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MODEL RAILWAY ELECTRICS
HELP - TERMINOLOGY & GLOSSARY
ELECTRICS
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MODEL RAILWAY
There
are many different power supplies available within the Model Industry.
Please
read all the manufacturers instructions before attempting to connect any power
supply to an electrical device.
Using
an incorrect power supply may damage the product It may work initially but
may burn out due to incorrect voltage or amperage being used.
There
are supplies that are DC or AC. The
correct one must be used.
Some
products call for the use of Diodes and or Resistors and or Regulators and or Controllers.
THE
CORRECT SUPPLY MUST BE USED AT
For
further information please email or
telephone 01588 660580 or goto www.cravenmodels.com
SYMBOLS USED IN
PRODUCT MARKING
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Symbol |
Description |
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AC |
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DC |
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AC or DC |
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Positive |
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Negative |
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Ground |
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Diode |
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Audible Continuity |
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Hz |
Hertz |
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Capacitor |
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MFD |
MicroFarads |
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΅ |
Micro |
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m |
Milli |
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M |
Mega |
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K |
Kilo |
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OL |
Overload |
ANALOGUE MODEL RAILWAY ELECTRICS BOOKLET
ANALOGUE
TERMINOLOGY - MODEL RAILWAY CONTROL
A.C. CURRENT: Alternating Current (AC, also ac ) ( ~
) the movement (or
flow) of electric charge periodically
reverses direction. An electric charge would for instance move forward,
then backward, then forward, then backward, over and over again. In Direct
Current (DC), the movement (or flow) of electric charge
is only in one direction. If AC is used instead of DC some accessories will flicker
alternate on and off Signals and lighting etc if not designed to do so.
Some Electrical products that can use AC or DC
are usually marked with the symbol 
but please follow manufacturers
instructions and use any additional converter or product or component
recommended.
AMPS: AMPERS. This measurement
is called Current and is measured in amperes.
It is the size of the current that can make electricity dangerous. A 12 volt car battery with a
large amperage can give you a nasty shock and possibly a burn to the
skin. Volts x Amps =
ANALOGUE CONTROL: Conventional track voltage control system, typically varying between 0 and 12 volts DC for speed control and polarity reversal for direction control.
COMMON RETURN: A conductor
which is common to more than one part of an electrical circuit and which forms
the return path for the current from these parts of the
circuit. Normally one rail of all sections or circuits of a layout
is chosen as the common rail and current from all these sections or circuits
returns to the power supply through this rail. The other rail can
then be divided into sections or circuits as required.
CUTOUT: A protective
device built into an electrical circuit for the purpose of switching off the
current when the load reaches a predetermined number of amps. All Gaugemaster controllers and cased transformers are fitted
with these devices on all outputs. They reset automatically when the
cause of the overload is removed.
D.C. CURRENT: D.C. ( - ) current flows constantly in the same direction along its conductors
which are termed positive and negative. The polarity of the
conductors can be reversed and the current flows in the opposite
direction. All controlled outputs from Gaugemaster
controllers produce D.C. current which has been converted by the controller
from A.C. current delivered by the transformer.
FEEDBACK: Feedback
controllers create a closed loop between the controller and the locomotive
which senses the load in the circuit and constantly adjusts the
output. This will maintain the locomotive at an even speed up and
down gradients and around curves without altering the regulator of the
controller. Feedback controllers are not suitable for Portescap or other coreless motors or for poor quality
mechanisms particularly in N and other small gauges.
INERTIA: See Simulator
MOMENTUM: See Simulator
POLARITY: The two
directions of current flow, positive (+) and negative (-), or potential in an
electrical circuit.
PRIMARY WINDING: This is the
winding of a transformer which is connected to the source of supply, normally
the mains.
REVERSE
SECONDARY WINDING: This is the
output winding of a transformer and is usually isolated from primary
winding. Many transformers have two secondary windings.
SIMULATOR: This is
sometimes called "inertia" or "momentum". It
allows controllers so fitted to automatically accelerate a train, allow it to
coast or be braked to a standstill. This is
achieved by two controls, a regulator and a brake and gives more realistic
acceleration and braking. In Gaugemaster
controllers it can be switched off to allow the controller to be operated with
standard control.
