Christmas Will Be Here Before You Know It

It's almost Christmas time again. Can you believe how fast this year has gone by? It seems like only yesterday we were packing the Christmas decorations away. I'm looking forward to a relaxing Christmas Day with my family - and lots of time over the holidays to play with my trains. Christmas break is traditionally a cleaning and maintenance time for me - to give my locomotives a little bit of tender loving care.   I wish you and your family the very best for Christmas. I hope Santa brings you what you've always wanted!   For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

Young Minds Delight At Model Train Display

There's nothing more fascinating than watching young children marvel at a model train display. Their eyes light up in wonderment. And when a train jumps out from within a tunnel, it's like magic. Mostly its the movement that captivates them. Once they have watched the moving trains for a bit, their eyes start to wander over the layout. A whole world laid out in front of their eyes. Here's where you can really capture them if you have some amusing scenes, or something they didn't expect to see.    I was inspired to write this when I read the article Model Trains Fascinate Fans In Webster, on the STLtoday.com site.

 

When you create your layout, and for most of us this is a private thing in our own home (not a public display), include some funny scenes or things that make you look closer to see what's going on. Whether your goal is to delight your children, or your grandchildren, or just for yourself, humor and/or interesting scenes add personality to your layout and help bring it to life.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog. You're never too old to play with trains.

Little Girls Play With Dolls Not Trains

Boy, did she show them! As a young girl, year after year begging for a train, and getting told "girls don't play with trains" as she was given another doll. Roberta Flanders, retired nurse, now creates elaborate layouts to order and ships them all over the world. Inspired by the birth of her grandchildren and a visit to the Roberson Museum, Roberta has never looked back.   Read the full article From Childhood Fascination To Global Business: Whitney Point Woman Builds Train Layouts For The World, on the pressconnects.com site.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

MTH O-Scale Train Layout

I just wanted to share this youtube video with you.  

 

 

Some of the shots in this video are amazing. Truly inspiring.

 

As I gain more experience with model train sets, I find myself looking at videos like this. Only now I find I am looking more at the scenery than the trains, and wondering "I like that (feature). How did they do that?" Then I set about trying to replicate it on my own layout.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

Hundreds Roll Out For Model Train Show In Quincy

I found this story endearing. The Annual Quincy Village Train Show started out as fun project in 2003 between the residents of a retirement village and the children attending a day care center. With a life of its own, the project soon turned into a Club - and now holds an annual train show. Model trains really are for young and old alike.   Read the full article here - Hundreds Roll Out for Model Train Show in Quincy on the Public Opinion Online site.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

The Holidays And Model Trains - Perfect Together

Wherever you go, trains attract people. Train collectors will travel pretty far to see what everybody else has. Two elected officials are hoping an elaborate model train display will generate enough interest to keep the city's holiday tree-lighting ceremony on track.   Isn't it great that model trains can be used in many ways - in this case to bring in the crowds for a tree-lighting ceremony.     Read the full article The Holidays and Model Trains: Perfect Together, from PhillyBurbs.

 

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

Model Train Sets - How To Stop Derailments

Constant derailments are a sure way to put an end to the peace and enjoyment you get from running your model trains. Fortunately, many of the causes of model train derailments are easy to fix. This article covers 6 easy steps to stop derailments. Hopefully this will ease some of your pain if derailments are causing you grief.     Read the full article here - Model Train Sets - 6 Easy Steps To Stop Derailments.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

Ipswich Builds Longest Toy Train Track

"Ipswich is poised to claim a world record for building a toy train track so long that it would surround the Melbourne Cricket Ground four times."

If you're wondering why the reference to an Australian cricket ground, this is because the abovementioned Ipswich is in Queensland, Australia. Poor little Thomas The Tank Engine took three hours to make his way along over two kilometres of track. Organizers are awaiting confirmation of their record from the Guinness Book Of World Records in the UK.

To read the full article, go to the Ipswich Builds Longest Toy Train Track article on the Sydney Morning Herald site.

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express O-Gauge Set

What better way to inspire young hearts into the joy of model train sets than with their very own Hogwarts Express. Ideal Christmas gift.   It even has working headlights, interior lighting, an air whistle and puffing smoke.   Read more here - Lionel Harry Potter Hogwarts Express O-Gauge Set.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts. You're never too old to play with trains.

