For anyone starting a hobby in model railroading, you will soon discover that the first lesson should be in model train scales. Every model train made has a letter associated with it that denotes the size, like HO or O. This establishes two things, firstly how true to life it is and secondly the actual size of the model itself so a model of 1:220 is 220 times smaller than the real train.

The first factor is to determine the scale you want, based on the space you have available. For those with a lot of space it is possible to mix scales which can be great fun but this is really more for the hardcore model railroad enthusiast. Here are some details about some of the model train scales around and the minimum space they will require.

Very small trains are 1:220, which is Z scale. Theses miniature marvels are pretty cute and are ideal if you are restricted for space but like any other scale you can expand the layout and make it bigger as you go along if you so desire. Then there is the N Scale at 1:160. which are reasonably popular if you want to concentrate on the layout more so than the train. These are also good to fit into minimal space as they are quite small too. However one of the most popular scales has to be the HO Scale trains at 1:87.  Not only do they provide a great deal of detail but they allow you to fit a decent sized track even into an average amount of space. These also blend in well with various kinds of scenery to give you a good balance.  My personal favorite is the 1:48, O Scale and the past few decades has seen Lionel producing some great examples of this. You will need plenty of space for a decent layout as these trains are bigger. It would be possible to use a 5-foot by 5-foot area to set up a small oval track however and while this may seem small in comparison to the size of the train, it would suffice if necessary. A layout any smaller than that will mean your view will be dominated by your O Scale train.

These are the main scales used but there are a few others too including G and S but only you can determine which one is best for you. Even though the larger more detailed O Scale trains dominate the layout, some with less space still opt for these.  These are substantial models that are great fun to keep both kids and adults entertained. The good news is that whatever model train scales you prefer; the price is not dependant on the size. You will find a variety of different qualities of model and the better quality trains will obviously be more expensive than a basic one. This is a great hobby to get into and you even may end up with a collection that covers the whole spectrum of scales.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

If you are interested in model train stuff and are considering getting into it as a hobby, here are a few things you need to know before starting to collect and assemble any model train layout. In reality, you do not need very much to start with but the right experience and knowledge will save you a great deal of money in the long run if you become addicted to this hobby. There are pre-assembled layouts available from several manufacturers which are almost ready to go but these will require a little bit of assembly to put them together.

The first thing you need to do is decide on the scale as model trains come in differing varieties measuring from miniscule to large, T scale to G scale and many in between.

The location of your model train layout and the space you have there will help you decide what’s best for you. Note also that these individual scales are incompatible with each other and can’t be mixed and matched so choose one and stick to it. The HO scale (1.87) is by far the most popular worldwide and as a result this has the biggest selection of model train stuff available for it globally. It is also good for beginners as it is sturdy enough to withstand a small amount of rough handling, if you have children, and all the trains as well as the accessories are detailed already. This means it is not necessary to paint them yourselves which makes them a good choice for those whose priority is simply running the trains.

Model trains run on electricity and two forms of power. These are digital command control (DCC) and direct current (DC) although most of the modern models run on the former as it enables you to run several trains at different speeds concurrently. This can be a very dynamic experience particularly in comparison to the DC which is much more limited. With this you just turn on the power and the tracks will start moving. These are more likely to be found in smaller or very tiny scales like T or Z as these trains have difficulty staying on the tracks or pulling any weight due to their small scale. Even dust on the track will stop them running but luckily many of these older Z scale and T scale models can now be changed over to DCC. You may even find that some of the newer models have this feature already so bare these facts in mind especially if you are looking for a bargain by purchasing second hand from a garage sale or the like. It is also worth remembering that international measurements will vary considerably so an item bought in the USA may not be compatible for a train set made in Europe.