TRACK ISOLATION: Track
isolation is particularly important with modern controllers. You should
always ensure it is not possible for more than one controlled output to be
connected to the same circuit or section at the same time. You
should similarly ensure that A.C. and uncontrolled outputs are not connected to
a controlled circuit.
TRANSFORMER: A device
designed to change the voltage of an A.C. supply. All transformers
deliver A.C. current and this is converted to D.C. by the rectifier circuit in
a Gaugemaster controller (see also primary and
secondary winding). Transformers are often used to power accessories
on a layout (e.g. Point Motors).
VOLT: This is the
standard unit of electrical pressure, and indicates the potential difference
between conductors in a circuit, it can be either A.C.
or D.C.
DIGITAL
TERMINOLOGY DCC
Digital Command Control
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DIGITAL: A train
command system, fast gaining ground on older Analogue systems in terms of
popularity. Whereas analogue systems work by providing a regulated
supply of power to the track that increases or decreases according to user
input, Digital systems supply a constant power supply to the entire
layout. Trains are operated through a command signal, sent through
the track to the locomotive. With each locomotive operating on it's own frequency, locomotives can be commanded
individually. See the article Introducing the World of Digital
for a more detailed description. ACCESSORY DECODER OR
MODULE Used to control any
accessories on a layout, such as signals, lighting, points and so on. ADDRESS: A number
identifying each individual locomotive and accessory decoder on a
layout. When a controller is set to a particular address, only the
decoder set to the corresponding address can read the instructions from the
controller. BOOSTER: Used to
supply power to the track, and to increase the rating on an existing
supply. One or more can be used alongside the Command Station. COMMAND STATION: The central
hub, or brain of the Digital system, this unit is where control data is
converted into electronic format before being sent to the
track. Only one command station should be used per layout. CONSISTING: See Double
Heading CV: Configuration
Variable. Components within a decoder which store the
characteristics of that device. Each component has it's own reference number, and these can be individually
programmed. DCC: Digital
Command Control. A control system for Digital model railways that
is now the most widespread system worldwide. The standard set down
by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) in the DECODER: Circuit
board used for operating Digital models. Any locomotive or
accessory to be used on a digital system requires a decoder, which receives
and interprets the Digital information sent by the
Controller. Many decoders offer added functions such as lighting,
sound and so on. These are referred to as multi-function decoders. DOUBLE HEADING: Often known
as consisting or multi-traction, a means whereby two or more locomotives can
be run together under the same address. MULTI-TRACTION: See Double
Heading NMRA CONFORMANCE: Products
that have passed the NMRA's testing procedures are eligible
for a Conformance Warrant if the manufacturer also agrees to fix any
discrepancies that might become apparent in the future. The
Conformance Seal is awarded by the NMRA for products passing the Conformance
and Inspection program for particular NMRA standards. NMRA STANDARD: A code of practive developed by the National Model Railroad
Association in order to acheive standardised
decoder formats. PROGRAMMING: The action
of setting the internal parameters of decoders and other control equipment. During
programming, values are set for CV's to determine the characteristics of
locomotives, decoders and other programmable Digital devices. PROGRAMMING TRACK: Many
Digital systems require a Programming Track separate from the rest of the
layout on which to perform programming operations on locomotives. ROUTE: The
simultaneous operation of a series of points along a designated section of
your railway. SPEED STEPS: Controllable
voltage increments which are used to control motor speed on a locomotive. Some
decoders allow the output power to be set for each speed step. The
range from zero to full power is divided equally into 14, 28 or 128 speed
steps. |
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Introducing the world of digital
As
the Model Railway hobby develops, and the technology improves, so the horizons
and aspirations of the modellers themselves
increase. More is now expected from a layout in terms operational flexibility
and capability, and new technologies and methods are developed to reflect
this. Digital technologies are at the forefront of this development.
In
actual fact, however, the technology for Digital control has been in existence
around the world for many years, but is only more recently taking hold in the
WHAT
IS DIGITAL?
The main
difference between a Digital system and the more traditional Analogue system is
the way that the power is supplied to the layout. The philosophy is
that the user controls the train rather than the track that it is running on.
