The History of Model Railroading
The first train was manufactured over a century ago. Model railroading has become a serious hobby – much more than child’s play. Model train collectors are very serious about their hobby. The art of collecting has been shared from one generation to the next. It is not uncommon for someone to own a model train set that is older than themselves.
The first wooden and metal floor toy train was made in the 1860s. In the 1890’s, a series of wind-up and electronic-powered train sets were designed. In 1901, Lionel built an electronic train set for their story display that amazed even adults. It was on every young boys Christmas list that year.
Lionel is still one of the number one model railroad developers today. From the early 1900s to the 1970s electronic trains have continued to become more popular. Lionel’s Standard Gauge Tinplate Commodore Vanderbilt was the first streamlined locomotive released 1934 in America and became the prototype for the first toy train. The design included a true-life sound system that imitated the big rigs and increased the level of excitement in owning such a grand train set. Lionel’s Union Pacific Veranda Turbine diesel-turbine power train set was different than most train sets. It was one of the first that could be dissembled and then reassembled.
Model railroading is a hobby that evolved from wood to electric; from scale model railroading to toy trains; from HO trains to N scale trains and then Z scale which is even smaller in size. By the 1980s, digital control systems were developed and became very popular among Baby Boomers. Some toy train sets are worth thousands, while others carry no significant value other then sentiment. This is a hobby that can be enjoyed by children and adults of all ages.
The appeal isn’t so much the value of the train that draws collectors but being the owner. Now in 2010, the model railroading hobby has significantly grown. There are well over 500,000 participants in model railroading hobby clubs across the nation: United States, Canada, Australia, England, Japan, and Germany. From those who craft scenery to those who collect sets, the model railroading hobby keeps on growing.
A Guide to Selecting the Best Starter Electric Toy Train Set
Do you think that buying electric toy trains is just a waste of money and time? Do you think that these products were only designed for kids? If you answered yes to these questions, you should consider getting to know more about these wonderful toys.
Designing your own model train layouts can be a very worthwhile hobby. This could actually help you to explore your creativity and spend quality time with your family. It could also provide you with the chance to take a break from your stressful job while enjoying the limitless potentials of owning a toy train set. In addition, these products are affordable. They bring excitement and pleasure to their owners, making them worth every penny.
If you are interested in trying this hobby, you need to find the best starter electric toy train set that will meet your needs. It’s not hard to find a good package if you follow these five simple steps.
Decide on the size
Since electric toy trains come in different sizes, the first thing that you should do is to become aware of the diverse sizes that you will need to choose from. These include the N Scale, Ho Scale, O Scale, and G Scale. The N scale is the smallest size, which makes it ideal for young children too. The Ho Scale is big enough for an entire room and is the most popular among hobbyists offering the most choice when it comes to scenery such as buildings and figures. The O Scale is the popular choice for those who want to put their trains around a Christmas tree. The G scale, which is the largest size, makes it ideal for garden railways. Whichever size you choose, make sure that it will suit your carefully planned railway design.
Look for complete packages
In selecting a starter electronic toy train set, look for packages that include everything that you would need to put together your initial model train set. Most of these are ready to run because they already include track roads and power packs. Choosing complete sets as opposed to separate parts will enable you to get started quickly and will save you time and money.
Search for existing model train sets
Different pictures of other toy trains have already been published on the Internet. Try viewing these pictures in order to get an idea of what an assembled toy train set would look like. In addition, these pictures will also stimulate your imagination and help you create unique and impressive designs. You could even try creating miniatures of different towns that interest you.
Consider purchasing online
If you want to save more time and effort while looking for the best electric toy trains, you should try visiting online shops that include different brands that you could choose from. Most of these sites also offer customer reviews regarding the different products available on the market. It would be helpful to read reviews and know what other customers think about specific brand names before finalizing your online purchases.
Choose the best deals
You should take some time to compare and contrast the different models available on the market. Buy products from companies that provide consumers with the greatest discounts and customer support. Always purchase starter packages that meet your distinct needs and preferences.
