Operation Manual

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(Märklin Z, Märklin 1), since the plus and minus polarities meet each other on the reverse loop.
Ring Circuit: A line for supplying current that runs across the entire layout and that feeds current to
the rails about every 2 meters / 6-7 feet. On larger layouts this is the recommended way to achieve
a reliable power supply.
Roadbed: The layer on which model railroad track can be laid. This layer is constructed in such a
way to reduce noise and vibration. The C Track comes with its own roadbed.
Route: A defi ned path for trains safeguarded by turnouts and signals. On a model railroad a route is
generated by a fi xed series of switching commands for turnouts and the signals assigned to these
turnouts. These commands can be done by hand or automatically by means of the Memory unit or
the Central Station.
Screen Wire: Fine wire loosely woven like cloth for making scenery. It is stretched over supports.
Covered with plaster-like materials, it forms the foundation for model railroad landscapes. Scenery
paper, paper specially treated for use in making scenery, can also be used in place of screen wire.
Separation Point: A transition between two track ends, whereby at least one current-conducting
connection (the center or the outer conductor, also known as the hot and ground conductors) is
separated. In some applications both the center and the return conductors are separated.
Shuttle Train: A train that goes back and forth between 2 or more points.
Signal: A safeguard installation which generates a visual, acoustic, or electrical impulse. A signal
usually indicates whether the track section or block after it is occupied or free. Distant signals
give information about what setting the next home signal has. Semaphore signals were typical for
earlier eras. Now, main lines are usually safeguarded by color light signals.
Solenoid Accessory: A generic term for controllable track elements with an electromagnetic
mechanism.
Staging Yard: A concealed station or yard area for storing complete trains. The trains leaving this
area change automatically when an appropriate circuit is used.
Station: A railroad installation where trains begin, end, cross each other, pass each other, or
change tracks. The station is separated from the main line by entry signals and turnouts.
Stopping Point: A railroad installation at which trains begin, end, or stop.
Sub Frame: A structure, usually a honeycomb frame, which supports the layout.
Switching: Locomotive operations for breaking up or assembling trains, an activity that is fun to
reproduce on a model railroad.
Track: A path or right-of-way for the operation of vehicles running on rails, consisting of ties and
rails, the entire structure laid on and in a bed of crushed rock, the roadbed.
Track Bumper: The end piece of a stub end track that keeps a train from going further beyond the
track.
Track Spiral: A cylindrical spiral construction for laying track. This construction allows you to
reach a higher elevation with a minimum of space.
Track Subbed: On open framework construction plywood about 10 millimeters / 3/8 inches thick cut
to form a board that follows the path of the track and on which the track is screwed. This plywood
is cut to extend about 10 millimeters / 3/8 inches beyond the roadbed, somewhat more where there
are signals, tunnel portals, etc., so that there is space for the base for these components.
Transfer Table: An installation for transferring locomotives from one track to another, usually in
front of a rectangular locomotive shed. A transfer table consists of a track that can be moved back
and forth parallel to approach tracks connected to the transfer table. Locomotives can be trans-
ferred in this way to a parallel track or to a track in the locomotive shed. A transfer table saves
space because a large area of turnouts at the approach to the locomotive sheds is not required.
Transformer: A device for transforming AC voltage from the household voltage of 230 / 120 volts
(230 in Europe, 120 in North America) to a maximum of 24 volts for model train operations. A trans-
former serves as a power source for model railroad layouts.
Tunnel: A structure in the shape of a tube or pipe that enables a railroad right-of-way to continue
underground. Tunnels are the ideal entry to a staging yard.
Turnout: Track connections that allow a train to change to another track without interruption. In
model railroading there are three-way turnouts, curved turnouts, and double slip switches in ad-
dition to the standard turnout.
Turntable: A railroad installation for turning locomotives. The turntable is round and can be turned
around a fi xed pivot. The track in the middle makes the connection from the locomotive tracks to
the locomotive sheds.
Uncoupler Track: A section of track that uncouples cars and locomotives with an electronic im-
pulse or by hand.
Weathering: The process of treating models and buildings with color in order to provide them with
signs of everyday use such as rust, soot, or repairs on locomotive bodies that show up in colors
different from the rest of the locomotive body.