Electric train sets are not just toys as they have become a staple in household playgrounds and a lifelong passion for many toy train collectors, children, and enthusiasts. Once entered into the world of toy trains, there is that enjoyable and exciting experience that both a child and grown-up can feel. There is something entertaining in regards to the thought of having an electric train set which anyone can play with and control. With the various types of train sets available, the track layouts, trains, and scenery among others also differ.

Thos who are fascinated and curious about toy electric train sets, whether for their children or for themselves, may choose from a gamut of options available. Decisions somehow steer towards pricing and features which appear confusing at least for many.

Landscape and scenery

Electric train sets do furnish that level of detail and practicality that enkindles passion in plenty of model train collectors and buffs the world over. Modern train sets are tweaked to look even more realistic with detailed layouts, styles, and designs with faster train tracks and controls. Indeed, the tracks of today are easier and simpler to assemble and the scenery and landscape items such as foliage, trees, snow, or water create that sense of reality alongside the train tracks. Such features should be doubly considered since they produce that actuality that only electric trains offer.

Side switches

As soon as you have decided that an electric train set is an excellent toy collectible and plaything for yourself or for your child, make sure that you look into other features aside from the scenery and landscape. Side switches are important features of electric train sets. Flipping on the switch on one side of the locomotive would stop the train, flipping it on the other side would alter its course which causes sometimes a disastrous derailment. One neat piece of the design, which almost appears like the real thing on big trains, is that the switch can be set and activated to swerve in one direction toy our preference.

Scale and gauge

Most frequent query you will be raised to ask is what type of model scale size and gauge would you prefer in purchasing an electric train set. There are many options available but knowing the different scale types can make your purchase problem so much easier. There is the G scale train referred to the garden train range. The largest scale range and perfect for outdoor settings. It’s also great for toddlers to play with as well since it has large features. A larger size train that you may settle on is the O scale one made popular by the Lionel brand. The N scale trains are one of the most popular types which are a smaller size scale with a wide selection of settings and accessories. It is mostly used and preferred by hobbyists. When it comes to gauge or train track width, you can opt for the narrow gauge rails which is often convenient for playing.

Whatever electric train sets you go for, there are loads of trains, accessories, and brands to choose from. Selecting between freight or passenger trains, scale sizes, locomotive types, and an assortment of environments like train stations, town precincts, or woodlands also gives a level of detail, realism, and fun at the same time.

The best toy train sets for toddlers are wooden train sets that the child can piece together. There are lots of wooden train sets on the market which are reviewed and emphasized in order to give reliable guidelines for parents and kids looking for the best toys in the market.

Trains for toddlers make great toys and there are a variety of different train themed toys on the market. There are train themed books, DVDs and Lego sets as well as wooden train sets, motorized trains and remote control trains.

Brio produce a huge range of high quality themed train sets and the countryside horse set is just one example. It has 36 pieces and includes rechargeable engine. There are 3 horses, a barn style arch to encourage imaginative play. It can be put out in an 8 shape or in an oval.

Rain set tables are great for endless hours of play. They keep all the playtime mess of the floor and at children’s level. They normally come with their own train set. Most of them have good storage facilities so as well as being a toy they are great for storing all trains, accessories and other toys when they aren’t being used.

Kidkraft Ride Around Train set with a Table. This is a great set for imaginative play. There’s a train track that runs around an airport which includes a runway and helipad and a hospital with an ambulance. It’s compatible with Thomas and friend’s and Brio train sets. Additionally there are two storage bins which make tidying away quick and easy.

Fisher-Price Geotrax Rail and Road System has a remote control train. The remote control is big and easy to use for little hands and the train can go backward and forwards. The main terminal building, tracks and passengers will be great for lots of imaginative play. Load the train with cargo using the crane.

Lego Duplo are the Lego sets with bigger blocks and they are great for little toddler hands. Lego has all kinds of themed sets including train sets. They are great because you can work with your toddler to put the sets together and then they will have great fun pushing trains around the track. As your little one gets older they will learn to build the tracks and accessories themselves. Some of the trains are motorized too. Below are few options for you:

On great toy trains for toddlers, there are a range of toy trains that you can just push around the house or outside and don’t need a track. I think they are particularly great for younger toddlers.

