Reasons why people start out in Model railroading are as numerous as there are people. Most people will admit is that they want to get into the hobby either from memories from the little train set
that they had when they were growing up, or that they want their children to have as much fun with trains as they did when they were little. Most of the time I believe is that people now have a place
to built their own Model Railroad Layout shown those so-and-so's in the Model Railroading Magazines that they can do the same thing that is in the magazines.
No matter what the actual reason is, I hope that this web page will help someone get back into the hobby and enjoy themselves with a hobby that first of all is fun!
While you browse these Frequency Asked Questions and Hints just reminder that the information presented here is not to be taken as the only answers to the questions. The answers presented here are
something that someone has found out and most of the time works for most people.
This page is a list of information that can help you get a better start with model trains.
Scales
This introduction is about scale model railroading, that is to say, about model railroading with trains that are accurate scale replicas of real trains. An HO locomotive, for example, is 1/87th the
size of a real one. It's 1/87th as long, 1/87th as tall, and in every dimension its proportions are 1:87.
In your hobby shop or at a train show you are also likely to see trains that are not exact scale models and don't purport to be. Lionel's O-27 and large scale trains often fit this category. Such
trains are aimed at the toy train market. They are designed to be rugged, colorful, and fun to play with. Collecting and operating these and other toy trains is a wonderful hobby in its own
right.
The distinction between scale and toy trains is often blurred. Many Lionel O-27 trains are indeed scale, or close to it, and some very nice model railroads have been built for Lionel equipment. Scale
trains aren't better than toy trains, nor vice versa. They are just two different kinds of products, intended for two different markets, and most important, just two different ways of having fun.
Scale model trains range from tiny to large. The most popular scale is HO (pronounced aitch oh). Sixty-eight percent of model railroaders model in this size. Because it's so popular an immense range
of products are available. HO is small enough that you can build a satisfying layout in a small space, say 4 x 8 feet, but large enough to show off detail and be easy to work with.
Next in popularity and product availability is N scale, the choice of 16 percent. N scale is popular with modelers, like apartment dwellers, who don't have much space, and also with modelers who want
to run long trains behind several engines with a lot of emphasis on scenery.
O scale (pronounced like the letter O, not zero) was the most popular until HO took off like a rocket after World War II. Now O is used by 8.5 percent. These large trains are great to watch run but
require a lot of space, generally a good-sized basement.
Next comes Gn3. Often you'll hear it simply called G, but we like to add the "n3" to indicate that these are models of narrow gauge trains that ran on rails spaced only three feet apart. LGB was the
first and is the best-known brand of Gn3. These are rugged trains suitable for outdoor, garden railroading. Gn3 is the choice of 3.5, and growing rapidly.
Because Z and S scales have much smaller followings, the range of products available is small. Each of these minority scales has its advantages and staunch supporters, though, and who knows, one day
you might be one of them.
Having mentioned that there's such a thing as narrow gauge, let's point out that most models in most scales are standard gauge. That is, they have wheels spaced to run on rails a scale 4'-8 l/2"
apart. This track gauge is nearly universal throughout North America and much of the rest of the world. It may even go all the way back to the spacing between wheels on Roman chariots.
Some advantages and disadvantages of the most popular scales
HO:
Advantages: small size, low price, great detail, tons of support, resources, availability, variety
Disadvantages: wide radius, difficult for children under 7, unusual DC wiring, breakability, few operating accessories
N
Advantages: very small size allows more elaborate layouts, moderate cost, good detail and resources, good support and availability of trains, nice variety
Disadvantages: fragile, can be hard to see, difficult for children under 12, extremely few operating accessories, hard to rerail
O / O27
Advantages: nice healthy size, power, operating features, detail, loads of operating accessories, durability, great for kids 5 and up, easier to wire, sturdy, can be set up and taken down quickly,
narrow radius curves allow running indoors
Disadvantages: expensive, sometimes off-scale, good variety, collectible-type pricing on some items, needs more room to store, needs room to run well on a layout.
Train Sets
A train set is often the way to go to get started, but before you buy, there are a few things you should know. First and foremost is scale - the size train you want. Look over the paragraphs on
scales to get an idea of what is out there. Then, look at what is available to you. If you are considering trains as a serious, ongoing hobby, the availability of supplies in your area will be more
important than if this is a temporary, seasonal or one-shot thing.
Consider the following:
Who's it for? An adult will have different needs than a child. Things like vision, dexterity, space and maturity have their place. If you see well and can handle small parts, and have limited room
for a layout, N scale would be fine. However, if the trains were intended for a seven-year-old child, N would be disastrous. Likewise, it would be unsatisfying for an adult with poor vision, extreme
nearsightedness or lack of dexterity in the hands.
Consider also the personality. Is this someone who would prefer more realism or more play? An individual with an historical bent would prefer more accuracy than one who just wants a good time.
