There is a lot more to this hobby than just buying a couple of train toys to push around on a makeshift track. Instead, you need to consider everything from the materials from which the tracks are made to the locomotives, cars, wiring, power-pack components, and whether or not to purchase complete kits or buy each item separately.

One of the first things to consider is the scale. The most popular scales are O scale and HO scale (half-zero). O scale is 1:48 scale while HO is 1:87 scale. However, smaller and larger scale models are also available. The main consideration here is your availability of space. If you plan to fit your layout on a 4×8 piece of plywood, HO scale is a great choice for that. If you have more space and more money to spend, O scale is a great choice. There are lots of accessories available for either HO or O scale.

Another decision to make is whether to buy a complete kit or individual components. Kits are recommended for beginners because they provide the essential items at an affordable cost. The downside of buying individual components is it will cost more money and take more time to put it all together. However, for more serious model train hobbyists, buying individual components is recommended because it allows you to upgrade and customize your selections, making your set uniquely yours and totally awesome! Kits typically include standard quality items, which are okay for beginners but maybe not okay for more serious railroaders.

For the cars, as long as they are the same scale as your track, you really cannot go wrong. Buy the ones you like the best and have fun collecting unique and interesting cars.

One of the most important model train features is the track. Tracks have rail heads, which are made from three basic materials, brass, nickel-silver and steel. However, there are really just two choices here because brass is being phased out by most manufacturers and is already hard to find in hobby shops. The best and cheapest place to find brass track is in garage sales. So your remaining choices are nickel-silver and steel. Nickel-silver is the easiest to find and most commonly used. It is very popular because it is slower to oxidize, which means less maintenance and less cleaning. Steel has the advantage of looking the most realistic but it has the disadvantage of rusting faster and getting dirty faster. So if you want that awesome look that steel offers, you have to be willing to work harder for it.

When looking for track, look for a code on the track packages. This number relates to the height of the rail. The most commonly used track code is 100 on the HO scale. Model train enthusiasts often use lighter rails or those below 100 as an alternative to achieve a more realistic appearance.

Another important component is the locomotive. Here the choices are diesel versus steam engines. Steam locomotives are very fun because of the loud train sounds and smoke but are typically more expensive than diesel. Diesels are typically available as either 4-axle or 6-axle. Your choice here depends partly on the twists and turns of your track layout. For HO track, a 4-axle diesel requires a minimum track radius of 18 inches while a 6-axle diesel requires a minimum track radius of 22 inches.

Lastly, consider your electrical needs. You will not only need a power-pack but also wires to keep your train up and running. Different trains require different types of power. Most experts agree that HO locomotives pull between 0 to 15 volts DC at .5 or more amp, though adding extra amps is always a good investment. Invest in colored wires to make wiring that much easier. This helps you to keep track of positive and negative charges so that you can avoid a short.

What began as train toys can quickly become a far more serious but still very lovable model train hobby. This guide should help you get started so you can safely move past the serious issues and proceed directly into the fun times.

Related posts:

1. Buyer’s Guide for Model Train Toys
2. Buyer’s Guide for Model Train Toys
3. Buyer’s Guide for Model Train Toys

Originally posted 2009-11-05 10:09:13. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. The Rather Large G Scale Model Trains
2. Overview of g scale model trains
3. Making the Best Layout for Scale Model Trains Toys

First thing to think about when you’re creating your model and selecting your first train is size. Model trains and train tracks are made by

Originally posted 2009-11-06 11:18:17. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. An Insight Into The Different Model Train Scale
2. Model Train Information On Scale And Gauge
3. Model Train Scale Tips: A Beginners Guide

Christmas is a time of year in which many homes employ model railway trains to circle the tree. This has become a tradition in families even if they are not model train enthusiasts. Those who do enjoy the hobby a little bit more can be very creative in the Christmas themed layout they create to either go around the tree itself, or on a tabletop nearby. Most can remember the train they had as a child and want to recreate that same memory for their children. Others still want to start a tradition in which they share the fun for generations to come.