The prefect place to find everything you need to get started is a hobby shop. Many of the staff there are on minimum wage but work there because they are passionate about what they do. Not only will you find all the resources for model train stuff to get you started but you will be able to get invaluable information too from experts who will be happy to share their knowledge and experience with you. The down side however is that hobby shops tend to be more expensive than art stores and other places where you can buy the paints and products you it is prudent to shop around.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

Life can be frustrating sometimes if you are a railway modeller because so many things can go wrong or just not look right from the model electric trains and tracks to the rolling stock and scenery. There is actually a very simple reason for this and that is because everything is in miniature so often it may take a magnifying glass to identify problems. The following details common problems that arise and some useful solutions. For a speedy locomotive, contact is key as the current needs to be gathered and the metal wheels need to be spotless. If they are not in pristine condition, the models may lack power and stall. Over a period of time, dirt can build up unnoticed and the train will lose contact with the rails and as this is such a small area it needs to always be kept clean. It is not difficult for a build-up of dirt to cause debris that will obstruct the track to train contact causing it to stall or twitch. The wheels must be metal so never replace them with plastic ones, a mistake made by some in the past.

If you are purchasing passenger cars, check first if there is seating as lack of it will make your carriage resemble a toy. If not, this can be rectified if you buy commercial window tinting material, possibly from a hobby or craft store, then cut it to the appropriate size to fit inside the window so it gives the impression of glass without the transparency. Realistically, this may appear to be polarized. To avoid making the track layout appear muddled, avoid shiny surfaces and kill all gloss by treating it with a solution called Dullcoat. In effect this is a clear lacquer product without gloss that will make all your components look weathered, just like the real thing. Any railway modelers however, should remember not to apply this anywhere near the track or wheels as it will compromise the electrics.

If there are any parts of the track that are concealed from sight, using a small mirror will assist you in locating any inaccuracies that would usually go unnoticed. Rail alignment is easy to check as you can place the mirror to look along the track in order to see the far side of both rails at the same time. Examining the track like this will also allow you to pick up on any minor issues such as kinks, dips or alignments that are slightly out. It is much simpler to use a mirror in many different aspects of track location without having to stretch over the layout. Watch out to see how the track reacts when your train is running as this will give you an idea of any spring in it.

It is not just the wheels that need to be immaculately clean but the track that they run along does too. To keep your tracks in perfect condition, all you need is a lint free cloth – such as the micro fiber variety – and some warm water with soap. Hold the cloth tightly against your fingers and apply it along the track. Then once all moisture has dissipated, run a dry micro fiber cloth over the length of the track making sure no soap remains. Finally, any railway modeller worth his salt needs to ensure he leaves tracks in the scenery. In reality, you never see a car or truck drive through a field or along a trail without leaving a mark so to add realism – if your layout permits – leave tracks behind vehicles so they appear to have been driven on. For additional drama, you could even add skid marks near your level crossing if you desire to make it look even more authentic.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

While children of all ages can take great pleasure playing with model train sets, there are actually many adults who enjoy them to. However, there may be more collecting than playing going on here as there are dedicated train enthusiasts who find it a very pleasurable hobby. A large number of these may work on the railways or be retired train staff.

You can conceive so many wonderful layouts for your railway as a hobby and with a large horizontal wooden board, of any size you wish; you can transform it into a specific railway area of your choice. Railway packages come with many accessories from small dimension boxcars, cabooses and engines to stations, tracks and tunnels. It is also possible to purchase particular parts to customize your collection of coaches and some tracks come with controllers that enable you to have more than one train on at a time by switching tracks.

At present, some of the older Santa Fe railway parts are worth a small fortune as it was one of the major railway businesses for years. In modern times it turned into Burlington Northern Santa Fe after it merged with Burlington Northern. Any pieces of paraphernalia with Santa Fe written on the sides are valuable collectibles that are constantly increasing in worth.

Many collectible trains from the late 19^th and early 20^th century are extremely valuable due to their rarity. Most of these have been housed in numerous train museums worldwide and a lot of the early collectibles are quite heavy as they were originally made of metal while the later railways were made from timber. At present, most of the available collector’s pieces are made from various types of strong plastic.

With collectible railways, there are two types of gauging that are utilized for the tracks and if you are on building model train sets with individual items you need to you get the correct gauge of equipment to ensure it will run along the tracks. There are two options and these are O or S scaled items. The former gauges the distance between the two outer rails of the track while the latter gauges the distance from the two outer rails, so it is slightly bigger.

One of the major producers of collectible trains at the moment is Lionel Model Trains and their most popular seller is the Harry Potter railway at present. This train can be seen taking Harry and the other students from Hogwarts to school at the start of each movie and is expected to outsell the Polar Express which holds the sales record from when it came out in 2004.

