One of the most important things to consider when creating your scenery is time period. It doesn’t make sense to mix modern with rustic or past times. Make sure your scenery such as cars, people, advertisements and buildings all blend well with the current theme or time period you are creating.

Tunnels are often a prominent part of any train track or structure but the effect of shadowing is often taken for granted. It is important to think about your tunnel in natural light and remember that the inside is always darker than the outside. To achieve the correct look coat the inside of tunnels with black paint.

Lighting inside a building can add a realistic touch yet it often creates a look that isn’t true to the real world. Lighting inside a plastic model building often light up the walls as well as shine light out of every window. Try masking the inside walls to stop the light from shining through the walls. Use a dark piece of material to cut a shell of the building then insert or tape inside. It may also be best to block out one or two windows with masking tape or black tape giving the effect that not all of the lights are on in the building.

Adding people is an easy way to create a life-like track. Especially in areas around buildings and parks you should have at least a few people to create an atmosphere that seems more true-to-life. Again, make sure the people mesh well with the time period you are creating. Also place people inside your cars, especially the ones that are in the middle of the road. Along with people and cars comes working crossing signs. Working crossing signs are an important feature to have in your track and are a must for creating a life-like scene. Make sure they have lights and sounds and they function properly. You can also add street signs, advertisements and graffiti to make it seem as if the people do exist in your scene.

The overall look of the objects in your scene can either add or detract from a look of reality. It is a good idea to think about the objects that are left outside such as cars and add a touch of rust to them. You can also create weathered looks with different shades of paint to make it seem as if benches and other items are weathered from being outside. Purchase several different colors and play around with mixing to see if you can achieve different colors and textures. Along the same lines, you should try mixing a variety of colors together unevenly for objects that occur in nature such as rocks because in nature things generally aren’t one flat color.

Last but not least one thing to keep in mind is the location of your trees. Back then and even now city engineers did not allow them to be right by the tracks and next to power lines. So, try to avoid these areas as if it were a real scene.

Fundamentals to remember when deciding to purchase a model train track are the scale of the train, where the train will be set up, what the train will be doing, and the realism of the tracks.

Moreover, it’s important to keep in mind that every model train layout has to start with the track and the common rule related to the tracks is to match the gauge of the track with the scale of the train. This means putting a G scale train on a G scale track and even though the size of the train might vary, the wheels should be adequately standardized to fit on the track. If these don’t match, chances are the train will not even roll on the track

Model train tracks are widely available from a variety of manufacturers. The track is generally laid over a plastic base which automatically grounds the track allowing the owner to safely operate the train. These tracks also come with the energy hook-ups needed to send the model train around the track. In addition many of these prefabricated model train tracks include artificial gravel as part of the base itself, along with the proper ties which make the track very realistic looking.

Often the more serious model railroaders decide to lay their own model train track. Sectional track, one of the first of its kind, comes in standard lengths like the 9” straight track and the 15”, 18” and 22” curved tracks are as tight as the 108 feet and originate in the live prototype industrial spurs and the light rail systems. An alternative track that can bend into any required reasonable shape is known as the “flex track” and many model train tracks have characteristics enabling model track hobbyists to create systems with more flexible broader curves. Flexitrack can also be bent by any model railroader who wants to create realistic model train tracks which can also be snapped together to fit the determined length of track needed for a particular layout.

There are various other types of model train track including the curved track, the straight track, and the amazing switch track that can separately run parallel to the main track or line. This track makes it possible for trains to continue operating while other trains come and go, giving it a remarkable resemblance to an active railway system.

It’s a good idea after the model train track is set up to try the practice layout before it is permanently attached to the foundation, thus ensuring that everything will connect and work exactly as planned.

There are also model train track kits available which include rails, wood ties, and railroad which allow model railroaders to lay their tracks according to their own desires and still keep a high degree of realism in their model train tracks.