Melissa and Doug train has cargo blocks which you can stack on the train. There are pegs for linking the cars together. Your kids will surely enjoy linking them together, taking them apart and putting them back again.

The Fisher Price Little People range is brilliant for toddlers and this little train is no exception. I think this is perfect for younger toddlers in particular. The size of the train is just right for little hands to grasp and play with.

There are lots of trains for toddlers’ sets on the market which are highly recommended buy. As well as the trains and their endless features that are great for imaginative play.

Designing your model railroad layouts can be daunting. It is a drove of arts merged together involving carpentry, painting, photography, sculpting, terrain building, electrical engineering, and history combined. Constructing the finer details of a model railroad is certainly an art form with many portions working together to create a functional piece. Such a leisure pursuit may afford countless hours of enjoyment for you and your loved ones.

Whether you had previous experience with construction and design or do not have much of an artistic streak, you can surely build your own model railroad layouts with a bit of research and motivation. Moreover, lots of people take on crafting model railroads from a simple activity to a blazing passion shared with friends and family. These layouts can be passed down for future generations as well.

If you have never constructed or designed any models before, building your first-ever model railroad layouts designs can be successfully pushed through once you figure out some details and have planned on it firsthand. There are several considerations however, when constructing your model railroad. Here are top seven things to take note of:

Plan ahead

Careful planning is the trick to successfully create that model railroad design that you are craving for. Railroad layouts vary and it is up to you how you will execute your designs in the process. Make sure to do a bit of research about the different kinds of track layouts and how you will be able to accomplish the construction.

Budget

Designing your do-it-yourself railroad track is an investment. Do you have the necessary savings to go over the expenses required for such construction? Do you have the appropriate tools and items needed for building it? Even if you hire some basic carpentry job, you will have to dish out some cash in the process.

Begin with the basics

Prior to designing your model railroad layouts, you have to gauge how much space you will be keen on committing your project to. Plus, you need to figure out the scale of your model train or the ratio between the dimensions of the model in comparison with the prototype. This means that you have to know the type of trains and their sizes to compatibly set them in place. Indeed, some model trains are more affordable than others so better hunt around for various railroad layouts and gauge how much money you are prepared to dole out.

Railroad theme

Having a railroad theme is a good idea. Settle on a theme that you will use consistently. You can get inspired by historical themes or fun, entertaining ones from cartoons. Select scenery according to that theme and supply your model railroad layouts an accurate feel.

Sense of purpose

You do not operate a train just because. It is essential to establish where your trains will actually run to. Do they have to carry milk to dairy farms, transport traveling passengers to their designated destinations, or ship coal to power companies? It all boils down to your creativity and a bit of imagination.

Time of year

The landscape that you have selected for your model railroad intermingles years of classic tradition with industrialization, nature with machinery. Whatever accessories and features you use such as mountains, terrain, trees, foliage, or bridges will have an impact on your layout and make the scenery more realistic.

Tools

You can purchase materials necessary for your model railroad layouts at any supply stores and toy chains. As soon as you get accustomed to building and designing your model railroad, make sure that the minutest details should enhance the overall look of your layout and not overwhelm your senses.

Look around train and other hobby shops and you can see that model trains come in a range of sizes. There are large-sized trains and smaller ones. The small ones are the N scale, HO scale, and the Z scale. They enable many train collectors to allot in depth railroads into smaller spaces. Large ones such as the G scale are popular as well since they tend to look like the real version. However, some folks might prefer the traditional size of many train sets and the O gauge tops their list. For more than five decades, the O gauge trains have these ideal sizes perfect for your child to play with.

The O gauge trains have become popular due to the demand of parents who want to give them as gifts to their children. These sought-after trains are also the perfect size scale for grown-ups as well. Besides, these O gauge scales are noted remarkably for their growing practicality. The O gauge is large and can use a lot of space. But if you want to know more about such trains, you first have to be aware of a few details about gauges and scales. Mainly, gauge refers to the distance flanked by railroad track gaps in a rail.

O gauge trains are commonly used for model railroading as well as played as toy trains. It was introduced first by German manufacturer Marklin during the 1900s. In the 1930s, the three-rail O gauge train was the most popular model railroad scale and remained so throughout the 1960s era. During World War II, the popularity of the O gauge has declined in Europe due to the introduction of scales that are designed in a much smaller way.

