It seems every discipline has it's own verbage, and to beginners it may seem model railroaders have their language too. I've created this glossary of the most commonly used words and terms that be a little confusing to those new to model trains. I'm sure there are many more, leave me a comment if there is something I've missed that you feel could be added.
Articulated Locomotive - A locomotive design that allows the engine to move independently from the wheels. This design allows larger locomotives to be used on tighter curves.
Backdrop - Large photo or painting placed behind layout as a background. The use of a backdrop gives your layout the illusion of being much larger than it really is.
Ballast - Crushed rock used between the rails and ties to keep them from moving, also allows for better drainage.
Benchwork - The foundation your model railroad is built on.
Block - Usually refers to an electrically isolated section of track, used for running multiple trains, turnaround wye’s, etc.
Branch - A short section of track that splits off the mainline to service a town, facility or industry.
Bumper - Device placed at the end of a branch or spur to keep trains from going off the track.
Cab Control - Wiring term used for controlling one train per power pack, used to control each train separately.
Code - Measurement system used to designate height of track in thousandths of an inch - Code 100 is .10” tall.
Consist - List or order of cars in a train.
Crossover - Parallel turnouts that allows a train to cross from one track to another.
Flextrack - 3’ flexible lengths of track that can be cut to desired length, used as straights or curves.
Freightyard - Used for switching cars around to form trains before departing for another destination. Typically consists of multiple sections of track connected by a ladder of turnouts.
Gauge (of track) - Distance between the rails.
Grade - Degree of rise or fall in terrain that track traverse.
Hardshell - Model railroad terrain, such as hills and mountains made from Plaster Cloth laid over a light-weight frame.
Helix - Track layout design using a spiral to get trains from one level to another, usually hidden from view in some manner.
Hostler - Personnel that moves trains around.
Kitbashing - Making your own model, such as a building, from mixing parts from different commercial kits to create your own design.
L-Girder - Type of benchwork support that is lightweight and easy to adapt to different layout designs.
Main Line - Portion of track with the heaviest traffic, usually the section of track that traverses long distances.
Narrow Gauge - Rails spaced closer together than standard gauge, used mostly in mining and logging locations.
Roadbed - Raised foundation that the tracks are laid on.
Rolling Stock - Generic term for the assortment of model railroad cars available.
Scale - The scale of a model refers to the proportion of a models size compared to it’s prototype.
Scratchbulding - Term used to build structures with a kit, from scratch.
Truck - Wheel assembly of a train
Turnout - Switch device that allows trains to move from one track to another. Sometimes confused with a wiring switch.
Wye - Unique switch that forms a Y allowing trains to travel left or right. The term is also used to signify a track design that will allow a train to be turned around.
Yard - Area where trains are sorted, staged and then reconnected.
I hope this glossary has been of some benefit to you. Please feel free to leave a comment if there is term that you would like added!
thanks , I really enjoyed reading your article :)
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