Recession - New Generation Can't Derail Toy Train Hobby

"There seems to be a desire, especially among grandparents, to go back to something more traditional like trains as opposed to computer games," Mr. Sweeney said. "They would rather see the young kids get interested in a hobby like model trains than Nintendo or Wii."   I love that quote. And I love that grandparents are doing their bit to bring out the model train hobbyist in their grandchildren.   Read the full article here in Recession, New Generation Can't Derail Toy Train Hobby in The Times Tribune.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts.
You're never too old to play with trains.

Creating A Bright Future For Your Model Trains Scenery

Adding lighting to model railroad layouts really brings them to life. It gives a whole different feeling - like a new world experiencing night and day.   Many model train enthusiasts buy the trains, lay the tracks, add the scenery and then sit back and admire a job well done. And well may they do so. It is a massive achievement, not to be sneezed at. But you can always add that little bit extra - and lighting changes the whole ambience.   Here is a great article about adding lighting to your layout - Creating A Bright Future For Your Model Trains Scenery

 

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts.
You're never too old to play with trains.

The World's Greatest Hobby

You've just got to love a model railroader who is totally obsessed. Can't think of anything else from the minute he gets out of bed. Every waking decision is based on his love of trains. Forget "What Would Dexter Do?" or "What Would Vic Mackey Do?" - what would Ken King do???   Read the full article here - The World's Greatest Hobby - where Ken King describes himself as "a foamer - someone who foams at the mouth for trains".

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts.
You're never too old to play with trains.

http://www.trains-oscale.org

Historical Museum Preserves Model Train Display

This is a heart-warming article about a model train enthusiasts beloved train sets being cared for and enjoyed, the way they should be, now that he is no longer here. Thankfully this impressive trains display is still available to the public. Armin Broderdorf would have liked that.   Historical Museum Preserves Model Train Display

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts.
You're never too old to play with trains.

O Gauge Trains - Getting The Right Turning Radius

One of the biggest heartaches for new model railroaders is getting the turning radius wrong. This can cause all sorts of problems, the most common being the dreaded derailment. Model train sets are designed to glide gracefully along the tracks. When the engine derails, you just don't get it at first. You think maybe it was just a fluke and try it again. Same thing. Then you think maybe you were going too fast, and try it again. Same thing. Then you think maybe the track is dirty, and try it again. Eventually you might come to realise that your turning radius is too tight. If only you could have thought of that first.   Anyway, here's a great article on just that - O Gauge Trains - Getting The Right Turning Radius - definitely worth a read.

 

For more about model trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog - o scale, o gauge, g scale, LGB, Marklin, model train sets, model railroad layouts.
Helping you build your dream layout!

Model Trains Can Get Right Pricey

There's something about model railroaders. I can't quite put my finger on it. It's a "love" of their hobby. Whilst their hobby gives them a great satisfaction, it's also about the pleasure it gives to others - to see the joy in the eyes of others.   I came across this fantastic article on lamorinda.patch.com about some of the amazing model railroaders in Lamorinda. I started reading, then tried to skim through, but kept going back to read every word. An article that draws me in like that must be good. So I thought I'd share it with you.

Quote: I asked him if he was finished laying down track. "I don't know of a model railroader who is ever finished," he replied, smiling and tugging at the bill of a seasoned engineer's cap. "Layouts are always a work in progress. That's half the fun."

Read the full article at: All Aboard! Home Layouts Keep Memories Alive For Model Railroaders

 

For more about trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog.

Model Train Sets - 50 Years On

If you thought model train sets were a hobby that just sat in the corner hoping for some attention - forget it! They call out to you the minute you walk in the door. They don't care if you've had a hard day at work. That's what they're there for - to help you unwind. You find yourself spending more and more time with your trains. Your wife doesn't understand. Then you seek out other people who like trains, just so you don't feel abnormal. Pretty soon it's trains, trains, trains. .... And that's just the way we like it.  

 

Read the full article: A Train Set That's Been 50 Years In The Making - the story of Ken Sirois and his trains.

