Events in July–September 2024
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- Garden Railway Trains!
Garden Railway Trains!
Garden Railway Trains!
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July 28, 2024
Washington, Virginia and Maryland Garden Railway Society is running trains outside, weather permitting! Garden Railroading is simply this: take a garden, lay some track through it (yes outdoors) and operate the trains in and amongst the plants. This simple explanation tends to elicit many questions. Model railroading in the U.S. was so deeply entrenched in electrically powered trains that the thought of running these trains outdoors seemed odd or even dangerous to some. In 1968 a German toy manufacturer decided to use a scale and gauge of model trains that had not been actively modeled since the late 1800’s, and developed large weatherproof electric trains with sealed components. This allowed trains to be set up outside on the lawn and to be operated by children with ease. This, of course, intrigued a few model railroaders to take this idea further, and to build more intricate railways complete with buildings, miniature plants and natural landscapes. Garden railroading is a way to create miniature wonderlands in and amongst our everyday surroundings.
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- T-TRAK Model Trains!
T-TRAK Model Trains!
T-TRAK Model Trains!
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August 11, 2024
Northern Virginia NTRAK will set up and run trains on a T-TRAK layout. T-TRAK is an N scale modular train system designed to be run on table tops, hence its name. Originally developed in Germany in 1962, N scale model trains (generally 1:160) are about half the size of HO trains (1:87). Its small size is popular among model train enthusiasts in Japan, Australia, Europe, and the United States. The modular aspect of N scale permits different track layouts for every set up.
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- HO Scale Model Trains - Potomac Model Crew - Labor Day Event!
HO Scale Model Trains - Potomac Model Crew - Labor Day Event!
HO Scale Model Trains - Potomac Model Crew - Labor Day Event!
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September 1, 2024
The Potomac Module Crew will display HO model trains!
The Potomac Module Crew consists of model railroaders in the greater DC area who have an interest in modular model railroading. We model in HO Scale. A module is a section of a model railroad built to a minimal set of standard dimensions, track locations, and electrical connections. We use the NMRA Module Standard that supports modeling in all scales (O, HO, N, and Z scale). The basic standards cover:
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- The distance from the end of the module to the main track,
- The height of the top of the rail from the floor,
- The number of common tracks and the distance between them,
- The electrical connections between modules
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The type of scenery displayed is determined by the imagination and creativity of the builder. The scene depicted on a module can be anything: rural, industrial, agricultural, urban, mountainous, prairie-like, or any combination. The time period modeled is also left up to the wishes of the modeler.
The use of modules enables the creation of a section of railroad without a major investment in time, space or money. For example, creating a module using only straight track and using the standard dimensions of 2' x 4' can be made for about $50.00. Installing the minimal amount of track and electrical items will add about another $30.00 to the overall cost. Building modules is a great way to develop and improve key modelling skills such as laying track, ballasting track, performing basic electrical wiring, and creating scenery before building your dream layout. A module is also easy to transport and store when not in use.
As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!
This is a 2 Day Event!
Sunday, September 1st from 12 to 5 pm and Monday September 2nd from 12 to 4 pm
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- HO Scale Model Trains - Potomac Model Crew - Labor Day Event!
HO Scale Model Trains - Potomac Model Crew - Labor Day Event!
HO Scale Model Trains - Potomac Model Crew - Labor Day Event!
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September 2, 2024
The Potomac Module Crew will display HO model trains!
The Potomac Module Crew consists of model railroaders in the greater DC area who have an interest in modular model railroading. We model in HO Scale. A module is a section of a model railroad built to a minimal set of standard dimensions, track locations, and electrical connections. We use the NMRA Module Standard that supports modeling in all scales (O, HO, N, and Z scale). The basic standards cover:
-
-
- The distance from the end of the module to the main track,
- The height of the top of the rail from the floor,
- The number of common tracks and the distance between them,
- The electrical connections between modules
-
The type of scenery displayed is determined by the imagination and creativity of the builder. The scene depicted on a module can be anything: rural, industrial, agricultural, urban, mountainous, prairie-like, or any combination. The time period modeled is also left up to the wishes of the modeler.
The use of modules enables the creation of a section of railroad without a major investment in time, space or money. For example, creating a module using only straight track and using the standard dimensions of 2' x 4' can be made for about $50.00. Installing the minimal amount of track and electrical items will add about another $30.00 to the overall cost. Building modules is a great way to develop and improve key modelling skills such as laying track, ballasting track, performing basic electrical wiring, and creating scenery before building your dream layout. A module is also easy to transport and store when not in use.
As always, we have openings for new volunteers and would love to discuss volunteer opportunities with you on site that day or right now by filling out the form on our new website!
This is a 2 Day Event!
Sunday, September 1st from 12 to 5 pm and Monday September 2nd from 12 to 4 pm
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