If you collect trains to indulge in your preferred hobby or just for the sake of having one, they are actually great to own and the price of collectibles varies as a result of where you buy them and the condition of each piece. Antique stores and yard sales are ideal to find rarer items but you can buy all the latest pieces from many retailers or online. It is also worth checking with your father or grandfather to see if they have any boxes lying around in the basement or garage, which is a strong possibility. If you do come across any model train sets, particularly older collectible railways, it is worth checking their value as you may be sitting on a goldmine that is packed away gathering dust in the attic. There are always keen collectors hunting for that rare classic train not to mention museums dedicated to them who are always on the lookout for extra equipment to expand their displays.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

If you are a beginner to model railroading, it is essential to get the basics correct. With the wrong information or scale figures, this hobby could turn out to be an expensive one that will cause you much frustration. Those who are experienced, frequently use technical jargon that can be confusing for beginners, so if that’s you, then make sure you stop the expert and get him to explain in more simplistic terms for your benefit. Experts often don’t realize they have begun to talk technically and have simply got carried away, forgetting the confused beginner in the process.

To start with, beginners need to understand clearly that model railroading is not just about constructing a basic track and model train set to run around your Christmas tree but is in fact a fully scaled model railway. Like the real thing it should have scenery, buildings, bridges, people and other vehicles plus anything you can possibly imagine. These model train layouts are sometimes designed to simulate a real railway however most have layouts designed and created entirely from the owner’s imagination.

This hobby is one that requires both time and money, as well as an ample amount of space and it is not one that can be completed in a day.  There are planning, construction and operational issues to consider as well as the possibility of expanding the original model in the future. The latter is why many experts say that model railroading is a project that never ends as you will constantly find things you want to change or improve to make it more realistic as well as implementing new techniques you may have learned. This includes the likes of digital command control or DCC, which allows you to operate several trains at the same time and make them all do different things.

You can have lights going on one, horns tooting on another and even smoke coming from the steam trains, all very exciting and fun to do.  DCC has been a revolution for this hobby and has increased the enjoyment factor tenfold while removing the complications with the best control system to help you get started on this hobby. Many who have been constructing their own model train layouts for years still think of themselves as beginners.  This is because there is so much to learn and their model railroads are an ongoing project that may well be endless. Some even consider that to be the best part of this fun hobby so why not give it a go yourself.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

All children absolutely love train sets from the push along versions to the distance control models or even those that can be dismantled when they choose. All train sets for kids will delight for hours of enjoyment, spent watching and playing with these intriguing toys.  If you are considering purchasing a train set for a teenager, there are certain factors to bear in mind and here are some tips to help you make the best choice.

One of the main elements, is the age of the child receiving it. Therefore it is necessary initially to think about the type of model, the dimensions, the operational aspects and also the materials provided to create the toy. The child’s age will also help your decision as you decide whether to opt for a starter equipment pack train or one that is ready to go. Fortunately train sets for kids come in various kits, appropriate for differing ages. While younger kids tend to put things in their mouth, you must consider the dangers involved if there are components that could be removed and swallowed with ease. Sets that are more advanced and designed to be built up are better for children who are older.

Another preceding factor would be the size of the kit, from the train itself and the track lengths included, you must think about the area in where it will be situated to ensure you have enough space. Some of the bigger sets will extend across numerous areas which will increase the child’s excitement and fascination but these are not ideal for smaller children. It may be possible to purchase additional accessories and equipment later, such as tracks and train cars so ask before you buy as their may be an opportunity to develop the set as the child grows older.

Be attentive to the materials used in manufacturing train sets for kids as they may come in a wide range of metal and wood materials. Smaller children are better suited to picket varieties while older ones can play with any kind. It is also worth checking what paint was used initially on the toy too as some floor paints may be extremely toxic if containing lead.

The operational aspects of the train will be decided by the type of train purchased. Those that push backwards and forwards are ideal for toddlers while an electric model will be preferable with slightly older children. However, kids get very bored easily so the novelty of simply watching the train go round may soon wear off therefore think about the levels of enjoyment and entertainment value involved before you make your choice.

There are a multitude of train sets for kids in many different shapes, sizes and designs. Choose from coal and cargo cars that children can fill with bits and pieces or passenger ones that stop at stations, go over bridges or through tunnels. You could even have an automatic crossing complete if you wanted because there are many extras to choose from to add additional features to your set.

