Michael Weston questioned:


Collecting model railroad trains is a very well loved leisure activity for men, women and children. Due to the cost associated with collecting model trains it is vital to educate oneself on the technicalities associated with the proper scale and gauge and other fascists of the leisure activity 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 well loved being the HO scale. The G, N and Z are also among the most well loved ones, also.

Many people will want to collect the larger scales since the perception is that you can place 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 fantastic 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 small research and get started straight away because this leisure activity 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.

Stuart James Smith questioned:


Anyone who has spent the significant amount of time it takes to be a railroad hobbyist knows the importance of using model train show cases to keep their investment safe. There are far too many factors that can hinder the functioning of a model train not to take precautions against them. If you find the right one, not only will your investment and leisure activity be safe, but you’ll still be able to view and delight in it as much as when it’s running.

You have two options when it comes to model train show cases, you can hire someone to build one for you, or you can take on the project and build it yourself. Of course hiring someone would be far simpler, but much more expensive. If you’re like most of us, you’ll want to save some money and choose to build it yourself. I hope that these tips will give you some help in the process.

Instead of starting from scratch, you can buy some pre-fabricated cabinets – i.e. medicine cabinet-in which to store your model trains. Be sure to buy the cabinets with glass front doors in order for your train pieces to be viewed. From here, you will design the set-up of the show case around the dimensions of your train pieces. This is inexpensive, quick, and simple to accomplish. These cabinets make the perfect model train show cases.

If starting from scratch, buy enough wood to construct a similar structure as the cabinets above. The open-finished box you make will serve as the frame of your show case. It should be shallow and have dimensions to fit your model train pieces. When installing the shelving, you want to be sure that they are adjustable to different heights. By simply drilling different holes and inserting dowels you allow yourself the ability to adjust the shelving around to accommodate the different sizes of your pieces.

The shelving you choose upon should be either wood or glass. If you choose to go with the glass shelving, your model pieces should be showed on the track pieces themselves, separated by stoppers on both ends. If you choose to go with wooden shelving, the pieces can simply be placed on mini dowels you have drilled into place to hold your model pieces in place.

When constructing the backing for your model train show case, many folks tend to go for a mirrored effect. Mirrored backing is much harder to work with than a simple wooden backing. But, if you wish your case to encompass a bit of class, then you may want to steer towards a mirrored backing. The doors once again need to be glass or some form of clear acrylic sheets in order for your model to be showed and viewed. Be sure the hinges are strong and mounted correctly.

While hiring someone to construct your model train show case may be the simpler way to go, you’ll be very pleased with your finished product considering you built it by hand and you saved yourself a load of money. Take your time and do it right, and you’ll be enjoying your model train set for years to come.

Michael Weston questioned:


When the leisure activity of collecting toy model trains is mentioned most people tend to reckon of those toy trains and tracks that are available for children in the market. But model train collecting is a very serious and expensive leisure activity maintained by thousands of people around the world.

The term model railroading is used to define the practice of collecting model trains and constructing elaborate tracks for them. Model trains are miniature versions of actual trains that have run the tracks around America and the UK. Model trains, as a leisure activity is the collecting of intricately made models that are regarded as having high collectable value amongst model train enthusiasts.

Today interested individuals will be able to find a large collection of toy model trains ranging from the pre-world war I era to the post-world war II trains. In general the model trains that predate World War II are regarded as the vintage items that have a higher collectable value status. Trains produced during that time were made out of metal and had a lot of intricate detailing in comparison with the model trains that are built today.

Model trains are available in a wide variety of sizes, known as scales in the model train industry. The Z scale for example is used to denote the smallest size. These trains tend to be so small that one has to observe them from up close in order to appreciate the detailing. It is also somewhat hard to set up the track plans for Z scale model trains due to the ratio of the track to the topography.

Perhaps the most well loved of model trains is the ho scale. These are medium-sized model trains that are simple to work with and show because the have a fantastic deal of detail, which makes them very attractive. Ho scale model trains are highly sought after by beginners as well as professional collectors.

