DIY Network

Cool Effects Explore the world of model railroad gadgets and special effects. From "Workin' On the Railroad" episode DWRR-213L

Host Chris Chianelli is joined in the Workin' On the Railroad workshop by guest Miles Hale, who showcases different model railroad gadgets available on the market.

Some of the cool special effects include small neon lights, a working oil well and high-end sound that would enhance any layout.

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Great effects that you can add to your model railroad layout come in three basic categories:

Lights

• Simply plug it in and you have an instant neon sign (figure A). This item comes fully wired from Miller Models (see Resources, below).

• A step up is a cool neon sign attached to a building (figure B).

• And the latest technology is movement and light and scale lighting (figure C), which runs at only three volts and will last almost forever.

Figure A

Figure B

Figure C

Action

• A working oil well (figure D) would highlight any model layout. This particular model can be found at Walthers (see Resources, below). It runs off a DC power pack.

• A revolving Pegasus (figure E) works beautifully as ornamentation at a scale gas station.

• Another clever use of animation is a ceiling fan that moves inside this store, which is from a Thomas York kit. It features a simple rubber band drive (figure F).

Figure D

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

Sound

• If there's a sound you'd like to add to your railroad model layout, simply send a tape of the sound to Blackhawk Sound (see Resources, below) and they can send you a chip that can be incorporated into your layout.

• MRC Sound Systems has a product (figure G) that recreates city and country sounds—everything from cows and crickets to street noise. The system comes with two speakers.

Lighting, action and sound can add nuance and reality to your railroad model layout.

RESOURCES :

Magazines and Books on Railroading
Kalmbach Publishing Co.
Website: www.modelrailroaderbooks.com

Building Kits in N, HO, O
Bar Mills Scale Model Works
Website: www.barmillsmodels.com

Model Railroad Products (All Scales)
Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.
Website: www.walthers.com

Building Kits and Details for N, HO
JL Innovative Design
Website: www.jlinnovative.com

Model Train Control Systems (All Scales)
Model Rectifier Corp.
Website: www.modelrectifier.com

Model Railroader magazine
Website: www.kalmbach.com

Lionel Trains in O and G
Website: www.lionel.com

National Model Railroad Association
Website: www.mnra.org

O Scale Trains and Accessories
MTH Electric Trains
Website: www.mthtrains.com

Sound Generators for Layouts (Blackhawk)
Blackhawk Sound
3518 NE Kingwood Place
Lee's Summit, MO 64064
Phone: 816-373-6883

Sound Generators for Layouts (Miller Models)
Miller Models
Website: www.millermodels.com

GUESTS :

Miles Hale
Master Model Railroader
Model Railroading University
5608 N. Mercier Dr.
Kansas City, MO 64118
Phone: 816-746-1567
Website: www.modelrailroadinguniversity.com