Railroad Train
Railroad Train
Things You Might Want to Know First, Before Beginning a Model Train Collection!
Collecting Model Railroad trains is a very popular hobby for men, women and children. Due to the cost associated with collecting Model Trains it is important to educate oneself on the technicalities associated with the proper scale and gauge and other fascists of the hobby before making a substantial investment in both time and money.
First and foremost what you must learn about is the scale system associated with the various sizes of model trains. Basically the term scale is used to denote the size of the model train, which is the ratio of the model train to the actual full size train used for human purposes.
The smallest of these scale spectrums is 1:220 known as the Z scale. The G scale is the largest and its ratio is 1:8. Model train collectors will be able to find a plethora of scales to choose from with the most popular being the HO scale. The G, N and Z are also among the most popular ones, also.
Many people will want to collect the larger scales since the perception is that You Can put more detail into the locomotive, cars and bench work layout. I tend to disagree! I believe that all the scales deserve their rightful place and that the detail depends more on the manufacturer than on the size of the scale. I like the HO scale because it lends itself into allowing me to build the layout that I like with the limited amount of space that I have available.
Those with extremely limited space may want to consider the Z scale since it is the smallest. Some people consider the Z to be a poor value for collecting because they feel the details are to small to appreciate. I believe the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and that the scale that best fits your taste as well as space should be a factor in determining which type you will choose.
I will say that the G looks great at all the model train shows. Because of it's size it seems to look so realistic. Unfortunately it is also like trying to park a bus in your garage. For most of us it just overwhelms the space we have available and it really limits the multi-track, multi-train concept. Some people will set them up in their garden due to the size. This can be very risky.
Many new collectors get caught up in terminology especially the difference between scale and gauge. So, lets keep it simple. Scale deals with the size of the model train to the actual size of a working train. Gauge deals with the size of the track. The size of the scale will help you determine the gauge. Check with your local store to get more information.
Collecting the model train and all of the various cars is fun, but the real fun is getting the perfect layout for your bench work and setting up an ascetically pleasing track and topography. Getting the perfect Train Station, cities, countryside, mountains and tunnels is what will make your collection of model trains really sing. The model railroad you build is truly a piece of functioning art.
Your Layout will help you determine what types of locomotive and cars to collect. The topography of your layout will look even better with a collection that is accentuated with the effects of weather that coincides with your bench work.
Check out a local model train show to determine the best scale and gauge for you and your budget. Do a little research and get started right away because this hobby is a lifetime of enjoyment and something of pride that you can leave for generations to come. Welcome to the club of collecting and Building Model trains and model railroads.
About the Author
Michael Weston is a model train expert. For more great information on
model trains
, visit
http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com
.
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Walthers HO Soo Line 70085 PS 2 2893 Cu Ft Covered |  |
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US $34.10 | 20m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS BACHMANN SILVER EZ TRACK LEFT RIGHT SWITCHES | |
8 Bids | US $20.50 | 1h 10m |
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Vintage Lione No 984 Railroad Set Super O 027 Gauge Train Station | |
10 Bids | US $114.50 | 1h 33m |
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Vintage Lionel 671 Locomotive with 2046W Tender w Whistle and 7 Car Train Set | |
6 Bids | US $304.92 | 2h 10m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS STEAM ENGINE KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN 2 10 2 DCC 220 | |
15 Bids | US $100.75 | 2h 10m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT SUPER MARKET SCENIC BUILDING KIT L1330 | |
9 Bids | US $10.25 | 3h 10m |
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Atlas HO LN U23B Low Nose Locomotive 2720 DCC Ready | |
