Retro Model Railroads
Instructions: All aboard! Test your knowledge of the classic hobby of model railroading from its golden era.
- 1.
Which iconic American company was best known for its O-gauge model trains and became synonymous with model railroading?
ALionelBAmerican FlyerCTycoDBachmann - 2.
What gauge did American Flyer trains famously use, which featured more realistic two-rail track?
AS gaugeBN gaugeCO gaugeDHO gauge - 3.
What does 'HO scale' stand for in model railroading?
AHorizontal OrientationBHobby OfficialCHalf O (scale)DHome Operation - 4.
Which popular magazine, first published in 1934, became the go-to publication for model railroad enthusiasts?
ALocomotive MonthlyBModel RailroaderCTrain CollectorDRailroad Modeler - 5.
What was the traditional setting for many family model train layouts, especially around the holidays?
AThe front porchBUnder the Christmas treeCThe atticDThe garage workbench - 6.
Which German company, known for high-quality HO scale trains, was a favorite among serious modelers?
APikoBRocoCFleischmannDMärklin - 7.
What material was commonly used to create realistic mountains and terrain on model railroad layouts?
APapier-mâché and plaster clothBStyrofoam onlyCModeling clayDConcrete mix - 8.
What was a 'transformer' used for in model railroading?
ATransforming the layout designBChanging track gaugesCControlling the speed and direction of trainsDConverting DC to AC power - 9.
Which affordable brand of HO trains, sold in department stores in the 1960s-70s, was many children's introduction to the hobby?
AKatoBAtlasCTycoDProto 2000 - 10.
What did modelers call the miniature non-moving people, animals, and vehicles placed on layouts for realism?
ADiorama piecesBScenery bitsCAccessories and figuresDFigures or rolling stock - 11.
What type of small trees were often made using lichen, a dried natural material, on vintage layouts?
ADeciduous treesBPalm treesCAll types of scale treesDPine trees - 12.
Which track configuration allows a train to turn around and go back the way it came?
AA crossoverBA wye or turntableCA sidingDA grade crossing - 13.
What was 'ballast' on a model railroad?
AThe base board of the layoutBA type of rail jointCCrushed stone material spread between and around the track tiesDExtra weight added to locomotives - 14.
Which classic Lionel accessory featured a small building where a man would pop out to receive or deliver mail bags from passing trains?
AThe Lionel GatemanBThe Lionel Mail Car PickupCThe Lionel Station PlatformDThe Lionel Operating Mailbag Car - 15.
What organization, founded in 1935, is the largest model railroad group in the world?
AAmerican Model Railroad LeagueBInternational Train Collectors SocietyCNational Model Railroad Association (NMRA)DModel Railroad Club of America