Like many people, you may hear the words "model trains" and immediately conjure up images of a track tacked to a plywood base with a few buildings scattered across the "landscape" and Tyco model trains running along a circular track. What else could there possibly be to the hobby of model trains? Actually, there’s plenty more to the hobby than just setting up a track and a small landscape and watching the train run in circles.

For some collectors of Tyco model trains, the fact that the trains have plastic wheels seems to be a sore point. These plastic wheels apparently gather grime that makes them run poorly. There are several schools of thought on how to best solve the problem, ranging from frequent cleaning to changing the wheels for metal wheels. But how do you possibly refurbish a model train car? Again, those who are not model train enthusiasts may be surprised to find that there are kits intended for that purpose. Need new car connectors for your Tyco model trains? There are kits for that purpose too.

Sometimes, a refurbishing project for Tyco model trains takes on the functionality of the railroad cars, but it is sometimes meant only for aesthetic value. Collectors may purchase new decals, repaint and repair the cars for their Tyco model trains.

But to what purpose? The goal, actually, is to create Tyco model train collections that are reminiscent of the days when train travel prevailed. After all, the magical quality of trains is something that most adults hold throughout a lifetime. For those who traveled on a train in decades past, the lure of the train is unmistakable. The promise of the destination that can’t even be seen lures the traveler, even when he is weary from travel. In the same way, the collector of Tyco model trains is constantly searching for that next piece that will add value to the collection. And with the hundreds of sources for Tyco model trains, the only question is "What will I add next?"

Although the track gauges are all the same for N scale model trains, the actual scale of the model differs between countries. The American and European N scale model trains are scaled at the same 1:160 scale as the tracks. However, the British N scale model trains are scaled at a slightly larger 1:148 scale and the Japanese N scale is manufactured at a 1:150 scale. As a result, although all N scale model trains can run on the same track, they may vary in size. If you’re looking into collecting N scale models and building a layout, be sure you know the exact size of your models so you won’t have different sized trains roaming your layout.

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the N scale, there are many organizations and groups dedicated to building models in that size. N scale model trains are the perfect size for any home, especially smaller homes that aren’t able to dedicate too much space to the model. If you’re looking to start collecting and building model trains but don’t have too much room to spare, then N scale model trains are just for you.

Though N scale model trains rank second in popularity compared to the larger HO scale, there is a definite advantage in choosing to build your collection in N scale. Because of the smaller size, you can fit more trains, track and accessories in one area than you could if you were using HO scale. Some N scale enthusiasts recommend that you set aside a space large enough for a medium HO layout and then build in N scale. Doing this will allow you to better imitate the real world in your layout by incorporating more details and allowing your trains to move around corners more comfortably.

Building N scale model trains is so popular, in fact, that there is a magazine called N Scale. It is published bi-monthly and is a good source of news, tips and techniques about this specific branch of the hobby.

For the serious N scale model trains collector, there is a yearly convention, held by the N Scale Collector Society. According to their mission statement, they are "dedicated to the preservation of the history of N Scale Model Railroading." In addition to the annual convention the society offers auctions and a magazine.

For more information regarding N scale model trains, please refer to the sites below. Be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

You can purchase model train sets from your local hobby shop, toy store, or from an online vendor. There are advantages and disadvantages in buying from each but if this will be the first set you purchase, I recommend the local hobby shop. Most of them offer technical support, tips and advice on the products they sell and will service their model train sets if you have problems with them. Online and mail-order vendors usually offer lower prices, making it a better place to shop once you are experienced. But until then, hobby shops are your best bet.

Basic model train sets usually come with a train, a few cars and pieces for a track. Some sets come with more pieces, such as extra track or accessories like buildings or telephone poles. Just make sure you read the contents on the box so you know exactly what you are getting. If you choose one of the basic model train sets, you can always add more cars or buy another train later to add to your collection. Tracks can be expanded with extra pieces, available at your local hobby shop.

