You are quite right. The dimensions are not of the same proportions. If the ratio of the 24:10.75 that only expands your 14.25 to 32". You will have canvas not covered. You can expand the photo by the 36:14.25 ration but then you will have to crop about 3 inches off of your finished painting. I used to paint that way too. If you have any border in the picture, ie, stuff in the photograph that isn't critical and won't be missed if you leave it out I would go with the 36:14.25 ratio. It will just have the effect of a slightly larger blowup.

P.S. If you go that route. Use 2.5 as an approximate multiplier for dimensions in the photo. It leaves you a tiny bit short but you can fake the edges.

Wood Presents and Russian Painting in Art Shop Online

Originally Khokhloma wood tableware were produced in monasteries and for the czar court only. At that time Khokhloma tableware production was not large scale. It was because of expensive imported tin. In 1720s after the end of the North War tin flow to Russian increased. The price went down and the material came within reach of many masters. The production and the sales of brightly painted hand made art works expanded.

Thus in the XIX century items with khokhloma painting were famous not only in Russia but in Persia, India, Middle East, the USA and Australia as well. The export of khokhloma items grew after the worldwide exhibition in 1889 in Paris.

In 1916 Nizhegorodskoye Zemstvo established the first School for Wood-Working Arts and Crafts in Semyonov. The folk arts and folklore flourished in Volga region near Nizhny Novgorod province. No other territory in Russia could equal it in the number and originality of the folk arts and crafts that had sprang to life and were developed in the local communities. The Khokhloma art painting on wooden tableware is the type of Nizhny Novgorod folk art craft that became most popular in Russia and foreign countries.

The "grass-leaves" decorative ornaments and their peculiar color scheme suggest that the Khokhloma art is rooted in the ancient Russian decorative culture while the imitation of gilt ornaments on wood dates back to the medieval Russian handicraft skills. The painting technique has been somewhat upgraded but remains essentially the same as in the ancient time.
Khokhloma russian painting amazes you with its delicate grass pattern and festive coloring, which is based on combination of scarlet cinnabar and flittering gold against the black lacquer background. This is Khokhloma specific feature. Masters used tin powder and lacquer to obtain such gold color. Now they use aluminum powder.

First, the art tableware are shaped on a lathe from the dried lime wood, which are turned into bowls, vases, mugs, dishes and spoons.

They are dried and covered with red and brown primer, so that they start looking like earthen. The unpainted articles are now coated with drying oil. Next they are polished with powdered aluminium. They become dull shining, like silver, and go to the painting division. Painted articles are then varnished and hardened in ovens at the temperature of 120-130 degrees. The heat turns the varnish yellow, the "silver" into "gold" and mellows the vivid design with an even, golden tone.

The Khokhloma dishes, cups and wooden drink pots were used for serving food at holiday feasts. The wooden tableware using at the Moscow house of an important statesman had to look valuable; accordingly, they were modeled on the rich painted plates decorated with real golden fabricated by the jewelers for the luxurious homes of the Russian nobility. Thanks to the special varnish and high-temperature processing they are quite practical and safe in use. You can drink and eat using these Khokhloma tableware, because such wares not sensitive to cold and hot, salty and sour food.

Apart from Khokhloma wood presents of tableware most visitors to Russia will have at least one set of Matrioshka dolls in their luggage. These dolls within dolls have long been a source of fascination. The undoing of the main doll to reveal others almost ad-in-finitem has always produced wonderment and appreciation for the woodcrafts art.

Examples of beautiful Khokhloma wood art presents, Paleh and Mstera lacquered miniatures you can look at art store online site. It is amazing that what started out as a true folk tradition over 300 years ago is still thriving and remains basically true to it's roots, albeit on a more organized scale.

About the Author

Will Nilson, Art News Department of Art store online, 2007.
Online art gift store suggest wood present ideas for home and office decorations!
Here you can view unique art collections of handcrafted wooden tableware and buy any liked wood art gifts.

It depends on the set & conditions of the stuff you are sellling I own a lot of Bachman locomotives in both dc & dcc ,I have paid around $50.00 for each one. Bachman stuff is usually inexpensive

Guide to Train Set Power Packs for Bachmann Model Trains

So you've finally decided which new layout you want for your Bachmann model trains. You've carefully planned your train expansion and realize you must now consider expanding your power source. When working with any brand of train set, power packs play an important role.