While model railway trains can be highly individualistic in nature, it can also be a very good social builder. With many different clubs in existence for those who love model trains, it is possible to find one in your area. It is fun to get out and show off the creations you have while enjoying the creations of others. Talking about model trains with others who enjoy your passion can give you ideas and invigorate you to get back to work on your current project. Model train clubs are a great way for those who are new to get ideas on how to get started.

Sharing your passion for model railway trains is a great way to create stronger bonds between family members. Many fathers have included their sons in projects to create great layouts they can both be proud of. Trips to the model shop as well as the hours spent on the layout create memories, which will be cherished for years to come. The layout itself will stand as a testament to the value of teamwork in creating something you can all be proud of. Chances are if families get involved in a project such as this, they will pass along the tradition for years to come.

For many, the biggest joy of model railway trains is the amount of detail they are able to give it. Being detail oriented requires a lot of attention, which means you will not have the ability to think about other things. Concentrating this hard on what they are doing allow many model railroaders to forget about other aspects of their lives. They view their model trains as a great escape from the daily grind. In fact, most model railroaders look forward to working on their models more then most anything else.

Originally posted 2009-11-03 16:22:38. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. The History Of Model Railway Trains
2. Model Railway Trains – A Fascinating Hobby
3. The Rather Large G Scale Model Trains

The German toy company Marklin developed the O scale train in 1900. Instead of providing a realistic train experience, they focused on making model trains fun. Before long, everyone used the O scale for their model railroads. Once the United States got through the Great Depression, it became standard to use O scale model trains. O scale tracks typically have three rails on them. You can find current O scale tracks in three or two track outfits, though (three rail tracks are powered). Since the advent of more realistic train operations, people have been passing over the O scale trains for HO and NO scale model trains. However, people still tend to start out their train collections with O scale trains.

What do O scale model trains do? Train scales are determined between the difference in size between their real counterparts. Regional scales tend to be a little different, though! O scale model trains in America are at 1:48 scale. However, British O scale trains have a 1:43.5 ratio. The rest of Europe has a 1:45 O scale ration. Therefore, you shouldn’t count on all O scale model trains worldwide to be the same size. Make sure you know how different the trains can be as you shop for O scale items.

What exactly is the O-27 scale and how is it different? You can find this among several O scale tracks. A regular O scale model has a 31 inch diameter when it’s made into a perfect circle. It’s technically O-31 scale, but since it’s the standard, it’s just called O scale. However, O-27 scale gives you a 27″ diameter if you lay out its track in a perfect circle. There are many different sizes of O scale track, like O-31, O-72, O-27, and O-54, so look out for these variations. As before, the number on the scale is the diameter of a circular track. With the smaller tracks, you can have a better efficiency of space, but it’s not as realistic, and it can be harder for full sizes O scale trains to navigate the track. You can, though, mix and match your track sizes so you can make your own custom track that meets your desires.

O scale model trains are becoming more popular of late, despite the dominance of N and HO scale trains. Due to this newfound popularity, it’s easy to find O scale equipment and trains nowadays. In the past few decades, O scale model trains have enjoyed a much higher level of detail. Since O scale standards tend to be confusing, it’s hard to find consistent equipment. Make sure you know how different O scale is in each region, and whether or not you want two or three rail tracks. Despite all this, you can’t go wrong with O-27 scale model trains, especially if you just want to get started with model trains as a hobby.

Originally posted 2009-11-05 10:09:08. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Most Popular Scale Model Trains
2. Why Model Train Layouts Are So Popular
3. Guide to Model Trains Scale and Gauge

The most basic model train layout is the one, which sets on top of a table. These are very common in small homes and apartments. The model train information you will need for this type of layout would suggest you use a Z scale model train. Being the smallest scale of train, you will be able to create a layout, which will be dynamic while not taking up all the room in your home. You can buy buildings and environment pieces that will match your Z scale train. Many people who create this type of layout will stick to a basic oval track.

Having more space will allow you to be ever more creative with your layout. There is a lot of model train information for those who have more space to utilize. A good tip for those with a decent workspace is to buy a door to set up your layout on. The door will be larger than a table and can be set up on two workbenches in order to give you a very sturdy base. The big benefit of this base is it is portable. You can bring the entire layout with you very easily to go to model train shows where you can show off what you have created.

