==== ==== Looking to start building a Model Railroad? Check out this Club http://tinyurl.com/ModelTrainForum ==== ====
Something about seeing a model train run on a miniature track makes everyone - young, old and in between - stop to look and smile. Whether a hobby for one or a family, model trains can teach anyone patience, skills, and a little bit of history - no matter what their age. And the satisfaction of seeing a train chugging along your own track when you finally turn it on is terrific! But if you're new to the hobby, it can all seem a little overwhelming at first, especially if you're not used to crafting models by hand. You don't have to be an expert craftsman to get started! In fact, no experience is required at all, just the spirit for adventure and a sense for fun. Model trains let you build - and learn - at your own pace and whatever your level of skill. You can start by buying trains in sets, and scale model buildings in resin kits with complete instructions. Add some ready-made scenery and you've got the beginnings of your first model railways system. As you come to enjoy and know more about the hobby, you may be surprised to find yourself inspired to do more and more modeling from scratch, to learning painting and "aging" techniques, to gain modifying skills, and to let your imagination run wild with your layouts. A great place to start is by going to your local hobby store, or attending a meeting of a model train club in your area. Seeing what others have created can help you think about your railway's theme: fantasy, historic, pastoral - whatever sounds most fun to you! Then decide what scale or gauge you want for your first set. The most popular gauge in America is HO, but there are larger model trains, great for outdoors if you love gardening, or smaller gauges, such as N or Z, if your space is limited or you want to fit more into your display. Cost can be a concern for some beginners too when deciding on scale. The hobby store is the place to go and get expert advice before you start building your train, from engine to caboose. Then take your time planning out your first track. You'll need plywood to secure the track and models. A good size to begin with is 4x8, if you have the room. Plan some interesting landscape features - hills, bridges and tunnels are practically a must - and then use some basic wiring techniques to keep your model trains running smoothly on the tracks - and maybe light a few crossroads and houses! Let the entire family work together for a hobby that can be fun now and fun to last a lifetime!
Reynolds Maxwell (Max) Mathes-Redd is a model train hobbyist and coach. For more great tips on model train railroading, visit http://www.lovingmodeltrains.com/model-train-scenery and http://www.LovingModelTrains.com
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==== ==== Looking to start building a Model Railroad? Check out this Club http://tinyurl.com/ModelTrainForum ==== ====