Posts Tagged ‘tips’

Model train scales are a measurement of how large the train is, compared to the real thing. For beginners this can be the most confusing part of this hobby, and often the mistakenly mix up scale for gauge.

While this is a common misunderstanding, many train buffs will get quite angry if you mix up the two. Gauge is the distance between the rails on a track, not size.

First for the facts about model train scales. It is measured like this.

First thing you will notice when looking at a model train scales is a letter. Here are the most common lettering system, in order from largest to smallest.

While there are some others that can be larger or smaller, they are hard to find and some smaller sizes are difficult to work with, especially if you have large hands, or have arthritis. HO is probably the easiest to work with, find parts and accessories easily, and is one of the most common train scales.

In order from largest is G scale. These trains are 1:24, meaning they are only one twenty-fourth the size of a real train.

While you may think of these trains as the ones you may have seen circling a tree at Christmas time, they are larger than that. You would most often find this scale in a outside setting, intermingled in a garden or landscaping scene.

They are made to be rugged and durable and will take the stress of weather fairly well. The size commonly associated with Christmas trains are the ‘O’ model train scales, which are 1:48, meaning that they are 1 48th the size of a real train.

You mostly see these in the hands of smaller children, because of their size, they are easily handled by small ones. You will probably not see many of these train layouts indoors, because of the space they use.

HO is as mentioned earlier, the most common used and easily found. HO scale is 1:87, which is small enough to handle well, performs the best and is large enough to show case very well.

You will see these model train scales in most layouts, because of the accessibility of parts and miniatures that are available. This train size is ideal for the beginner, because it has many basic sets, and can be expanded as the user becomes more experienced.

The next two are N, which stands for nine, which is the space between the tracks for this model, 9mm. This scale is 1:160, and is small enough to display in a bedroom, or a garage setting.

Z scale is the smallest, 1:220, and a whole basic layout for this size can fit on a office or home desk top. However, this size is not advised for children of people with vision problems, etc. because it’s so small.

Again gauge is the measured distance between the track, and there are many different gauges. Usually when you buy a set, you really don’t have to worry about this, since the train and tracks always match.

When you are buying extra track, then you need to know what the gauge is, so you won’t buy tracks that are too wide or narrow to match with the ones you have. With this information about model train scales, it should help you figure out which model trains are going to be right for you.

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Learn how to choose power controls for a train model diorama in HO scale in this free train hobby video. Expert: Bob Lanning Contact: clemencaumuseum.org Bio: Bob Lanning, chairman of the railroad committee of the Clemenceau museum, has been actively building and maintaining the railroad diorama since 1992. Filmmaker: Chuck Tyler

Technorati Tags: Controls, Creating, layouts, model, Power, tips, train

Watch an overview of how to build a Verde Valley train model diorama in HO scale in this free train hobby video. Expert: Bob Lanning Contact: clemencaumuseum.org Bio: Bob Lanning, chairman of the railroad committee of the Clemenceau museum, has been actively building and maintaining the railroad diorama since 1992. Filmmaker: Chuck Tyler

Technorati Tags: Creating, layout, layouts, model, Overview, tips, train, Valley, Verde

Learn how to recreate the city of Jerome, Arizona for atrain model diorama in HO scale in this free train hobby video. Expert: Bob Lanning Contact: clemencaumuseum.org Bio: Bob Lanning, chairman of the railroad committee of the Clemenceau museum, has been actively building and maintaining the railroad diorama since 1992. Filmmaker: Chuck Tyler

Technorati Tags: Arizona, Creating, Jerome, layout, layouts, model, tips, train

If you are thinking about getting into the world of model trains then you are definitely in for excitement, fun and an addictive hobby. There is a lot of model train information available in a number of different sources.

 

One of the best places to look is on specialist websites that deal with model train enthusiasts. It is also worth speaking to some experienced hobbyists that have been building and collecting for many years. These days you can find model train hobbyists ranging from 12 years old right up to eighty years or over. The hobby crosses all age ranges.

 

People get into the hobby for a number of different reasons. You may be interested in the collection aspect of the hobby or more interested in building railroad tracks and layout.

 

One great tip is to know what scale you want to deal with as there are a number to choose from and getting this right is very important for maximum enjoyment. The scale that you choose will depend on your skill level, eyesight and how much space you have available in your home or garage.

 

When creating the railway layouts it is a good idea to have the tracks running through scenery and special landscape layouts. It does require some skill in order to set these scenes up correctly, but its well worth it.

 

You can produce some spectacular scenes with model rail track. You can create countryside scenes, urban scenes and even have a train station layout. The tracks that have a number of straight lines are the most difficult to establish as you need to know how to manoeuvre the locomotives when changing direction.

 

If you are new to model railway layouts, the best way to start adding scenery is to have trees, rock formations, valleys, hills, buildings, fields and other sets that can be easily placed at the sides and within the layout you have created. These things are much easier to deal with.

 

Once you have more experience and skill in the hobby, you can start to add tunnels, bridges, changing locations and stops. These additions require more knowledge of model train requirement but they really bring your plan and layout to life.

 

One of the best tips is to always plan your model rail layout ahead of time. Take into account the space and size of your baseboard. You can then draw out maps and plans of where the railway track will lie and what pieces of scenery you want to add.

 

It is important to learn about the gauges and scales involved in model trains. The choices that you make will impact the number that you can have and use in the space that you have available.

 

This will also impact the size of track and the model environment that you can build. The four most popular scales for model trains are G, O, HO and N. Always choose based on your desires and also on your space. Using these tips will ensure that you get maximum enjoyment from your hobby.

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