Unfortunately, a starter train set is rarely sufficient for your goals and it doesn't take long to realize how much better the experience will be with a bit of additional power. Even worse is the fact some power packs aren’t even afforded adequate protection against burnouts; which is a risk to your investment. With those thoughts in mind, we've put together a few buying tips and general guidelines that will help you decide the best power pack for your own train set.

So what exactly is a power pack's purpose in the world of Bachmann model trains? Simply put, power packs serve as rectifiers that alternate from A.C. to D.C. and they include transformers that monitor the voltage and incorporate a rheostat that works as a variable resister allowing better control over the speed of the train. Don't let this overwhelm you- the good news is all of the variables and formulas have already been incorporated into the many power packs on the market. Your biggest task will be selecting the right one for your needs.

Many enthusiasts will suggest incorporating a separate power source for accessories. If your model toys include many of the bells and whistles such as lights and the ability to switch machines, it's recommended your incorporate one of these separate power packs. It will eliminate the frustrating slowing of your train each time you command your other accessories. Ideally, a two amp power pack will serve the purpose, but at least consider a one amp pack. This will ensure fewer power surges and interruptions.

At this point, you may wish to consider adding a pulse switch. This allows half the A.C. wave cycle to be directed towards a rapidly pulsating D.C. One advantage to incorporating a pulse switch is the ability to better manipulate your Bachmann model train set at lower speeds while helping the motor to overcome friction. It's important to note despite the advantages of adding a pulse switch, there is always the risk of the motor overheating which might cause it to burn out. Although this isn't common, it's important to know the possibility exists. One way to avoid this is to ensure the gears aren't too tightly wound and sufficient lubrication is in place to avoid overheating.

Finally, as with everything else electrical these days, the world of Bachmann model trains has kept pace with the technological advances of contemporary times. Today’s electronic packs are designed to release a quick first surge of power to get your model train set moving until it's receiving D.C. at higher speeds.  The changes in the throttle determine spikes in frequencies, thereby ensuring a more realistic start with no jumps or shortages. Other new advances include throttles that you can move around with and radio controlled throttles that ensure complete control over your train set. You even have the option of command throttles that allow you to run multiple independent trains simultaneously.

As you can see, when it comes to train set power packs, plenty of options abound. It's not as overwhelming as it seems. Following these tips can bring any Bachmann model trains to their highest output for maximum enjoyment. A bit of knowledge will arm you as you begin the search for the right power pack that meets your needs.

About the Author

Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Bachmann model trains. Click here to download our free train set guidebook filled with helpful tips, ideas and information.

call ur local model train store and they can help u

Track Layout Ideas for your Model Train

For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the rolling stock is only the start of what will become an extensive, and possibly life changing project - maybe very costly, certainly very time consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable.

The major part establishing a model railroad project is the design and implementation of the layout – the diorama with scenery, structures and appropriate scale track for operating the trains.

The size of the layout you can design, build and operate depends on the amount of room in which you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite small - shelf-top designs that can be accommodated in a very small space. Others can fill part of a room, or even a whole room or basement.

For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be adequate but most model railroaders aim to establish larger, permanent layouts. These will usually require construction of suitable benches, often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a high degree of stability.

An important aspect of any model train setup is the arrangement of the track itself. There are at least four basic layout patterns for setting out the track, and countless variations of both track configuration and subsequent station placement.

Four of the more common basic patterns are:

* point to point - this is merely a straight line of track with a station at each end, with trains going from the station at one end to the other station;

* continuous loop – in its simplest form this is either a circle or an oval and the trains move around it continuously, but it could be modified into a ‘dogbone’ shape by pulling two opposite sides of the circle or oval together, giving a double track appearance in the middle with a smaller circular shape at either end;

* out and back – where the train leaves the single station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and returns to the original station;

* station yard only – where a single station is surrounded by a number of short, interconnected tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting.

From these four basic patterns, there are countless variations. Some possibilities are:

* combining two or more of the four basic patterns, for example adding an ‘out and back’ at one or both ends of a ‘point to point’ layout;

* adding double track to any of the first three basic layouts to allow two or more trains to operate at the same time;

* adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the number of stations;

* arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, even elevating one track over the other rather than having the crossing at the same level;

* using multiple levels, allowing the use of more track, and thus more activity, in small areas;

* adding station yards, with adequate standing tracks, to any of the configurations.

The number of possible variations you incorporate into your track layout will only be limited by the space you have available, your time [and your patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet.

About the Author

John Vanse is a model train enthusiast who has a number of websites related to ‘the greatest hobby on earth’.
You can find more information about these at The Model Train Guide

Tyco stuff isn't the rarest trains, but since you have orignal boxes that is good. Your best bet would be ebay., since their are no price guides for tyco items. Good Luck.