After doing these five easy steps, you will be able to find the best electric toy trains for your dream railway designs. You are now a step away from finishing your own train designs and experiencing priceless satisfaction and fulfillment.
Twelve Things to Consider When Purchasing Structures and Scenery for Your Model Railroad Layouts
Plenty of model train enthusiasts struggle for days, weeks, or months just to get the gist of tweaking their model railroad layouts with nifty sceneries and structures. Although such items and accessories can be purchased in many toy stores that have a range of toy train materials, getting into the details require an artistic flourish that many hobbyists tend to overlook.
Just picture being able to grasp all the nitty-gritty involved in being a true model train engineer and understand technical train terms. Of course, you really do not need any technical know-how when it come purchasing structures and scenery for your model railroad layouts. There is no need for expensive special equipment or to do advanced things to get you started.
Actually there are 12 things that you might have to consider when buying landscape and structural pieces for your model railroad.
1. Everything must be on top. First off, nothing should be below table level, or in other words, ground level. This is where many modelers comprehend the need to create and make their own train tables to be able to accommodate the different kinds of landscape and scenery that they prefer and want.
2. Plan the size carefully. Prior to purchasing scenery and structural details that will go over your model railroad layouts, be sure that you have acquired the proper measurements for your train model. If one part of the layout is more scenery concentrated, it will necessitate more thought for support. An L-girder support system is a good idea since it has become the conventional way to support model layouts. It can be adapted by almost any sort of configuration, rendering you all the durability and flexibility your layout will require.
3. Budget. Sure enough, buying items will require spending. Ensure that you have canvassed a bit before purchasing anything. Besides, you want to get the best deal for your money as well as for your model railroad layout. There are scores of items and accessories to choose from in many toy stores that carry model trains. You can search online to compare prices as well.
4. Basic planning. A good plan will provide you a model railroad that you will certainly enjoy for the long haul. You should have a place for your railroad layout that is large enough and clean enough. No matter how small or large the space is, you can surely craft a layout that will offer plenty of fun and enjoyment.
5. Scenery elements. When you have a track plan in mind, it is a good idea to include scenery items that you would like included. If you are modeling a certain train prototype, jot down the scenery features that make it stand out. You should have a list of must have items and little details to include in your scenic plan.
6. Building scenic forms. As soon as you have planned out your scenery elements, ensure that your model railroad layouts with wiring and trackwork are complete. The trains must run perfectly prior to building anything. It is tough to replace, remove, or repair tracks after scenery and landscape is in place. Replacing newly built scenery can be tiresome and ripping it all up and starting all over again is no fun at all.
7. Color, form, texture. Keep these three factors in mind when purchasing scenery materials for your model railroad layout.
8. Tools. You do not need special construction techniques. All you need are different set of tools to go by with your landscape construction.
9. Water-soluble sceneries. You can find them at craft stores, art supply houses, hobby outlets, and hardware stores. They are excellent additions to your railroad tracks and are convenient to keep for a long time.
10. Affordable twine. There is nothing better than pimping up your layout with big bushy weeds. In fact, they add a realistic feel to your tracks. Remember to purchase them along with the other scenery materials you want included in your design.
11. A good match. Everything that you consider for landscape and scenery items should harmonize with the size of the model train, the surroundings, and the era that inspired your creation. Stay away from items that are not needed which will only look out of place in your layout.
12. Add depth. Model railroad layouts have that certain depth to them. What will be your basis for envisioning that kind of scenery? Is it a desert setting, a Depression period, or something that goes with the seasons? Whatever you choose, make sure that you will enjoy it for the long run.
N Scale Layout Design Concept and Ideas
First introduced during the early 1960s, N scale layouts have become popular by then. Still a widespread layout popularized by the K. Arnold and & Company, they have been made commercially available even today. Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, scores of companies have developed smaller trains scales and during this era, the K. Arnold & Company helped in driving standardization by introducing the Rapido coupler. In enabling other manufacturers to use and tweak the design, many model train aficionados were likely to combine collectively rolling stock by means of various manufacturers.