 

For more about trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog.
http://www.trains-oscale.org

 

 

Trains O Scale - The Fun Of A Great Layout

Here's a quick youtube video showing a great, fun layout. The video is a little dark, but you can make out what a great layout it is.    from puttrainguy

 

As always, the devil is in the detail, as they say. This model railroader has taken a lot of time with the details to get the layout just right.

 

For more about trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog.
http://www.trains-oscale.org

Model Train Gift Guide - #trains

For Trains O Scale or any other scale or gauge, here's an interesting article I came across. It's a mini wish list - a gift idea list for the model train hobbyist. Make sure you point it out to your loved ones as Christmas nears. Give them a helping hint for what you might need for your model train sets.   Read the full article at: Model Train Gift Guide

 

For more about trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog.

Model train expo joyful for kids - and adults

"That's part of the hobby, to pass it on to others. When I was a child of 10, I was taught how to (build) them right and now that's what I enjoy doing, " - Ray Chappell, Director of the NHSME.

Model train enthusiasts of all ages gathered at the Durham Fair Grounds this weekend as the third annual New Haven Society of Model Engineers train show pulled out the station.

Model train expos are a fantastic way of spreading the word, finding new friends with similar hobbies, and meeting up with old friends in a pseudo reunion. Train people love to get together and share their passion for their hobbies.

Read the full article at Model train exp joyful for kids - and adults.

For more about trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog.

#Trains O Scale - Model Railroad Layouts

Now this is how it should be done!  

 

Great trains. Great scenery. Great layout. And excellent video footage.

From trainguy7724 on youtube.

 

For more about trains, visit the Trains O Scale blog.

#Trains for Everyone - Young Minds, Tiny Trains

When it comes to model train sets, everyone is a child at heart. The trick to creating perfect model railroad layouts is to create a world that will capture the imagination, no matter what your age. Having a life-like trains scene in your imaginary world, draws you in and makes you wonder what life would be like there.   There is an example of what I am talking about in the image on this article: Young Minds, Tiny Trains

 

To see the awe and wonder in the eyes of children watching your model train track is a wonderful feeling.

 

Find out more at the Trains O Scale blog.

Trains O Scale - Is Your Landscape Out Of Scale?

One of the worst things that can happen to you is to realize that you've been creating a layout that just doesn't make sense. The people are too big in comparison to the trains. Or the trains are too big in comparison to the buildings. This is why it is so important to keep scale in mind when purchasing your trains and accessories.  

"When you buy your accessories, make sure you are buying the right scale. This is possibly the most often made mistake among model railroaders. A modern way to check for scale inconsistencies is ..."

 

Read the full article at : "Trains O Scale - 4 Mistakes You Don't Want To Make"

 

With a little bit of thought and planning you can build the perfect railway layout - better, cheaper, faster and easier than if you go into it without any thought.

 

Find out more at the Trains O Scale blog.

#Trains O Scale - 4 Mistakes To Avoid

When working with model trains (O Scale), and building your layout, there are 4 common mistakes that you can easily avoid with a little bit of thought and planning.

 

 

Read the full article here - Trains O Scale - 4 Mistakes You Don't Want to Make

 

From - Trains O Scale

Click here to download:

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#Trains O Scale - Why is Model Railroading So Popular?

Whether you call it model railroading, railroad modelling, trains sets, or model trains, there is no doubting that it is a passion amongst its enthusiasts.   It has been reported that, worldwide, model trains are an incredibly popular hobby or past time - beaten only by coin collecting and stamp collecting.  But the train people say, just give us time ...   Trains O Scale - Why Is Model Railroading So Popular?

 

 

Find out more at the Trains O Scale blog.

 

Click here to download:

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Trains O Scale - The Perfect Miniature World

Creating your own miniature world can be a very rewarding experience.  

"Whether your trains are O Scale or any other scale, one of the most important things you can do for your railway layout, apart from the initial design, is your attention to detail.

Think about some of the fantastic displays you have seen. What is it that gives them so much appeal? It is the detail. You want a layout that make people wish they lived there."

Read the full article at Trains O Scale - The Perfect Miniature World, on Infobarrel.

 

Find out more at the Trains O Scale blog.