Finally, always weigh up the quality involved against the amount you want to spend as these vary according to the elements mentioned previously.  If you resolve to invest in a quality model that will last for many years you will have to spend more money than if a less durable kit that may be thrown around by kids as they play. It may be more affordable but don’t expect it to have longevity! Remember these key factors to ensure you find the perfect one to suit.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

A basic circle oval is one of the simplest model train layouts you can have as it will fit perfectly on a piece of plywood around 4×6 with only the train and track, and no background scenery or landscapes. This option is lacking in creativity and imagination but if you choose to go for this it will not look very realistic and is unlikely to keep your attention for any length of time. However, it would be an economical way to go about it.

There are a few more interesting layouts that move away from the basic and simpler options that you may favour to include in your model railway plan.  These designs incorporate point-to-point and the out-and-home layout, and are adapted versions of the previous idea.  The former aims to simulate the movement of real life trains which are continually in motion as they move from one spot to another.  This is based on fact, because in real life railways have subsidiary systems and branches, with the main branch starting in one place then moving to another before stopping.

Most model train layouts include terminals as part of the railway system to allow the trains to turn around although the main line still runs from point to point, or from one place to the next. At the end of the layout, you will find switches and yards with a turn around at the opposite end. Unfortunately while the layouts can resemble actual railroads, the scale of mileage is not accurately duplicated in the railway system. If you use scenery in a good sized layout this will outweigh this inaccuracy although the same compensation cannot be gained in smaller systems as they do not give the illusion of space for more than one terminal.

Smaller layouts are better suited to out-and-home model railway layout as they only have a single terminal.  This is actually a modified version of the point-to-point model train layouts and basically it just doubles back on itself so when the train departs the terminal it eventually arrives back through your landscaped scenery to where I started. With a little imagination, you can pretend that it is not the same one if left from and this way you can accumulate mileage between terminals for your model railway. The biggest challenge when  you layout your model railway is to create realistic scenery around it that and when  you master this you will achieve an impressive model train layout that will please all who come across it.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

A very satisfying hobby is one that is fun and educational that can be enjoyed by creative adults and children alike. One such pastime is putting together model railway layouts that can be operated after building and there are so many options available. The setting can be designed completely by you from the weather – you may you want a sunny country setting or perhaps prefer a snow covered winter backdrop – and also any color schemes for the trains, buildings etc whether it is from your imagination or based on a real place you know.

However, the style of the layout can get more complicated when you take into consideration all the aspects to be included. There are not only the visual elements to be considered but also the practical materials required to build them. The size and rations need to be included such as the distance measured between the rails as there are various types to choose from so researching in advance is always best.

This can be an expensive hobby if you want to equip your model railway layouts with all the minute details but this is not a necessity and it is up to you to decide your expenditure. You will need a large board on which to set out the track as well as materials to make them, and of course a train will be required. However, this can all be done over a period of time and you enjoy adding things bit by bit to make it look more realistic as you work on the project.

Some get their fun from the trains themselves whether operating them around the model railway layouts or even by creating a temporary track from building blocks such as Lego. However a true enthusiast will gradually put in the time and energy to create a detailed model reality.

Anyone who does not fully appreciate what is involved in model railway layouts should not get involved as it takes a lot of time, work and skill to create. Buildings alone can take hours to set up although buying a kit would simplify the process. Some will endeavor to make every bit of it from scratch so that it is unique to them alone and this is actually a less costly way than purchasing a kit, as many will use everyday household materials to produce pieces for their railway.

Don’t forget to take the scale into consideration as this must be planned at the start and you need to stick to this when making your own accessories. If not, anything that is off-scale will look ridiculously out of place and will make it appear very amateurish. It is also important to remember how much available space you have in your house in which to create your railway layout model, as well as the level of expertise you can provide with the materials you have to hand. Those first time enthusiasts should perhaps start with a shelf or table area before taking over a larger area of floor space.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

I don’t think there are many people, young or old, that haven’t at some point of their lives thought about building a train set model with tunnels and mountains etc. Depending on the final outcome that you have in mind model railroad track plans will vary from one person to the next. Some people prefer simpler type plans while others go for more complicated type layouts. Generally railroader modelers will start out with an oval shape track plan and progressively morph into more elaborate type plans as their level of skill and dedication increases. The most important thing when starting out is to ensure that you plan it correctly from the offset. Don’t rush into it and be disappointed afterwards because of lack of planning. It doesn’t have to be expensive nor does it have to take up an enormous amount of space to design and create an effective track layout that you will be proud of and enjoy.