N scale layouts typically have a large following across the globe. While they are on par with HO scale trains, the popularity increases due to the demands of many train collectors everywhere. N scales are smaller compared to other train sizes. They are mostly sought-after because of limited space in houses and people think they are just convenient and versatile. Other hobbyists essentially do not opt for these trains because of spatial limitations. As an alternative, they favor to work with the N scale and erect a more compound and visually interesting mock-up presentation.
Lots of folks think that N scale layouts are not as good compared to more popular scales like the G scale or HO scale. Perhaps it’s because they have been accustomed to larger-sized trains and tend to judge quickly the smaller sizes. True enough, the N scale trains are only 1:160 in ratio to the real prototype. However, they are perfect for people who do not have a lot space going on in their homes but want to squeeze in a nice train layout.
Several say that N scale sets do not have many spare parts, accessories, or other relevant resources but that is not the case. In perusing your local hobby shops, you may find that N scale train accessories are scarce but you can certainly find them online. Scroll down plenty of basic sets that are available. Miniatures and scenery pieces are accessible online. Just look them up at any search engine. There is a gamut of products pertaining to N scale layouts that would certainly delight you.
You should know by now that N scale model trains are going to need an amount of small parts. It is an electrical hobby that you might want to dedicate yourself to however, when presenting them as gifts to much younger kids, ensure that you are always on guard. These trains are small and may pose hazards to children below ten years of age.
For N scale sets and layouts, it is important to put the layout pieces together first. You certainly have a horde of options to choose from such as freight and passenger trains. The N scale is also perfect for trains with lots of trailing cars. The cars are pretty lightweight but tremendously detailed. There is a range of car and engine styles and designs with holiday add-ons during occasions.
Many mechanisms are battery-operated and entail no extra power boost which is an excellent feature about N scale layouts. Once you have all the proper materials and tracks on hand, you can nab some decorative ideas such as plants, buildings, and even river crossings.
The Advantages of N Scale Layouts
If you have been collecting model toy trains for awhile, you might be already familiar with how the train scale system works. Basically, the scale of model railroads is used to portray the model train ratio to the real version. In terms of the N scale layouts, the train is smaller compared with other model train scales out in the market. N scales are extremely popular since they have tons of advantages.
In fact, N scale layouts offer hobbyists room especially if they have spatial limitations. However, space is not the stand-out factor when starting a model train assortment. If you have limited space, then the N scale should top your list as a must-have in your toy train collection. Attributed to its popularity, the N scale has a huge range of items and accessories available including wide-ranging landscape and car choices.
Those toy model trains in N scale layouts are also extremely all the rage because of the broad amount of details on them. Even if they are one of the smallest train scales around, they are exceptional when it comes to design and detail. Although they are not the smallest scales, which is attributed to the Z scale, many people from hobbyists to non-hobbyists have admired and appreciated the N scale layouts for a long time.
The N scale may just be the proper size to fit into a narrow space and is large enough to let you be able to notice the minutest details of craftsmanship. Such model trains hold excellent attention to detail. With its compact size, the N scale has indeed become one of the widest choices for newbies as well as experienced collectors. Even buyers who are just buying sets for their young train engineers prefer N scale trains.
You can check out your nearby model train stores to watch the N scale in action. Besides, these N scales have layouts that equate to elaborate railroad systems. They are quite handy, as a matter of fact. A word of caution though, the train size can create difficulty on large layouts. If the track is too large, it would produce derailments with smaller scales.
Study and compare prices while at the store. The N class is very competitive in regards to larger scale models. The N scale layouts are intensely a popular choice so they are manufactured more compared to other larger scales. An advantage is that investing on N scales will not put a dent on your wallet. They are affordable with several accessories and scenery features in tow. They offer great value for your cash and there are varied options to produce more detail on it.
N scale layouts are ideal in order to kick off that train collecting passion within you especially if you want to spend restricted amounts of hours while delving into this sort of hobby for the very first time. The N scale model train has its own fuel and it is available in different varieties. You can use live steam engine power to make it run or grab some fuel tablets created from hexamine. Electric voltage is also used to power the engines. However, collectors in droves prefer using plain basic electricity to run their N scales on the tracks.
