Bing, Fleischmann'' and ''Rivarossi.''
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===The World's Greatest Hobby===
Today, dozens of manufacturers from around the world sell their model railroading products via thousands of catalogs, magazines, websites and hobby stores. Model railroading has many fascinating aspects to attract people with many different interests and skill sets. Some modelers continue to make many things, even engines track and cars, from scratch, while a satisfying railroading experience can be gained from many ready-made sets available right out of the box. Called by many [http://www.greatesthobby.com 'The World's Greatest Hobby'], model railroading will doubtless continue to be a source of great enjoyment for many years to come.
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[[File:Steam locomotive work.gif|thumb|200px|Steam Locomotion]]
Steam powered locomotives use burning coal or wood to heat water enclosed in a large boiler. The steam released from this boiler acts much like the steam that emanates from a kettle of boiling water on the stove. By channeling the steam’s pressure into an engine cylinder, it pushes a piston that provides mechanical power to the wheels. Steam locomotives dominated rail transport until the mid-1900’s when diesel and electric locomotives took over. Steam locomotives had to stop periodically to receive a new supply of water plus logs or coal.
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[[File:Three-loco-styles.jpg|thumb|200px|Three Diesel Locomotives]]
Diesel locomotives burn diesel fuel in a combustion engine in virtually the same way as in the cars we use every day. The main difference between various types of diesel locomotives relates to how the power from its diesel engine is transferred to its drive wheels. Diesel locomotives were a great improvement over the steam locomotives in that they are quieter, cleaner, easier to maintain, and they can be started and stopped quickly, without the delay of waiting for water to boil. In mild weather, diesel engines don’t need to be left running to be ready to use at a moment’s notice, and diesel locomotives require far fewer people to operate them. Diesel locomotives continue to be used today.
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[[File:NECtrain3967.jpg|thumb|200px|An Electric Locomotive]]
Electric locomotives get power to turn their wheels from electric motors housed inside. Most such locomotives receive their electrical power from overhead wires or an additional rail running alongside the rails used by the wheels. Some electric locomotives employ onboard batteries to drive them. Electricity became the preferred way of driving trains that had to travel underground or through frequent tunnels because they produce no exhaust as diesel or gasoline engines do. Another advantage is that they are virtually silent when operating and are easier to maintain because they utilize fewer moving parts than mechanical combustion engines.
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The six most popular scales used are: G scale, Gauge 1, O scale, H0 scale (in Britain, the similarly sized 00 is used), TT scale, and N scale (1:160), although there is growing interest in Z scale. H0 scale is the single most popular scale of model railroad. Popular narrow-gauge scales include HOn3 Scale and Nn3, which are the same scale as HO and N, except with a narrower spacing between the tracks (in these examples, a scale three feet instead of the 4'8.5" standard gauge).
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The words scale and gauge seem at first to be used interchangeably in model railways, but their meanings are different. Scale is the model's measurement as a proportion to the original, while gauge is the measurement between the two running rails of the track.
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{| border=1 align="center"
|-
!Name || Scale || Gauge
|-
| G scale ||1:22.5 || {{units|45 mm|1.75 inches}}
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| Gauge 1 ||1:32 ||{{units|44.45 mm|1.75 inches}}
|-
| 0 scale ||1:43 or 1:48 ||{{units|32 mm|1.25 inches}}
|-
| H0 scale ||1:87 ||{{units|16.5 mm|0.65 inches}}
|-
| TT scale ||1:120 ||{{units|12 mm|0.47 inches}}
|-
| N scale ||1:148 to 1:160 || {{units|9 mm|0.354 inches}}
|-
| Z scale ||1:220 ||{{units|6.5 mm|0.256 inches}}
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==='''Oval'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Oval Track.gif|thumb|200px|Oval Layout Design]]
The simplest layout for a model railroad and the starting point for most designs. In this design, two straightaway segments are connected by a semi-circle at each end. This is also the only layout which can easily be created with sectional track without the use of a manufacturer-specific design. Curved sectional track is sold by radii (half the distance across the semi-circle) and a box of such track sections will almost always create exactly half a circle. The two straightaway sections will usually utilize multiple pieces of sectional straight track, as desired by the modeler.