The O gauge scales can stand twice as much as the HO scales and they are more fun to play with than other sizes. In fact, they stay quite nicely on the track and hold higher speeds compared with other models. The O gauge has actually the pace most children prefer, gotten from their race-driven instincts. The O gauge has made it possible since it is designed to have larger flanges on its wheels.

Another reason why they are so popular is because they are very easy to deal with. The O gauge model train has a larger size that makes it easy for kids to manage than smaller scale trains. Besides, they are easier to put on the tracks. Huge-sized operating knuckle couplers provide easier coupling and uncoupling which makes the O gauge more fun and entertaining to play with.

O gauge trains are majorly impressive. They make such memorable toys because of their size and weight. Quality steam engines accompanied with frames, boilers, die-cast trucks, couplers, and metal wheels are crafted into these trains. If you are searching for a model toy train that will have a lasting impression on your kids as well as your own, the O scale is hard to beat.

These O gauge trains provide a wide selection of animated cars and accessories that are unparalleled by any other type of scale model. You can check out different O scale model trains, accessories, figures, sets, buildings, and other stuff for your O gauge layout.

Wm. K. Walthers, Inc. was literally founded in Milwaukee in 1932 however the entire concept of the company really gave birth when Bill Walthers a seven year old boy, initialized and cultivated his hobby due to a wind-up toy train which is a gift for Christmas. After he wrote a series of articles on building train control and signaling systems, he got so many letters from other modelers that he began manufacturing them thus is the advent of Walthers trains.

It made a decent amount of money in its first year, even if it wasn’t a huge amount of money by our standards. However, during World War II the company also experienced its own version of depression. Through the years the Walthers company has proven again and again that it can come back from a hard time, and still offer the quality merchandise

During the war, model manufacturers were ordered to stop production in order to conserve critical metal supplies. Walthers produced from nonessential and trivial materials. The postwar era actually paved way for the rapid growth for this interesting hobby, however, smaller homes and new families are not amenable to the conventional O scale layouts, and many modelers following this trend eventually moved to HO Scale.

In 1958, Bill eventually retired and left the business for his son Bruce to take over. Leisure time then was only and solely spent in front of the television set, not the train set. Walthers became a full-line distributor and key figure of various manufacturers’ products while it continues its expansion of the Walthers products and services. By the start of the 1970’s, business was booming again, and Bruce’s son Phil joined the company.

Expansion and diversification continue under Phil’s tenure. The Walthers Importing Division was established and added several international branches as it paved the way for the modernization of its manufacturing plant. In 1990, the company unveiled its Cornerstone Series buildings. This series made it possible for the duplication of authentic operations and the conceptualization and enhancement of layout realism among others. In 1994, the Train Line Deluxe Sets and other locomotives innovation finally made its debuted. These amazing innovations featured the detailing of remarkable and affordable models, with those new in the industry, having the chance to make and build on their own sets without any replacements.

In contemporary times, Walthers continued its legacy with its expansion, improvement and development of products in a wide array of series and collections. The company is managed by the founder’s grandson, and they offer many reference books along with N scale trains. One of the outstanding products of the company, Walthers N scale trains are considered as one of the finest in the country, and these amazing products are truly worthy of any collector having them either on their shelves or even on their tracks.

The latest selection of Walthers trains can be found throughout walthers.com and printed catalogs, along with items from over 300 other manufacturers. From the minutest of materials to the most prominent of details and structures, there are literally hundreds and thousands of products especially made to ensure that your model railroading becomes easier and more fun. Behind the scenes, the company is constantly striving to provide excellent service to you and your local hobby shop, to ensure that model railroading will be fun for generations to come.

Ever heard model train collectors and hobbyists discussing about large scale trains? They are actually referring to some different scales of model trains available in the market. If you have ever come across the term G scale, then many hobbyists would give you the head nod and say they mostly favor this large sized model. Many train enthusiasts have cashed in on the appeal of G scale trains and have rightfully set them up in their collection.

G scale trains have tremendous benefits, aside from appeal and easy operation and maintenance. They look good to, whenever and wherever you want them to be. These trains are the most sought-after and are quite large than most model trains that you can find. They are designed such a way that ups the appeal factor and are built at a 1:22 ratio to full-sized trains. They are indeed roughly one twentieth of the size of a real-life train.