O Gauge Marklin Trains

"Marklin trains are a model train collector's dream, and a "must have" for certain model railroading enthusiasts."

Read the full article: O Gauge Marklin Trains

At Trains O Scale

Trains O Scale - Tips For Beginners

"If you have a tunnel in your railway layout, make sure you can access all of the track for maintenance or in the event of a derailment. Some model railroaders have a hidden hatch for access to the center of a tunnel."

Full article: A Hobby Of Mystery And Adventure

 

By: Trains O Scale

Trains O Scale - Model Train Sets

Here's a great article I came across on O Scale Model Train Sets.

 

There's actually a number of good articles on a whole range of topics.

 

All for now,

from Trains O Scale.

Trains O Scale - A Christmas Layout

Trains O Scale

 

If you have ever wanted to make a Christmas layout, now is the time to get cracking.

 

 

Take some inspiration from this layout - and have some fun!

Trains O Scale - A beautiful model train layout

Another find by Trains O Scale.

 

This layout is not O Scale, it is G Scale, but the principle is the same.  Create a fantastic miniature world that makes people want to be a part of it. This G Scale layout is designed by Doug Wead and is located in the basement of his home.  Take a look at the video and be inspired.

 

 

I'm sure you can think of ways to incorporate some of these ideas in your own O Scale layout.

Trains O Scale - Hot Dog Van

Doesn't every train station need a hot dog van?  

 

This little van is on ebay at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=310244745858

 

My site - Trains O Scale - helping you get the most from your model train hobby.

Trains on a Grand Scale

Here at Trains O Scale we take inspiration from the greats, such as:

 

Miniatur Wunderland Hamburg

http://www.miniatur-wunderland.com , the largest model railway in the world and one of the most successful permanent exhibitions in Germany.

Trains O Scale

Trains O Scale - have you ever wondered where it all began?

 

An informative article, on just that topic, is The Beginning of O. It is a brief article explaining how and where and why the O Scale Train was introduced.

 

Cheers!

MODEL RAILWAY TRAINS

By Robert Anderson - Author of the best-selling MODEL TRAIN HELP ebook.

What Model Railroaders Get From The Hobby Of Model Railroading

If you ask model railway enthusiasts "what appeals about the hobby?" you'll get a variety of answers. For some model railway enthusiasts, it is a way of re-creating a fond childhood memory. Others simply enjoy building a world in miniature with all its detail and realism. Then there are those model railway enthusiasts who love solving the technical problems of building and operating an electronic control system.

It doesn't seem to matter whether you're 5 or 95... or somewhere in between. The personal satisfaction of building and operating a realistic miniature railway layout is rewarding and fun... no matter how old you are. Model railroading is a truly rewarding leisure activity that will keep most model railway enthusiasts busy and entertained for hours... if not a lifetime.

The Model Railroaders Own Wonderful World

Model railroading is a fun-filled leisure activity that provides plenty of scope for the creative individual with a technical bent. It incorporates a variety of interesting activities from building, maintaining, upgrading and operating a model railway. What kind of world you create, where you create it, and how much time you spend in it... is entirely over to the individual model railroading enthusiast. We are all different.

A model railroader can build a layout in the solitude of his or her basement, attic, shed or garage workshop... or they can sit in a sun lounger and watch trains weave around their garden... or the model railway enthusiast can join a local model railroad club and share their model railway ideas and experiences with others. The opportunities for the model railroading enthusiast are endless!

"We don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing," George Bernard Shaw.

By Robert Anderson - Author of the best-selling MODEL TRAIN HELP ebook.

 
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RAILWAY GUAGE

What Model Railway Guage Should I use?

One of the first dilemmas to hit a new model railroader is "What guage should I use?" And pretty soon, once you start to research, you will realise that the word is "gauge" and not "guage". But it's tricky when you're new to this.

Many are led by the recommendations of model railroad friends or family members. Many model railroaders are totally focussed on why one gauge is better than others.

In truth, there is no one gauge that is better than others. They all have their benefits and faults. It all comes down to personal preference.

Definition of Gauge

Rail gauge is the distance between the inner sides of the heads of the two load bearing parallel rails that make up a single railway line.

