How to Select a Theme for a Model Train Layout

Whether you’re just setting up your first model train or are a serious model train enthusiast, selecting a theme for your model train layout provides an exciting start to your model train project.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer
• Library card

1. Research model train layouts by going online and reviewing books at your local library and bookstore. By looking at pictures of what others have done with their model trains, you’ll start to get a feel for what kind of theme you’re interested in.
2. Go to your local model train shop or hobby store and review their inventory. Check out the types of buildings, town accessories and landscaping materials available and see what strikes your interest. You’ll find buildings and accessories for many themes, including 19th century, modern and western, along with materials for creating desert, forest and city terrains. These materials can all be purchased online if you don’t have hobby or model train store near you.
3. Select one building that will be the centerpiece of your town. This is what you’ll build your model train layout theme around.
4. Select other buildings and town accessories such as people, vehicles, lamp posts and fences.
5. Select a terrain for your landscape that complements your theme. You may choose to have a 19th century city nestled next to a forest of pine trees or a western-style town tucked away next to a mountain.
6. Start building your layout. You can always add more buildings, accessories and landscape materials as you go along, just remember to stick with your theme.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure all of your buildings, accessories and landscape materials are the same scale as your train so that everything on your layout is in the correct proportion.