Model railroading is a hobby that isn't just for kids anymore; it can be enjoyed by just about anyone. There are many different types of model railroads and a kind to fit any need. The first thing you need do when you want a model rail road is decide what scale you want. Here is a quick run down of the scales: N Scale Model Trains are the smallest size of all the train sets. Ho Scale Model Trains is by far the most popular The scale ratio is 1/87th. The minimum track circle needs to be 69" across. A typical box car for this scale is 6" long and 1 ½" tall. O Scale Model Trains is best known the Electric Toy Train brand Lionel Trains This is the best choice for an all around set if you have the room. G Scale Model Trains are the largest scale Toy Train Set. Its often called "Garden Scale" because people can use them outside in there garden, or in there backyard. Now that you know the basic types of model trains, this is where it gets fun. Model railroad scenery and the track design for your set. This is where you get to customize your set, and make it perfect for you.
Scenery for model trains is what give your train set the life and give it the feel and design that you want. There are many different types of scenery for you train sets, but a few types of model railroad scenery can be broken down into the following categories:
Backdrops - Easy to install, these printed backdrops add depth and distance by creating a smooth transition between you actual scenery and backdrop
Complete Scenery Kits - Complete scenery kits usually come designed to look like specific stations, your completely unique ones. They usually come with enough parts to give you train a very nice look - and are often cheaper then buying it piece by piece. The problem is you cant customize your set as much with these.
There are also Foliage, Grass Mats, Covers, Plastic Kits, Rock Molds, and many other choices. The nice thing about model railroading is no matter what you want your railroad scene to look like, there is a good chance that there is a company who makes it, or you can find it somewhere. Scenery can either be purchased by scale, or by manufacturer. You can use any scale scenery for your train, it doesn't have to be scale specific just as long as it will sit by the side. The track design for your model rail road is another area where you can go completely wild.
You need to buy pieces for your track that are the same as the scale, or else they will not work. A HO Scale track will not work for a G Scale Model Train because they are different sizes. Track pieces come in just about every style that you could ever want, and you can make the tracks go on forever as long as you have enough power going to them and they are always connected. Now that you know ways that you can customise your model train, get started with a set and the possibilities will never end, and you can see why model railroading will be fun for anyone.
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