Tickets please. Watch your step as you board. Next stop: your guide to buying model trains. Those enthusiasts with the flair for collecting will want to consider components and designs that can be expanded upon. Children (actual as well as the inner child) might choose to build a model train, grab a whistle and conductor's hat, and toot-toot their way along the rails and in and out of tunnels.
Get on the Right Track
Determine the available space. Will there be a theme? For children, keep it simple so they can enjoy the experience. Children are clumsy when they play, and clutter and scenery get in their way. A simple circular or oval train track with a tunnel, train station, people, cars, and the train are plenty. Hobbyists and collectors will want to elaborate on a theme, perhaps an era captured by model train buildings and scenery. Warning: this hobby is addictive; map out your space and allow for 30-40% growth.
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If Lost, Seek Directions
For children, shop the toy stores for Thomas the Train sets. Train sets normally include toy trains, rail cars, power pack, and train track. Setup is relatively easy. Hobby stores sell more elaborate electric model train sets. If purchasing components, begin with an engine, a few rail cars, and a small distance of track. The hobby shop can advise you on which plugs and switches to purchase. Make sure to have the right curves and train tracks to complete the circuit.
Size Matters
Decide from TT (the smallest), HO (the most popular), S, and O-scale (the largest) train sets. The most common is HO: 3.5 millimeters equals one foot, which is 1/87th as big as the actual train it replicates. The rails of the track are spaced 16.5 millimeters apart, which equals four feet and 8.5 inches of actual railroad track. HO-scale model trains have the widest selection of available scenery to complete selected themes.