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==='''Figure-Eight'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Figure-Eight Track.gif|thumb|200px|Figure-Eight Layout Design]]
The second most common beginner's layout. This layout is best accomplished by purchasing it as a single set or following a manufacturer's layout design using their sectional track. The intersection in the center of the layout can either be accomplished by a piece of crossover track, or by elevating one track over the other. In the latter case, a set of piers or risers will be needed to raise the track at an appropriate rate.
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==='''Twice-Around'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Twice-Around Track.gif|thumb|200px|Twice-Around Layout Design]]
A modification of the figure-eight, in which one end-loop is contained within the other. The crossover here is not at 90° like in the basic figure-eight example and can be accomplished by using a alternately angled crossover piece or by using elevated track to pass one track over the other. The twice-around layout design allows the train to run continuously for longer than the simple oval before reaching its starting point.
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==='''Point-to-Point'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Point-to-Point Track.gif|thumb|200px|Point-to-Point Layout Design]]
This design does not allow a train to run continuously indefinitely, as you might imagine most plans would allow. However, this is the design that most closely resembles real-life railroad operation, since real-life railroads run across country, not in loops or circles. You can construct more elaborate yards at each end in order to enjoy the complexities of real-world operation.
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==='''Out-and-Back'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Out-and-Back Track.gif|thumb|200px|Out-and-Back Layout Design]]
This design approximates real-world operation, as each train must make a journey before it returns to the yard from which it originated. Although real freight never returns to its origin the same way it left, this arrangement does allows you to concentrate your time and resources on one yard instead of the two required in a Point-to-Point design (above).
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==='''Loop-to-Loop'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Loop-to-Loop Track.gif|thumb|200px|Loop-to-Loop Layout Design]]
This design diverges from realistic operation, but does allow the operator to interact with a continuous-running train. A yard can be added in the middle of the layout to simulate freight coming in from each direction. When modeling with two-rail scales, such as HO and smaller, special wiring will be required to insulate each loop from the rest of the line and allow the direction to be reversed on the mainline.
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==='''Dog Bone'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Dog-Bone Track.gif|thumb|200px|Dog-Bone Layout Design]]
This design is similar to the loop-to-loop design, but allows for continuous running without intervention from an operator. In addition, the two tracks running side-by-side simulate the double-track lines often seen in real life.
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==='''Twisted Dog Bone'''===
[[File:Model Railroad Twisted-Dog-Bone Track.gif|thumb|200px|Twisted-Dog-Bone Layout Design]]
This design is adds additional length to the mainline featured in the basic dog-bone design (above). Keeping one or both of the end-loops out of sight allows this layout to very realistically simulate the long distance running of a real railroad. 
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===Cleaning & Checking Basic Trackwork===
Most model railroads receive power for their electric motors through the tracks they run on. Thus, track must be kept clean and free of even the smallest obstructions. A train running on a dirty track does not operate smoothly or realistically, or may not run at all! The space between rails must also be maintained, though this is more of an issue when individual rails and ties have been laid down by hand. Sectional track usually maintains its proper gauge (space between the rails). Rail cleaning solution can be safely wiped across model track and track-cleaning cars are also available for running around the layout and cleaning hard-to-reach places.
===Checking Wheels and Couplers===
Locomotives and cars are kept rolling along together by various types of 'couplers.' These can be very tiny on the smaller model railroad scales, but in any case, they must be kept clean and properly hooked together for a train to run along smoothly. Another common problem is derailment when a car's wheels come off the track. This can also be harder to detect on smaller scale trains, but it will eventually get noticed as cars may tip completely off the track. Nevertheless, derailment is the most common operating problem encountered and should be one of the first possibility to check when things are going wrong.
