How to Buy a Model Train Set

Buying a train set is a matter of deciding what you want to do with it: build on it or just watch it toot around.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Model Locomotives
• Model Train Sets
• Model Train Tracks
• Tables
• Tables

1. Go to the toy store or hobby store. The toy store is likely to sell wind-up trains, called "tin plate" trains. The hobby store will sell a more complicated, electric model train set.

2. Decide how extensive a set you want. For a child, a simple circular track without much scenery will probably suffice. For adults, things get more complex.

3. Decide on a scale. The common scales for model trains, ranked from largest to smallest, are O, S, HO and TT. HO is the most common scale.

4. After you've chosen a scale, decide whether you have enough room for it in your house - or if you need a smaller scale. Reconsider as necessary.

5. Buy a small amount of track, the necessary switches and plugs, an engine and a few cars to start. If a kit is available, start that way, making sure those basic components are included.

6. Ensure you have enough curves and can lay out a complete circuit.

7. Stop by a hardware store and pick up a table for your set or wood to build one.

8. Leave room for expansion.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to get trains and any buildings or scenery from the same historical era. Pick a time period that interests you; for example, the turn of the century or the 1870s.
• This gets addictive - and expensive.

[newguy]

on 5/29/2007 If you would like to chat about model train collecting try my new forum. It will be a great place to discuss model railroading!
http://www.spamfreeforums.net/Train-Collectors/

on 11/22/2005 Dust is the mortal enemy of any model train layout. I have found it helpful to cover my layout with the thinnest, lightest clear plastic sheets that you can buy. Hidden support holes in my layout allow the insertion of dowels to support the sheet like a tent. Can you picture a clear plastic sheet not touching that which it covers?

on 11/22/2005 Some manufacturers sell train tracks with road beds already on them. All you have to do is click the tracks together and set them on any hard surface, including a rug. You don't need to buy rail clips or extra equipment to set up a simple oval layout.

on 6/11/2007 If you live in a small apartment, consider buying and collecting minigauge trains and accessories (N or Z). They will give you more room to work with than O or HO. N is the most popular gauge after HO. Z is smaller, but more expensive.