Bench work: A sturdy, level frame that is the foundation of a model railroad layout. Wood is the most popular material for bench work.

Freelance: Modeling that doesn't closely follow an actual railroad.

Kit bashing: Taking one or more model railroad kits and changing the construction process or combining parts from different kits to create a unique model.

Motive power: Another word for locomotives, the pieces of rolling stock that do the work of moving trains down the road.

Operation: Running trains on a layout in a way that simulates real railroad activity.

Power pack: Electrical device used to supply current to a model train and control its speed and direction.

Rolling stock: Any piece of railroad equipment that rides on the rails.

Scratch building: Making a model from raw materials and parts, not using kits.

Sectional track: Prefabricated interlocking track sections that can be easily assembled and disassembled.

Weathering: Making new models look more realistic by simulating age and exposure to the elements.

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2003, Kalmbach