Once your track is set up to how you want it and you have done a test run of your train it is time decorate your layout. The theme of your model train is important to the type of accessories you put up around your tracks. There are many different layout plans to choose from. You may want to go with an old west theme to a modern city. It is always a good idea for your theme to match the era of the train on your tracks. The size of your decorations around your track should be to scale. Take in consideration the size of your train when you choose your accessories. People, buildings, and your landscape should enhance your set up. Be creative and allow yourself the ability to make changes in your set up. There are many places you can find ideals from hobby stores to the internet.

Model Train Tracks – The Layout For Great Bonding Time For Dads and Sons
Model trains are an engrossing hobby that provide hours of enjoyment. For the more complex model train tracks, consider this an effort that can easily be shared by dads and sons. It’s likely the one time when many hands make light work of establishing model train tracks on a layout board.

From Dad’s Point Of View
For dads, spending time with their sons laying out model train tracks helps bond like minds as well as engaging in a creative activity together. This is quality time between dads and sons at its best. For dad, it’s the opportunity to invest time in a shared activity that can also be a way to teach sons what only dads know. This helps accelerate the role model of parenting from dad’s point of view. In addition, dads and sons get to share the fun of watching a model train track become a customized layout with signature “dad and son” style.

From Sons Points Of View
It’s important for sons to work together with dads on projects that have an ultimate goal. Sons want to learn how to become enterprising hobbyists as well as learn all of the mechanics of model trains and model train tracks. This is true of sons as young as age four or five. Although, at this age, the amount of actual work on the model train tracks may be somewhat limited according to attention span. Working on model train tracks, when begun in early childhood, is a hobby that inevitably grows in significance with age if the customizing produces a true dad and son effort.

Making Childhood Memories
Model train tracks are great bonding time for dads and sons as well as creating wonderful childhood memories.

Modelers should pay special attention to dimensions when working with HO scale plans. All curves should be carefully planned so that they will be as gentle and flowing as possible for the dimensions given. Many larger locomotive models will have a difficult time negotiating tighter designs, and steam enthusiasts will often be among the first to notice the problems. Passenger cars will start to exhibit poor operation on smaller radius curves as well, and will often look quite unrealistic when running over them.

The other big concern for building HO scale railroad model layouts is the way in which scenery matches the layout’s theme. If one is modeling a thinly populated North American western layout, they will probably have fewer high-rise apartments than someone modeling a congested midwestern city.

North American, Commonwealth, Continental European and Japanese train characteristics are strikingly different. Since these tend to be the most common areas to model, regardless of where one is in the world, more equipment tends to be available for these regions. Nevertheless, one should be sure to study up on the region that they are attempting to model. Mixing the practices of several is sure to lend an unrealistic air to one’s operations.

1. Do make a plan and make it simple. Even if your end goal is to make it complex, it should still revolve around a few simple loops in which you know how many track pieces you need and what sizes are required for your turns.

2. Don’t buy track until you know what you’re doing with it. It could create a lot of waste and loss.

3. Do be sure that you have room for your layout before you begin. There’s nothing worse than having your track down and discovering that there’s no way to finish it off.

4. Don’t be in a hurry to nail down your track. It’s best to create a pattern that you can move around before you make the whole thing permanent.

5. Do create something that is versatile. If you glue it all down and no changes can be made, you could get bored easily and will soon loose interest.

6. Don’t start until you know and understand scale, arc and curve radius. This will help you avoid a lot of pieces that don’t line up when you finally sit down to put pieces together.

7. Do your homework and find out what models and layouts are best. You want to get something that’s reliable, well built and worth the money you’re putting into it.

8. Don’t get discouraged. Model train track layouts take time and will be worth the effort you put in if you’re cautious and patient.

