| hat you are committed to starting a model train | | | | layout of your train tracks. This basically entails the |
| collection there are a number of areas for you to | | | | creation of unique topography and cityscapes through |
| consider. These items are important so that your | | | | which your model railway will plot its course. |
| collection will be perfect for you and your budget. | | | | This is the time to be creative and build realistic |
| The first thing is the scale. Scale is size of the model | | | | comprehensive environments by utilizing different |
| train with G being the largest and going down you will | | | | materials; the scope of which will depend on the area |
| find O scale, S scale, HO scale, N scale and the | | | | you have available for laying out your master planned |
| smallest Z Scale with ratios starting at 1:8 and going | | | | model railroad. |
| down to 1:220. The most popular scales are the G, N, | | | | Be sure to use special finishes like weathering on your |
| Z and HO model trains. | | | | model trains. This will make your model train and model |
| The larger the scale of the model trains the more | | | | railway look like it has aged over time with the |
| detail you can get, however the scale that you choose | | | | ravages of grease, smoke and oil which is a natural |
| to collect should take into consideration not only detail | | | | look due to emissions released from engines of the |
| but also cost, budget and the amount of space that | | | | model trains. Your landscape will determine what type |
| you have available to set up your model railroad. | | | | of look is best. If your landscape is based on a desert |
| When it comes to detail all the scales are well done | | | | environment or mountainous area then the model train |
| and would make a nice collection. It really depends on | | | | will want to be weathered to look like they've been |
| your own taste. Be sure and check out a model train | | | | ravaged by dust storms, etc. |
| show in your area. There you will be able to see | | | | Most model trains are valued for their historical |
| working models of each scale and get a feel for what | | | | background as well as technical prowess. You are |
| will work best for you. Value really is based on your | | | | getting into model train collecting because you |
| taste and your budget. | | | | understand and appreciates the mechanics of |
| Besides considering scale you will need to take a look | | | | locomotives and the history of our railway system. |
| at gauge. I’m sure that you have heard of | | | | When you friends look at the aesthetics of your |
| narrow gauge railroads. This is in reference to the size | | | | well-planned model train and railway, they will be able |
| of the track. Most narrow gauge railways were | | | | to appreciate the craftsmanship and hard work you |
| through the mountains and used not only for carrying | | | | have put forth in your collection and building your model |
| mining ore but also employees and supplies back and | | | | railroad. |
| forth to the mines. | | | | Like any hobby you will want to establish a beginning |
| Gauge is the measurement of the width between the | | | | budget and work within that budget. Collecting model |
| model railroad tracks in millimeters and these can | | | | trains and model railroads is not an inexpensive hobby. |
| generally be found in sizes of 6.5 mm all the way up to | | | | However, the joy of putting your plan in place, building |
| 148 mm. Depending on the size of your model train the | | | | your collection over time and running your model |
| supplier will outfit you with the appropriate gauge for | | | | railroad is more than worth the expense. Hearing the |
| your model railroad track. | | | | sound of the horn, the model train running on the track |
| Ok, now that you have decided on scale and gauge | | | | and the light shinning as it comes out of the tunnel, |
| you can begin to work on the layout of your bench | | | | smelling the smoke as the engines pulls a steep incline, |
| work. You can select different environments for the | | | | what could be better than that? |