Are Lionel and O Gauge Trains the Same?
When it comes to O gauge trains, you may come across Lionel trains as well. Are they any different? To understand train scales better, you should first need to know what a gauge is. A gauge refers to the track’s width and only trains that properly fit on the track will run on it. Most Lionel trains actually run on two comparable but connected track gauges such as O gauge and 0-27 gauge.
Lionel pioneered the O gauge model train designs. Lionel, LLC is actually is an importer and designer of model railroads and toy trains. The headquarters is located in Chesterfield Township, Michigan. Its origins can be traced back in the Lionel 1969 product line purchase by cereal corporation General Mills. Even though Lionel, LLC owns most of the trademarks and product rights related with Lionel Corporation nowadays, there is no direct correlation between said companies. Lionel Corporation is the original producer and manufacturer of Lionel trains during the 1900s.
Lionel trains are vastly preferred by many collectors, it is imperative to talk about the sole factor that sways the value of a train collectible which is its condition. In contrast to hobbyists, train collectors do not care so much about how the train operates in comparison to what the train looks like. Lionel, LLC’s company sales usually come from O gauge trains so many collectors link them together. Lionel accounts for much of the market sales which make it one of the largest manufacturer and producer of O scales.
Lionel trains and track do vary in gauges. Lionel O gauge trains are tremendously popular so be sure to select products that are developed and designed to work well together. This means that the trains or train sets have to be on the same gauge. Lionel manufactures two types of tracks pertaining to its three-rail range. This includes the Lionel 0-27 gauge and the Lionel O gauge. They have the same gauges but serve different needs and have vary in specifications.
Indeed, you might say that Lionel and O gauge trains are the same. But this is not the case. Lionel spurned designs and train scales originally produced in their own way, creating the O gauge as one of the leading model scales in many decades. Lionel O gauge track have wider curves for larger layouts and trains. The O gauge makes 31 inches in diameter in creating the smallest circle.
The O gauge scale has a fairly taller outline which is good for embedding in deeper wheel flanges. The Lionel O gauge is created to virtually slot in all Lionel rolling stock, locomotives, and scale-proportioned pieces. Larger Lionels however, are designed to run on O gauge tracks only.
Take note that Lionel trains vary in make and size. When it comes to O gauge trains, you have to look into the details of what makes it an O scale. The Lionel Company and the O gauge train came a long way and you will surely find that fragment of history in the trains that are designed. Such trains are excellent as antique collectibles as well.
New Products from Walthers Trains
If you’re insane over the new products from Walthers trains and other miniature collections of all types of vehicles, then you’re not alone. Millions of people are totally into the hobby of collecting miniature editions of cars, trucks, ships, airplanes, and yes, trains.
The hobby of collecting models and miniatures can be very absorbing. There is something about mini contraptions that get you all puzzled and fascinated at the same time. You can’t help but appreciate the fine craftsmanship and detail that go into every piece.
The same can be said of Walthers products like Walthers model trains and train sets. Among their newest introductory products for the year 2010 are the latest in freight cars and passenger cars for all sorts of locomotives. Add to that a fresh supply of new tracks, cabs, and accessories.
Along the line of trains and cabs, let’s talk a bit about cars. If you have to hail a cab and you don’t have a car parked in your very own garage, who’s to say that you can’t have collection of model trains, cabs, and cars displayed right on your hobbyist shelf or cabinet?
A collection of Walthers products wouldn’t hurt, would it? Having them in one particular nook would be so ideal. After all, this hobby nook of yours takes up so little space yet consumes a little more of your time, attention, and money.
This brings us to the exciting truth that modeling season has never been over, at least not for the most passionate of toy and model collectors all over the world. It is the ideal hobby for people who are cutting down on space but not necessarily on time and expenses.
If you’re saving up to build a personal collection of Walthers trains and other model cars and locomotives, then count it as a worthy investment. It grants you your own little world where you are entitled to be as creative and playful as possible. It also keeps you happily sane about what little possessions you can accumulate just for the fun of it. On the other hand, it drives you literally insane in your obsessions about what to get next and how to get a hold of them.