When looking to buy a model train set it is vital to take the availability of space for your bench work into consideration. This is all the more right when it comes to setting out the model railroad track plot. Not only will you be able to find toy model trains in different scales but you will also be able to find railroading in different styles. Amongst the most well loved forms of model railroad tracks are the modular, permanent, around the walls and multi-level. If you plot to construct a permanent layout you might want to brush up on you carpentry skills.

The largest sized model train set that you will be able to find in the toy model train collectables is the G scale. These models are so large that you might want to consider setting this model train track up outdoors. The G scale model train is referred to as outdoor model train, which is usually set up in the garden. The G scale toy model train may make a very impressive exhibition especially if you pay attention to the landscaping and track layout plotting. But a full-fledge G scale model train and railroading will set you back well over a $1000. Unless you just have unlimited space and better yet and unlimited budget you might want to leave the G scale toy model train for huge boys who can afford to maintain this as a leisure activity.

There are plenty of toy model train scales and gauges to collect. Visit a model train show to see them all up close and personal so you will have a working knowledge of the size of each scale. Take your time since this is a collection leisure activity that will last a lifetime.

Michael Weston questioned:


Bachmann is a world-renowned brand name when it comes to making model trains. The company has been involved in the production of high quality model trains for over 150 years. The company is centered in the United Kingdom of Fantastic Britain but they market their trains to collectors all over the world. The collection of trains produced by the company is extremely diverse and it is lauded for having some of the most fascinating varieties for hard-core model railroading enthusiasts. Collectors of Bachmann model trains include the young, the ancient, beginners and professional collectors.

Today you will be able to find Bachmann trains in a five different scales. The HO Scale, N Scale, O Scale, On30 Scale and what they call the Large Scale. They also produce a membership model called “The Williams by Bachmann” which is only available to Platinum Club members. These cars are limited additions and are part of the membership package for the Platinum Club. The limited addition “The Williams by Bachmann” cars come in the affordable O-gauge. The annual membership cost $35 and other benefits include:

• Limited Edition Platinum Club Car

• 2009 Williams by Bachmann catalog

• Quarterly e-mail newsletter

• New product announcements by email

The Large Scale includes the world known “Thomas & Friends” model train collection. The faceplates for all the characters in “Thomas & Friends” are available as an individual buy or as part of a package set. The “Thomas & Friends” train collection is a fantastic way to get your kids or grand kids involved in model trains. Bachmann has “Thomas & Friends” as their featured product this month. A starter set will run you about $385.00.

The price of acquiring Bachmann model trains varies considerably. The least expensive of these train sets will cost you about $59.00 whereas the more detailed steam engine trains will set you back more than $900.00. The steam engine trains come in every scale except the O. You need to know that this is just for a basic track, a locomotive and a few basic cars. The real cost of collecting and building a model railroad train collection is in the elaborate detail of your bench work.

Bachmann has been building model trains since before World War II and it is the pre-war lines that are of the highest quality of craftsmanship and therefore of the highest value in collector circles. The postwar lines, although still well built and with nice detailing, pale in comparison to the pre-war line in their value. But, for someone just starting out in collection of model trains the economical value of the post-war line will make a beginners collection much more affordable. Although the older trains have more collector value one is required to place in a considerable amount of time and effort in order to restore their appearance. This is why beginners are advised to stick with the more recent models. Leave the restoration to the more experienced model railroading enthusiasts.

The pre-war model toy trains by Bachmann are considered to be vintage items since they date back to before World War II. In fact World War II is considered to be the turning point when it comes to model train collecting. Experience model train collectors solely seek to buy pre-war trains. The design material, attention to detail and just the pure age of the items are why experienced collectors seek out these vintage trains. A hardcore collector will tell you that there is no substitute for the look and feel of a vintage train. The sound and spirit of the real-world train is truly captured in the Bachmann pre-war trains.

Although the Bachmann post-war model trains are built with superior technology and are still very authentic in nature they do not hold the sentimental value and the collectable value of the vintage age. But, the new trains are extremely well loved with children and new collectors. Either way, Bachmann has been an integral part of model train history and will continue to lead the way in the future. Pleased collecting.