O Scale Model Trains are a very popular set of scale model trains. O Scale is best known by the brand Lionel Trains. The scale ratio is 1/48th. The minimum track circle needs to be 31” across. A typical boxcar for this scale is 9” long and 3” tall. This is the best choice for an all around set if you have the room. These are the most popular train sets for around the Christmas Tree.
Lionel Trains come in two gauges,O and O-27. Its important to know that gauge is the width of the track, and is different from the SCALE. Only trains that fit the track will run on (with a few exceptions). Most Lionel trains run on two similar, related track gauges: O gauge and O-27 gauge. The difference between the scales is the curves of the track. Curves in O-27 gauge are shorter or tighter than in O gauge. That means that some of the very longest O gauge cars and locomotives are too long to turn the tight corners of O-27 gauge layout. All O-27 gauge cars and locomotives will work on O gauge track. Lionel O gauge and O-27 gauge trains are the most popular type of O Scale Model Trains. It is important to note when shopping for a train or train set, be sure to choose products that are designed to work together.
Lionel Trains have been popular for a very long time now, so O Scale is a great set to choose if you want to collect the sets, and not necessarily play with them. Lionel trains that are still in the box tend to go for a good amount of money. There are serious collectors who will pay top dollar for an original Lionel trains set that is still in the box. If you plan on just collecting the trains, Lionel Trains O Scale may be just what you want. Aside from the fact that they are collector’s items, O Scale Model Trains are a very fun set to play with. They are very detailed trains, and they are just the right size to play with your home or basement. They are large enough to show detail, but not to big for actual use. The O Scale model trains also are fine for some children because they are not as tiny as other scales of Trains.
Even Though Lionel Trains is the biggest name in O Scale Model Trains, there are a couple of manufactures that make great O Scale Model trains as well. A Few of the other big players in the O Scale Model Train game are: Atlas, Bachmann, and M T H all make great locomotives. Another great part about this scale is that because it was made so popular by Lionel Trains, there is a great number of companies that make parts for the set, and tracks. You can easily get just about any kind of O Scale model train track that you need, and they are very affordable due to the popularity of the scale. The same goes for the model train scenery; there is a huge number of companies that make it for the O Scale Train.
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Model Railroad Scenery
Model Railroad Scenery for model trains is what give your train set the life and gives it the feel and design that you want. Many people, myself included, think that model railroad scenery is the best/my favorite part of model railroading. Without scenery all you have a train that goes around a track. There is nothing unique about it, and besides getting different trains there is nothing to really customize. Scenery is where you get to be creative. Model Train Scenery is where you can express yourself at make your model train set look how you want too. With so many different model trains scenery sets available, no two sets will be alike. You might have the same train set, but the scenery will defiantly set it apart. There are many different types of scenery for you train sets, but a few types of model railroad scenery can be broken down into the following categories:
Backdrops – This is actually an important part to you scene that many people tend to over look. Easy to install, these printed backdrops add depth and distance by creating a smooth transition between you actual scenery and backdrop. If done correctly you can make you model railroad set come to life, and give it more dimension then just being on the ground.
Complete Scenery Kits – Complete scenery kits usually come designed to look like specific stations, your completely unique ones. They usually come with enough parts to give you train a very nice look – and are often cheaper then buying it piece by piece. The problem is you can’t customize your set as much with these. This is a good thing if you want to start out with a complete kit and then add things to it in the future. You are never limited with model railroad scenery and a complete scenery kit is kind of a jump-start into your completed model railroad scenery.
These are just a few of the literally thousand kinds of model railroad scenery that is available. If you have seen it outside, there’s a good chance that there is a company out there that makes it. Another cool thing about it is there are so many different options for the scenery that is available. For example if you want a building to put next to your track there are tons of options! You can get a plastic building for example. Or you can get a wood building. You can paint the building yourself, or do you want a pre painted building? No matter what kind you want you can have it that’s what’s so cool about model railroad scenery. They also have things such as famous buildings that you can buy and put there to and make your railroad set look like a real place or even a real train station that you have been to. The possibilities are endless, but there is sure to be something for everyone when it comes to model railroad scenery. That’s what makes it one of the best parts about the hobby of model railroading.
