Model Kits-Choosing Model Railroad Scale Thats Right

Are you on of those people that love to sit and watch the big locomotives push those little rail cars around? Perhaps you just really like riding as a passenger on a train for fun or even use your camera to catch stunning train pictures and train videos. Have you considered building a model train in your home with model kits? It is probably something you would really enjoy. Watching your very own model train can bring a smile to your face everyday, just like the smile you get from watching or riding on the real thing. What’s stopping you? It’s a wonderful hobby and a great idea.

Know your Options in the Various Model Kits

When selecting model trains you will want to learn what your options are. To begin with you might want to try the Z scale. The Z scale is the smallest scale model train ever produced with a ratio of 1:220. If you live in an apartment or very little space the Z scales is the perfect choice.

The N Scale Model Train Sets

The N scale model train is the second best selling model train across the world and would also be an excellent choice. The N scale has a ratio of 1:160. This train is favored by the younger and internet savvy railroad modelers. If you happen to be an internet savvy enthusiast, then the N scale model train may work well for you.

HO Scale Train Sets

The best selling model train in the world is the HO scale, with a ratio of 1:87.1 The products and resources available for this model train set are vast. One very popular brand for the HO scale is the Kato Unit rack WGH plan set. You would be able to start with this and build it the way you would like it. This product is sold with the track only. It does not include a power source or the train. The layout includes four turnouts, two to the left and two to the right. It features configurable power routing that allows power to be routed via the turnout for DC operations, or the power could be sent to both legs of the turnout. The Kato Unit rack WGH set is definitely a starter set. If you are looking for something that will allow you to start slow, this is the set for you.

O Scale Train Sets

Another scale model that you could choose is the O scale with a ratio of 1:48. This particular scale is the oldest and has been around for more than 100 years. This scale was originally manufactured by Merklin in Germany at the turn of the 20th century. The O scale is now manufactured by companies such as MTH, Lionel Trains and Merklin. The scale of 1:48 was selected since it was in proportion with the doll houses of the time. This model train was manufactured as a wind up toy and was not run with electricity.

The next model train to look at is the S scale model with a 1:64 ratio. This model was manufactured in response to the loud requests for trains that were more realistic. This model adopted higher fidelity in its form and construction. For this reason the S scale model train is a bit of a rarity in today’s marketplace.

The last model train to consider is the T scale which was introduced in 2006. This model is presently considered to be the smallest model train that is sold commercially. All the T scale models are powered with a 4.5V DC battery. The train cars are built with magnetic wheels that connect to the steel rails on the track to provide increased power pick up.

There are so many varieties of model train scales available to choose from that the decision may take some time. The trick is to learn as much as you can about the various model train option and decide which model suits you best. If you are just beginning, there are many starter model kits that would work well for you. If you place a high value on detail and realism, you can choose one of the more complex models. Whether you are a collector or a hobbyist, there is a model train with your name on it.

Buying Model Train Sets like Lionel Trains Online?

No matter how old you are or when you last played with them, model train sets hold a special place in the hearts of children and adults alike. Whether you are watching Christmas movies, or you are looking to create a set up that is entirely your own, you'll find that there is a good reason that model trains like the Lionel trains are perfect gifts and hobbies

Decide on the Train Sets you Prefer

What are you looking for when it comes to setting up your own model train tracks? Do you want to relive a special moment in your childhood or are you looking to do something very special for the child in your life? When you go online, you'll find that there are lots of great places for you to purchase the model trains that you have been looking for. A quick look on Google shows you more variety than the best toy store you have every been in, and whether you look with special retailers or with online auctions, there is a lot out there.

Find Train Sets Online with Small Hassle

Remember that purchasing things online can be both stimulating and a pain in the rear. To minimize the annoyance, make sure that know exactly what you are looking for. What does the train that you are after look like, and can you recognize it? Buying online can offer up some incredible deals and you'll find that if you just keep a few things in mind that you are going to be able to get the most out of this experience.

First, consider what your options are going to be when it comes to the train that is most appealing to you. Look through the manufacturer's websites, ask someone you trust, or do your research through a toy or hobby store. There are a lot of great resources out there, so make sure that you jot down a few names regarding the engines that you want and when they were popular, as well as what sets them apart.

How extensive is your set going to be and what kind of space do you have to devote to it? This can tell you what kind of scale you are capable of putting together. Common scales will usually rank things from largest to smallest.

Buy Train Sets only from Reputable Sellers

Always make sure that you deal with good sellers. A good seller is one that will not only give you a terrific product, but will also give you things like more information and additional services. Remember that a good dealer is one who will give you as much information as they can. They will also make themselves available for more complete questioning and in many cases, the manufacturers themselves might recommend them. Find out who is considered a good seller and who gets poor reviews.

Remember that getting a customized train set is quite important, especially when you want a display that is more than just a run of the mill item. Look for pictures of the customized part versus a standardized part, and look into descriptions of the work that went into making it. Was time spent on it, or was it just machined over night.

Finally, look at the major train websites out there, both sites like Walthers and Golden Spike as well as more general ones like eBay. There are going to be a lot of Lionel trains out there, whether you are looking at antiques or something more modern. Put your search engine to work for you.

When you want to have a great hobby that can give you hours and hours of enjoyment or whether you want a hobby to share with you kids, look into model train sets. Get online, do your searches and see what you can turn up!

Collecting Model Train Sets As A Hobby

Collecting model train sets is a hobby enjoyed by people of all ages and from all walks of life. This is a hobby which leaves a lot of room for creativity, with landscapes of all sorts available and many different sizes of trains to choose from. Model train hobbyists can create a nearly limitless number of different environments for their trains to travel through.