Steps to Starting a Model train Collection

The first step to starting any type of hobby is to research and educate yourself. Look into all the types of trains that are out in the market today and which ones interest you. You may want to start with the train sets you had as a kid or received as a gift. Research the models and prices and the go to a hobby shop. Usually the staff there is fairly knowledgeable about trains and other hobbies. Learn the techniques that will be needed to keep your trains running, like building and repair techniques, wiring procedures etc. Join other model enthusiast online or in person, through forums or groups. Check into the national association for model railroads and others like it. Be prepared to invest a fair amount of money if you decide to become a serious collector, but the fun and reward is second to none.

Summary

Getting started with model trains and train tracks is fairly simple, do the research, determine your interest level, and decide whether you want to display the trains or actually run those in your home and the process will be easy. When you first start out a locomotive and a power pack is great to get your collection going. Locomotives, cabooses, tank cars and hopper cars are the major types of trains that are in major collections. Enjoy researching trains and ask questions, it will be so rewarding once you get familiar with all the different types of model trains out there.

The smallest is the Z-scale. This size is hard for a lot of people to work with because it is so small. It can make an interesting layout in a very small space. Accessories are available but not as common as with other scales. The ratio is 1:220 with a track gauge of 6.5 mm.

The next to the smallest is the N-scale, with nine millimeters being the distance between the rails. It is not the most common or popular scale, but many accessories are available and a layout can be built in a small space. The ratio for N-scale is 1:160.

The next size up and the most popular is the HO-scale. Pronounced as the two letters “H” and “O”. It is large enough to show up well but still will fit in a small space. Accessories are very easy to find and come in a large variety. In H0-scale, rails are usually spaced 16.5 mm with a ratio of 1:87.

Many people are familiar with O-scale model trains which is the size of the popular train sets from the forties and fifties. Still popular and in use today it requires almost a full room for a nice layout. O-scale is two times as large as HO-scale. O-scale trains usually require three tracks and are not considered as realistic unless altered to run on two tracks. They have a ratio of 1:48.

There are other scales, but the largest of the most popular five is G-scale, which is most commonly seen in large garden settings with the train often running outdoors and around lawn water features. This size can be quite expensive and is often used at tourist attractions. The tracks are spaced 45 mm with a ratio of 1:24.

One great place to start is national conventions.  The National Model Railroad Association holds a convention every year in various cities across the U.S.  This is a very large show and lasts a full week.  It attracts model railroaders from everywhere in the U.S. and around the world.  Contests are held so that modelers can show off their talents in all aspects of model train building including both the trains themselves as well as the scenery.  Layouts are set up for everyone to admire, critique, be entertained and learn from what others are doing.  Workshops are held so that people can learn new skills and so that people who have mastered skills can pass on what they have learned to others.  If you haven’t seen a very good model railroad layout by an experienced hobbyist, you will be amazed at the realism that can be accomplished.  Some of these layouts are so big that special tours of them are given so that features and methods of construction can be pointed out.  An auction is held during the week to connect buyers and sellers.  Of course, all of the model train suppliers, as well as hobby stores and local model train special interest groups are in attendance as well so that you can buy, sell and trade anything model train related as well.  Special events, some related to model railroading and some not, are also held at nearby locations.  There is much to see and do and many model railroaders plan their entire year around this week.  Yes, there are some true fanatics!

While the NMRA convention is probably the largest of the model train shows, it is by no means the only one available.  There are many other national and  regional shows held throughout the year all around the world.  Little Toy Trains and Railserve are great websites that list many of the shows that are held in the U.S.  You can find out a great many details about where and when the shows are held as well as options for local accommodations, and registrations for clinics and special events.  Much information can also be found at your local hobby shop, where you will find people who are not only willing but anxious to tell you about their favorite local or national get together.

Another good choice for finding a model train show or other model train hobby information is a locally held trade show.  One large trade show, which is supported by some of the model train supply manufacturers and the Model Railroad Industry Association, is the Worlds Greatest Hobby on Tour.  It moves to different cities around the U.S. with the goal of introducing the general public to model railroading and providing a place where people can buy, sell, trade, learn about and talk about model railroading.   Check it out if you want to learn more about this exciting hobby.