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Glossary of Terms |
Basic terms for the hobby of model railroading
Here are the definitions of some basic model railroad and prototype (real railroad) terms to get you started in the hobby:
Airbrush A miniature paint sprayer that gives a controlled application of thinned paint.
Benchwork A frame which is the foundation of a model railroad layout. L girder and open grid (sometimes called butt-joint) are two popular types.
CA Short for cyanoacrylate adhesive, also known as super glue. A high-strength adhesive that can be used on metal and styrene plastic.
Cab control A method of controlling trains in which one power pack is used for each train so the power pack can be connected to one set of blocks and remain disconnected from all others. A block is an electrically insulated zone of track. Only one engine or set of engines can be controlled in each block.
Command control A way of controlling trains by sending electronic messages through the rails. Each locomotive has a decoder or receiver which only responds to the messages specifically directed to it. Engines can be controlled independently anywhere on a layout.
Duckunder An area on a layout where you must bend down and go under the benchwork to gain access to another part of the layout.
Flextrack Prefabricated flexible sections of track used on a layout. It usually comes in straight, three-foot-long sections which can be bent as needed. Other kinds of track are sectional (rigid pieces of straight and curved track that come with train sets) and handlaid (built with handmade ties, rail, and spikes).
Free-lance Modeling that does not closely follow a prototype railroad.
Gauge The distance between the inside of the heads of track rails. Most real railroads in North America and Europe are built to a standard gauge of 4'-8 1/2". Narrow gauge means rails with a width less than standard gauge. For example, On3 means O scale trains with three scale feet between the rails.
Hardshell A scenery base made by dipping paper towels in plaster or using plaster-impregnated gauze and laying it over a light support structure like cardboard.
Helix A rising curve which turns around an axis like a corkscrew. Used on multilevel layouts to allow trains to go from one level to another.
Homasote A pressed paperboard often used for roadbed.
Kitbashing Taking one or more model railroad kits (often structure kits) and changing the construction process or combining parts to make a unique model.
Module A section of a layout that is built following a standard pattern or dimensions. Each module can be connected interchangeably with any other module built to the same standards. Ntrak is an organization that has developed standards for N scale modules.
OO gauge A popular model train gauge in Britain. OO is 4mm = 1 foot, 1:76 proportion. (HO is 3.5mm = 1 foot, 1:87 proportion.) But because British steam locomotives are so small, most of the British-prototype trains that run on HO gauge track historically have been built to OO scale. You sometimes see this combination referred to as "OO/HO."
Operation Running trains on a layout in a way that simulates real railroad activity.
Scale The size of things on a model railroad relative to things on a real railroad. For example, in the most popular scale, HO, models are 1/87th full size.
Scratchbuilding Making a model from raw materials and parts, not using kits.
Styrene Short for polystyrene, a versatile plastic commonly used for modeling. Comes in sheets, blocks, and rods of many different thicknesses and sizes.
Turnout A piece of track that allows a train to go from one track to another. Called a switch on a real railroad. Referred to by number. For example, a no. 6 turnout spreads one unit for each six units of travel measured from the frog (the point at which two rails join to form a V).
Weathering Making shiny new models look more realistic by dirtying them up with chalk or paint.
Prototype railroad terms
Ballast Layer of crushed rock placed on roadbed to keep track aligned and allow drainage.
Consist Cars which make up a train; also a list of those cars. Locomotive consist is a group of engines put together to pull a train.
Crossover Two turnouts and a connecting track that allow a train to be diverted to a parallel track.
EOT device: An end-of-train device (sometimes called a FRED, or flashing rear-end device) that has replaced cabooses. Along with a flashing light, many EOTs can transmit information on brake-line pressure and speed to the locomotive.
Gondola A long, flat, open car with short sides for hauling items like iron, steel, and scrap.
Hopper car An open-top car for hauling items that don't need protection like coal and gravel. Unloaded through doors in funnel-like bins in bottom of car. Covered hoppers have roofs; carry grain and other items that need protection from weather.
Intermodal Shipments that are carried by more than one mode of transportation, mainly containers and piggyback trailers.
MOW Maintenance-of-way equipment. Used by a railroad to keep track and roadbed in good condition.
Reefer A refrigerator car. Similar in appearance to a boxcar but has ice or mechanical cooling equipment.
Roadbed Foundation of built-up earth under ballast and tracks.
Rolling stock Freight and passenger cars.
Running board Walkway along roof or along sides of tank cars.
Traction City and suburban trolley lines; equipment run by electricity.
Truck Assembly holding a group of two or more wheelsets together beneath a car. A wheelset is a pair of wheels connected by an axle.
Uncoupling lever Also called a cut lever. The device which raises the locking pin in a coupler to allow the knuckle to open for uncoupling.
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the copyright of Kalmbach
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