With
analogue control, the user sets the desired speed of the locomotive, and this
determines the proportionate amount of current to be supplied to the track by
the controller. The disadvantage of this method of control is that
each train on the track will respond in exactly the same way. In
order to have different trains running in different directions and at different
speeds, a layout has to be broken down into different sections of track each
with an individual controller.
With
Digital control power is supplied to the track constantly, and each locomotive will
respond only to the commands relevant to it. This works through the
use of a decoder fitted in each locomotive, which is able to interpret the
commands sent from the controller and determine which ones are intended for
that locomotive.
This
means that each train can be controlled individually without the need for
different track sections and all the complications involved in breaking one
layout into separate, isolated electric circuits.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF DIGITAL?
The
first benefit of a Digital system over Analogue comes in the building of a
layout. Without the need for isolated sections, the wiring required
is significantly reduced in an instant. On a basic layout with
digital control power can be supplied to the track via only two wires, connecting
to the track at one point. This is sufficient to supply power to
multiple tracks, loops and sidings without any additional
wiring. Whilst more wiring will be required for larger and more
complex layouts, there is still nowhere near the complexity of electrics
required with analogue control.
From an
operational point of view, digital brings a number of benefits:
·
Operate more trains simultaneously on your layout.
One
controller can be used to set the speed and direction of a train, then be switched to take control of the next train without
disturbing the control of the first train.
·
Each locomotive responds to individual commands.
Every
digital locomotive contains a decoder with an "address". Commands for
each locomotive will be "delivered" only to that address. This means
that different speeds and directions can be set for locomotives on the same
track.
·
Double heading and multiple units.
Multiple
train control opens up the possibility for replicating Double Heading, Banking
Locomotives and other prototypical railway operations that are only possible on
analogue by using non-motorised locomotives alongside
a single motorised loco.
·
Lighting, Sound & Steam Effects.
With
digital comes the ability to control additional functions within each locomotives, such as directional running lights, interior
lighting effects, on board sound effects and smoke generators for steam
locomotives. Whilst these functions can be found on analogue locomotives,
digital brings a new level of control, with the user able to activate/deactivate
individual functions as and when they want, as opposed the "always
on" nature of analogue.
·
Additional locomotive functions.
Other
functions such as controllable couplings and pantographs, shunting speeds and
so on can be found on digital systems, all of which add to the involvement
level and fun-factor for the modeller.
·
Control of trackwork
& accessories.
Most
digital systems will offer the user the opportunity to use decoder-fitted
accessories such as signals and point motors. This will bring the same level of
control to these accessories as with the locomotives, such as the ability to
change sequences of accessories with a single push of a button.
These
are just some of the features of digital control currently available. There are
many more, and the scope exists for future expansion. All of this makes digital
control the most exciting technology in the modelling
hobby, and it is fair to say that the possibilities are almost endless when it
comes to operating a layout and replicating what you might find on the real
thing.
WHY
START WITH DIGITAL RATHER THAN ANALOGUE?
In
addition to all of the benefits listed above, it is also important to consider
future developments. Whereas the advancement and improvement seen in
analogue control is now limited, digital control has the potential to continue
growing and improving for many years to come.
For those making a start in the hobby, digital offers a much
easier introduction than analogue, as the work involved in setting up a
reasonable layout is much less, and much simpler, and the potential much
greater.
Far from being "too complicated" or "just for
experts", digital is in essence ideal for beginners, as it lends itself
very well to a smaller layout, but can be easily expanded and upgraded as well.
