http://www.artipot.com/authors/4943/bill-murphy/ Latest articles by Bill Murphy from Artipot - your one-stop resource for free articles. http://www.artipot.com/articles/399158/tips-for-buying-model-trains-online.htm One of the best things about present day is being able to access so many different materials and supplies. With the arrival of the internet, you can now have those hard to find toys or models delivered right to your door without needing to go anywhere. The only downside to this abundance of supplies is that you're not always sure what you're getting. Without actually looking... Tue, 28 Jul 2009 12:48:49 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/399158/tips-for-buying-model-trains-online.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/398214/bring-your-model-train-set-to-the-next-level-by-adding-multimedia.htm Are you looking for a way to really take your model train to the next level? Would you like to make it appear, sound, and believe it or not, even smell more realistic? The best way to achieve your goal is to add multimedia. Due to the advances that have been seen in recent years in the field of electronics and technology, the sky is the limit. Use your imagination and... Mon, 27 Jul 2009 14:21:42 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/398214/bring-your-model-train-set-to-the-next-level-by-adding-multimedia.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/397721/what-is-the-best-way-to-control-your-model-train.htm If you need to decide how you are going to control your model train, you nave two main options. You can either choose analog control or digital command control, often referred to as DCC. We are now going to discuss the differences between these two options, which are many, and which may be best suited for your needs. Sun, 26 Jul 2009 14:09:31 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/397721/what-is-the-best-way-to-control-your-model-train.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/394996/model-railroad-layout-backdrops-how-to-make-them-truly-stunning.htm A well designed and cleverly painted backdrop can make your model railroad layout stand out from the rest and look truly unique. This is mostly because it makes an optical illusion that produces an effect called forced perspective. Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:12:58 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/394996/model-railroad-layout-backdrops-how-to-make-them-truly-stunning.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/382567/landscape-designing-for-your-model-railroad.htm Obtaining all your supplies is just the start when it comes to model railroading. The next step is to do the landscaping with the help of foam spacers. They can be shaped to the design you'd like and then sealed with a fiberglass or hardener to protect them. A wire frame can be used to reinforce a larger landscape and some modelers will even bring in sand, dirt or stone for... Sat, 04 Jul 2009 12:17:03 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/382567/landscape-designing-for-your-model-railroad.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/379947/model-railroading-clubs-engineered-to-endure.htm Most hobbies have clubs associated with them " in part because as humans we like to share and gain insight into our viewpoints as compared to others but also because shared or pooled knowledge leads to more successful ventures. After all if everyone had to recreate the wheel every time they wanted to drive we wouldnt get very far! Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:30:58 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/379947/model-railroading-clubs-engineered-to-endure.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/197158/model-train-scales.htm Okay, you're looking to create the ultimate model railroad layout this side of the Mississippi and you're wondering, "Just what scale do I want to make this monster in?" Well, there's several things you need to consider and let's look at some of them. Fri, 05 Sep 2008 13:50:58 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/197158/model-train-scales.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/154813/whats-the-difference-between-roadbed-standard-track.htm With model railroading just as with real railroads it all comes down to the tracks on which the trains roll. If they are stable and well designed the trains will safely make their journeys year after year. If not they may not be able to complete even a single trip without problems or derailment " so what goes into the creation of a safe and stable track system? Thu, 19 Jun 2008 05:31:19 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/154813/whats-the-difference-between-roadbed-standard-track.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/150417/the-basics-of-model-railroad-buildings.htm Even if you aren't an architect you can enjoy making model railroad buildings. Sometimes it's just too hard to find that perfect building or bridge or train station that we can picture so we may just have to build it on our own. Wed, 11 Jun 2008 01:23:31 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/150417/the-basics-of-model-railroad-buildings.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/148050/engineered-to-last-model-railroading-clubs.htm Most hobbies have clubs associated with them " in part because as humans we like to share and gain insight into our viewpoints as compared to others but also because shared or pooled knowledge leads to more successful ventures. After all if everyone had to recreate the wheel every time they wanted to drive we wouldnt get very far! Sat, 07 Jun 2008 00:21:01 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/148050/engineered-to-last-model-railroading-clubs.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/146541/building-that-extra-special-model-railway-table.htm You've finally decided that you want to build your own model railway and the train table that it will need to sit on. Often the first choice for a layout will be a table top or a sheet of plywood. Although this may seem the easiest way, it definitely has its restrictions. Thu, 05 Jun 2008 14:19:24 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/146541/building-that-extra-special-model-railway-table.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/133051/how-to-create-the-landscape-for-your-model-railroad-layout.htm Obtaining all your supplies is just the start when it comes to model railroading. The next step is to do the landscaping with the help of foam spacers. They can be shaped to the design you'd like and then sealed with a fiberglass or hardener to protect them. A wire frame can be used to reinforce a larger landscape and some modelers will even bring in sand, dirt or stone for... Thu, 08 May 2008 06:10:15 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/133051/how-to-create-the-landscape-for-your-model-railroad-layout.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/130872/choosing-realistic-model-railroad-scenery.htm One of the more fun aspects of model railroading is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through " for some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create on any scene you desire. Thu, 01 May 2008 10:37:20 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/130872/choosing-realistic-model-railroad-scenery.