Popular Model Railway Guages

Some of the more popular gauges are:
- 0 scale (1:45 ratio, 16.5mm gauge)
- 00 scale (1:76 ratio, 16.5mm gauge)
- H0 scale (1:87 ratio, 16.5mm gauge)
- N scale (1:160 ratio, 9mm gauge)
- S scale (1:64 ratio, 22.42mm gauge)
- Z scale (1:220 ratio, 6.5mm gauge)

As you can see, gauge is not the same as scale. And there are many more scales and gauges to choose from than those listed above.

What Would You Recommend?

If you are an experienced model railroader, do you have a favourite scale or gauge? What would you recommend to others?

Leave your COMMENTS here.
 
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GARY COLEMAN ON

Gary Coleman was the little guy, Arnold Jackson, on Diff'rent Strokes - one of the many child actors we grew up with on our television sets.

Although he passed away on May 28, 2010, his famous catch phrase "What you talkin' about, Willis?" will live on and on - though I'm sure he grew tired of hearing it long ago.

But how many of you knew of Gary's love of trains?

Gary Coleman On Railroad Model Craftsman Magazine. Gary was featured on the cover of Railroad Model Craftsman magazine in September of 1990. His model train world a refuge where he can feel big. When Gary lived in Colorado Springs he built an 800-square-foot model railroad layout. When he moved back to California in the early 1990s, he couldn't take it with him so he donated to the Pikes Peak N Gineers Model Railroad Club in Colorado Springs. Over the years, the Club was forced to put the trains in storage, but it is now working to rebuild "Colemanville".

Gary was into both HO Guage and N Scale model railroads. An avid collector with many, many trains and accessories on his vast railroad layouts.

Gary Coleman had a passion for locomotives. His entire basement was filled with model trains and his cabinets were sorted by train parts.

His model train collection was bequeathed to several model train stores, including Allied Model Trains, The Original Whistle Stop, The Train Shack and Model Railroad Emporium, however Gary's ex-wife stepped in with claims the trains were to go to her. I wonder what were Gary's real wishes for his beloved train sets.

It has been reported that his ashes were scattered on train tracks so he could forever remain beside his favourite pasttime.

Peace be with you, Mr Coleman. You brightened up so many lives.

Leave your COMMENTS here.
 
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ATHEARN GENESIS

The latest buzz for model trains in the HO guage is the Athearn Genesis GP15. Hobby shops have sold out and are waiting for more.

If you are an HO model railroad enthusiast, did you manage to get one? Or is your HO train set complete without it?

Please share your thoughts.

Leave your COMMENTS here.
 
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JAMES MAY'S TOY STORIES - HORNBY MODEL TRAINS & RAILWAY

I recently had the pleasure of watching James May's Toy Stories. It's a fantastic journey through the various classic toys of our past.

One segment, in particular, is about model trains. James sets about inspiring a local community in his mission to run a model train set through the site of a no longer used real-life train track.

It is moving to see how the model train phenomena touches every generation. Young and old, male and female, experienced and novices. All want to be a part of this challenge. And all want to see it through to the very end.

James' model train layout sees a Hornby train set make its way along a 10 mile (16 km) stretch of track from Barnstaple to Bideford. The disused train site provides many obstacles to the modern model train track layout. Roads, fences, water and vandals provide extra challenges.

Five trains set out from Barnstaple - James' own Flying Scotsman model, a passenger steam train, a passenger diesel train, a goods diesel train, and the prototype of Hornby's Hitachi Class 395 "Javelin" model. Only one of these trains makes it to Bideford.

• Episode 1 - AIRFIX - James constructs a full-size (scale 1:1) model Spitfire.
• Episode 2 - PLASTICINE - Follow the Paradise In Plasticine entry into the 2009 Chelsea Flower Show.
• Episode 3 - MECCANO - Follow the design and construction of a 23m (75ft) bridge in Liverpool.
• Episode 4 - SCALEXTRIC - A 4.4 km (2.75 mile) track along the old Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit.
• Episode 5 - LEGO - A full-sized house, built using 3.3 million lego bricks.
• Episode 6 - HORNBY - A 16 km (10 mile) railway track and a race for five model trains.