When purchasing model train sets be sure to think ahead and choose the gauge of the set carefully. The gauge, or distance between running rails of the track, is more important than the actual scale of the model since you can have different scales running on the same gauge (as seen with N Scale Model Trains).

This isn’t to say that the scale isn’t important either. If you’re purchasing model train sets for a child, larger scale models will most likely be tougher and better handle the abuse that children put their toys through. Lionel Model Trains make great O gauge trains which are perfect for younger kids.

LEGO trains are another popular option. LEGO model train sets include a steam engine and five cars and are available at lego.com. Working with the plastic LEGO blocks provides many options for building railway equipment.

Whether you are a child or an adult, model trains sets are a great way to start your model train collecting adventure. For more information on model train sets, please refer to the links below.

Also, be sure to check out our pages about Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

Well-placed scenery will add credibility and realism to your layout. It is important, however, to plan ahead before you rush into building or choosing scenery. Don’t be afraid of this step; if you take the time to learn about model train scenery and carefully plan it out, your layout will be much improved and may even look larger than it actually is.

Model train scenery can range from a plastic tree to a tunnel through a mountain. You can buy ready made accessories or hand craft them yourself if you prefer the satisfaction of building everything from scratch. Your local hobby shop should carry any supplies that you might need to build your model train scenery. If you are unsure about your ability to create model train scenery, do some reading before you begin. A number of instructional books and videos are available with step-by-step directions on the techniques involved.

What type of model train scenery you create is entirely up to you. Some people like country landscapes and others prefer city scenes. Many people like to recreate scenes from long ago, like the Southwest during the 1920′s, or the town that they lived in as a child. Again, whatever model train scenery you choose, don’t rush through the process. Take a look at the layouts that more experienced people have created and think through the layout that you want before you get started.

If you’re looking for ideas for a children’s train set, check out some of the animated model train scenery that is available, especially flashing lights. Tunnels and bridges are also high on the list of popular accessories for children.

Another important point to remember is that while adding model train scenery to your layout may seem intimidating, it is also easy to correct. If you make a mistake, you can simply try again. Model train scenery will take your layout from a collection of toys to a realistic railroad scene.

For more ideas about model train scenery, look over the Model Train Layouts page on this site. You will find resources there that will help you plan out the entire layout, including the details of scenery.

Be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

Before you go out and begin gathering supplies to start building model train layouts, there are a few things you should do. First, ask yourself how big you want it to be. If you are pressed for space in your home and don’t have much room to dedicate to model train layouts, you might want to start with a layout for a smaller scale train. Are you going to expand the layout or keep it permanent? Model train layouts can get pretty involved and you might want to expand your layout later. Make sure that you plan ahead for this and allow for future adjustments.

Another important step is to plan your layout before you begin building. It’s always easier to move a mountain on paper than it is on the actual layout. People who skip this step and jump right into building usually do not end up with the model train layouts that they had hoped to create. Think about what you like. Do you want to create model train layouts that capture an era from the past? Or do modern trains fascinate you? If you are interested in an era from the past, you may have to do some research to learn more about that time period. If you are not sure which time frame you like, consider building model train layouts from the 1940s – 1960s. This is a popular choice, with options of steam or diesel power.

Once you have a design you’re satisfied with, start to gather information and make changes to your plans accordingly. Ask questions at hobby shops. The employees there are generally knowledgeable and can be a great help to you in your endeavor. If you can, visit a model train club and look at the displays of other railroaders. You are sure to get new inspiration from the model train layouts of more experienced builders.

One helpful idea for beginners is to start with a published track plan. Find a book or magazine that shows plans for model train layouts and use it to help you get started. Remember to keep it simple until you know more about model train layouts and the kind of operation that you like.

When all preparations are complete and you know exactly what you want to do, start gathering materials and creating your layout. The process is a never ending one; after you’ve finished your original plan, you’ll want to add more and more to your display.

