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Step 1
Model Railroading is a fascinating and popular hobby. It is far more that "playing with trains." Model railroading encompasses construction, electronics, artistry, history and just plain fun. So what does it take to get started in this hobby?
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Step 2
Let's combine the first 2 consideration; space and budget as these will determine the rest of your decisions. If you have a big budget and lots of space, you might want to consider the larger scales like "O" and "G" (more on these later). If you have an ever larger pocketbook, then you can get even bigger and go for "live steam" models which are usually in the 1 1/2 inch scale. For most folks usually the smaller scales are better. So basically Large = large pocketbook, smaller = more affordable.
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Step 3
OK, now what does all this "scale" stuff mean? There are 3 popular scales in model railroading. "Scale" (not the thing you weigh yourself on) simply means how the models are "shrunk." It is usually expressed as a ratio, or fraction. So we will go from large to small and touch on a couple others. The 3 most common scales are: "O" scale which is expressed as 1/4 inch (1/4 inch to the foot) the actual ratio is 1:48 1/4 is rounded a bit; "HO" scale is roughly 1/8" to the foot, or 1:87 (HO= "Half O"); and "N" scale which is roughly 1/16" to the foot or 1:160 or roughly half the size of HO. There is also "G" scale which is larger than O and is usually used for outdoor railroads. For someone with really limited space (and good eyesight) we have "Z" scale which is 1:220 so it is a bit more than half the size of N scale.
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Step 4
So space may determine the scale you choose. Most prefer HO scale as you can usually fit a good amount of railroad is a space as small as 4X8 feet. Of course you can have more if you use N scale in the same space. So now you need to decide what you are going to model. Are you looking for a specific "prototype" (real railroad/train/locomotive etc.) or will you prefer to "freelance" (just build your own railroad not based on anything)? Following a real railroad will allow you the opportunity to look into history, dig for facts and data as well as pictures. Freelancing allows you a bit more freedom. You can "do your own thing" and not be criticized by "nit pickers."
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Step 5
Before getting too far into the planing stage, you may want to visit your favorite hobby shop and buy a "train set" in the scale you want. This will provide you with the "basics:" a locomotive, several cars, a power pack to run the train and some track. This way you can get up and running in a short amount of time. However if you are really bitten by the "bug" you will not be content to watch your train run in a circle. Now you are ready to move on to building your empire.
There are many resources available once you decide to build an model railroad. Your local hobby shop is one. If you don't have a local shop, there are many resources online. Just do a search on "model railroading" or "model trains." Another excellent resource is "Model Railroader" magazine. They have many helpful articles from beginner to advanced model railroading subjects.
However you plan to pursue model railroading you will have many happy years of fun and relaxation.