0 Bid | US $88.70 | 3h 25m |
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HO TRAIN TRAINSET EXPANDER VINTAGE BACHMANN 6 AXLE LOG CAR NICE1 | |
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US $10.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ATHEARN 50 DOUBLE DOOR BOXCAR KIT BURLINGTON CBQ MINT | |
1 Bid | US $12.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ATHEARN 40 QUAD HOPPER w KADEES BALTIMORE OHIO BO MINT | |
1 Bid | US $10.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN WALTHERS PROTO 2000 40 DBL DK STOCK CAR KIT GOTHAM STK EXPR GSX MINT | |
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US $17.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ROUNDHOUSE 40 3 BAY HOPPER KIT PENNSYLVANIA PRR MINT | |
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US $14.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN WALTHERS PROTO 2000 40 DBL DK STOCK CAR KIT CBQ MINT | |
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US $17.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ATHEARN 50 OUTSIDE BRACED REEFER KIT UNDECORATED PLUS DECALS MINT | |
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US $14.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ATHEARN BAY WINDOW CABOOSE KIT BURLINGTON PARTIALLY ASSEMBLED NICE | |
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US $12.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ATHEARN PULPWOOD CAR KIT SOUTHERN PACIFIC SP ASSEMBLED NICE | |
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US $11.99 | 4h |
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HO TRAIN ROUNDHOUSE 50 OB BOXCAR KIT CNW NORTHWESTERN PARTIALLY COMPLETED | |
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US $12.99 | 4h |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT US ARMY FLAT CAR WITH M 47 TANK M99160 | |
12 Bids | US $14.50 | 4h 9m |
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Vintage Tyco NIB HO Scale The Southern Railroad Pulpwood 50 Car 334A Hong Kong | |
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US $11.99 | 4h 32m |
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BROOKSIDE DAIRY Milk Cream HO scale wood era reefer printed sides | |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 4h 37m |
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BROOKSIDE DAIRY Milk Cream Z scale wood era reefer printed sides | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 4h 37m |
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BROOKSIDE DAIRY Milk Cream TT scale wood era reefer printed sides | |
0 Bid | US $.99 | 4h 37m |
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BROOKSIDE DAIRY Milk Cream N scale wood era reefer printed sides | |
1 Bid | US $.99 | 4h 37m |
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Scenic Accents Woodland Scenics G Scale Spike Neil a | |
0 Bid | US $29.81 | 4h 41m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT SANTA FE STEAM CRANE ROLLING STOCK M9175 | |
4 Bids | US $8.09 | 5h 10m |
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10 Model Tree Train Set Railroad Scenery Layout 150 O | |
0 Bid | US $1.06 | 5h 31m |
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BURLINGTON NORTHERN BN LOCOMOTIVE CABOOSE POSTER | |
0 Bid | US $9.50 | 5h 44m |
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KCS KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN SIGNAL INDICATIONS POSTER | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 44m |
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GMO GULF MOBILE OHIO LOCO ROLLING STOCK POSTER | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 44m |
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SANTA FE EMD F UNIT POSTER RAILROAD TRAINS | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 46m |
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ATLANTIC EAST CAROLINA RAILROAD POSTER MULLET LINE | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 46m |
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ILLINOIS CENTRAL PASSENGER TRAIN POSTER | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 46m |
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CSX MODERN LOCOMOTIVES POSTER TRAIN RAILROADS | |
0 Bid | US $9.50 | 5h 46m |
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ACL ATLANTIC COAST LINE SIGNAL INDICATIONS POSTERS 2 | |
0 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 46m |
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MRL MONTANA RAIL LINK LOCOMOTIVE CABOOSE POSTER | |
0 Bid | US $9.50 | 5h 46m |
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NASHVILLE CHATTANOOGA AND SAINT LOUIS DIXIE LINE LOCO ROLLING STOCK PRINT | |
1 Bid | US $9.95 | 5h 46m |
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1920S IVES TRAIN CARDINAL SPECIAL SET RUNS LOCOMOTIVE 4 CARS MANUALS TRACK | |