You would be thrilled to know that, once again, Walthers products have come up with their latest catalog of models this season. You can check out the Walthers Model Railroad Mall for an exciting glimpse into their new products, introductory offers, and special promos.
Walthers Publications is not to be left behind as it releases its 2010 edition of HO Model Railroad Reference Books. Step by step, they are a goldmine of useful and practical information on how to build your Walthers trains and locomotive models to scale. Indeed, here is one hobby where toys and books go together!
Along with Walthers trains as your all-time favorite, you can have your fill of a bunch of them or your thrill over all of them when you visit your local toy store, some Walthers websites, and those specialty shops which sell Walthers products online.
New Trends in Toy Train Sets
The earliest train systems of contemporary times were operated and functioned through steam power or clockwork mechanisms. The turn of the century witnessed the creation and accessibility of four different train gauges and within the next 15 years, model trains were eventually powered by electricity. When Germany’s exports were halted during WWI, model train industries like American Flyer and Lionel toy train sets expanded worldwide.
Since this innovation, contemporary train scales have become known for precision with special attention to salient details. This trend is a good sign for collectors and would-be train conductors the great opportunity for design and theme elaboration.
Today’s space-age plastics allow for advanced workmanship in plastic model train components, with zinc alloys that will not deteriorate. Multiple train sets made of metal materials are operated on a single-track system with handheld remote control.
At this point, it is good to discuss some matters in selecting toy train sets. Toddlers and youngsters are inevitably careless with the tendency of pitching their toys and belongings across the room hence making delicate train sets highly vulnerable to breakage. Furthermore, large pieces from such broken toys may even resort to more serious damage to your young ones.
Small children are highly attracted and find delight in colorfully designed wooden train sets. Wood is a lightweight material which is certainly an ideal item for toddlers and preschoolers. They may cause very minimal damage when hurled across the room but may be even threatening when your kids mistook them for chew toys.
Toy train sets made of die cast metal are almost childproof. For your kids aging four years and up, you may consider buying battery-operated toy trains. These are lightweight and inexpensive train set variation. Electric train sets variation functions on transformer, and are highly suitable for young children aged 10 and up with adult supervision and assistance.
There are also plastic toy trains with space-age themes that boast of advanced workmanship and highly exquisite detail. These are actually collectible items which are perennially appreciated and sought –after by train enthusiasts. There are plastic toy trains which are available in G-scale features which require space in your room or house.
There’s no better way to add an element of realism to your train set than to light it up. Many of today’s trains feature lighted toy train sets, railcars with interior lights, and lighted signals and crossing gates.
Railsounds 5.0 system features crew-talk dialogue, chugging sounds that intensify as the locomotive gains speed, a multi-whistle effect that simulates blows at different steam pressures, and independently adjustable volume control.
There are pre-assembled units however you may also opt for kits which gives you the chance to build ones on your own. You can either assemble them by hand and from scratch. Most types of locomotives include steam pressure power system which is generated by a firebox inside a boiler.
Upgrading your train set however will actually make a big difference in its appearance from a toy to a realistic item in a railroad scene.
Toy train sets may also be inclusive of building kits and other features such as train stations, churches, fast-food restaurants, factories, drive-in theaters and churches among others. You may also add working signal and even crossing gates in your set in order to give a more realistic approach.
How Can I Determine the Value of Antique Model Train Sets?
Plenty of train enthusiasts and hobbyists do specialize in antique model train sets. When referred to as antique, these trains are from the locomotive days of yore, exhibiting the styles and designs spanning between the 1800s through the 1960s. These styles are not in use today but many collectors seek these priceless possessions to add to their growing train collection. They are not meant to be played with however, rather they exude that vibe to be displayed and flaunted.
Antique model train sets certainly breathe some realism into locomotives that many people of today will never actually see on the tracks for real. Owing to this, antique model trains are educational in themselves, sprinkling that bit of history in them. Especially for children, they will likely appreciate a turn back in time by means of these trains. Besides, looking at these trains enable youngsters and grown-ups alike to read more about their full-sized real-life versions which includes how they operate and work.
