Model Train Scales

When you get into model railroading, you quickly learn about model train scales. Every model train that is produced has a scale letter associated with it, such as: HO, O and so forth. The scale let’s you know how true to life it is and more importantly, the physical size of the train itself. The scale refers to the size in comparison with the real thing. For example, 1:220 means the real version of the model train is 220 times larger. If you are a newcomer to model trains, the amount of space will be the first factor in determining which scale to go with. For the hardcore model railroader, mixing scales is a great joy when space permits. Let’s take a look at some of the model train scales and minimum space requirements.

Z Scale trains are 1:220, which means they are very small. I call these “cute” trains and they are perfect for those with an extremely limited space. As with any scale, you can expand the layout as large as you want to go.

Next up is the N Scale, which is 1:160. N scale trains are semi-popular and are great if you want your focus to be on your layout and not the train itself. They are small as well, so you can fit these trains into minimal space.

HO Scale model trains are 1:87 and the most popular scale of model train with model railroaders. They offer a good level of detail and allow you to fit a nice size track into an average size space. I like HO scale trains because they blend in great with any type scenery and you get a good balance as a result.

The O Scales, my favorite, are 1:48 and very popular as well. Lionel has been making great O scale model trains for many decades. These model trains are larger and require a good amount of space for a proper layout. It is possible to setup a small oval track in about a 5-foot by 5-foot area. Although the track will seem small because of the train’s size, it is better than nothing. If your layout is smaller, the O scale train will dominate the view.

There are a couple other scales, such as S and G, but these are the main ones I choose to discuss in this article. Only you can decide which scale is right for you. Some, with limited space, prefer the O scale model trains, even though they dominate the layout, because of their detail and size. O scale trains are “meatier” and are really great for pacifying the children.

All trains have a variance in quality so one scale is not necessarily more expensive than another. Although, I have found O scale model life to be a little bit pricier. You really can’t go wrong with model railroading. It is highly rewarding and wholesome. In the end, you might find yourself collecting model trains across the entire scale spectrum. Get out there and ride the rails!

About the Author:Jason A. Martin is a model railroading enthusiast.

You can read more about Model Trains at TrainTraffic.com.
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Buying Your First Model Train

Selecting the right model train can be a difficult task for the newcomer to the model-railroading hobby. There are so many trains out there, each in a different size. In this article, I am going to discuss a couple important things to know before buying your first model train. I know firsthand how that very first trip to the model train store can feel. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what to look for.

Space and Scale

Before you even think of building a model train set, you need to know just how much space you'll have for it. When you purchase a model train, it has a "scale" associated with it. The scale informs you of the size of the train. The majority of model train enthusiasts love the HO scale because it takes limited space for a regular setup and the detail is nice. If space is at a premium for you, look into N scale trains. These can be run in the smallest of spaces. One of my favorites is the O Scale, sometimes called O Gauge, trains. These are big boys and come with great detail. If you have at least a 6 foot by 6 foot space, you can setup a decent O scale layout. O scale model trains and accessories are typically more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.

Requirements

It is possible to setup your own model railroad piece by piece or to buy a complete kit. Generally, a complete kit will lack the frills associated with model railroad setups like scenery, but you can be up and running in minutes. If you end up buying a ready-to-run complete set, you can add-on to it easily by simply buying the parts you desire. Also you can run other trains on the track. Just make sure to buy the same scale as your setup. For example, if you bought a HO scale set, you want to buy HO model trains in the future.

Some Things to Look For

When buying your new model train, look to see if it is DCC enabled. This is a big one. You want to have your train DCC enabled, if possible, so you can run other trains at the same time with ease. Should you decide one train is enough for you, this is less of an issue, in my opinion. However, you never know. Your model train store will only have a very small fraction of the model trains and accessories that are out there. Don't feel like you have to buy what they have. The Internet is full of model train stores.

Finally, I recommend that you look for a model train store in your area and go talk to them. You can learn a lot very quickly by talking with someone in person who cares about the hobby. While hobby stores are ok, a store dedicated to model railroading is far superior in every aspect. The probability of finding someone who really knows about model railroading in detail at a general hobby store is minimal at best.

About the Author
Jason A. Martin is a model railroading enthusiast. You can read more about Model Trains at TrainTraffic.com.

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Model Trains - The Greatest Hobby on Earth!

In this day and age folks find many things for stress relief. Some find relief in going to the beach, working out in the yard, going to happy hour, or just watching TV. But then there is another group of folks who find relief in something that requires both creative and mechanical thought. It is a hobby. It is a hobby kind of like building models but even better. It is one of the great hobbies of all time. It is one of the "Greatest Hobbies on the Earth". It is the hobby of model trains.

Why is this hobby of model trains so great? There are a few reasons. One of the strongest reasons is that the hobby brings together both young and old, man and woman, boy and girl alike. It is a hobby that can be shared by the entire family. Why, it is not uncommon that the family will get together and the children will play with the trains while dad works on a model of a trestle and mom does some decorating with shrubberies and model trees that she crafted from lichen and clay. It is more than just the trains that makes up this hobby. And when the family runs the model trains they all sit back and admire their work. They cannot get over how "real" the model trains look.

The hobby of model trains is a hobby with some rules such as you have to honor the modeling scale a railroad is in (N Scale, HO Scale, O Scale) but it still allows for freedom of thought and imagination. This is another feature that makes it the greatest hobby on the Earth. You can dream up names of your model towns on your railroad. You can name the canyons and bridges you build models of. You can even give your railroad its own name and color scheme. You have total imaginative freedom yet it still is a railroad that follows a path on a standard set of model rails and trains. The trains you run resemble the real ones but you can put your imaginative touch on them.

As a young lad in elementary, junior high, and high school, I found that model trains was a great hobby because it kept me out of trouble. It gave me something to do. In my youth, there were no computers so it was hobbies like model trains that kept us occupied. In fact, it is one of the greatest hobbies because you can't really get into trouble running and collecting model trains. Youths these days get into trouble with their computers quite frequently but the potential just was not there with model trains. If you are just starting in model trains then you are in for a real treat.

by Richard Rjfcorp
Richard is a retired Chemical Engineer and model trains buff!
http://modeltrainsblog.com/

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