For more information regarding model train layouts, please check out our resources below. Also, be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

Model train accessories are as varied as the objects you see around you every day. Billboards, trees, bridges, buildings, animals and street lights are just a few of the model train accessories that can be found or made. Details such as smoke coming from the locomotive or a sound reproduction create a fun accent for your trains and give your layout a little something extra that makes it uniquely yours. I’ve seen people who have added traffic accidents to their towns or added a run-down section of town that didn’t light up as brightly as the rest of the scene. Every little detail counts and there are model train accessories for each of those elements.

Hand made scenery is the ultimate way to express your creativity. This task may seem overwhelming at first, but with a little research and practice you can create life-like model train accessories that are one of a kind. Supplies can be found at your local hobby shop. Books and magazine are available on the subject as well and give step-by-step instructions on creating model train accessories.

If making model train accessories from scratch demands more time or creativity than you can give, don’t worry. Thousands and thousands of accessories are available at hobby shops and online. Just browsing through a catalog or website can give you fantastic ideas and may even inspire a whole new section for your layout!

Many websites offer model train accessories and will ship your order directly to your door. It is definitely the most convenient way to purchase that perfect piece for your layout. Hobby shops, however, can be more helpful in supplying advice and customer service.

One cautionary note: before you get started, make sure that you plan your layout, including accessories. It is easy to get ahead of yourself by purchasing model train accessories without a definite place to put them on your display, but you will probably regret it later. Experienced railroaders suggest that you have a detailed plan for your trains and accessories before you start building.

For more information on model train accessories, please refer to the resources below. Also, be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

Although a few manufacturers sell pre-assembled live steam model trains and model kits, most of these wonders of engineering are created by hand and from scratch. Many people dedicate themselves to building a great replica of real steam locomotives. They find the original erection cards and frame drawings to help them better understand the construction of the train and what might need to be changed. They then use drafting software to build their plans for the live steam model trains and carefully test the plans for flaws and weaknesses. After months of careful planning, they order materials and begin building. Construction and testing take just as long, if not longer. Even after they’re done with the train, these hobbyists spend years and years maintaining it and making it better.

The most important aspect of this hobby is the locomotive, since it is the power source that pulls the train. Quite a few brands of locomotives are actually powered by steam pressure generated inside their boilers by a fire in a firebox. With alcohol or butane lighter cartridges as a fuel source, these live steam model trains are not really toys. As a beginner, you may be able to find the locomotives as kits or even already assembled. Later, when you have acquired a better understanding of live steam model trains, you can try your hand at creating them from scratch.

Although most live steam model trains are indeed powered by steam, some diesel and electric models are built in the same scales and gauges. These models generally use gasoline engines or automobile batteries to run.

Many people who work with live steam model trains are involved with live steam clubs. The clubs can sometimes offer storage for the engines, which are heavy and difficult to move around. Many clubs own a plot of land that can be used for layouts of track. You can find a list of clubs by searching online or by reading one of the hobby magazines, such as Live Steam.

For more information concerning live steam model trains, refer to the links below. Be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, and Lionel Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

Although Lionel model trains weren’t the very first toy trains ever manufactured, they rapidly climbed to the top. With the introduction of the Electric Express, a wet-cell powered train and Lionel’s first, Lionel model trains began to turn the heads of Americans all across the continent.

Lionel model trains were responsible for introducing the Standard Gauge which was designed to eliminate shot-circuits. They produced trains in this gauge until 1939, when it was completely eclipsed by the smaller and less expensive O-gauge still in use to this day.

Lionel model trains are a great value and offer a wide range of trains and accessories. No matter what your budget or interest may be, Lionel has something for you. They make a greater variety of accessories than any other toy train maker and do so in a way that fits every budget.

The durability of Lionel model trains is admirable as well. Many Lionel trains that were made a century ago are still in good running condition. How many other toys will last that long? Also, the fact that all Lionel model trains made since World War II are compatible with the trains being manufactured today gives you an amazing variety of trains to choose from.

If you are just beginning to work with Lionel model trains, it is recommended that you purchase a starter set. This will include everything you need to put together a basic layout, from train to track to power source. Starter sets are generally less expensive than buying each piece separately and they are useful to the beginner who is unsure of what he needs.