Determining the value of antique model train sets can be easy. It depends on how vintage they are. The older these trains are, the more expensive they are priced. However, some antique trains are pretty much affordable, those that have been auctioned or sold at lowered prices with less than stellar features. As a train collector, you can expect steep prices in acquiring antiques.
The first thing you have to do in determining the value of the antique model train that you are eyeing on is to know the basic categories of such trains. There are the assembled ones and those that are not. Fully assembled trains can be purchased as new models. In some cases, train collectors can get a hold of antique model train sets that were truly created in the period that they are depicting. In the most opportune moments, collectors may unearth these types of trains which they basically pay thousands of dollars to just to have them.
Assembly-based antique trains are more affordable, though it calls for some crafting familiarity to be able to fruitfully gather them together. In addition, they do not have as much financial value in contrast to an antique model train that is accurately vintage.
Buying antique model trains require gauging the size and scale of the train in question. There are different model train scales even in antique ones. Large-sized trains like the G scale have been sought-after by many vintage train collectors. There are also variants with versatile sizes so these may prompt you to figure out how much they are worth based on the scale and size factors alone.
You can opt for miniature antique trains which are more expensive even if they are smaller in sizes. The Z scale is the popular choice for miniature antique train collecting. To sum it up, antique model train collecting entails purchasing the entire train set or assembling the different parts from a kit. Either way, train hobbyists and collectors can determine the train size by buying them based on the train gauge. If train collectors want to run their antique model train sets, they should also need to plan out a railroad layout for the train to go zooming about.
Advantages of Investing in G Scale Trains
Discovering the joys of being a model train hobbyist can very fulfilling. Trains are set apart by their features, styles, types, and scales. When it comes to electric trains however, you might want to invest in quality G scale trains. Why? These model trains are actually very popular and have been a favorite for some time.
There are countless reasons why G scale trains are tops when it comes to choosing electric toy trains. Not only has this size increased in popularity, it has many benefits as well. The G scale model trains are referred to as garden railroad trains. The letter G actually comes from a description of them. In fact, G scales are some of the largest model trains that you can set your eyes on. With the size of 1:22 of real-life train models, they are great for both grown-ups and kids who like it massive and convenient. Besides, they are much safer to use unlike other smaller scales, especially for youngsters.
They are great to use and to play with. You cannot have a train collection unless you have placed G scale trains on your shelves. They have a similar resemblance to real trains and they provide that certain realism than any other model train out there. Of course, there is that exciting feeling whenever you come across a large model train, aside from obtaining a smaller one. In most cases, you might feel like you are watching real trains chugging on the tracks due to its size.
One of the advantages of G scale trains is that they are easy to use and simple to deal with. They do not have lots of smaller, intricate details and pieces attached since they are large in size. You can often find features such as controls and knobs easily without overlooking them when you operate. The G scale is often a good toy option for smaller children as well since you might want to prevent any choking hazards that kids will surely put in their mouths. Children often have accidents with smaller model trains and find them hard to brake. With the G scale train, such mishaps are unlikely to happen.
In addition, G scale tracks are more durable and have that strength in contrast to other train track models. The reason is that the tracks are made of brass so they are very strong and therefore can support running outside on your lawn or in your garden. Great for outdoors especially if you have guests around, G scale trains add up to the overall design as well. In fact, you do not have to utilize these trains outside but many folks seem to do so.
A G scale train is also great for putting in a large spaced room or even in your garage. They can appear incredible and mighty when you have several running trains at once while including some spectacular scenery.
Another great advantage of the G scale is that it is unbelievably easy to set up, expand, and operate. Almost anyone can surely set up a decent model railroad layout. When using G scale trains track, you have to occasionally clean it. One neat thing about brass tracks is that it only requires a wire wool to handle the entire cleaning process. You only have to polish the track to wipe away any dirt and dust and guarantee a smoother surface for your trains to run on.