Styrofoam has become very popular for those looking to create a layout from scratch. You can shape and mold the layout exactly how you want it to look with the right tools. This model train information has been shared by many who like to do things from scratch in the train-modeling world. A good benefit to using Styrofoam as a base is it allows you to easily affix trees and buildings into place. Using spikes will allow you to be able to move the pieces of your landscape should you choose to. This is a good idea for those who are expanding their collection slowly.

Weathering is a way to make your layout look a little more realistic. Knowing how to weather your train and layout will give your model the appearance you would see in the real world. There is a lot of model train information on how to accomplish the different looks you want. It is important to remember, the weathering appearance you give your layout should match your train. Be careful, because the weathering will be permanent and you may want to change trains, or layouts over time.

Originally posted 2009-11-04 16:50:43. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Why Model Train Layouts Are So Popular
2. How to Build a Model Train Bridge
3. Model Train Information On Scale And Gauge

These days model railway trains are still a popular hobby, there are countless clubs, equipment, special interests groups, manufacturers and hobbyists out there. With so much variety those looking to get into the hobby might find themselves overwhelmed. Not to mention the model train hobby has developed its own terminology. It can take some time to get used to phrases such as “gauge”, “reverse loop”, “mainline”, “scale” and “benchwork”.

The sheer variety of model railway trains means that any hobbyist can specialize in a certain type. Anyone can find an area of interest that suits them when it comes to model trains. Some model train hobbyists prefer to act more as a collector, gathering parts of a particular kind whether it be operation, railway, or something else. Other hobbyists want to build an entire railway layout. There are even some hardcore hobbyists who want to create model train layouts that are as realistic as possible. These types of hobbyists seek to emulate actual railway operations with their model trains.

Let’s time to go over some of that model train hobbyist’s terminology. We’ll begin with choice of scale. The scale is the size of the model train compared to the real life size of the train it represents. The most popular scale is the HO scale which is 1/87th the actual train size. That means 1 inch of an HO scale track presents 7 feet and for inches of a real world track. Something on a larger scale, such as a G or “garden” scale requires a lot of space but is a much easier model to work with. A much smaller size like the N scale of model railway trains are difficult to work with but allow a hobbyist to build much more complicated layouts in a smaller space.

What gauge any given track is depends on the scale. Gauge is the word used to describe the distance between track rails. Naturally the gauge of a track needed will be smaller the smaller the scale of the model. Benchwork is the word that describes the supports of one’s model train layout. Beginning hobbyists generally begin with a flat layout. But of course a railroad isn’t always going to be flat in real life, so the benchwork can help create much more complex and realistic terrain. Many hobbyists enjoy building their benchwork and track layouts and crafting the scenery so that they can create a realistic small-scale representation of real world railroad operations.

Model railway trains have only become more sophisticated since Marklin introduced the hobby back in the late 1800’s and today it is a highly accessible hobby. With so many choices it’s possible to find something to interest any budding hobbyist. But how do you get started? Well there are a number of resources you could look to. There are many articles and books written on the subject, you could visits a hobby shop or a show, there are so many ways to learn about the exciting hobby of model railway trains.

Originally posted 2009-10-31 11:36:16. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. The Joy Of Model Railway Trains
2. The History Of Model Railway Trains
3. TOY MODEL TRAINS – A Wide Ranging Hobby

Here are some weathering tips and techniques for transforming your model trains from fresh-out-of-the-box shiny and new to working engines and cars. These techniques should work great with most model trains HO and O scale. While Lionel trains are the most popular brand, these weathering techniques work the same way with any brand.

Some of the conditions you might want to simulate on your model train cars are the effects of weather, dirt, age, and even bumps and scratches. To do this, you?ll need paint and paint brushes, hard-wire brushes, chalk, crayons, toothpicks, and either photos of real aged railroad cars or access to real-life cars to see where and how exactly they age. The more the better, so you can pick several different looks for different cars, or even different parts of cars. Keep in mind that no two cars will age in the same way, or at the same rate.