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/128183/overview-of-the-nmra-national-model-railroad-association.htm Enjoying model railroading and prototyping is a hobby you can do alone-but the enjoyment of watching others reactions or being able to ask questions on specifications or historical references with friends may cause them to find other enthusiasts. Thu, 24 Apr 2008 23:12:32 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/128183/overview-of-the-nmra-national-model-railroad-association.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/125131/shopping-online-for-model-railway-equipment.htm One of the best things about present day is being able to access so many different materials and supplies. With the arrival of the internet, you can now have those hard to find toys or models delivered right to your door without needing to go anywhere. The only downside to this abundance of supplies is that you're not always sure what you're getting. Without actually looking... Thu, 17 Apr 2008 06:59:17 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/125131/shopping-online-for-model-railway-equipment.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/121804/whats-the-difference-in-model-railroads-garden-railroads.htm Model railroading has a new trend that involves using sturdy supplies and equipment that will withstand the outside elements. These outside layouts are called "garden railroads" as they are often worked into a garden setting with the garden becoming part of the scenery. Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:46:38 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/121804/whats-the-difference-in-model-railroads-garden-railroads.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/118375/top-supplies-for-model-railroads.htm For many people their first model railroading experience begins with a circle or oval on just a piece of plywood. It tends to be very basic with no extras such as buildings, scenery or landscaping. Thu, 03 Apr 2008 05:05:16 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/118375/top-supplies-for-model-railroads.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/115034/model-trains-a-new-hobby-model-railroading-clubs-can-help.htm If you're familiar with any hobbies, you likely know that many hobbies have associated clubs at which you can meet people interested in the same thing. This is also the case with model railroading. Around the world, there are hundreds of clubs where train hobbyists can learn from each other and share. Fri, 28 Mar 2008 00:10:39 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/115034/model-trains-a-new-hobby-model-railroading-clubs-can-help.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/111174/playing-god-landscaping-a-model-railroad-layout.htm One of the more fun aspects of model railroading is planning and executing the scenery and landscaping that your track and engines will meander through " for some it is almost like playing God in that you can decide and create on any scene you desire. Thu, 20 Mar 2008 04:31:58 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/111174/playing-god-landscaping-a-model-railroad-layout.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/107273/does-a-model-train-collector-have-to-actually-run-his-trains.htm Believe it or not there is a difference between Model Train enthusiasts and Model Train collectors. A subtle one for sure, but a difference nonetheless! Collectors are more interested in owning and displaying hard to come by prototypes or items of value rather then the art of recreating a diorama or prototype themselves. Wed, 12 Mar 2008 02:12:11 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/107273/does-a-model-train-collector-have-to-actually-run-his-trains.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/98822/model-railroad-design-roadbeds-vs-standard-track.htm With model railroading just as with real railroads it all comes down to the tracks on which the trains roll. If they are stable and well designed the trains will safely make their journeys year after year. If not they may not be able to complete even a single trip without problems or derailment " so what goes into the creation of a safe and stable track system? Mon, 25 Feb 2008 10:55:34 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/98822/model-railroad-design-roadbeds-vs-standard-track.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/97959/converting-model-railroad-scales.htm Prototyping is the word used to describe the use of scaling real-life objects down and typically for Model Railroading different names are given to differing 'scales' to represent the percentage of the original. For instance the 'HO' scale means 3.5mm represents 1 foot, with a ratio of 1:87.086 ... needless to say this can get difficult. Thu, 21 Feb 2008 13:03:12 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/97959/converting-model-railroad-scales.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/96654/6-all-time-favorite-model-railroad-layouts-in-the-united-states.htm Model railroading enthusiasts enjoy only one thing more then showing off their pride and joy: seeing other prototypes and displays that they can then go back home to compete with! Fortunately since showing off is inherent to all of us getting a chance to see some truly spectacular displays is not that hard, and in many cases involves only a short journey as there are... Tue, 12 Feb 2008 13:21:35 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/96654/6-all-time-favorite-model-railroad-layouts-in-the-united-states.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/95545/how-model-railroad-technology-has-changed-over-the-years.htm The first model train systems worked on wind-up clock parts, followed shortly thereafter by miniature steam engines. The materials of the locomotives and cars were typically cheap tinplate or lightweight woods that didnt hold up well. Sat, 09 Feb 2008 07:45:48 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/95545/how-model-railroad-technology-has-changed-over-the-years.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/92566/making-buildings-for-a-model-railroad.htm Most of us have no desire to become an architect, but most model railroaders wind up getting into the act at one point or another. It's sometimes impossible to find exactly the building you need to complete your layout, leaving you to come up with something of your own. Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:31:51 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/92566/making-buildings-for-a-model-railroad.htm http://www.artipot.com/articles/90043/what-model-railroading-clubs-can-offer-you.htm Most hobbies have clubs associated with them " in part because as humans we like to share and gain insight into our viewpoints as compared to others but also because shared or pooled knowledge leads to more successful ventures. After all if everyone had to recreate the wheel every time they wanted to drive we wouldnt get very far! Tue, 22 Jan 2008 13:34:19 +0000 http://www.artipot.com/articles/90043/what-model-railroading-clubs-can-offer-you.htm