| Model Trains has become a leisure pursuit by many | | | | come with any train set before allowing children of any |
| for years. It is a good way to engage your time and | | | | age to use it. |
| polish your artistic talent. There is so much involved in | | | | Four Most Common Scales |
| this hobby other than just collecting locomotive. It also | | | | - Z scale (1:220) model railroad trains: Z scale trains |
| entails building sceneries and enriching your skill on | | | | make a good choice for anyone with limited space. |
| scales and gauges. Gauge refers to the distance | | | | These trains are not only tiny but highly detailed. |
| between the rails. Models of certain scale run on | | | | - N scale (1:160) model railroad trains: N scale is a |
| standard-gauge track. | | | | popular scale and the second smallest after Z scale. N |
| Discover Model Trains | | | | scale trains are perfect for hobbyists who want to run |
| Manufacturers have the goal of creating accurate and | | | | long trains or keep the focus on the scenery. The price |
| realistic model trains. The first model trains were | | | | of N equipment is slightly higher than HO scale. |
| powered by wind-up clockwork, or steam engines, | | | | Micro-Trains, or MTL, is a well-known brand that |
| with the first electric model trains appearing in the late | | | | makes scale trains. |
| 19th century. | | | | - HO scale (1:87) model railroad trains: HO scale trains, |
| The German manufacturer Marklin produced detailed | | | | one of the most popular scales with modelers, come in |
| trains as well as signals, stations, houses, and other | | | | countless types of trains and have = large selection of |
| scenery and destinations. Other German companies | | | | scenery available as well. HO trains are generally highly |
| made ride-on-top live steam trains. | | | | detailed and a good value. An HO layout requires a |
| In 1906, Joshua Cowen invented Lionel trains, which | | | | moderate amount of space. |
| soon became to dominate the American toy train | | | | - S scale (1:64) model railroad trains: S scale |
| market. More recently, LGB popularized garden trains | | | | trains—the scale of American Flyer trains—also |
| in the United States. | | | | =ave a strong following among narrow-gauge model |
| Toy trains look less realistic than model trains, but often | | | | railroaders. This larger scale makes the train dominate |
| appeal to collectors. The first toy trains were made of | | | | any set. S scale does not have the massive following |
| cast =iron or were pull toys. In the early 20th century, | | | | of HO or N scale. |
| Lionel started making toy trains for standard gauge | | | | - O scale (1:48) model railroad trains: O scale trains are |
| and O gauge. Other companies, such as American | | | | very popular toy =rains. Lionel continues to make trains |
| Flyer, Ives, and Marx made similar trains. | | | | for =his scale. O scale trains are easily handled by |
| The interactive aspect of trains make toy trains | | | | children. MTH makes tinplate lines of model trains in O |
| perfect for young children. Some adults’ first | | | | and standard gauges. |
| memory of a toy was that of a Lionel train. Children | | | | - G scale (1:22.5) model railroad trains: G scale trains |
| between the ages of 4 and 6 may be introduced to | | | | are for indoor use, but =re especially suited for garden |
| wooden train sets that spark the imagination. Children 8 | | | | trains. L.G.B. made the scale popular in the United |
| years of age and older may be introduced to S scale | | | | States and makes detailed, sturdy trains that stand up |
| electric trains, HO scale electric trains, or G scale | | | | to =he elements. Other manufacturers in this scale |
| electric trains under the guidance of an adult. Make | | | | include Bachmann and Aristo-Craft. |
| sure that you carefully read all safety instructions that | | | | |