Getting Started in Model Railroading

I'm a model railroader. As much as I love video games and other modern hobbies there is still something about getting down in that basement and running trains. I truly believe that model railroading is the world's greatest hobby, as one public relations campaign has put it. It incorporates everything from learning about railroads, to carpentry, to electronics. You get to do a whole variety of things in model railroading, and work on a railroad is truly never done.

Unfortunately, many people who are drawn by the mystique of model trains do not know where to start, assuming it will take more skill, space, and money than they have. To that I ask, did Michael Jordan become an NBA star the first time he walked out on a basketball court? No. It takes practice. They all had to start somewhere.

Before getting in model railroading you have to ask yourself the most important question of all; which scale? You see, model railroads are like all other models, and are not built to the same size. The most popular size is HO scale (1:87) due to its mid-size and as a result it has a larger variety of products available than any other, the second most popular scale is N scale (1:160) and is great for people dwelling in small apartments, the third is O scale, which is larger than both at (1:48) and takes up a larger area than most people have (most O scale is additionally run on three rail track, the classic Lionel trains being a good example although more manufacturers, such as MTH, have cropped up), however this is balanced by its great detail. Less popular scales include S (1:64), TT (1:144), and Z (1:220). If you want to go super-big, try G scale, which runs anywhere from 1:32 to 1:20.3. Most of these trains run in gardens.

Personally, I'd recommend HO scale for your average American family, considering the area you probably have. Its large number of products makes it the cheapest and like I said, the size is ideal. If your space is too small, try N. The first task is to buy a starter set. These come with an engine, some cars, track, and a transformer, and sometimes a few extra perks. This set, for instance, can be had for $93.00. Now, this may seem expensive but you should try something nice just for starting out. Sometimes used engines cause trouble for novices and used transformers can be trouble. However, you could probably find a used train set at a train show in good condition for much cheaper if you try. As a matter of fact, I'd always recommend going to train shows for accessories other than track, transformers, and engines just because hobby shops charge and arm and a leg.

Now, most model railroader's build a layout, which is a set-up meant to represent the train in the real world. A basic starter layout (which can be expanded later) is generally a loop with a few sidings and possibly a passing loop on a 4 x 8 sheet of plywood. 4 x 8 is the standard size for most plywood, and constructing the table is relatively easy. First take two long boards and cut them down to 48'', then two more and cut them to 24''. Brace them every six inches or so all the way across. Table legs can be constructed in a variety of ways. You can try solid legs if you like, although on mine I have them bolted together in an "L" shape with a brace running across shortways and two thin pieces of wood bracing lengthwise, crisscrossing each other.

After you are finished, you should get a large piece of styrofoam and some glue that is suited to both woods and styrofoams. Glue the styrofoam over the board and allow it to set. After the styrofoam is down, lay the track. Some track comes with a plastic bed and is the best bet for starters. Otherwise you will need to purchase some foam or cork roadbed and nail it down yourself (believe me, it does not look realistic just to tack track down to the foam). If you're doing a loop you don't need to worry about wiring other than plugging in, if something more complicated look into wiring guides at your local hobby shop.

Once the track is glued down, plan your scenery. Grass is created by painting the styrofoam green and then sprinkling ground foam (shown how to make it at home here) over it. To avoid getting the track damaged, lay some towels over it for this. If you want to make hills the best way is to weave together cardboard strips cut from boxes and staple them down before paper macheing (it hardens out). You can find guides in books and online about how to make road, streams, and other features. Buildings are open-ended, and you can choose between built-ups (often expensive unless used), kits, or you can scratchbuild. Scratchbuilding is probably the cheapest way but takes skill, which you can aquire by starting simple. I personally haven't actually scratchbuilt my own structures yet. Once buildings are down, you can populate your layout with figurines and cars.

At this point your layout's basics are pretty well complete. Please note that building a layout of even this size is not done in a day and may take several months. Such a project naturally costs money, although I suspect a frugal model railroader could do all I described here and more for $500. If you want more information on the hobby and more ideas you should check out Model Railroader Magazine. It is the flagship publication of the hobby and contains great tips and tricks on how to get your hobby started.

Always remember that even if your first layout doesn't seem like much, this hobby has a way of taking hold of people and causing them to expand more and more. You may plan a small layout and it will turn into a basement sized empire. Who knows, you may even build the next Gorre and Daphetid!