The following words and definitions are commonly used in model railroading. This information is provided to help new modelers better understand some of the language used in our great hobby.

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Layout: the term used to refer to how an individual sets up his or her model railroad. Layouts can fit in a briefcase, fill entire buildings, or circle your property (garden railways).  My site focuses on Michigan rail lines both past and present.

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Trackplan: the track design used to establish a train's potential routes through a model railroad layout. Three primary trackplan/layout types are defined here:

Loops allow a continuous run without many wiring or switching complications.

Out & Back may require a reversing loop but allows the train to make a journey to a location and then a return from that location. Point to Point is the most realistic in terms of replicating prototype operations, but will typically require more space to provide a satisfactory experience. All of these types of layouts can be combined in any way: the most important thing is that the trackplan should satisfy the owner's interests and provide enjoyment.

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Control & Power: the type of power and control system used to operate the layout. This can be as simple as a power pack and two wires, or as complex as a separate room with a radio controlled dispatcher and digitally programmed and controlled locomotives.

  

Track & Turnouts: model railroad track is available as a variety of fixed radius curves and straight sectional pieces. There is also pre-fabricated  flexible track and miniature wood ties and rails that can be used to actually lay track by hand. A "turnout" is a set of rails that splits into two or more different routes and is often called a "switch track" or "switch."

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Scale: the ratio between the model and the real thing. There are six primary "scales" in model railroading: Z=1:220, N=1:160, HO=1:87, S=1:64, O=1:48, and Gn3=1:22.5. For example every actual 1 foot of distance in HO scale represents 87' of distance in the real world.

  

Gauge: a standard established to ensure compatibility among common users.  In the real world, "standard gauge" rails are 4'-8 1/2" apart, while "narrow gauge" rails are less. This term is sometimes interchanged for "scale," as the letters in model railroad scales often stand for a common measurement. For instance, N Scale originated in Europe as a "N"ine millimeter gauge modeling system.

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Prototype: the real thing, or 1:1 scale! The term can also refer to a specific railroad or set of practices. For example, "My favorite prototype is Conrail" or "Gee, pouring model coal into my hoppers from a measuring cup is not like how the prototype operation works!"

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