Once you’ve decided what kind of train to buy, where do you go to make your purchase? The best place is an authorized Lionel dealer, if there is one near you. A dealer will be able to answer your questions about Lionel model trains and will also be on hand to help with any repairs that might be necessary later.

Lionel model trains are off to a new era of creating better trains for future generations. Using current technology and improved manufacturing methods, they have introduced wonderful new products, including a remote controlled railroad system and digitally reproduced sounds of the actual locomotive. Their dedication to excellence hasn’t wavered and they continue to bring the excitement of model trains to enthusiasts everywhere.

For more information on Lionel model trains, please visit the resources below. Be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

HO model trains are scaled at 1:87 and run on a 5/8 inch (16.5 mm) wide track. This means that anything made to HO scale is 1/87th as big as the real thing. In other words, an 87 foot boxcar is 1 foot long in HO. The HO gauge was first introduced in the 1930′s in order to establish another compact miniature system. The name HO stands for Half of O. As the name suggests, HO model trains are exactly half the size of O gauge model trains. Although they are smaller than the O scale trains, HO model trains are big enough to be extremely detailed and precise.

The HO scale is a great size for people using a small room for their model trains. It is quite possible to plan a layout for HO model trains on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. Though the smaller N Scale Model Trains were introduced later, the popularity and practicality of the HO model trains won out and they have remained on top.

The HO gauge is a great size for all families and are safe enough for children. If you’re looking to start building and collecting model trains, look into the HO scale. They are the most common, which means there are more parts and accessories for HO model trains than any other scale. Hundreds of different locomotives are available, as well as thousands of cars and even more accessories and parts.

Because so many products are easy to find for HO model trains, you can build an entire HO layout with ready to use equipment, from kits or from scratch. If you are just getting started with the hobby, it is recommended that you begin with ready to run products. A train set, which includes a locomotive, cars, track and a power supply, will be everything you need at first.

To learn about all of the products made for HO model trains, read the yearly HO catalog that is published by Wm. K. Walthers. Since new products are introduced monthly, reading a magazine like Model Railroader is a good way to stay informed.

For more information on HO model trains, visit the sites below. Also be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.

What are discount model trains? They are usually items that have been taken off the production line or have been used by other hobbyists. Although some of you may dislike the idea of purchasing used models, remember that it is a good way to add to your collection without investing too much money. If the discount model trains that you find were owned by a model train enthusiast, chances are that they were well maintained and cared for. They may have been sold because the previous owner decided to purchase a new set and didn’t have room on his layout for the older trains.

You can find many of these trains on eBay or other online auction sites as well as through model train clubs and organizations. Online auction sites that specialize in discount model trains are very helpful to someone who is searching for a specific item as well as the person who just needs to find a great price! If you decide to sell part of your collection, these sites can be of assistance as well.

Some model train clubs periodically sponsor auctions; this is another way to find discount model trains. One positive aspect of buying this way is that you are buying from someone who knows a lot about the hobby. You may walk away with some new ideas as well as the discount model trains you needed.

Discount model trains that go on sale at your local hobby shops are also a great way to find additions to your layout at little cost. When you patronize hobby shops, you’ll also be getting the help and support of the staff there. Model railroading doesn’t have to be a hobby for the rich; anyone can enjoy it as long as they are smart about shopping.

Websites specializing in discount model trains supply everything from starter sets to books and videos. Are you looking for accessories for your layout? Check out the products on these sites. They even offer tools, supplies and power equipment. Many sites are organized by category, and carry discount model trains in all the various scales.

Even websites that sell regular, full-priced model trains and accessories sometimes have closeouts and specials. Bookmark several sites and check back often to see if the products you need are on sale.

For more information concerning discount model trains, visit the sites below. Be sure to check out our pages about Model Train Sets, Bachman Model Trains, Ho Model Trains, Lionel Model Trains, and Live Steam Model Trains elsewhere on this site.