===Lubricating Engine Drive Mechanisms===
Most model locomotives are powered by electric motors which involve a minimum of moving parts. There are typically tiny gears used in transferring the turning motor's power to the drive wheels of the locomotive. These are easily lubricated with special grease and/or oil available from a hobby supply store. Be careful to follow both the engine and lubricant manufacturers' instructions. Most wheels on other non-powered cars do not need to be oiled or greased except in rare cases.
===Detailing Scenes & Structures===
Model structures and landscape gather dust, making them look less realistic. These elements of a typical layout should be well anchored with adhesive when they are first installed so that their surfaces can be brushed clean, repainted, re-weathered and even vacuumed. In addition, its fun and rewarding to keep a layout fresh by installing new structures or creating new track-side scenes once your basic modeling is complete.
===Testing Electrical Connections===
Most model locomotives receive their power from the tracks below through one or more of their wheel sets. Since these wheels are turning, they transmit their power through stationary metal brushes that maintain contact with the tiny axle running between these wheels. These brushes should be kept clean and checked whenever an electrical problem is suspected. In addition, the wires which run from the operator's power pack to the rails themselves can become tangled, shorted out (when they inadvertently touch each other), or disconnected all leading to potential breakdown in the power supplied to the model railroad. A simple electric meter available from a hobby or electronics store can help determine where a breakdown is occurring by testing (1) the output of the power pack directly, (2) the presence of power on the set of tracks where the train is located, or (3) at any control point in between, such as when a control panel switch is used to control power to different track sections.
===Adjusting Turnouts, Switch Machines & Ground Throws===
Turnouts (sometimes called 'switches') are used to send a train from one set of track to another. These are easy places for trains to become derailed because the wheels must pass over a series of changeable mechanical parts that are more complex than the simple two (or three) rails used elsewhere in the layout. The 'points' of a switch are moved between two different resting positions which determine what path the trail will take after it passes through the turnout. These points must rest securely against either the inside or outside rail and must not move otherwise. If the points are moved remotely, by an electrical signal sent from the control panel to a 'switch machine' next to the turnout, then this switch machine and its associated wiring must be in good working order. If the switch is operated by hand using a small lever or 'ground throw' next to the turnout, then the ground throw needs to be kept clean and lubricated and able to move the points the full distance between their two desired positions.
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==== Covered Hopper ====
[[Image:6619.JPG|thumb|200px|Covered hopper]]
Structurally, a covered hopper is very similar to an opentop hopper car. What distinguishes this type of car from an open hopper is the car's roof, and also the car's overall size. Covered hoppers typically carry loads of less dense, and therefore lighter, materials, so they are built to a higher cubic capacity than open top hoppers. 
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====Box Car====
[[Image:CIL 1620 20050710 IN Linden.jpg|thumb|200px|Box car]]
A boxcar (the American term; the British call this kind of car a "goods van" while in Australia, they are usually referred to as "louvre vans") is a railroad car that is enclosed and generally used to carry general freight. The boxcar, while not the simplest freight car design, is probably the most versatile, since it can carry most loads. Boxcars have side doors of varying size and operation, and some include end doors and adjustable bulkheads to load very large items.
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====Container Car====
[[Image:Containerzug 100 7207.jpg|thumb|200px|Container cars]]
''Containerization'' is a system of intermodal freight transport cargo transport using standard ISO containers known as ''shipping containers'' that can be loaded and sealed intact onto container ships, railroad cars, planes, and trucks. The introduction of containers resulted in vast improvements in port handling efficiency, thus lowering costs and helping lower freight charges and, in turn, boosting trade flows. Almost every manufactured product humans consume spends some time in a container.
