Model trains are a fulfilling hobby for kids and adults alike and gives hours of pleasure for literally all of the family.
Age is not a factor that usually separates people who are into model trains with the rest of the population, it can be enjoyed by anybody regardless of age.
In this concise article what we aim to give the reader is a smallintroduction to model trains so that you learn plenty about the hobby and railroading in general to know what to look for, and what to look at next.
Model trains come in many different shapes and sizes, the difference between these sizes is usually termed scales.
Although the scale is the correct term for the size or ratio train it can also be referred to as gauge, what it really means is the distance between the rails on the track, however gauge is used when describing the size or ratio of a model train.
For instance N Scale trains are frequently called N Gauge, whereas something such as O Scale trains are most commonly referred to as O Scale not O Gauge.
Scale refers to the ratio of the model train in respect to the real train.
The most common and well known model trains are listed here:
G scale : 1-22.5
N Scale : 1-160
S scale : 1-64
O Scale : 1-48
HO Scale : 1-87
OO Scale : 1-74
These are the most popular scales and you're sure to find what you're looking for within these sizes and scales of model trains.
If you pick an obscure train scale to start off with then you may find that it is difficult to find things that you want for your hobby.
The most common scale of model train as to be the HO Scale as it is a perfect size to fit in your house or livingroom. The second most popular is probably the N Gauge or N Scale model trains, these are smaller still and make for a great space saving train set.
O Scale are also a popular size of model trains, not only is the O Scale size a classic scale but the trains are big and often have very accurate designs.
The reason why many people do not go for O Scale is because to have a layout that doesn't look small next to the trains you really do need a lot of room.
One thing you must also understand is that depending on what scale your model trains are you must also buy the corresponding track size or gauge.
Be sure to really make sure you know which track your trains need sometimes you can have model trains that are of the same scale but require a different gauge.
Now that you have the scale that fit your needs and you have chosen the correct train track gauge you all ready to wire up and get your model trains going.
You may think that your now finished but this is where the fun begins, you are now ready to start building your layout around your train set. This can provide literally hours and weeks of time and patience.
Model railroading and model trains are probably one of the only hobbies that grandad can do with his grandson and be equally rewarding for both parties, so go out and get railroading!
See you soon.
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