Space: how much room is there to run trains, and more important, would a permanent layout be in order? Or a temporary layout that can be stored? Or no layout at all? HO and N trains need some kind of
fixed layout, even if it is a modular rig. O gauge can go without a fixed layout, as O track is meant to be set up and taken down easily. The new E-Z Track for HO makes it simpler to run the smaller
trains without a layout, but it is not as easy as O track. If a layout is in order and there's less than 4' by 6', you have to go with N. HO can use a 4' by 6' or larger; O needs 4' by 8' or larger
for a layout. Of course, and N layout on a 45' by 6' will be much more elaborate and have much more action than a HO layout in the same space.
O and O27 have the advantage of being stored easily, set up on the floor, and taken down when the train running is done. If there's no room for a layout, there's always floor space for an impromptu
run.
Expense: how much do you want to spend? O27 is usually much more expensive than HO or N train sets. Figure about $150 for O, as opposed to $40 or so for HO or N. likewise, adding to the set will have
different expenses. HO can be bought at the cheapest prices and is easiest to find. You can get some freight cars for as low as $4.00, and locomotives for under $20.00. They won't be the highest
quality or detail, but they'll run. O locomotives run from $50 on up, the average being $100 or more. O freight cars run from $25 on up. N locomotives, bought individually, average about $25 and up,
while freight cars run $5.00 and up for decent quality.
If you intend on building a layout, there's also wiring, scenery, switches, and other added expenses. Take a look at the whole thing before you buy.
Ability: can the intended user assemble track, do the wiring, etc.? Consider this before you start!
Quality: you get what you pay for. Though name-brand train sets tend to be very sturdy, even if their cars aren't as detailed as those sold separately. "Train set trains" are different because
they're generic, less detailed and of a lower quality, generally, than individually marketed items. A train set gives you the basic stuff: track, transformer, loco and cars. It can be an okay start,
and better sets are a definite boost.
The locomotive in the average train set is a generic model with less pulling power, fewer details and fewer features. It is normally from the maker's lowest grade product, and individually would sell
for $25 or less. Sure, it will run, but it won't hold up like them ore expensive engines.
Train set cars are generally lighter and have fewer details than the more expensive lines of freight and passenger cars. Once again, they're generic. The freight cars in a typical set by look okay,
but would pale when compared by comparable cars brought separately. Of course, the lack of detail can be a good thing if the set is for a child. There is less to break.
There are better train sets out there and they cost more. They include better track, better cars and locos, and better all-around quality. The cost is the difference between $30 or $40 for a cheap
set to $80 to $100 for a good set. Cheap is fine if all you intend to do is run them around the Yule tree.
Toward a Better Railroad
Train sets have another outstanding flaw: you only get a circle, oval or figure 8 of track. How much can you watch one train go in circles? A model railroad ought to offer much more! There are
options you can employ to add excitement, interest and realism to your railroad. Let's examine a few of them:
More track! A loop or figure-8 is nice, but is it the only shape? Extra track means a more complex and therefore more interesting layout.
Switches! Also known as "turnouts," switches allow trains to move in different directions, transfer to other tracks, and generally run more realistically. The right use of switches along with extra
track allows for multi-train operations, more varied train operation and even realistic freight and passenger activities.
Trestles and Bridges! Changing elevation with trestles and bridges makes for a truly "3D" operation. You can enjoy multi-train, multi-level operations that increase realism, interest and appeal.
Tunnels! Tunnels remain one of the most popular scenery items for model railroads. Combined with trestles and bridges, a tunnel brings that extra spark of life to train running. Why? Well, we're not
sure of the psychology behind it, but we know that tunnels make train running that much more fun.
Stations and Depots! Real railroads do not continuously loop the loop. They transport cargo from one station to another. Having stations along your right-of-way means that you can simulate the way
real trains work. You can find model stations for almost any scale. In larger scales, you can even buy operating stations that have interior lighting and special effects.
Signals and Lights! From crossing gates to bridge signals, you can add light action to your railway. There are many signals available, and in the larger scales (HO and up) they light, change, and
operate realistically. Try using crossing flashers, crossing gates, and various other lights and signals to give that added spark of life!
Operating Accessories! There are so many, from operating cars to a variety of operating stations, facilities, signals, etc. Choose from coal and log loaders, cranes, barrel loaders, cattle stations,
milk stops and dumpers to fill your trains. On the sidelines, try everything from fueling stations to operating gatemen to switch towers. Operating accessories are fun.
Scenery! If you build a permanent layout, remember the scenery. Make realistic scenery to showcase your railroad. Makers offer vast assortments of buildings, structures, vehicles, miniature people,
trees, boats, etc. Get scenery in your railroad's scale and use it to make your layout come alive.
More trains! Add to your railroad. There are many different kinds of locomotives, freight and passenger cars available. You can select by era, a specific railroad, or just by what appeals to you. For
example, our railroad's locomotives are from 3 specific railroads during a certain era and also currently has six locomotives selected because we like how they look, regardless of era or road name.
How about you?