JAMES MAY'S TOY STORIES

• BOOK - The Nile (au bookstore), Amazon UK, Amazon USA
• DVD - Fetch DVD (au), Amazon UK, Amazon USA

Leave your COMMENTS here.
Have you seen Toy Stories? What did you think?

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ANOTHER GREAT TRAIN BLOG

Here's another great train blog I came across this week Model Train Blog. Check it out.

Leave a COMMENT HERE if you like it.

MODEL TRAIN HELP

I like to share sites as I come across them. Model Train Help is an instantly downloadable e-book worth $79.95(US), but currently on sale at $39.97(US), and includes free bonuses.

Model Train Help includes hundreds of model railroad tips, model railroading secrets, and clever tips to save you time, money and frustration with your model train layout.

If you are into model trains, this would be a valuable resource whether you are a beginner or already started. Grab your copy of Model Train Help today while it is still on sale at $39.97(US), including free bonuses!

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MODEL TRAINS / MODEL RAILROADING - ONE DAY SALE

(the links in this article have been removed - sorry!)

ONE DAY SALE! This is THE model railroading "how to" system.

1. Model Trains for Beginners
2. The Quick Start Guide to Model Railroading
3. Seven Quick & Easy Ways To Save Money Building Your Model Railroad
4. Weathering Your Model Railroad Made Simple
5. The 7 Mistakes Almost Every Model Train Beginner Makes
6. A Model Train Glossary and Important Resources
7. Free Updates
8. 30 Days Free Access to The Model Train Insiders Club

This comprehensive package normally sells for $47, but is on special for only $27.

If you're into model railroading,don't miss out.
 

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CASTLEDARE MINIATURE RAILWAY

Castledare Miniature Railway

Castledare Miniature Railway is a fond memory from my childhood. The joy of riding around in an open cart pulled along by a miniature steam train. The train travels along a 5km track along the Canning River. It is a memory I'll not forget.

The Railway is located in Wilson, a southern suburb of Perth, Western Australia, on the grounds of Castledare Boys Home, an orphanage run by Christian Brothers. It was a purpose built institution for the treatment and training of intellectually handicapped children, underprivileged boys, and English migrant children, in many ways ahead of its time. It is the only known school developed according to the new ideals for treatment of the intellectually handicapped in the late 1920s in Western Australia.

Castledare is a site of early settlement in the Canning district, and the homestead Niana represents the growing wealth of the district at the turn of the century.

Castledare Boys Home closed down in 1984, but the original Niana homestead remains in place, and the later development into a children's home remains clear. The miniature railway continues to run today.

But sadly, in the 1960s and 1970s, the swamp around the area was filled using asbestos tailings from the James Hardie factory at the invitation of the Christian Brothers. The base for the track was also laid using asbestos, as were some of the old paths.

James Hardie has been embroiled in Asbestosis and Mesothelioma cases from previous employees for a number of years. But now there is a case involving a visitor to the Castledare Boys Home in the 1970s.

Child's play sparks fears of a new breed of asbestos victims - The West Australian, August 2009.

Young asbestos victim a 'tragic case' - The West Australian, April 2010.

Modern asbestos laws would not allow this to happen today. It is a shame that such a fantastic memory is now tainted. My heart goes out to the victim, to Castledare, and to the people who grew up and worked at the home.

A Short History of the Castledare Miniature Railway


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MTRAINS CO UK

I don't collect trains, but I have very fond memories as a child playing with my father's train set.

He took great pride in his impressive train terrain, with tracks running this way and that, through tunnels, past barns and farmyard animals, stopping at the platform.

I remember learning to drive the train. Moving the transformer handle slowly so the train could pull gently away from the platform.

Learning to slow down to take the bend, and gently hooking onto a new carriage.

It was a masterful art, one that I am very pleased my father shared with me.


Here's a little train site I came across -

http://www.mtrains.co.uk/.











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THE HORNBY DUBLO COLLECTION

I found this great blog page over the weekend. If you're a Hornby Dublo enthusiast, take a look at this page.


The Hornby Dublo Collection - Ramblings from a Derailed Enthusiast.



There's some great photos and some great thoughts. It's not just about trains. There's other things too. It's an interesting page. I hope you think so too.