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====Flat car====
[[Image:JNR type tora70000 flatcar.jpg|thumb|200px|Flat car]]
A flatcar (also flat car) is a piece of railroad rolling stock that consists of an open, flat deck on four or six wheels or a pair of trucks (US) or bogies (UK). The deck of the car can be wood or steel, and the sides of the deck can include pockets for stakes or tie-down points to secure loads. Flatcars designed for carrying machinery have sliding chain assemblies recessed in the deck. Flatcars are used for loads that are too large or cumbersome to load in enclosed cars such as boxcars. They are also often used to transport containers or trailers in intermodal shipping.
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====Gondola====
[[Image:PhosphateGon.JPG|thumb|200px|Gondola car]]
A gondola is an open-top type of rolling stock that is used for carrying loose bulk materials. Because of its low side walls, gondolas are used to carry either very dense material, such as steel plates or coils, or bulky items such as prefabricated pieces of rail track.
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====Refrigerator Car====
[[Image:ARMN 761511 20050529 IL Rochelle.jpg|thumb|200px|Modern refrigerator car: note the grill at the lower right (the car's "A" end) where the mechanical refrigeration unit is housed.]]
A refrigerator car (or "reefer") is a refrigerated boxcar, a piece of railroad rolling stock designed to carry perishable freight at specific temperatures. Refrigerator cars differ from simple insulated boxcars and ventilated boxcars (commonly used for transporting fruit), neither of which are fitted with cooling apparatus. Reefers were originally ice-cooled, but now are equipped with any one of a variety of mechanical refrigeration systems.
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====Stock Car====
In railroad terminology, a stock car is a type of rolling stock used for carrying livestock (not carcasses) to market. A traditional stock car resembles a boxcar with slats missing in the car's side (and sometimes end) for the purpose of providing ventilation; stock cars can be single-level for large animals such as cattle or horses, or they can have two or three levels for smaller animals such as sheep, pigs, and poultry.
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====Tank Car====
[[Image:TILX290344.JPG|thumb|200px|Tank car]]
A tank car is a type of railroad rolling stock designed to transport liquid and gaseous commodities. Outside of North America, they are also known as tank wagons or tanker wagons.
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====Coach Cars====
[[File:UICX Rome.jpg|thumb|200px|A coach car in Rome]]
The most basic passenger car, the coach car is lined with rows of seats like a bus. In some cases, a set of seats will face each other making it possible for passengers to pass the time in conversation. Passengers with carry-on baggage usually find overhead or under-seat storage available. In large, metropolitan areas, many people ride on the coach cars of their commuter trains every day to get to and from work. Some coach cars have seating on two levels which doubles their capacity to transport passengers.
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====Dining Cars====
[[File:Buffet dining car SBB.jpg|thumb|200px|A Swiss dining car modeled by Roco]]
A dining car serves food to its passengers. Its like a long, narrow restaurant on wheels. The rail line must employ extra personnel to prepare food and wait on the passengers. A more limited version of the dining car is the "lounge" car, which serves only refreshments and can provide passengers with larger, more comfortable seats rather than tables to sit at.
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====Observation Cars====
[[File:VIA Passenger Train.jpg|thumb|200px|A Canadian observation car]]
The observation car is almost always the last car in a passenger train in order to take advantage of the view from the rear of the train. It might have other features that provide sleeping, refreshments or food, but it almost always has larger windows around the car and a U-shaped lounge at the end where passengers can see the view where the train has just traversed. Observation cars modeled on older era railroads might have a small open-air porch off the rear of the last car.
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====Sleeping Cars====
[[File:Type T2 sleeping car.jpg|thumb|200px|A model sleeping car by Rivarossi]]
"Sleepers" are sometimes called "Pullman cars" in the United States because of the Pullman Company that manufactured a great deal of them beginning in the mid-1800's. Some beds are designed to either roll or fold out of the way or convert into seats for daytime use, while some sleeping compartments look like small personal apartments with their own bathrooms.