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US $2,599.99 | 6h 5m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT SHELL TANKER CAR ROLLING STOCK M98103 | |
7 Bids | US $3.78 | 6h 10m |
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2 Vintage Gilbert American Flyer Railroad Cars Reading Gondola | |
0 Bid | US $24.99 | 6h 54m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT ENGINE AMTRAK F40 PH LOCOMOTIVE L8241 | |
7 Bids | US $17.39 | 7h 10m |
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BALTIMORE OHIO 2 BAY COVERED HOPPER CAR WITH 10 SQUARE HATCHES CAR 81794 | |
0 Bid | US $28.00 | 7h 10m |
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Lot of 13 Vintage Model Railroad Train Telephone Poles | |
0 Bid | US $6.99 | 7h 11m |
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LOT 45 VTG TRAIN RAILROAD ACCESSORIES Animals Cars Trucks Crossings Figure | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 7h 16m |
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Primitive Vintage Hand Made Silo Tower Wood Paper Model Train or Folk Art | |
1 Bid | US $9.99 | 7h 21m |
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Bachmann Depressed Center Flat Car w Transformer N Scale New | |
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US $11.99 | 7h 32m |
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Bachmann Depressed Center Flat Car w Missile N Scale New | |
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US $11.99 | 7h 32m |
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AF Wall Clock 316 PRR Pacific Engine NEW Clock | |
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US $17.95 | 7h 35m |
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Rock Island RR Wall Clock NEW | |
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US $17.95 | 7h 39m |
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Marx Passenger Cars 4 USA Made New in four boxes Tarantula RR tca 1996 | |
8 Bids | US $71.99 | 7h 45m |
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LGB G SCALE RAILROAD TRAIN SAN DIEGO ARIZONA RAILEAY TANK CAR MODEL NO 4080 | |
0 Bid | US $39.99 | 7h 53m |
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VINTAGE AHM MODEL RAILROAD TRAIN CATALOG HO SCALE ASSOCIATED HOBBY MANUFACTURE | |
0 Bid | US $9.99 | 7h 55m |
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Vintage Bachman Train Set Complete in the Original Box LK | |
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US $85.00 | 7h 56m |
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O Gauge Railroad Working Crossing Guard Lionel Marx American Flyer Lot SV1 | |
7 Bids | US $11.38 | 8h 1m |
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O Gauge Railroad Warning Guard Lionel Marx American Flyer Lot SV2 | |
7 Bids | US $8.75 | 8h 7m |
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O Gauge Railroad Warning Guard Lionel Marx American Flyer Lot SV3 | |
5 Bids | US $2.99 | 8h 10m |
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MARX 438 RAILROAD CROSSING Gate Sign PARTS | |
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US $3.30 | 8h 10m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT TEXACO TANKER CAR ROLLING STOCK M98106 | |
7 Bids | US $4.34 | 8h 10m |
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M28 Marx RARE RARE 4 SMALL RAIL ROAD CROSSING SIGN Has Jewel PARTS Restore | |
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US $5.50 | 8h 22m |
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WALTHERS HO Model Train PRR Pennsylvania Rail Road Plug Door Box Car NEW IN BOX | |
0 Bid | US $15.99 | 8h 30m |
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HO SCALE MODEL RAILROAD TRAINS LAYOUT TIMKEN ROLLER BEARING FREIGHT BOXCAR 97973 | |
3 Bids | US $3.78 | 8h 40m |
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Mickey Mouse Hometome Railroad Train Set battery operated w lights sound | |
0 Bid | US $100.00 | 8h 48m |
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TRACKSIDE DETAILS 5A | |
0 Bid | US $16.99 | 8h 54m |
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TRACKSIDE DETAILS 24A | |
0 Bid | US $18.99 | 8h 55m |
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PIKO MODEL TRAINS BUILDINGS G SCALE 2009 CATALOG | |
0 Bid | US $5.99 | 8h 57m |
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L14 Lionel 154 RAILROAD CROSSING SIGNAL Missig Sign Has Light Bar PARTS Restore | |
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US $7.70 | 8h 57m |
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L12 Lionel 154 RAILROAD CROSSING SIGNAL Missig Sign Has Light Bar PARTS Restore | |
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US $5.50 | 9h |
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