Definitions by Tom from the Shore

O27 

An older type of toy electric train, so named beccause it was meant to travers a 27 inch diameter curve. Usually sold as a cheaper version of O Gauge, a common train typified by makers such as Lionel. O27 was made by Ives, Lionel, Marx and K-Line. It is still made by Lionel.

O27 has the same gauge (distance bwteen outer rails) as regular O Gauge trains. This distance is 1 and 1/4 inches.

I have one of those Marx O27 sets.

The O27 is not as fancy as O Gauge, but it is a lot of fun!

O27 by Tom from the Shore December 12, 2007

O Gauge 

A size of toy or model electric train. O is the size, and gauge refers to the distance between the outer rails. The gauge of the O train is 1 and 1/4 inches. The most prolific maker was Lionel. O gauge also refers to the basic curve of Lionel trains, that being 31 inches in diameter.

We have an O gauge model railway in the basement.

Lionel makes O Gauge, which is larger than H.O.

O Gauge by Tom from the Shore December 12, 2007

H.O. 

1) A specific type of model electric train. Known both as H.O. scale and H.O. gauge. The letters come from "Half-O", since H.O. was originally half the size of an O gauge train. The scale of H.O. is 1/67, and its gauge is 16.5mm. H.O. trains are the most popular size in the world.

2) the scale of H.O. trains, which is 1/87. It can eb applied to trains, minitaure figures, or model kits.

1) Jimmy has a set of H.O. trains running in his basement.

The Hobby Shop carries H.O. trains

2) Are those model plains 1/72 or H.O. scale?

This diorama is done to a precise H.O. scale.

H.O. by Tom from the Shore December 12, 2007

High angle primers 

Field artillery slang. High angle primers are a nonexistent item that is used to trick rookies. Often used to send unsuspecting rookies on a wild goose chase.(Regular artillery primers work at low and high angles, so there is no high-angle version of them).

"Go down to the motor pool and ask Sergeant Williams for some high angle primers."

High angle primers by Tom from the Shore November 19, 2007

Bucket of Muzzle Blast 

Among artillerymen, a nonexistent item used to trick rookies. It is commonly used to send rookies on a wild goose chase. (Muzzle blast is the burst of smoke and fire that erupts from the muzzle when a shell is fired.)

"Private, go to the supply sergeant and see if he can find you a bucket of muzzle blast."

Bucket of Muzzle Blast by Tom from the Shore November 19, 2007

Sky hook 

Among soldiers in the 1970s, there was no such thing as a sky hook. It was a fictional item used to send rookies on a wild goose chase.

"Private, go over to Charlie Battery and ask them if they can lend yo ua sky hook."

Sky hook by Tom from the Shore November 19, 2007

Zamboon 

Slang term for a Zambian soldier. The term originated in the 1970s with White mercenaries in the region of Zambia, Rhodesia, Botswana, South Africa.

The Zamboons were trading mortar fire with Botswana.

Zamboon by Tom from the Shore November 12, 2007