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[[File:Alco 2-6-6 NYC.jpg|thumb|200px|A New York 2-6-6 Locomotive]]
[[File:Central Sucre 2-4-0.jpg|thumb|200px|A Central Sucre 2-4-0 Locomotive]]
[[File:92220 Evening Star (Dave Cooper).jpg|thumb|200px|Standard Class 9F 2-10-0 Locomotive]]
Steam locomotives are described most commonly by how many wheels they have in each of three sections. The most notable set of wheels are the drive wheels which are usually larger and are connected by the rods which power them. The other two sets of wheels are both smaller and lie ahead of and behind the central drive wheels. Since there are at most three sets of wheels, a locomotive classification will have three numbers separated by dashes. If a locomotive has only drive wheels, the first and last numbers will still appear, but will both be zero. This classification system counts all the wheels (both sides) so when looking at the side of a locomotive, remember to multiply what you see by two.
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Pictured to the right are a 2-6-6, a 2-4-0, and a 2-10-0.
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''An excellent diagram with all of a Steam Locomotive's parts is available at Wikipedia: [[w:Steam_locomotive_parts|Steam Locomotive Parts]].''
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====Uncontrolled Crossings ====
[[File:American Crossbuck.jpg|thumb|150px|The American Crossbuck]]
"Open" or "Uncontrolled" crossings utilize a sign with or without flashing lights and an audible bell warning. These are considered 'open' because there is no barricade to the passage of pedestrians or traffic. In America, the 'crossbuck' is most typically seen at graded crossings. This is the familiar white "X" shape with the words "RAILROAD" and "CROSSING" printed on them.
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====Controlled Crossings ====
[[File:Finnish level crossing activated.jpg|thumb|150px|Gated Crossing in Finland]]
The most typical method of controlling a railroad crossing is with automatic close-able gates. In addition to flashing lights and warning bell, the gates make it difficult for cars or pedestrians to cross the tracks when they are down. Gated crossings have become more elaborate in recent years because accidents can still occur if cars try to drive around the gates.
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====Mechanical Semaphore Signals ====
[[File:Lower Signal 1.jpg|thumb|100px|Mechanical Semaphore Signal]]
Mechanical semaphores utilize a moveable arm (or 'blade') whose position indicates how approaching trains may proceed. A set of differently colored lenses are also mounted on the arm, each passing in front of a stationary light when the arm moves, so that the semaphore can effectively signal trains at night.
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====Colored Light Signals ====
[[File:Railroad lamp-2.jpg|thumb|100px|Colored Light Signal]]
These signals control train movements by displaying one of several colors of lights. They can also position the lights differently in order to send additional information to the engineer.
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Besides track, locomotives and cars, a realistic model railroad will probably have several structures as part of the layout, such as:
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File:RRTrussBridgeSideView.jpg|<center>A Truss Bridge</center>
File:Wellington, llinois elevator.png |<center>A Grain Elevator</center>
File:EBT Roundhouse 2.jpg|<center>A Roundhouse with Turntable</center>
File:Abfaltersbach station.JPG|<center>A Station</center>
File:Madison, NJ, train station platform.jpg|<center>A Platform</center>
File:TchopitoulasIllinoisCentralWarehouse.jpg|<center>A Warehouse</center>
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Rock or gravel poured between railroad ties to secure them in place and stabilize the track.
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Driving wheels on a steam locomotive with a large number of wheel sets. These were driving wheels without the usual flanges, allowing a larger number of wheels to negotiate a turn without binding up against the rails.
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A section of model track which is electrically insulated from its surrounding sections so that engines on it can be controlled independent of trains on other engines.
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A beam that transfers the weight of a railcar to its truck.
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A place where pedestrian or automobile traffic crosses the railroad.
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A place where two railroad tracks cross each other.
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The use of two locomotives to pull an especially long and heavy train.
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Part of a railcar's coupling system which allows for some flexing in the tension between cars.