If things and trends persist on the course, innovative and newly manufactured G scale trains with neat features will probably outpace other train models in the next few years or so. In a decade, G scale trains and its accompanying accessories have been predicted to outmatch the sales of other models in total. Many train makers have addressed that hard fact, jumping headlong into the G scale bandwagon with bold moves such as designing and creating handy features for customer satisfaction.

With so much appeal for both young and old alike, the G scale has been growing in the eyes of the general public. Whether they are hobbyists or non-hobbyists, the G scale train is seen as one excellent choice for a model train. Many large scale associations have ambitious goals of propelling the G scale into public scrutiny. Of course, this may not be such an attempt after all since the model train has become a staple in tons of home-shopping catalogs.

The G trains are widely visible on the racks of major toy chains and stores while some model trains have been diminishing in sales. Right now, the G train will perhaps be the large scale choice for many folks under the age of 40. Large scale manufacturers have been trying to accomplish that from the start.

Countless parents even favor these G scale trains, for the reason that they have this durability and convenience appropriate for any age especially smaller children. These G trains have been enjoyed by numerous families and will still be enjoyed for years to come. Such larger sizes can definitely withstand roughhousing by youngsters in the process.

Model trains of different types have been used and bought over a century and manufacturers have provided us a wide selection of sizes and styles suited for every whim, taste, and purpose. With the versatility of G scale trains, collecting and using them as a hobby marks a powerful appeal and charm to folks of any age group from every walk of life. G scales are long-lasting and will generate a decent amount of delight for you, your family, fellow hobbyists, and guests.

Engaging in N scale trains, you will naturally feel that sort of fervor to fill your space with a moving and running railroad as much as possible. With these small scale trains, they are very much convenient especially when you are in the throes of planning your scenery layouts. Experienced scale model train railroaders realize that it is actually easy to find yourself immersed with the hobby accompanied by messes that can puzzle anyone watching the trains.

There are ten things to consider however, when planning scenery and landscape layouts for your N scale trains.

1. Careful planning. Planning N scale train layouts necessitate some thorough research and thought. In basic areas, it requires a direct and straightforward assessment of your own objectives and determination to finish the task. Without motivation, you do not want to have a job unfinished and still looks like in progress.

2. Avoid pitfalls. Many beginners and even experienced builders have trouble constructing scenery layouts for N scale. It’s because they try to do everything first without taking some time to think. They dismiss the idea of trying new techniques or materials and fail to correct errors.

3. No wrong way. Planning your scenery layout is a huge feat but once you get accustomed to the idea, it’s actually pretty easy to manage. You can ask members of a train club or a hobby shop and take notes how to design your way into a realistic landscape.

4. Build a firm foundation. While thinking about what scenery pieces and other nifty details would go with your layout, make sure that you have built a solid foundation first. N scale trains are smallish in size so ensure that the tracks and other items would match the size of the train scale. Large tracks and other scenery items may tend to cause derailments in the future.

5. Have sufficient funds. What you have in your savings account is crucial to determining how much money you will have to spend on purchasing decorative items and other parts of your n scale layout.

6. Get structures. You should think about the amount of structures which will be included in your layout. You can buy them or have them crafted from scratch. Either way, make a list of the things that goes well with your N scale trains and its settings.

7. Start setting a goal. Set up a certain goal when you will be having your N scale layout up and moving and appearing remarkable. This will enable you to construct the kind of realism of your model trains and the satisfaction gained from this kind of leisure pursuit.

8. Place a layout size. While building the foundation is created beforehand, make sure that you have the proper layout size for an N scale train to run on.

9. Plan for expansion. If you have the right budget and have time on your hands, then you can certainly commit to crafting your N scale train layout without further ado. There’s nor reason to forestall expansion. You can begin with a simple oval ad get a single locomotive loop around the tracks. A basic oval offers a firm foundation for future expansion.

10. Add challenges. Indeed, adding certain challenges to your N scale trains, layouts, and settings like main line switching, multiple levels, or an arrival and departure track can boost the whole look of your project.

Train derailments are a widespread dilemma for model railroad hobbyists and enthusiasts. It is extremely annoying when your model train has encountered derailments. No need to fret however, since derailments occur one time or another. If you have those small N scale trains, prevent derailments by ensuring that your tracks are properly sized and constructed.