There are a few ways to go about it, but the first thing you will need to decide on is whether you want to design a landscape or a town or cityscape layout. Model railroad track plans are going to be heavily dependent on the environment you have chosen for them to run though. Sometimes it is hard to decide on which way to go, but a good idea is just look at photos of other train stations and tracks etc and get a better idea of whats out there. You can also join a club and see what thousands of other people have built and get ideas this way too. The bottom line is that you need to have a good idea in your head of what the finished product ought to look like before starting out. This way too you will have a better idea of what products you will need to buy and be able to budget better for them as well. The next thing is checking out how much space you have available, which will determine the train size you will need, the length of tracks and type of scene you desire. You can always alter your plan too and leave out parts of your scene if necessary to fit it all in. But at least having a good idea from the offset will save you a great deal of time, money and headaches.

Once you have calculated the required space involved, a good idea is to lay the tracks and make a mock up layout of your entire scene to ensure that all will fit in and work out according to your goal. This way you can cut out unnecessary expenses on items that maybe would not really appeal to the scene you have in mind and also give you a last chance to make alterations to your plan before affixing the tracks and making anything permanent. You can even use cardboard and just cut out shapes of where buildings, mountains or tunnels etc may be. This will also give you a better idea of scale and how big or small features should be for the final product to look as realistic as possible. Next on the list is to build a base for your model layout. You can read more on this website about baseboards and which ones to choose from. After that it comes down to laying the tracks and building up your scenery either from scratch or from model kits. Make sure you choose a good track plan that really fits what you have in mind and again, don’t rush this part. Study as many model railroad track plans as possible to ensure you are super happy with the final product! Good luck with your new model and happy railroading!

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques

Although it involves a lot of time and effort, creating buildings, people, and other types of props for your model railroad will not only make it come alive, but is also one of the most enjoyable and rewarding parts of building your model railway track. There are various options available when constructing model railway buildings namely buying then in ready made plastic form, buying the buildings as a model kit to put together yourself, getting a craftsman kit that lets you have more control over the final design detail, or building them totally from scratch from any material that you see fit. If you give it some thought, even odd bits and pieces like doors and windows or other building materials can resemble bricks, rocks, or just about anything else you can picture in your mind.

Building kits that are cheaper generally come ready made with the details and coloring already painted on them. However if you buy a more expensive kit there is more likely the option of putting the pieces together on your own and painting them as you see fit. There is of course always the option of buying the cheaper type kits and repainting them in the colors or design that you prefer. Whatever route you decide to go, whether simple or complex model railway buildings, you will generally have to paint the pieces before putting them together. A tip to remember here is that if you are not sure how the final outcome is going to look, or how the pieces are going to fit into your layout, put the pieces together without gluing them and place them on the structure so that you can have a better idea before making it final. This will help you envision the end product and avoid ruining a kit that could have been better constructed differently. Also make sure that you don’t get paint in any of the joint areas where the glue will go.

Everyone’s idea of their perfect railroad layout is different, but if you want a realistic outcome for your buildings you will need to give the impression that they are weathered by the elements to some degree. Give some thought to the aging process on materials in real life and then try conveying this in your model by painting them or “roughing” them up accordingly. Its not only the buildings that need to look weather but also the trains and other parts of your scenery too. Its not always possible, but if you can, try to use the same type of paint on the locomotive, the rest of the train, the buildings and whatever other props you may have. If its not possible to use the same paints at least try match them well, and remember to use matte finish paints to give a weathered look to your model railway buildings. Wind or rain corrosion and rust do well with a matte finish. Take your time and look at many photos. Observe the color changes and the scenery in general in each photo and try marry things up in this way. You will also get a better idea as to what you really want as a final outcome this way too. If you really observe well, there is no doubt that with a little bit of time and effort you will be able to create a true to life railroad design.

>> Click here for track plans and design techniques