Trains & Railway Models | Collectibles & Collectors Items

Buying and collecting model trains and railway memorabilia can be a rewarding hobby for enthusiasts of all ages. Trains hold a special place in many young hearts, especially those of boys. Creating a realistic train set is a way of expressing an artistic flair or simply fulfilling that childhood dream of becoming a train driver, even if it is only of a 20cm engine! The following guide will hopefully get you started, giving you a few ideas to start planning your collection

What will you need to build a model train set
Model trains are an obvious necessity when building a model train set but this is only a tiny part of the project. Many other areas need to be considered. You will need to think about the following additions when planning your set.

Model Trains � When buying your trains you should really go for the best you can afford; quality really will shine through. There are many manufacturers to consider. It is important that you complete your research which will enable you to find the exact style that you desire.

Train Cars � Do you want to create an industrial site or a metropolitan passenger railway? You will have the option to investigate both areas or to mix the two to create your own city within a city.

The Train Track � As with the model trains, it is important to buy the best examples you can find. Cast plastic roadbed is the recommended choice, providing you with the easiest linking sections of track and allowing the best electrical connections. Try to also find track that utilises nickel silver as a primary substance, which will provide the best conductivity available.

A transformer - The transformer is the basic power house of your set. Your transformer will not only provide power to your train, through the track that it runs on, but also to all of your accessories. Signal boxes, tunnels, stations and building lights all need sufficient power to operate and all is provided from this source.

Scenery � The setting that you desire will dictate the type of scenery that you will include in your set. You may want to create an inner city metropolis, an industrial mining town or a peaceful country railroad, the addition of effective scenery can complete this. Model scenery can be made from many materials, from man-made plaster mountains to living lichen trees. Once you have an idea as to the type of set to create, then you can experiment with different types of scenery until you find the perfect combination.

Makes to look out for
When you are looking to build a collection there are many manufacturers producing quality model trains. This leads to an overwhelming selection available for you to choose from depending on which styles you prefer. Make sure that you investigate sets from Hornby, Graham Farish, and Bachmann. These well-known manufacturers have a great deal of experience and, as such, produce extremely well built train sets and accessories. Their full ranges will contain all items that you require and you will find that the quality of items you purchase as a result will be well worth that little bit extra.

Model train scales
There are many scales to consider when building your model collections. Many collections will obviously be dictated by available space. The following scales are just some of the available sizes available.

1:220: Generally the smallest of the scales currently available, 1:220 are an excellent choice to go for if you have limited space. You will find that even though the models of this scale are small, they will include intricate detail. A great choice to begin your collection.

1:160: Often a popular scale with many collectors. If you feel that you would like to concentrate on building highly detailed scenery, possibly recreating particular landscapes, then this may be the scale for you. There are a number of manufacturers which specialise in this area so you will have many options available to you if you decide on this scale.

1:87: This scale represents the most popular scale among model train enthusiasts. There is a huge selection of accessories available, enabling you to create your perfect environment. You will still find that the models in this range will be highly detailed but will require that little bit more space to create your set of choice.

1:22: The largest of all model railways, are generally intended for use inside but are an ideal size to be used as a garden train. A number of manufacturers make trains specifically for this purpose that stand the test of time and the elements. Pricing here is on the high side, reflecting the complexity of manufacture and the materials involved.

Hopefully the general advice above will give you a few ideas to get started with. Building your set can be an interesting and creative hobby which will keep you interested for many years to come. The end result will also be an achievement to be proud of, providing enjoyment for your family for many generations.