Derailments pertain to railway accidents which can result to overturning and leaving the rails. Even when it comes to model trains, many collectors are trying to prevent this kind of situation from happening. Several causes of derailment include excessive speed, misaligned rails, collisions on the track, faults in the wheels and in the train itself, and broken parts.

Even the intermittent derailment from unwarranted velocity or other fluky causes is comprehensible. When it ensues on a regular basis at the same place, nevertheless, there is possibly something particular causing it. If you are noticing frequent derailments in your train layout, the very thing that you should do is to figure out where it is occurring. You can check whether it happens to certain cars and locomotives or your entire set of cars.

If the derailment occurred on a swerving curve, do not just routinely suppose the design of the curve is an error. The train wheels could be leaping on a nail head, for instance, which results to rocking then derailing.

N scale trains may also have issues with a certain wheel or a car part. You can troubleshoot the problem with a locomotive first, then try to add particular cars to check if one of them causes the problem at the very start.

Another probable cause is the couplers involved. If they are much lower to clear, you should switch points or other relevant parts which can cause the N scale trains to knock off the tracks. The solution is fairly simple when this occurs. You can adjust the coupler with washers or plastic shims which are typically sufficient to solve the derailment issue.

In most N scale sets, trucks can also result into major problems of derailment. This is pretty rare of course. When this case happens, usually it is the screw gripping the truck in place. It might be too tight and requires backing off a little.

Uneven surfaces also cause derailment on N scale trains.  Unleveled layouts can result into rises or bumps in your track, resulting to derailments as can rails that are not that tightly and correctly secured. Many train hobbyists often encounter the issue of derailment where two tables are connected. They require to be securely attached or need to be leveled to one another to avoid any sort of derailment problems.

Another typical problem spot are switches along with the rails themselves. If you have examined your tracks and model trains, make sure that the guide rails and everything in between the cracks ad crevices work smoothly and are cleaned on a regular basis. In fact dirt and dust accumulation can pose major problems once you ignore the cleaning procedure. Whenever you test a switch on N scale trains, it will help in running a spare truck through the switch by hand to examine if you sense any shakiness.

Model train sets have railroad sets which should be cleaned from dust and dirt. Cleaning it up can be something that you manage yourself but if you are tentative about the whole cleaning process, better take your model train to a store and have them provide you some assistance. Each railroad track layout is a tad different from the other with different materials used and so forth.

To start cleaning the tracks, begin by carefully cleaning those large areas with a cloth. Use a small piece so that you do not sweep against delicate pieces and the scenery on your railroad layout. Mild cleansers are best since they will not damage landscape decals or paint. Use a toothbrush to smoothly enter into the crevices and cracks of the tracks. Bear in mind however, that you clean and wipe gently so as not to ruin anything beside and along the railroad tracks.

Model train sets are prone to grime and dust and they seep into the railroad tracks. You can use a scrub sponge, preferably dry, to clean off that dirty track. This works well especially on larger gauges. Avoid using steel wool to clean the track since it creates these tiny scrapes that load with dirt and seems to never come clean. Rubbing alcohol or any sort of liquid cleaning solution will do for cleaning dirt and grime.

You can even use a pencil eraser to clean your locomotive tenders and model train sets by rubbing it gently against them. Buy some track-cleaning car which attaches to any of your other train cars but appears like a part of your model train sets. With coarse discs mounted off center, they can twirl across the track once the car is pulled. Liquid track cleaners are mostly often favored by hobbyists since they clean your tracks instantly. Remember to keep your control center dusted and swabbed down often. You can do the cleaning on a monthly basis which will save you an amount of deep cleaning maintenance at later date.

When your model train sets start to sputter, hesitates, stops and starts, or speeds up suddenly, there may be a problem with your tracks. Better thoroughly clean the track section with a track cleaning eraser. You can buy the stuff at supply stores near you. Examine the tracks for dead spots such as bad track connectors, or sticky glue from the scenery which can upset the power flow of the train. Tracks usually have power or transformer packs to enable trains to run on. If you think that your power is beginning to falter, you can invest in a stronger and more powerful unit.

In keep the track for model train sets clean, you should not only focus on the tracks but check your railroad accessories and see if you can find anything that might disrupt the train’s running. Usually, dust and dirt will accumulate over time if you ignore cleaning up your train sets. Ensure that you have the right set of cleaning tools to immediately start off your cleaning spree. You never know when you might need it.