| is a general overview of what the model train hobby is | | | | HO scale is 1:87, and is ideal for many new beginners, |
| and what it entails. In a effort not to discourage new | | | | as well as many other hobbyists. It is small enough to |
| beginners to this ever expanding pastime, this article will | | | | fit well with many different layouts, yet big enough for |
| not be too technical yet designed to catch your | | | | the average person to handle, and they show well. |
| interest. | | | | This is the most commonly used scale in the model |
| The first thing that any model train hobbyist should | | | | train world not only because of its versatility, but also |
| know is about scale, and gauge. Scale refers to the | | | | because parts and accessories are easy to find. This |
| actual size of the train engine, cars, and accessories. | | | | brings us to layouts and accessories. |
| They can be small enough to easily fit on a office | | | | Having model trains would be really boring if all it |
| desk top, or large enough for a garden railway. Scale | | | | entailed was a train engine moving along a track. That |
| is also referred to in letter form. | | | | is why a model train can include many different train |
| For example, 'G' scale train models are 1:24 scale, | | | | cars, passenger cars, hoppers, and tank containers, |
| which means it is just one twenty-fourth the size of a | | | | just to name a few. |
| real locomotive. These are often found with train | | | | Then there are all the layout accessories, trestles, |
| hobbyists who lay out their model trains in a back yard | | | | miniature people and vehicles, as well as buildings and |
| setting, such as interwoven through gardens, and other | | | | scenery. The possibilities are really only limited to your |
| landscaping. | | | | imagination. |
| The 'Z' scale is a mere 1:220, meaning it is 220 times | | | | You can even create your own landscaping ideas, |
| smaller than a real train. As mentioned earlier, this size | | | | with plastic plants torn apart for trees, shrubs, and |
| is ideal for a desk top lay out, but it is so small in size | | | | other plants. You could also use old cleaned out tin |
| that they are difficult to work with, and are not in wide | | | | cans, painted, for things like grain silos, or oil refinery |
| use. | | | | tanks. |
| The next part about model trains is gauge. While this is | | | | There are many basic sets a beginner can buy, with all |
| often confused with scale by many beginners, it is | | | | things to start your hobby. You can find many of these |
| NOT the same as scale, and mixing up the two will | | | | on websites, or you could also start at your local |
| definitely anger experienced train buffs. | | | | hobby shop. |
| What gauge measures is the distance between the | | | | A retailer can not only offer many different ideas, but |
| trail track rails. For a simple example, if you have a | | | | can also answer many if not all of your questions. |
| 9gauge train track, this means that there is nine | | | | Hopefully you will want to know more information |
| millimeters of space between the inside of the rails. | | | | about model trains, and you can find many example |
| In this case, the bigger the gauge, the bigger the space. | | | | layouts online for creative ideas. |
| Now while this may seem confusing, don't worry. | | | | |