>> DCC & CONTROLLERS &
TRANSFORMERS <<
>> ELECTRICS WIRES &
SWITCHES <<
Model Railway Scales - Mainly Indoor
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Gauge Name |
Size/Scale |
Track Gauge (mm) |
Description |
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O scale |
1:43.5 (Great Britain
and France), |
32.00 |
Name
originally was '0' (zero), '1' through '6' were already in use for larger
scales. In the |
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29.90 |
These are to
the same scale as US O gauge but are accurate scale models in all dimensions
including track and wheels. |
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1:43.5 |
33.00 |
Exact scale
version of British O gauge. |
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1:60 |
24.00 |
Got attention
in |
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1:64 |
22.42 |
Originally
called "H-1" because it was half the size of Gauge 1 ( |
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16.5 |
This scale is
today the most popular modelling scale in the |
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18.2 |
EM gauge was
an earlier attempt in the 1950s to improve the inaccuracies of 00 gauge, with
wider, more accurate track at 18 mm (0.709 in) between the rails,
but still narrower than the correct gauge. The gauge was later widened to
18.2 mm (0.717 in). The UK-based EM Gauge Society exists to
supports modellers of these standards. |
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18.83 |
P4 was created
in the 1960s as the most accurate possible standards for modelling
in 4 mm scale. Supported by the |
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1:87 |
16.5 |
This is the
most popular model railway scale in the world (except in the |
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1:87 |
16.5 |
An alternative
finescale standard for H0, with wheels and track
that correspond with the prototypes, taking its lead from the establishment
of P4 standards in the |
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HOn3-1/2 scale, |
1:87 |
12.25 |
H0 Scale using 12 mm (0.472 in) gauge track to represent Cape gauge used as "standard" gauge in many African countries, New Zealand, Queensland, Japan, etc. European H0m ('metre gauge ') models represent prototype gauges ranging between 850 and 1,250 mm (33.5 and 49.2 in). |
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1:87 |
9.0 |
European H0
Scale narrow gauge models using 9
mm (0.354 in) (the same as N scale)
track to represent prototypes with gauge between 650 and 850 mm (25.6 and
33.5 in), particularly 750 mm (2 ft 5 |
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1:101.1 |
12 and 14.2 |
A |
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1:120 |
12.0 |
Name stands
for 'Table Top'. It is quite popular in Europe,
particularly in |
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1:148 |
9.0 |
As with 1:160
N scale below, the name is derived from its Nine millimeter track gauge, but
the scale is a slightly larger at 2.0625 mm = 1 foot (1 :
147.78). Developed as a |
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1:150 |
9.0 |
N scale in |
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1:152 |
9.42 |
British finescale standard, older than N scale, being first used
as long ago as 1927 with photos and articles published in the model press.
Became more popular in the 1950s, with The 2 mm Scale Association established
by 1960 to promote and support modellers in this
tiny scale, and it remains very active in the UK to this day. In recent years
the finer track and wheel standards of 2 mm scale (but not the gauge) have
also been adapted for use in 1:160 N scale (on 9 mm/0.354 in gauge) in
Europe and called "fine", and is supported by the FREMO modelling
organization. Since the 1950s, incredibly, 2 mm scale has been used to depict
narrow gauge prototypes on various track gauges down to 4
mm (0.157 in), but almost everything has to be hand-made, unless
some Z scale parts are used. |
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1:160 |
9.0 |
Name derived
from Nine millimeter; this is the second most popular scale worldwide. N
scale developed by the German firm of Arnold Rapido
in the early 1960s, and was rapidly adopted worldwide as the most popular
small-scale modelling choice. In recent years,
finer profile wheels and track have been developed by some manufacturers
(although the gauge and standards have remained the same). Huge range of
ready-to-run models available as well as supporting kits and parts. With the
introduction of an even smaller Z scale in 1972, the modelling
of narrower gauge prototypes has been possible using that scale's locomotive
mechanisms, track and wheels. In |
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1:220 |
6.5 |
Until recently
the smallest commercially available model railway scale, introduced by the
German firm of Mδrklin in 1972 depicting German
and other European prototypes. In |
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1:300 |
4.8 |
Introduced by Bandai,
ZZ scale was very briefly the smallest commercially available model railway
available. As of 2005 only three Shinkansen trains are available and limited other
items. The trains are battery-powered and run on plastic rail. Bandai makes
no accessories for this scale. |
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1:450 |