Backdrops – This is actually an important part to you scene that many people tend to over look. Easy to install, these printed backdrops add depth and distance by creating a smooth transition between you actual scenery and backdrop. If done correctly you can make you model railroad set come to life, and give it more dimension then just being on the ground.
Complete Scenery Kits – Complete scenery kits usually come designed to look like specific stations, your completely unique ones. They usually come with enough parts to give you train a very nice look – and are often cheaper then buying it piece by piece. The problem is you can’t customize your set as much with these. This is a good thing if you want to start out with a complete kit and then add things to it in the future. You are never limited with model railroad scenery and a complete scenery kit is kind of a jump-start into your completed model railroad scenery.
These are just a few of the literally thousand kinds of model railroad scenery that is available. If you have seen it outside, there’s a good chance that there is a company out there that makes it. Another cool thing about it is there are so many different options for the scenery that is available. For example if you want a building to put next to your track there are tons of options! You can get a plastic building for example. Or you can get a wood building. You can paint the building yourself, or do you want a pre painted building? No matter what kind you want you can have it that’s what’s so cool about model railroad scenery. They also have things such as famous buildings that you can buy and put there to and make your railroad set look like a real place or even a real train station that you have been to. The possibilities are endless, but there is sure to be something for everyone when it comes to model railroad scenery. That’s what makes it one of the best parts about the hobby of model railroading.
G Scale Model Trains For Your Home and Garden
G Scale model trains is a very popular scale of model train sets. There are many great things that you can do with G Scale train sets that you can’t do with any other kind of train set. Before we begin lets go into the basics with the G Scale train set. G Scale Model Trains are the largest scale Toy Train Set. The scale ratio is 1/23rd. The minimum track circle needs to be 51” across. A typical boxcar for this scale is 16” long and 6” tall. They can be used indoor or outside in a garden railway. G Scale train sets are often called “Garden Scale” because its about the only set of model trains that can run outside, because its big enough and durable enough to withstand the elements.
What can you do with a G Scale model train set? The first option people love to do is put this set out into there Garden. The reason that this set is so good for outdoor use, such as in a garden is its big enough to be seen through plants and flowers. The set creates a nice look and feel for any outdoor set. G Scale model train sets are also built to withstand the elements, so the tracks wouldn’t rust and you don’t have to worry about maintenance on these outdoor train sets. There is no other scale of model train set other then G Scale train set that can operate outside without any maintenance.
Another popular place for people to put G Scale train sets is into there home. They are bigger then most other sets, so you want to make sure you have enough room for the train set to function. A popular place people will put them is into a home bar. If you have a bar in your home you can run the train set behind it, and it will give you bar a very unique look. Again there is no maintenance required with this model train set so all you have to do is lay the track and turn it on, and it will be going in no time. This is a great addition to any room that you want to make a little bit more unique. Another great area people will place these sets is if they have a large basement. If you have a basement and a G Scale model train set, you can create a wonderfull set complete with buildings and back drops. G Scale model trains are a great set for anyone as well, because they are big enough that even children don’t have to worry about choking on the parts.
Even the scenery for this set is big enough you don’t need to worry about your kids playing with the set even if you are not watching them Even if model train isnt your thing, you can see that you still can have fun with a G Scale Model Trains set. Think of it more as a nice decorative piece for your home then “a toy”. People will be amazed when they see the train running though your house, and even the most upscale homes can add it as a nice accessory to the room.
What can you do with a G Scale model train set? The first option people love to do is put this set out into there Garden. The reason that this set is so good for outdoor use, such as in a garden is its big enough to be seen through plants and flowers. The set creates a nice look and feel for any outdoor set. G Scale model train sets are also built to withstand the elements, so the tracks wouldn’t rust and you don’t have to worry about maintenance on these outdoor train sets. There is no other scale of model train set other then G Scale train set that can operate outside without any maintenance.
Another popular place for people to put G Scale train sets is into there home. They are bigger then most other sets, so you want to make sure you have enough room for the train set to function. A popular place people will put them is into a home bar. If you have a bar in your home you can run the train set behind it, and it will give you bar a very unique look. Again there is no maintenance required with this model train set so all you have to do is lay the track and turn it on, and it will be going in no time. This is a great addition to any room that you want to make a little bit more unique. Another great area people will place these sets is if they have a large basement. If you have a basement and a G Scale model train set, you can create a wonderfull set complete with buildings and back drops. G Scale model trains are a great set for anyone as well, because they are big enough that even children don’t have to worry about choking on the parts.
