| Model railroads can be play toys, but they can also be | | | | Flextrack is a flexible track that can be cut to size to |
| a lifelong hobby. Just as every occupation has its own | | | | create either straight or curved track. Once it is nailed |
| specific terminology, so does every hobby. Model | | | | in place, the track firms up. The rocks that hold tracks |
| railroading is no different. Many of the terms used in | | | | in place are called Ballast; in the modeling world, it also |
| railroading are also used in the modeling world, but | | | | helps reduce noise. The Roadbed is the groundwork |
| there are also some terms that are unique to the | | | | on which the railroad tracks are laid. It is often made |
| world of the model railroad. | | | | from cork or foam, both of which can be purchased in |
| To a beginner just starting out, the terminology may | | | | hobby or craft stores. |
| seem as strange as a foreign language; understanding | | | | Models or layouts may call for white glue, which is a |
| that language can be the key to enjoying and being a | | | | water-based glue (such as Elmer's), and is good for |
| successful modeler. Whether you consider your | | | | gluing porous materials like wood or paper; it is not |
| models a long term pastime, or short-term play toys, | | | | waterproof when dry. Yellow glue (or carpenter's glue) |
| understanding the lingo that goes with them is a must. | | | | is resin glue that is also good for porous materials; it |
| Here then, are some of the terms a model railroad | | | | makes a stronger joint than white glue, and is |
| beginner may encounter, with a brief definition. | | | | waterproof when dry. Craze occurs when glue is put |
| NMRA is the National Model Railroad Association, an | | | | on an incompatible plastic and the plastic is ruined. |
| organization of railroad modelers dedicated to | | | | An Airbrush allows a thin, smooth layer of paint to be |
| advancing scale model railroading, and providing | | | | applied to a model, and is a good tool for weathering. |
| education, standards, and advocacy. | | | | Weathering refers to making models look more |
| In the modeling world, a Prototype is the real life object, | | | | realistic by simulating the conditions that age a train, |
| in this case, a train, on which the model is based. Scale | | | | such as sun, wind, rain, and dirt. |
| is the ratio of the model to the prototype. The most | | | | Digital Command Control (DCC) is the control system |
| common scales are HO (1:87), N (1:160), and Z (1:220). | | | | used to control model trains. It is the most common |
| A Train Set is a set that has everything a beginner | | | | system for model railroading. |
| modeler needs: an engine, cars, track, and power pack. | | | | Turnout is a modeling word that refers to a track |
| A Shake the Box Kit refers to the most simple model | | | | switch, which is the device that that lets a single rail |
| kit, where very little assembly is required, as does | | | | track split into more than one. It is called a turnout to |
| Ready-to-Run. Kit Bashing, or Kit Mingling, is when a | | | | prevent confusing it with electric switches, which are |
| modeler uses parts of different kits to make an original | | | | used to control electric current. The word Interchange |
| model. Building a model railroad without the use of any | | | | refers to one or multiple tracks which can be used to |
| kit is called 'Scratch-building'. | | | | exchange cars among different railroads. Standard is a |
| Layout is the setting of a model railroad, including the | | | | measurement or value that allows materials from |
| train, track, buildings, and landscape. An Access Area | | | | different manufacturers to be used together, without |
| is an opening or space in a railroad layout that allows a | | | | worry of incompatibility. |
| person to reach an area of the layout that would | | | | Trains as play toys have been around for years and |
| otherwise be unreachable. | | | | years, and have entertained thousands, if not millions, |
| Railroad tracks are made of Rails, which are the | | | | of children. A model railroad, with its own language, its |
| t-shaped parts of the tracks that are laid end-to end in | | | | unlimited potential for growth and new equipment, and |
| parallel lines, and Ties, which are the cross bars that | | | | its fascination for children of all ages, is just another |
| attach to the rails. | | | | one of those toys. |