Model Railroading 101

A handy guide to basic model railroading terminology

by John Pryke

Learn the basics of the hobby of model railroading

Photo by Illustration by Theo Cobb

If you're new to model railroading, a hobby shop is probably where you'd get your first crash course in hobby terminology. However, spending an afternoon staring at trains in display cases trying to get answers to basic questions can be frustrating. Having worked at several hobby shops, I've seen novices walk in full of enthusiasm and leave confused and grumbling about throwing everything into the trash.

Understanding the language of model railroading is essential for new hobbyists. This article provides some basic railroad and model railroad terms that will help you ask the right questions at the hobby shop and, more importantly, understand the answers.

Prototypes and modeling

Locomotives and rolling stock

Trackwork

Layout construction

Scenery

Control systems and operation

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STEVEN OTTE from WISCONSIN said:

David, clearly the guy in the illustration's a beginner who needs a lot of help! :)

Submitted: 1/7/2013 8:49:52 AM (CST)

DAVID MCGRANAHAN from FLORIDA said:

I have a question concerning the drawing at the beginning of this article. What kind of wheels run on ties? The rails are under the ties! What is the railroading terminology for this situation? Ha! Ha!

Submitted: 1/4/2013 7:55:23 PM (CST)

RICHARD S RASSFELD from ARKANSAS said:

I enjoy your magazine and have been a subscriber for over 20 years. I have seen several track plans that I would like to build. Why are there no parts lists with the track plans. I would like to take advantage of the track sale in the walthers catalog.

Submitted: 1/4/2013 1:11:48 PM (CST)

JEFF FORD from TEXAS said:

It's good to see these terms explained. Any chance you could build a Model Railroad Wikipedia or Dictionary and make it available through your website?

Submitted: 1/4/2013 11:08:36 AM (CST)

JEFFREY CORNELIUS from VIRGINIA said:

I agree that a local club, if found, is a valuable resource. I'll admit to some prejudice on this issue as I've been in ours for 17 years and am the current president! I also read the handbooks by the iconoclastic Mr. Schleicer (sp?) and found them helpful. That said, this MR 101 is helpful and I would like to print out copies for newbies if I may.

Submitted: 1/4/2013 10:42:30 AM (CST)