FAQ von GartenBahn DatenBank

All pictures, even those on the net, are generally covered by copyright. You are only allowed to upload pictures if you are the rightful owner. If you wish to use pictures from other sources, you must obtain permission of the copyright owner in writing before you upload those pictures.

When categorizing your entry into this database, please note that in addition to the three major categories (Germany, Switzerland, USA/Canada), we have also included categories for Europe and World. The intent is that for example UK rolling stock would be categorized under Europe and all rolling stock that does not fit any of these categories would be classified under world. In those cases it would be useful if you wrote a few short sentences about that specific railroad.

To ensure that a reasonable format is maintained once there are thousands of entries in this database, and it will be that many in a few months, it is important that the title of each entry follows a uniform structure.
Other entries such as Length and weight are self-explanatory.

The title should be described as follows (without the --- of course, see examples below):

Railroad --- Type (if in words) --- rolling stock --- designation/name ---Type (if numeric or abbreviated) --- running/operating number

If anyone of these "categories" does not apply then the appropriate field is simply not used.

"Railroad" - Examples are DB, DR, RhB, ATSF, PRR but also Disney, Coca-Cola, Snoopy etc. Should both types of expressions be used on a single item, which happens relatively seldom, then the real railroad name is listed first followed by the other designation, for example MOB Coca-Cola or RhB Nestle.

"Rolling Stock)" - Main description, for example Steam Engine, Dieselloco, Streetcar, Passengercar, Freightcar etc. If a more specific description is appropriate, such as Saloncar, Restaurantcar, Tankcar, Hopper, Combine, then this description is to be used. 1st class, 2nd class etc. are parts of this category and are added at the end.

"Designation/Name" - specific name of a piece of rolling stock, for example Heidi (the RhB steam loco) or "New Orleans" (the US streetcar). Will not be used in most cases.

"Type (if numeric or abbreviated)" - Designations such as Ge 4/4 II, GG-1 or G 3/4

Here are a few typical examples - the title on the left and the category-fields that were used on the right:

HSB Steamengine 99 6001-4 (Field 1, 3, 6)
RhB Steamengine Heidi G 3/4 (Feld 1, 3, 4, 5)
DB Dieselloco V 200 033 (Field 1, 3, 6)
Amtrak Genesis Dieselloco Phase V (Field 1, 2, 3, 5)
PRR E-loco GG-1 (Field 1, 3, 5)
RhB Panoramacar, 1st classl. GEX (Field 1, 3, 5)
Compartmentcar, 3rd class (Field 3)
BN Center-Flow Hopper 455621 (Field 1, 3, 6)

The product areas that are of interest to collectors vary widely.
They range from the LGB Stainz to tankcars, Christmas items and Circus sets.
Please use the bottom window (Themes) in the entry field to include keywords such as Stainz, Coca-Cola or Circus.
Keywords must be a single word. Do not enter words like "beer car" with a space since the search engine will then bring up all entries of "car"

Uploading pictures is quite simple. You must be registered to do so. Then select one of the secondary categories where you wish the picture and information to appear. An LGB Stainz for instance would fit into the category "Dampflok/Rest/Stainz/
You will then find this button

at the top right.
This will take you to the input field where you can select the picture on your computer and enter the relevant data.
You do not need to create a thumbnail picture, the system will generate that automatically.

It is possible to modify the individual data fields for each picture, but it is not possible to modify the pictures themselves or move the information to a different category. If that is required, you must delete the complete entry and he reselect the picture and enter the data again. In exceptional circumstances, the administrator can modify pictures and move the information to a different category.

Pictures cannot exceed a size of 800 pixels in either direction. I use the application IrtfanView, that application is freeware for private use.

I do not add any copyright information to these pictures, after all, these are and remain your pictures. It is up to the individual to add copyright information if he so desires. I personally think it is better if you do so, but please in a tasteful manner.
To add this information, I use an application called Picture-shark which is also freeware.

Please register only if you intend to upload your pictures and relevant data. You do not require any registration to simply look at the pictures and read the information. I do not wish to start a collection of user data.
I reserve the right to delete any user data which is obviously invalid or incorrect without verification with the user.

At this time, the following manufacturers have been included:
Aristo-Craft, Bachmann, Baumann, Berlyn Locomotive Works, Brandbright Ltd., BRAWA,
Champex-Linden, Dampfmodellbau Reppingen, Dietz, Fertig Modellbahnen,
Franks Garten-Bahnen, G Action Models, Hartland Locomotive Works, Kiss, Krafthöfer,
LGB, LGB of America, Magnus, MTH Electric Trains, Neule, Piko, Roundhouse,
Regner, Scheba-Modellbahn , USA-Trains

Service Parts Diagram:

The link to a specific parts diagram is generated automatically if such a diagram is available for that product.
Since we cannot check all this information and since manufacturers often revise the product, you need to verify that the service parts diagram linked to matches the specific model that you are interested in. In other words - use these drawings at your own risk.

It is likely that additional categories may be required in future. These will be added by the administrator as needed.

Only the information you see at this time can be displayed. It is not possible to generate a list of all pictures, categories, authors, manufacturers etc.