| Those looking to get started with toy model | | | | (5) What is a Layout? The layout is the |
| trains have many different options to choose | | | | environment your train will travel through. You can |
| from. There are different design features and | | | | create anything from landscapes to cityscape |
| model scales to make a decision harder to come | | | | depending on what you are trying to accomplish. |
| across. Naturally this will cause you to have many | | | | There are many different pieces you can buy to |
| questions. I have written out a list of frequently | | | | complete these realistic environments. |
| asked questions, and their answers for you. | | | | (6) Which Model Trains Are The Best? The best |
| (1) What Does Scale Mean? A scale is the letter | | | | model train manufacturer is largely subjective. |
| used to designate the size of the model train. | | | | Those who buy toy model trains tend to be very |
| These usually represent a specific size ratio, which | | | | loyal to one specific brand. They will tell you one |
| range from 1:220 ratio to a 1:8 ratio. The most | | | | brand is superior to another. The best advice is to |
| popular scales are the N, Ho, Z, and G scales. | | | | look at the different trains available and choose |
| (2) Which Scale Has More Detail? The larger the | | | | the one you like best regardless of manufacturer. |
| scale, the more detail the train will have. While Z | | | | (7) And what is Weathering? Weathering is where |
| scale may be beneficial to those who have | | | | you make your train or layout appear as if it has |
| minimum space, it is very difficult to put a lot of | | | | been affected by the environment. For a |
| detail into such a small amount of material. N scale | | | | cityscape, you can add environmental features |
| models have a decent amount of detail for the | | | | such as oil, grease and smoke. For a desert |
| amount of money you end up spending. | | | | environment, you can make it appear as |
| (3) What Exactly is a Gauge? A gauge for toy | | | | everything has been scratched by sand storms. |
| model trains is a reference for the size of the | | | | (8) How Much Am I Likely To Spend? There is no |
| track. Many people will interchange scale with | | | | limit to how much you can spend on toy model |
| gauge, but they are very different for the | | | | trains. With infinite add-ons and design features, |
| experienced modeler. The gauge will measure the | | | | you can spend a lot of money on the hobby if |
| width between the rails of the track in millimeters. | | | | you are willing to. A good idea is to set a budget |
| They can range from 6.5mm to 148mm. | | | | and then shop with your budget in mind. You can |
| (4) What Gauge Track Do I Need? The gauge of | | | | get money saving ideas from trade shows if you |
| the track will depend on the scale train you | | | | need them. |
| purchase. The standards in tracks will allow you to | | | | The more you get into train modeling, the more |
| purchase a track, which will fit your train. Keep in | | | | questions you will come up with. Asking questions |
| mind there are variations in the sizes of scales | | | | of those with more experience is a great way to |
| depending on which country they are produced in. | | | | learn tricks and tips which will allow your toy |
| Your track may be off by a millimeter or two, | | | | model trains to be everything you want for them |
| but should not affect the ability to drive your | | | | to be. |
| trains. | | | | |