Trains and model railroads hold a particular fascination for young and old alike. Whether you played with model trains as a youth or your family holiday decorations include a scenic train circling the Christmas tree, there is no doubt that model railroading can be more than just a fun pastime.
Even though there are numerous books, magazines and websites dedicated to model-railroading, getting started with model trains can seem daunting.
Getting started – Decide what you like
Perhaps the best way to begin in the model railroad hobby is to start with an idea of what you like about trains. Your vision of the hobby will change over time but for now consider what it is about trains that fascinates you. Perhaps you like the idea of the train mechanics with switching tracks, linking trains in different combinations and having multiple trains running at the same time. For others, the train is part of a bigger project where entire villages or historic scenes are recreated, complete with detailed tunnels, landscaping, buildings and people. Other train enthusiasts enjoy cars that are replicas of historic trains. If you consider trains from the perspective of your enjoyment, many later decisions will be easier to make. Besides, picking the right train set from the beginning will help ensure that your new set doesn’t gather dust in a corner.
Visit a train show and research online
A great way to explore your growing interest in model railroading is to visit a model railroad show. There are hundreds of shows around the US each year and it is likely that you can find a show in your area sometime in the next year. At a show, you will see the masters at work running complex setups and showing off their best scenery and track layouts. Visiting a show is fun and informative. Many of the people who display at a show have been working with model railroads for years, and all were beginners once-upon-a-time. The typical model railroad enthusiast at a train show is happy to share information with you.
To learn more about model railroad shows or railroading clubs in your area, a good place to begin is the National Model Railroad Association website. The NMRA site provides a wealth of information including links to Regional US clubs and organizations, articles for beginners, and plenty of other resources for the railroad enthusiast.
Another site that often has listings of train shows is RailServe.com. While RailServe provides information on railroads, traveling by rail and model-railroading, it has a nice page of events that includes a model railroad convention listing, list of railroad museums, online discussion groups and much more.
Another great resource (both online and in print) is Model Railroader Magazine. At this site, you will find articles for beginners as well as for advanced engineers and a wealth of photos to inspire you.
Picking a beginners set
Whether you visit a show or explore online resources, try to remember not to overreach as a beginner. Taking on a track layout or scenery project that is too advanced may be frustrating and derail your model-railroading hobby before it picks up steam.
A typical train “set” comes with a locomotive, three to five cars, enough track to make an oval and all the parts necessary to power the train. Advanced kits may also include more sophisticated track pieces or even scenery.
At the center of your new train set purchase will be a decision about “scale”. In short, model-railroading scales refer to the size of your model train compared to the original full sized item. The most popular model railroad scales are listed here from smallest to largest:
Z – 1/220 (where 1” of your model equals 220” of the real train)
N – 1/148 to 1/160
HO – 1/87
O – 1/48 (US), 1/43.5 (UK), 1/45 (Europe)
G-Gauge scale ranges approximately from 1/19 to 1/29, according to the size and gauge of the prototype. G scale is often called Garden Scale as the size of the trains are ideal for scenic railroads installations in the yard or garden.
Typically beginners choose a train set in the O or HO scale. While HO is the most popular scale for model railroading, O (which is twice the size of HO) is ideal for younger children as the parts are easier for small fingers to work with.
If you have seen a Christmas tree train or if you remember your Lionel® set from your childhood, you are likely thinking of an O scale setup. O scale kits come in a wide range of themes including holiday trains, Thomas the Tank Engine™ and more.
For older youth already committed to model trains, an HO setup might be interesting. At ½ the size of O, an HO scale setup can fit a lot more sophistication into the same square footage as an O setup.
Other scales are commonly adopted by more experienced railroaders are Z and G. As the smallest scale, Z appeals to those wishing for highly detailed layouts as well as those individuals that have limited space. At the opposite end of the spectrum G scale needs a lot of room. G scale trains are ideal for outdoor installations which are a specialty all their own.
Where to go from here
At eHobbies.com a wide range of railroad kits are available as well as parts and accessories for all the scales. We carry trains by the leading manufacturers including Lionel®, Bachmann® and Atlas®. Also check out our specialty themed and beginner’s kits.
A final thought – You don’t have to go pro
If you are just beginning with model railroading or want to give a train set to a beginner, remember the main goal is to have fun! Don’t try to get the most elaborate setup as your first kit. Pick a popular scale that appeals to you. Set it up, use it and think about how you would like to grow your layout. Add individual cars or track pieces over time and create a wish list for growing your set. After all, reading about and dreaming about trains can be a lot of fun!
If you are a parent of a young engineer, don’t forget that new cars or track pieces make great presents and can be a wonderful way to connect with your youth.
And for the youngest engineers, the wonderful wooden train sets by Brio® are ideal. Assembly is easy for young children and they can provide endless hours of fun with no electronics.
Model railroading is a fantastic hobby and can be enjoyed by the whole family, among friends, or by an individual.
If you have specific questions about a railroad scales or kits, drop us a note. Our model train specialist would love to answer your questions.
