| Collecting model railroad trains is a very popular | | | | I will say that the G looks great at all the model |
| hobby for men, women and children. Due to the | | | | train shows. Because of it's size it seems to look |
| cost associated with collecting model trains it is | | | | so realistic. Unfortunately it is also like trying to |
| important to educate oneself on the technicalities | | | | park a bus in your garage. For most of us it just |
| associated with the proper scale and gauge and | | | | overwhelms the space we have available and it |
| other fascists of the hobby before making a | | | | really limits the multi-track, multi-train concept. |
| substantial investment in both time and money. | | | | Some people will set them up in their garden due |
| First and foremost what you must learn about is | | | | to the size. This can be very risky. |
| the scale system associated with the various | | | | Many new collectors get caught up in terminology |
| sizes of model trains. Basically the term scale is | | | | especially the difference between scale and gauge. |
| used to denote the size of the model train, which | | | | So, lets keep it simple. Scale deals with the size of |
| is the ratio of the model train to the actual full | | | | the model train to the actual size of a working |
| size train used for human purposes. | | | | train. Gauge deals with the size of the track. The |
| The smallest of these scale spectrums is 1:220 | | | | size of the scale will help you determine the |
| known as the Z scale. The G scale is the largest | | | | gauge. Check with your local store to get more |
| and its ratio is 1:8. Model train collectors will be able | | | | information. |
| to find a plethora of scales to choose from with | | | | Collecting the model train and all of the various |
| the most popular being the HO scale. The G, N | | | | cars is fun, but the real fun is getting the perfect |
| and Z are also among the most popular ones, | | | | layout for your bench work and setting up an |
| also. | | | | ascetically pleasing track and topography. Getting |
| Many people will want to collect the larger scales | | | | the perfect train station, cities, countryside, |
| since the perception is that you can put more | | | | mountains and tunnels is what will make your |
| detail into the locomotive, cars and bench work | | | | collection of model trains really sing. The model |
| layout. I tend to disagree! I believe that all the | | | | railroad you build is truly a piece of functioning art. |
| scales deserve their rightful place and that the | | | | Your layout will help you determine what types of |
| detail depends more on the manufacturer than on | | | | locomotive and cars to collect. The topography of |
| the size of the scale. I like the HO scale because | | | | your layout will look even better with a collection |
| it lends itself into allowing me to build the layout | | | | that is accentuated with the effects of weather |
| that I like with the limited amount of space that I | | | | that coincides with your bench work. |
| have available. | | | | Check out a local model train show to determine |
| Those with extremely limited space may want to | | | | the best scale and gauge for you and your |
| consider the Z scale since it is the smallest. Some | | | | budget. Do a little research and get started right |
| people consider the Z to be a poor value for | | | | away because this hobby is a lifetime of |
| collecting because they feel the details are to | | | | enjoyment and something of pride that you can |
| small to appreciate. I believe the beauty is in the | | | | leave for generations to come. Welcome to the |
| eyes of the beholder and that the scale that best | | | | club of collecting and building model trains and |
| fits your taste as well as space should be a | | | | model railroads. |
| factor in determining which type you will choose. | | | | |