Even the scenery for this set is big enough you don’t need to worry about your kids playing with the set even if you are not watching them Even if model train isnt your thing, you can see that you still can have fun with a G Scale Model Trains set. Think of it more as a nice decorative piece for your home then “a toy”. People will be amazed when they see the train running though your house, and even the most upscale homes can add it as a nice accessory to the room.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
Model Railroading
Model railroading is a hobby that isn’t just for kids anymore; it can be enjoyed by just about anyone. There are many different types of model railroads and a kind to fit any need. The first thing you need do when you want a model rail road is decide what scale you want. Here is a quick run down of the scales: N Scale Model Trains are the smallest size of all the train sets. Ho Scale Model Trains is by far the most popular The scale ratio is 1/87th. The minimum track circle needs to be 69” across. A typical box car for this scale is 6” long and 1 ½” tall. O Scale Model Trains is best known the Electric Toy Train brand Lionel Trains This is the best choice for an all around set if you have the room. G Scale Model Trains are the largest scale Toy Train Set. Its often called “Garden Scale” because people can use them outside in there garden, or in there backyard. Now that you know the basic types of model trains, this is where it gets fun. Model railroad scenery and the track design for your set. This is where you get to customize your set, and make it perfect for you.
Scenery for model trains is what give your train set the life and give it the feel and design that you want. There are many different types of scenery for you train sets, but a few types of model railroad scenery can be broken down into the following categories:
Backdrops – Easy to install, these printed backdrops add depth and distance by creating a smooth transition between you actual scenery and backdrop
Complete Scenery Kits – Complete scenery kits usually come designed to look like specific stations, your completely unique ones. They usually come with enough parts to give you train a very nice look – and are often cheaper then buying it piece by piece. The problem is you cant customize your set as much with these.
There are also Foliage, Grass Mats, Covers, Plastic Kits, Rock Molds, and many other choices. The nice thing about model railroading is no matter what you want your railroad scene to look like, there is a good chance that there is a company who makes it, or you can find it somewhere. Scenery can either be purchased by scale, or by manufacturer. You can use any scale scenery for your train, it doesn’t have to be scale specific just as long as it will sit by the side. The track design for your model rail road is another area where you can go completely wild.
You need to buy pieces for your track that are the same as the scale, or else they will not work. A HO Scale track will not work for a G Scale Model Train because they are different sizes. Track pieces come in just about every style that you could ever want, and you can make the tracks go on forever as long as you have enough power going to them and they are always connected. Now that you know ways that you can customise your model train, get started with a set and the possibilities will never end, and you can see why model railroading will be fun for anyone.
Scenery for model trains is what give your train set the life and give it the feel and design that you want. There are many different types of scenery for you train sets, but a few types of model railroad scenery can be broken down into the following categories:
Backdrops – Easy to install, these printed backdrops add depth and distance by creating a smooth transition between you actual scenery and backdrop
Complete Scenery Kits – Complete scenery kits usually come designed to look like specific stations, your completely unique ones. They usually come with enough parts to give you train a very nice look – and are often cheaper then buying it piece by piece. The problem is you cant customize your set as much with these.
There are also Foliage, Grass Mats, Covers, Plastic Kits, Rock Molds, and many other choices. The nice thing about model railroading is no matter what you want your railroad scene to look like, there is a good chance that there is a company who makes it, or you can find it somewhere. Scenery can either be purchased by scale, or by manufacturer. You can use any scale scenery for your train, it doesn’t have to be scale specific just as long as it will sit by the side. The track design for your model rail road is another area where you can go completely wild.
You need to buy pieces for your track that are the same as the scale, or else they will not work. A HO Scale track will not work for a G Scale Model Train because they are different sizes. Track pieces come in just about every style that you could ever want, and you can make the tracks go on forever as long as you have enough power going to them and they are always connected. Now that you know ways that you can customise your model train, get started with a set and the possibilities will never end, and you can see why model railroading will be fun for anyone.
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