Paint colors will vary depending on what effect you?re going for, but good colors will be rust, orange, browns, black, earth tones, white; you can mix and match, or combine colors to get the colors or effects you have in mind. Even if you use a color called rust, remember that there is a wide range of rust, so you might want to have it darker in one place, and lighter in another.

Use a dry-brush technique (use a hard-bristle brush dipped into the paint, then wiped mostly dry with a paper towel) to apply the paints to your Lionel train. A vertical stroke, top to bottom of the car gives the appearance of streaking, as a normal car exposed to the elements would.

If this is your first time weathering a model train, you might want to practice first, either on a piece of paper or cardboard, or on an old model train car, if you have one. You might be able to find an inexpensive car at a garage sale or thrift store to use as your practice vehicle. Use your practice time to get a feel for how much paint it takes to get the color you want, and how much pressure to use to get the streaking look you want before moving on to your good cars.

Another way to weatherize your model trains is washing. There are different methods of washing, but in essence it consists of mixing your paint with either alcohol or a thinner, and applying a thin coat on your cars. Depending on the look of each coat, and what look you?re going for, you can apply several coats of wash, keeping each one thin.

Using chalk is also a way you can make model trains look realistic. Make a powder of chalk, either by scraping it with a knife, or rubbing it with sandpaper, and apply the chalk dust to the car. Then seal the chalk onto the car. Model Master Lacquer is one product that can be used for this purpose.

Model train weathering powder comes in a variety of colors, and is a chemical powder than can be used not just on model train HO cars, but in your layout as well: on buildings, water towers, or whatever else you have that you want to weather.

Graffiti is one thing that will automatically lend an air of legitimacy to your model train. You can add graffiti to your Lionel model cars using graffiti decals, which are available in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, colors, and words. Or you can let your inner artist out, and paint your own. This is another technique you might want to practice first, to make sure you have the size, scale, and flourishes right.

In summary, these weathering techniques work great with Lionel trains and any other brands. The main goal is to create real-life effects. Any technique that helps you achieve that goal is okay. There are no limits to what you can do. Pretty much anything goes when it comes to weathering model trains HO and O scale. Beginners can use the techniques presented here to get started then create their own methods as they get a feel for it.

Originally posted 2009-10-31 11:36:15. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Revealed: How to Repair and Restore Your Old Lionel Trains – Model Trains
2. Guide to Painting Lionel HO and O Scale Model Trains
3. Guide for Setting Up Lionel Model Train Sets

Originally posted 2009-10-31 13:00:00. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. N Scale Model Trains Are Ideal In A Limited Space
2. All about Lionel Model Trains

All metal and wood surfaces on model trains should be gently sanded until the surface is smooth. Your best bet is to use fine 400 grit sandpaper. It serves its purpose and its texture won’t damage your model trains. If you’re painting plastic, most often, you’ll only need to ensure it’s clean and dry. Since oils from our fingers will transfer onto plastic, you run the risk of the paint not applying properly if it’s not free of oil or other particles. Usually, primer isn’t necessary for model trains made of plastic.

Although higher quality paint brushes will cost a bit more, the investment is worth it in the long run. Brush streaks will be easily seen and the potential for loose fibers to stick to your paint is higher with less expensive paintbrushes. The same applies to your paint. Enamel paint is most versatile and appropriate for HO and O scale model trains. It’s also recommended you consider an airbrush technique for larger areas. This ensures more even coverage and isn’t nearly as time consuming.

If your model trains require more than one color, as most usually do, consider using the newer “painter’s” tape versus traditional masking tape. It’s easier to remove and you’re less likely to be left with the sticky residuals common with masking tape. Another product on the market that’s excellent for model trains is a liquid painting mask. Application is a breeze and once it’s dried, you can continue with your painting project. Once the project is completed, you can easily peel the mask off. You’re left with clean lines where your two paints seamlessly meet.

A few other tips to keep in mind:
?

Originally posted 2009-11-03 16:22:35. Republished by Old Post Promoter

Related posts:

1. Making the Best Layout for Scale Model Trains Toys
2. Weathering Techniques for Lionel Model Trains HO Sets
3. Maintenance Guide for Lionel Set Model Trains