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The larger, flat part of a trains wheels that descend below the track's top surface on the inside edge, thus holding the car on the track as it moves.
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At the center of a turnout, it is the small X-shaped piece of track that enables a train's wheels to cross over the inside rail.
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A space between rails so that they are electrically insulated from one another. This is done so that the two rails do not short together, or so they can be on different circuits.
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Sometimes used to describe the size of track and cars used on a certain model railroad, it more accurately measures the space between the rails of that railroad's track.
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A measurement of the steepness of the track when it is not flat or level with the ground. It is measured in degrees according to its angle from level ground.
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A place for storing, sorting or processing train cars which uses track set at an angle with the ground in order to let gravity move cars when needed.
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A wheel bearing that has become excessively hot because of friction.
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A non-conducting clip, usually made of plastic, that allows two pieces of track to be connected physically while remaining independent electronically. Used between distinct ''blocks'' of track.
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A bearing in which the shaft between two wheels rotates against the car's truck with the help of lubrication supplied within a journal box, often seen on a train car's trucks.
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An arrangement of model railroad track, structures and scenery that models real-life railroad operation in a contained area. 
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The route a train takes from one destination to another, independent of track used in yards, sidings or spurs.
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The real-life railroad operation and equipment upon which a model railroad is based.
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A metallic clip placed on the bottom flange at the end of a section of track allowing it to be connected both physically and electrically to the next piece of track on the line.
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A length of track which, by use of one or more turnouts, returns a train to its originating position facing the opposite way from which it left.
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A section of track that runs parallel to the mainline and allows a train to stop and be passed by another train occupying the same mainline.
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A dead-end piece of track which accepts cars to be delivered from the mainline or prepared for shipment to another destination via the mainline.
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Something which routes power or trains between two or more options. When routing trains, it is best to use 'turnout' to distinguish the track mechanism from the electronic toggle switch that activates it from the layout's control panel.
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Refers in model railroading to the small mechanism attached to a turnout which allows it to be operated by remote-control from the layout's control panel.
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A model railroad truck with its own attached coupler. Although Talgo trucks permit model trains to operate on smaller radius curves, they can be more likely to derail when trains are pushed, rather than pulled.
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A single, solid piece of hardware mounted to the bottom of a railroad car or locomotive to which is attached on or more sets of wheels. On train cars, trucks usually contain two sets of wheels and can swivel beneath the car when the train is navigating a turn.
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A mechanism for allowing a train to leave one set of tracks and join another. Sometimes called a 'switch.'
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A standard of model railroading which does not employ a separate (third) rail for power. Layouts using two-rail modeling systems must employ special wiring when a wye or reverse loop exists within the layout's design.
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A triangle-shaped junction of two railroad lines in which one line joins another with the option of going either direction on the second line.
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A turnout in which both branches leave the turnout at a different angle from the original line. Most turnouts have one straight-through line and a ''single'' branch that leaves the line in a different direction.
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A set of tracks which branch off of the mainline and allow train cars to be sorted, reordered or stored while they are en route to their destination.
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{| border="1" cellspacing = "0" cellpadding = "5" align="center""
!'''For Further Information:
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A good glossary of model railroad terms is available under <u>[http://greatesthobby.com/wgh/MS_2249.html Frequently Asked Questions]</u> on the [http://greatesthobby.com World's Greatest Hobby website]
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A similar list of terms for prototype railroading can be found under <u>[[w:Rail_terminology|Rail Terminology]]</u> on [[w:Main page|Wikipedia]].'''
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You can do this on your own, or as part of a club (either a group of Pathfinders earning the honor together, or as part of a model railroading club). Because there are a lot of requirements to meet here, it would be a good idea to make a checklist so you can be sure you have met each.
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Once you have built (or have helped build) a model set, how can you pass up the opportunity to operate it? In reality, the set will be operated several times during construction to test each new addition. If possible, why not transport the setup to your church for Pathfinder Sabbath?
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==References==
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