Alex

Buyers Guide for Model Train Toy Locomotives

If you are new to model railroading, here are a few important facts to help you get off to a great start. Your local train toy dealers can be a great help to you. Most dealers are eager to help new hobbyists learn the ropes and start building their collection. However, buyers must beware because there are also some unethical dealers who take advantage of beginners. The unfortunate result is spending too much money on foundational components or buying components that you really do not need at this point.

In an article written by Richard Dilley, he identifies two types of railroad equipment: those produced for the serious model railroader and those produced for what he refers to as the train toy market. Naturally, the latter market is big for parents and grandparents searching for a child's first model train and who know interest can be lost quickly as the child grows. What follows are tips aimed as the serious railroaders.

When buying locomotives, you should know there are many ways to improve operation of the electric motor. As you might suspect, the quality of the motor plays a large role in how effective the locomotive is on the track. And too, higher quality motors operate more efficiently so they don't require as much electricity to operate properly. Another factor to keep in mind is the weight. Heavier locomotives get better contact with the track, which improves the "pick up" factor. Also, consider adding flywheels to the ends of the motor. Incorporating these prevents the initial lurch that's common when a model train is powered up.

Dilley also encourages enthusiasts to remove the locomotive from the box for a closer examination. He warns store personnel may discourage it, but it's important to ensure the locomotive meets your standards. He goes on to warn that if you damage or break it, you'll have to purchase it.

After you've selected your locomotive, you'll then move on to choose the rolling stock that will follow the locomotive. Using the same thought process as you did with your selection of the locomotive, you'll want to closely inspect the wheels to be sure they're stable and there's no wobble.  The presence of wobbling is indicative of bent axles. The wheels will most likely be made of plastic or metal, both of which are acceptable; however, you should try to select rolling stock with metal axles. Metal axles are less likely to bend.

Finally, engage the sales person in conversation. You want to know the store's return policy, his thoughts and opinions on any particular locomotive or rolling stock and if any other customers have offered feedback on what you're now considering. Most of us consider a model train toy as much an investment as a hobby and as with all investments, a few up front precautions can protect us in the future.

About the Author

Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about model train toys. Click here to download a free train toy guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.

Actually, yes. they are done on a closed course, the cameramen are hidden in steel boxes that could withstand a hit by 6 trucks weight. its really an amazing thing to watch.

Ford to Expand China Operations

Auto manufacturers are always looking for ways to increase their presence in the global auto market. Increasing profit involves venturing to other markets aside from one’s very own. That is why car manufacturers such as the Ford Motor Company are steadily increasing their coverage by expanding their global market.

Recently, the member of the U.S. auto market’s Big Three announced that they will be expanding their operation at the world’s second largest auto market. China, the giant of a country, is now steadily increasing its demand for vehicles as the country becomes more and more progressive.

Mei-Wei Cheng, the vice-president of the Ford Motor Company and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Motor China, officially announced their expansion in a news conference. Among other concerns that Cheng reported is the official start of production of engines at the Ford Mazda Engine Company. Cheng announced that the production will start “very soon”. The engines to be produced at the said facility will be used to meet the demand for Ford and Mazda vehicles in the country.

Cheng also announced that the newly opened Ford Mazda Automobile Company will begin production of vehicles to be released in the China auto market will begin before the end of 2007. The automobiles to be assembled at the said facility will be suited to the needs of Chinese motorists. The Ford Motor China also announced that the newest generation of the Ford Mondeo will roll out of their production facility within this year. Cheng announced that the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile Company in Nanjing will be producing small cars.

During his talk, Cheng also announced that the Ford Motor Research & Engineering was recently given approval by the Chinese government. He said that the facility will give the Ford Motor China significant boost in engineering. The institution will also help Ford Motor in the global scale as Ford China will be in a position to help its parent company in designing future models.

“These collective announcements underscore Ford Motor’s commitment to the China market and China’s growing importance to our overall global strategy,” says Cheng. “Ford Motor China now encompasses one of the most comprehensive and competitive operations in the Chinese market, including full-scale vehicle and engine production; research, development and engineering; sales; after sales services; and auto financing. Our local partnerships and the smooth implementation of our China strategy have greatly contributed to Ford becoming a leader of China’s automobile market,” he added further.

