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In railroading terms, a “Fallen Flag” refers to a railroad or transportation company that is no longer in operation. As it relates to this project, the following railroads were all interacting with each other in 1970, but are no longer in business today: Southern Pacific; Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe; Northern Pacific; Great Northern; Chicago, Quincy, and Burlington; Burlington Northern.

Z scale was developed by Märklin in the early 1970’s, and is the smallest of all the working models — so small that a little layout could potentially fit in a briefcase. Today, Z scale is one of the fastest growing segments of the model railroad hobby. However, because it is so small, there are many details that people like which cannot be properly represented.

N scale is a popular model railway scale. Depending upon the manufacturer (or country), the scale ranges from 1∶148 to 1∶160. The terms N scale and N gauge are often inaccurately used interchangeably, as scale is defined as ratio or proportion of the model, and gauge only as a distance between rails.

“HO” means “half – O;” models are half the size of O Scale. HO is the most popular scale with the greatest selection of sets and accessories, as it allows lots of railroad action in a small area. Children may need adult help to set up or take down the set.

S Scale trains appeared in the 1950s (American Flyer was one of several popular brands) as houses grew smaller. Its chief advantage was size; larger than HO for more detail and improved reliability, but smaller than O Scale so less room was needed for a layout. Today, the selection of kits and assembled items is small, but this has made S Scale popular with modelers who enjoy the challenges of scratchbuilding and kitbashing.

O Scale trains also include “On30” Sets, which are O Scale models that run on a narrower track — just 30 scale inches wide. They’re ideal for use with Christmas Villages. “O27″ gauge sets will take tighter curves — which makes these O Scale sets a good choice when space for bigger trains is limited. (The number 27 refers to the 27” diameter of a full circle of track.)
Big models, sometimes called “Large Scale” trains. Sizes range from 1/22.5 to 1/25 and also includes #1 gauge (1/32 Scale) equipment. The largest electrically powered models, starter sets set up in small areas. Some brands can be used outdoors, in garden layouts. The large size of G-scale trains allows for rugged handling by younger children. Many models have working parts that enhance play value.

Track gauge refers to the distance between the rails.  Typically, the term “standard gauge” means rails that are 4′ 8.5″ apart, or 1435 mm.  Narrow gauge is anything less than that. The distance is measured between the inside surfaces of the railheads. As an example, HO scale (1/87 proportion), standard gauge rails are 16.5 mm apart.

A model railroad that is built to represent real railroads during a specific period and location, such as Portland, Oregon in 1968 – 1971. This would include appropriate equipment, buildings, vehicles, signs, paint and period specific weathering. 
It’s a model railroad that starts in one location and ends up in another. There is no continuous running loop. 

A model railroad that has effectively at least one “circle” or circuit of track, so that trains may run continuously is called a continuous loop.

Digital Command Control, or DCC is a modern, digital format for managing model trains. Instead of slowing increasing voltage in model railroad electrified rails, DCC sends a solid electrical signal to the rails, and then manages locomotives based on circuit boards installed in them. DCC permits accurate “lashups” of multiple locomotives, management of lights, horns, bells, and other sounds. 

Essentially, yes to both. Many DCC systems have an option to use address 0 (zero) to run DC locomotives.  Note that the motors will make a high pitched whining noise and there is the possibility they will wear more quickly. Meanwhile, many DCC decoders have an analog feature that is often set to the “on” position by default, so they will run on DC.  DCC locomotives, especially sound equipped locomotives, will generally take a lot more throttle to get moving than a DC locomotive.  

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