Tag: #model trains

A video with a series of dramatic train crashes generated as a show by a user through BeamNG.Drive - a physics sandbox about vehicles on Steam.

A railway bogie is a critical undercarriage structure that supports a locomotive's weight and houses essential components like the drive system, brakes, and suspension. Each locomotive typically has two bogies, which can be equipped with two or three axles, each fitted with wheels and bearings. Powered bogies contain traction motors and gearboxes to drive the wheels, while unpowered bogies are pulled by locomotives. Bogies are complex subsystems with various design elements, including frames, braking systems, and sophisticated suspension and damping mechanisms. Wheelset arrangement classifications, like the UIC system, categorize locomotives based on their bogie and axle configurations.

Rocrail is free software for controlling model trains on Linux, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi. It offers manual or fully automatic train control, and can manage accessories like lighting. Multiple user interfaces, including web-based and mobile apps, are available and synchronized. Rocrail is IoT ready and supports both commercial and DIY hardware. The software is actively developed by a community with forums for user interaction and support.

In the last 3 years I have been able to complete the entire basic layout with all the tracks and the first lovingly designed and detailed areas on my model railway, which is only 6.68m² in size. Enjoy!

Today, we’re exploring Miniatur Wunderland in Hamburg, Germany—a jaw-dropping miniature world that covers 1.5 sq km (about the size of Hyde Park in London!) with 12 detailed regions from around the globe. There’s a 16-km-long model railway, which, if combined, could scale two Mount Everests or circle the globe 26 times! We’ll wander through this massive tiny universe, discover the magic behind its operation, and meet the masterminds who created a unique Miniatur Wunderland addition just for Supercar Blondie. So, what's your favorite part of the Wunderland? Let us know in the comments!

The Permanent Way Institution (PWI) is holding a vote on a proposed name change, as "permanent way" is an outdated industry term solely referring to track. The blog features various articles on railway engineering topics. These include the origin of "virtual transition," historical connections to track geometry, and calculations for turnout bending. Other posts discuss the accuracy of the versine formula, lateral resistance tests on sleepers, and the development of standards for continuous welded rail. The blog also touches upon railway vehicle wheelset evolution and the rate of change of cant deficiency.

The 2mm Register lists layouts available for exhibition, with photos and details accessible via links. The register holds contact, dimension, and transport information for exhibiting layouts. Exhibition organizers can access full layout details. Layout owners can add their layouts via a form (members only) or contact the manager. Non-registered layouts with photos are also featured on the website.

Standard gauge (1,435 mm or 4 ft 8 1/2 in) is the world's most common railway track gauge, used in about 55% of lines and almost all high-speed rail. Its prevalence stems from historical interoperability needs, avoiding costly reloading at gauge breaks. While its origin is debated, it likely evolved from existing wagonway gauges in England, influenced by the dimensions of horse-drawn carts. George Stephenson's adoption of this gauge for major lines solidified its dominance in Britain and beyond. Despite initial variations and a "gauge war" in Britain, standard gauge ultimately prevailed due to its efficiency and interconnectivity benefits.