As part of the press conference, Cheng announced that the lineup of Ford China will include different vehicle body types such as “premiere and mid-size vehicles, small cars, SAVs, SUVs, and commercial vehicles,” according to Cheng. He also pointed out that the company is offering Ford models which have and is currently popular in the European market. “Our hugely successful European products have also proven to be very popular among Chinese consumers,” Cheng said. “From the hot selling Focus to the eye-catching S-MAX, and now the sleek Mondeo, Ford will continue to introduce our latest auto design engineering concepts to the China market. This will be supported by our renowned professional sales and after sales services, as well as our creative ‘Make Every Day Exciting’ brand campaign,” added Cheng further.

Ford’s business operation in China dates back to 1913 when the most popular car in the world is the Model T. Eighty-eight years later, Ford entered into a partnership with the Chinese company Changan Automotive Corporation. The joint venture was then called the Changan Ford Automobile Corporation. Then, in 2006, Mazda joined the venture and its name was then changed to the Changan Ford Mazda Automobile. With the expansion of this operation more and more Chinese will have access to Ford vehicles which can be equipped with ford cold air intake systems.

About the Author

Given her background on cars as an auto insurance director, Lauren Woods finds the world of cars to be constantly changing.

MOST HO Scale (or N Scale for that matter) manufacturers that sell in the USA comply with the standards of the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) regarding power and track gauge / profile.

AS the first answerer pointed out... there ARE differences between couplers, though MOST have now gone to the standard of a knuckle coupler. You CAN buy after-market couplers to get all the couplers on your layout to match.

MANY locomotives are now DCC ready or DCC equipped... and are really a boon if you want to run a "life-like operation".

I have NOT worked with Lionel in HO... but I have Atlas, Bachmann, Athern, and Kato equipment with an MRC DCC system.

Guide to Lighting Effects for Bachmann Trains or Any Model Railroad

Thinking of adding a new dimension to your model railroad?  Maybe you've already designed a spectacular scenario, complete with varying lighting effects and are looking for a new idea to incorporate?  We have ideas that just might light the way when you're ready to take it to the next level.

Removed or Overhead Lighting - These lights are what you have in your room to showcase your model railroad.  These lighting sources, sometimes referred to as track lighting, should showcase the project in its entirety. One idea is the inclusion of strip lighting with adjustable heads that allow you to shine the light on any particular area.  Consider adding a dimmer switch to the room's overhead lighting too.  It's a great way to define the light - if you're working with small pieces from Bachmann trains, the brighter light will reduce eye strain or if you're showing off your masterpiece, by dimming the lights, you can change the effect of your presentation.

Why Would I Even Want to Modify the Lighting? There are a few reasons for using adjustable lighting sources:
•    To recreate dawn or dusk scenes - consider using low watt pink or blue bulbs.  They can be found in hobby shops or hardware stores.  Alternatively, electroluminescent cable lighting can be used with the same effect.  This is ideal for placement behind scenery with little height since the cable is easily hidden out of sight.
•    To light billboards, streetlights and even railroad crossing lights
•    Small headlights for automobiles

It's all about creativity.  You're limited only by your imagination.  Few things allow us to "write our own rules", but when it comes to designing Bachmann trains or any model railroad, you, as its owner, are allowed complete creative liberty.  Keep in mind too that nothing's permanent.  If one method doesn't create the desired effect, it's easily changed or moved around.  Too many times, we get tunnel vision and forget the countless other ways to recreate a scene or design a layout for our model railroad.

Lighting that Varies with Your Train's Speed - Sometimes you may notice your locomotive's light varies depending on the speed of its motion.  If you've run into this, consider incorporating diodes or resistors to ensure its light is consistent.  Although many find a way to insert batteries, keep in mind it can be bulky and awkward trying to fit it into the allocated space. Remember to wear safety goggles and use caution when working with electricity.  And finally, don't forget to use your creativity.

About the Author

Joe Kanooga is a father of two kids, a successful business owner and the author of numerous articles about Bachmann trains. Click here to download a free model railroad guidebook filled with hobby tips, ideas and information.

Here are some vehicles

Are Body Fat Scales Accurate and Reliable?

Digital scales have come a long way over the past few years. Earlier, digital scales were not even regarded as accurate means of measurement. Now, even the most advanced applications require their use. Along with advanced functions has come the necessity of having an accurate way of measuring weight and body fat at the consumer level. The original body fat meters are still around: body fat calipers. However, these instruments require you to measure yourself, put in your weight, etc and then use the caliper correctly in several different locations on your body. Typically you need to actually know what you are doing in order to get an accurate and reliable measurement. These more old-fashioned techniques are still used by doctors and others to ensure the most accurate results – and they are by far the most accurate means of measuring body fat.