Different hobbyists go for different sizes of trains. Some like the very small N-scale model trains, others go for the large G-scale trains and others favor everything in between. With so many different choices, it's no wonder that the hobby attracts so many people. We'll cover five of the things which draw people to this hobby below.

Model Train Sets - A look into History

Model train sets offer an entertaining way to learn about history. Almost every model train set collection includes a few model steam engines. The hobby is tremendously popular; there's just something intrinsically appealing about trains. There have been model trains almost as long as trains themselves have been around. As early as 1940, there were an estimated 100,000 model train collectors. There are groups dedicated to historical model railroads in nearly every country in the world, most of which also have websites which are great sources for information about both real and scale model trains.

History is always more interesting when it comes from our own relatives; model railroading is a hobby which helps to connect the generations of your family. Children enjoy taking part in the hobby along with their parents and grandparents and model trains make for a great teaching opportunity.

Model Train Layouts

Of course, model train layouts are themselves often exceptional pieces of art. A large part of what makes this hobby so fascinating is being able to constantly change the landscape for your trains. An artistically designed model train layout is like its own tiny world and is a fertile ground for the imagination.

Individual artistic expression is something which model trains offer plenty of to enthusiasts. There are model train hobbyists who like rural settings for their trains and those who prefer cityscapes with streets, skyscrapers and other elements of city life. One particularly popular model train layout feature is mountain tunnels.

Choices and Variety of Model Train Sets

One of the best thing about collecting model trains as a hobby is this: you can decide what you like best, so there's no one to tell you what the right and wrong ways are of doing anything. Model railroad collectors enjoy seeing the variety of designs created by other hobbyists. Some buy pieces to incorporate into their layouts, while others like to build everything themselves; of course, you can buy some pieces and make others yourself; it's your choice!

Whether you like the large G-scale train layouts or the very small N-scale trains, you'll have plenty of company; every variety of model train has a large following of collectors. People of every age from the very young to the very old enjoy collecting model train sets and regardless of where you want your trains to go, you can create the landscapes of your choice using the model trains you prefer to make your creative ideas a reality.

About Me

Model railroads are a tremendously relaxing hobby that can involve anyone in your family; from the young child to the young at heart grandparents. There is much to the hobby and this includes the types of trains, the scales, the models and even the train displays. My wish is for this blog to help you to understand the hobby and also find kindred spirits by referencing the list of clubs that are your city or state. Find out what train sets you prefer and begin your lifetime hobby!

Model Railroad Clubs – Alabama to Arkansas

Ok, we have begun our posting series on a number of model railroad clubs that are in the US. This is by no means an exclusive list and I'm sure I've missed some really great model train clubs; however this blog was setup to allow the beginner get started and find a support group. This first post in the series will be focusing on the clubs in Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, and Arkansas. When I've been able to find a working website for the model railroad club I will include it.

So here goes nothing!!

Alabama

Redstone Model Railroad Club – This model railroad club has been a fixture in the model train club experience in Huntsville, Alabama for fifty or more years; hosting many South Eastern region conventions.

The Wrecking Crew – The wrecking crew model railroad club was established back in 1989 and has members who are knowledgeable in many of the model railroad scales, including HO, N, and G scale. They are also a club that adheres to the standards set forth by the NMRA (National Model Railroad Association) a governing association established back in 1935.

Alaska

Unfortunately, I am not familiar with any model railroad clubs that have been established in Alaska.

Arizona

Since Arizona has a larger population there is no shortage of clubs to join and learn about model railroading

Arizona Model Railroading Society – Is located at the Adobe Mountain Railroad Park in northwest Phoenix. The 3000 square foot AMRS clubhouse financed and built by its members opened in the fall of 2004.

Grand Canyon State Model Railroaders – This club prides itself on being a HO scale modular model railroad club based in Phoenix, Arizona. Our goal is to promote modular model railroading concepts: design, construction, operations, and standards.

Ponderosa North Model Railroad Club - The purpose of this site is to help promote the great hobby of model railroading as well as highlight the real railroad in a fun and informative forum.

Thunderbird Model Railroad Club - The Thunderbird Model Railroad Club is located in Phoenix, Arizona, on the Arizona State Fair Grounds. The club operates the Phoenix Turnbow and Apache HO Scale standard gauge railroad, as well as the Mogollon and Western HOn3 scale narrow gauge railroad.

Arkansas

Central Arkansas Model Railroad Club – They are train hobbyists dedicated to the advancement of the world's greatest hobby of model railroading through designing, constructing, and demonstrating train layouts at public sites and events, building local community awareness of the railroad history of this area, and sponsoring educational activities about railroading.

Northwest Arkansas Garden Railway Society - Garden railroading is one of the fastest growing hobbies

Stay tuned as we go through the list of states and provide some of the model railroad clubs that are in them. As I mentioned before this is by no means an exhaustive list so if you have or know of any clubs that may have been missed just list them in the comments!

Find Model Railroad Clubs – A to Z

Since the thrill of collecting model railroads and building them is so much more fun when you can have a group of similarly minded people I will be having a series of posts that list out some of the major model railroad clubs throughout the states. Since there are so many it would be a little lengthy to list every single state in one post. So to make things easier for you to find a local model train club the list will be broken down into smaller bite-size posts for you to peruse. If you live in state such as Alaska or Arizona you will find the clubs in your area first; if not be sure to check back in a few days for the others to be listed.

Model railroad hobby is an exciting hobby so see you in a few days!