Tag: N-scale

FREMO, Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Essential MOROP NEM (European Model Railway) Standards for European N-scale (1:160)

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Deutsche Version weiter unten, hier klicken. When I built my first N-scale segment layout in 2014, I followed the MOROP NEM standards for European N scale (1:160). I continue to use the same approach when building my FREMO N-RE modules. Standardisation becomes even more important in FREMO, as every module must be able to connect and operate seamlessly with those built by other members. In addition to the MOROP NEM standards, each FREMO scale group also has its own standards and recommended practices that should be followed. To make these standards easier to access, I have summarised the essential MOROP NEM … Continue reading Essential MOROP NEM (European Model Railway) Standards for European N-scale (1:160)

Layout Planning, Product Review2 Comments

American vs European N-scale Passenger Cars

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Now that I have my ICE 2 trainset and Amtrak Superliner Phase II cars unboxed, I could make comparisons between the two. Earlier I had compared the American Dash 8-32  and European Class BR 185, both in HO-scale. While this comparison of N-scale passenger cars is not a like-for-like but it makes an interesting note. The Amtrak Superliner dining car is a bi-level car with a height of 31mm above the rail (or 4,96m scale height) while the ICE 2 intermediate coach/wagon is 24mm above rail (or 3,84m scale height); a difference of 7mm (or nearly 1,0m scale height) Lengthwise, … Continue reading American vs European N-scale Passenger Cars

Exhibitions/Fairs, Layout Planning, Planning BookLeave a comment

The Fun of Model Railroad Planning

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I could not think of any other hobby that is so multi-disciplinary and multi-facet. Could you? Come to think of it, even at the most basic level, this hobby involves some conceptualization and design work, carpentry, electrical and electronics, mechanical works, landscaping and painting and etc. I have quite some reference books from my earlier days of planning for a US-based layout but have since acquired some German railway books (it also helped me to improve my Deutsch). With my new Billy shelf, I have now a proper place for my books and within easy reach. As I am also … Continue reading The Fun of Model Railroad Planning

Product Review1 Comment

Kato USA N-scale California Zephyr 11-Car Set

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Today is the start of my first Christmas/year-end holidays and I took the opportunity to clean up my place. I brought all my model railroad stuffs that I bought and collected all these years and thought it would be time to give them some sunshine. I need to clear the space at the balcony for a new IKEA Billy shelf, which will house all my railway books, magazines and of course, a proper storage for my models (Pictures and story about that shelf will come later). One of the stuffs that I bought from Wig-Wag Trains online store, one of … Continue reading Kato USA N-scale California Zephyr 11-Car Set

Layout PlanningLeave a comment

Track Clearances: NEM102 vs NMRA S-7

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I always wonder what are the differences in track clearances or loading gauge between the European and North American model railroads (and also in reality). Visually the American locos are larger and taller compared to its European counterpart. This photo (HO models) shows that. For those who want to run both the North American and European models on your layout, these measurements will help you. If you are sticking to European (or American), then it is good to know what the other side of the Atlantic have (just to satisfy your curiosity) The above dimensions did not take into account … Continue reading Track Clearances: NEM102 vs NMRA S-7

Product ReviewLeave a comment

Tomix N-scale JNR SO 80ton Crane

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One thing I found lacking in N-scale was modern railway maintenance equipment such as Plasser & Theurer tamping machines, Gottwald 100ton cranes, etc. Some of these came in kit form but they looked horrible and expensive. For example, this Kibri Gottwald railway crane cost about 80 Euro and you have to fix it yourself. In the end, it looks crappy. I wished Kibri or someone would come out with a better version, perhaps a working version of this crane. In the meantime, I would have to settle for Tomix N-scale Japan National Railway (JNR) SO 80 crane, which cost me … Continue reading Tomix N-scale JNR SO 80ton Crane

German RailwaysLeave a comment

InterCity Express (ICE): The Flagship of Deutsche Bahn

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The ICE (InterCity-Express) is the flagship (ie. flag carrier) of Deutsche Bahn AG (DB AG). The ICE is synonymous with DB AG and is an instant brand recognition for Germany. But don’t be mistaken with other ICE especially ICE 3. The same Siemens Velaro/ICE 3 design can be found in the Netherlands (operating as HiSpeed) and Switzerland (ICE SBB). The same design is also found in China high-speed railway as CRH3C, in Spain Velaro E and in Russia Velaro RUS. For more information on ICE, visit wiki or this special issue of Eisenbahn (Railway) Journal. There are only 3 manufacturers … Continue reading InterCity Express (ICE): The Flagship of Deutsche Bahn

Exhibitions/Fairs, German RailwaysLeave a comment

Another Surprise Gift: Fleischmann N-scale BR 111 E-Loco

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I attended Internationale Modellbahn Ausstellung 2012 (International model railway exhibition) in Köln Messe/Deutz last Saturday. It was my first exhibition this year as I was too occupied at work and weekends to attend other exhibitions (usually I made it a point to visit 2-3 exhibitions per year). I participated in a lucky draw from Alba Publications and to my surprise and delight, I received a Fleischmann BR 111 E-Lok in DB red livery when I reached home last night. I still have not had a chance to test run it but it would make a wonderful addition to my other … Continue reading Another Surprise Gift: Fleischmann N-scale BR 111 E-Loco

IntroductionLeave a comment

Welcome to germaN160 by Trai-N-master

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Welcome to germaN160 by Trai-N-master. This blog documents my first layout progress and discusses the processes, techniques and lessons learned from my first modular N-scale layout here in Germany. I called this blog germaN160, both to signify my host country and the railway I am modelling as well as my choice scale. Apparently, “germ” also means “a cell that has all the information to grow into a complete adult organism (“germ cell”). I hope that my layout will have a chance to grow into a complete layout as a life-long project. I am still learning about model railway especially in … Continue reading Welcome to germaN160 by Trai-N-master