3.0 |
Announced by Eishindo of Japan in 2006 (and finally released for
sale in 2008), T Gauge is the smallest commercially available model
railroading scale in the world. Several trains are available, complete with
track, as well as many accessories including buildings, people, trees and
vehicles. The trains run on metal rails and controlled by a power supply. We can supply this Scale. |
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Model Railway Scales Mainly Outdoor
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Gauge Name |
Size/Scale |
Track Gauge
(mm) |
Description |
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1:4 and up |
254 mm and up |
254
mm (10 in). Several large scales exist, but are not strictly model
railroading gauges. Instead, they are used mostly in commercial settings,
such as amusement park rides. |
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1:8 |
184 or 190 |
Rideable, outdoor
gauge, named according to the gauge in inches, and scale in inches per foot,
for example 7 |
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127 or 121 |
Rideable,
outdoor gauge. The gauge is 5 in (127 mm) in |
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SE scale
7/8 inch |
1:13.71 |
45 |
Models of 2 ft (610 mm) gauge prototypes using 45
mm (1.772 in) track. Used by folks modelling
the Maine 2-footers, but increasingly also by anyone interested in very large
scale models of industrial prototypes, including the many Welsh slate mines
and other European operations. Although this is mostly a scratch-builders
scale, there is an increasing supply of kits, parts and figures. Some
modelers using 7/8 scale operate on 32 mm (1.260 in) track, used to
replicate 18 in (457 mm) gauge industrial lines found in Great Britain
and other countries. |
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89 |
Rideable,
outdoor gauge. The gauge is 3 |
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1:22.5 |
64 |
One of the
original model railroad scales standardized in 1909, a minority interest,
although 63 mm (2.48 in) gauge 3 track is commercially available.
The European G scale
standard of 1:22.5 scale trains on 45 mm (1.772 in) track is
sometimes called 3m, as per European narrow gauge naming conventions. |
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63 |
At 2 |
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1:26.59 or
1:28.25 |
53.975 |
Called
Standard Gauge by Lionel, who trademarked the name. Other
manufacturers used the same gauge and called it Wide Gauge. Not widely
produced after 1940. Gauge No. 2 using track of gauge 2 in (50.8 mm)
was one of the standard model gauges in 1909. |
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1:19.05 |
32 |
This scale was
first developed in the |
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1:20.3 |
45 |
Similar to G
Scale below, this scale also uses 45 mm (1.772 in) gauge track, and
is used for both indoor and garden railways
of narrow gauge prototypes. The scale of 1:20.3 was developed to depict North
American 3 ft (914 mm) gauge trains in
exact proportion to their correct track gauge whilst using 45
mm (1.772 in) gauge model track. It equates to 15 mm = 1 foot (1 : 20.32) scale. Increasingly popular for both
electric and live steam propulsion of model locomotives, with an ever
growing range of commercially available ready-to-run models, kits and parts.
Fn3 scale, together with G scale and ½ inch ( |
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1:22.5 |
45 |
(Originally
from the German groί
(meaning "big"), now also G as in Garden, correctly IIm or 2m) G is generally used for garden railways
of narrow gauge prototypes, and uses the same track gauge as 1 gauge,
below. We can supply this gauge. |
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45 |
Similar to G
Scale above, this scale also runs on 45 mm (1.772 in) gauge track,
and is generally used for both indoor and garden railways of narrow gauge prototypes. The scale of 1:24 in
combination with 45 mm (1.772 in) track is an attempt to model
North American and UK 3 ft (914 mm) narrow gauge or 3
ft 6 in (1,067 mm) narrow gauge
trains in better proportion to the rails they run on. |
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50.4/45 |
The dominant
scale used in the United States for models of "standard gauge"
trains running on 45 mm (1.772 in) track, even though 1:32 is more
prototypically correct. |
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1 gauge |
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45 |
This large
scale, once rarely seen indoors in modern use but frequently used for modelling standard gauge
trains as garden railways, is making a come-back. The
Japanese firm of Aster Hobby [2]
offers ready-to-run gas-fired live steam models. Accucraft
Trains <http://accucraft.com>
also offer finely crafted live steam models in this scale. Gauge 1 has seen
something of a remarkable revival in recent years after decades of near extinction
commercially, with a growing number of smaller |
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Unofficial
designation of toy trains built from LEGO. Equipment can be
built to differing widths in relation to the track gauge, and are becoming
increasingly popular among persons who grew up with the building toy system. |
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