| This is a general overview of what the model train | | | | it right now. |
| hobby is and what it entails. In a effort not to | | | | The HO scale of 1:87 is perfect for anyone just getting |
| discourage new beginners to this ever expanding | | | | into model trains, and for more experienced |
| pastime, this article will not be too technical yet | | | | enthusiasts too. This size goes great with a variety of |
| designed to catch your interest. | | | | setups, since it's little enough to fit in tighter spaces, but |
| The first thing that any model train hobbyist should | | | | big enough for most people to easily work with. |
| know is about scale, and gauge. Scale refers to the | | | | The HO scale is very popular in the model train arena |
| actual size of the train engine, cars, and accessories. | | | | since it can be used in many different displays and its |
| Model trains come in all scales, from tabletop size to | | | | accessories are readily available. Which leads to the |
| larger ones more suited for an outside display. Scales | | | | discussion of to accessories and layouts. |
| are sorted into various groups, each called by a letter | | | | Collecting model trains would not be nearly as much |
| of the alphabet. | | | | fun if you couldn't purchase additional cars other than |
| For example, 'G' scale train models are 1:24 scale, | | | | just engines. So, you can purchase a variety of |
| which means it is just one twenty-fourth the size of a | | | | diverse cars to attach to your train, such as |
| real locomotive. These are often found with train | | | | passenger, shipping and tank cars. |
| hobbyists who lay out their model trains in a back yard | | | | The display scenery can contain little figures, trees, |
| setting, such as interwoven through gardens, and other | | | | cars, houses and other items also making model trains |
| landscaping. | | | | more engrossing. You can create anything you have |
| The smallest scale of model train is a 'Z' scale which is | | | | ever imagined. |
| 1:220, or 1/220 of an actual locomotive. This small scale | | | | You can invent your own landscaping techniques, using |
| is perfect for a tabletop display, however it can be | | | | parts from plastic plants or dried plants to create rustic |
| extremely hard to use, so it is not a very popular size | | | | greenery. Old cans work great as oil tanks and grain |
| with most model train hobbyists. | | | | silos, if you put a little bit of detail into them. |
| 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 |
| The higher number of the gauge, the greater the gap | | | | layouts online for creative ideas. |
| will be. You might be confused by this, but don't sweat | | | | |