However, advanced technology has been refined and we can have all of this done for us through a body fat scale at a decent price and with fairly accurate precision. Body fat scales use what we call BIA, or bioelectric impedance analysis. In its infancy, BIA was not very accurate and was often thought of as a useless attempt of technology trying to take the place of true science. It was only recently that BIA was refined and perfected so that it could be used with accuracy in body fat scales. When you stand on a body fat scale, bioelectric impedance analysis works by sending a small and harmless electrical current through your body. The body fat scale then measures the amount of resistance your body has to the electrical current. This resistance can then be used to calculate your total body water that in turn can then be to calculate body fat. Now a body fat scale uses this measurement of electricity and also math to figure out your body weight. So, the science and calculations are all there, but the question still remains: Do body fat scales really work, or is it merely theoretical? The answer is a definite yes.

Bioelectrical impedance analysis has turned from a guessing science to a true science. You can actually find a body fat scale that uses high quality BIA for a very reasonable price. The great benefit to having one of these digital body fat scales as opposed to a standard digital bathroom scale is that you will get a more accurate view of your body. For a long time it has been known and told that you shouldn’t always trust what the scale says. Well, think to yourself: What is more important? how much you weigh? or how much fat and muscle you have on your body? Instead of gauging your body on your total weight, you should really gauge it by your body fat percentage. Using a body fat scale will not only allow you to measure your weight but your level of fitness by measuring your body fat. Most athletes weigh a great deal more than anorexic models and movie-stars. Would you rather be just skin and bones with little energy and without the strength to go about and do your daily tasks? I would much rather weigh 20-30 pounds more and be able to do all that I wanted to do. Don’t waste your time standing on a scale and cringing at every gained or lost pound. A body fat scale will focus your thoughts on the question of ‘How fit am I?’ instead of the negative question of how much you weigh. You should focus on how much fat you have on your body, how you feel, and how you feel your body looks. These are the most important things to consider when on a diet or just generally trying to stay fit. A body fat scale will help you to become fit and more motivated to become healthy.

Visit our site for more information on Digital scales, Bathroom Scales, and the

Body Fat Scale.

About the Author

I am an expert in the field of digital scales. I have been and am currently involved in the construction, development, and distribution of digital scales.

dude. go find out from the people who actually figure out the grades. this is not the time to look for possibly wrong advice.

Pollutants Cause Water Damage On A Larger Scale Than You Think

We are becoming increasingly aware that we must learn to conserve our natural resource of water. We can not make it ourselves like electricity, once we are out of clean, drinkable water, we will just be out. Of course, running out of water might be a long, long, time away, but for the future generations it will become increasingly difficult to have adequate water to go around if the world does not stop abusing it now.

Since the dawn of the industrial age, many of our rivers and streams have been polluted to the point that it has been found to be very unsafe to even swim in some of them. Fish have died and been deformed by all the toxic pollutants that have been constantly pumped into many waterways for years. Now, not only are rivers and streams at risk of being ruined, but our very oceans are becoming littered with all sorts of debris and pollutants as well.

While some states in our country are taking action to reduce toxic chemicals and trash being put into their water sources, other places in other countries in the bid to catch up with the other nations in prosperity and productivity are carelessly allowing their water sources to reach the state of the ones we are trying to clean up. It does no good for one area of the Earth to try and repair and maintain safety in our water supply while other areas of the world or disregarding the importance of enacting measures to ensure water cleanliness.

While the cleanliness of our fresh water supplies is vitally important, so also is the conservation of it. We as Americans waste a tremendous amount of water because we have become accustomed to having a great supply at any given time. The recent droughts in the Southern states brought attention and awareness to just how difficult the situation can become when fresh water is in extreme short supply. Many were forced to travel for miles last year just to obtain drinking water for themselves and their animals.

As responsible, intelligent people, we have to start considering the importance of our water supply and begin to treat it with the respect it is due. While we are trying to clean up the air we breathe and damage to our planet in general, water protection and conservation is something that is the responsibility of each and every one of us. We each must make our own contributions now to this effort instead of waiting until there is true crisis for us and our planet.

About the Author

Rachel Yoshida is a writer of many topics, visit some of her sites, like
Water Damage Miami and Water Damage Orlando .

I've heard of people dipping the model into a bucket of pine-sol solution! Let it soak for a while, and watch the paint just peel off!!