| There are many different scales of train models, | | | | as your main manufacturer, then you're pretty much |
| ranging from the really tiny (N scale) to the kind you | | | | limited to AC. If you want to be considered serious as |
| can actually ride on (Live steam or Grand scale). | | | | a railway hobbyist, then you'll need to avoid battery |
| There are other smaller sizes but they are not widely | | | | power at all costs. Battery powered train sets are |
| used. | | | | considered to be mostly toys as they are cheaply |
| G Scale | | | | made and geared towards smaller children. |
| The G Scale train is a larger train used primarily in | | | | Two of the most popular ways to control model train |
| garden railways as an impressive display; these trains | | | | behavior is either through operator control or through |
| are typically larger than the other scales and are | | | | computer control. By controlling manually, you risk |
| probably the largest to be used practically by the | | | | collisions or other problems. Going with computer |
| regular hobbyist. Since they are made to be indoor and | | | | control can allow all of that to be regulated for you. |
| outdoor trains, they are built to be fairly durable. | | | | Layout and Scenery |
| HO Scale | | | | You can't just have a train that runs around a track |
| The most popular size for hobbyists would be the H0 | | | | layout - well, you could, but it's not complete by a long |
| scale. Known as the HO scale by the vast majority, it | | | | shot. You need to fill in the scene with other aesthetics |
| gets its name from being half of the 0 scale. Just | | | | such as natural landscaping and city layouts. This |
| about every model train manufacturer makes trains, | | | | would increase the realism and add more flare than |
| tracks, and other accessories that will fit this scale so | | | | just a train running around on a track. |
| you'll be able to build the exact train system you want. | | | | You have many choices for your landscaping including |
| N Scale | | | | starting with your train manufacturer. The good news |
| The N Scale train is one of the smallest that is widely | | | | is you're not limited to just the manufacturer as you |
| available commercially. It is considerably smaller than | | | | could use buildings, roadways, terrain and other |
| the HO scale and allows for the design of elaborate | | | | environmental elements from just about any company |
| tracks that would normally take up a lot of space. | | | | that would put out scale models for what you need. |
| Other scales are smaller, but because of their size, | | | | Getting Creative |
| they lack reliability while in operation. | | | | Of course, you could just make your own buildings and |
| Power Considerations | | | | add your personal touch to your train set. Using basic |
| To power your trains, you have a choice between | | | | crafting skills you can construct just about anything |
| battery power, low voltage DC supplied through the | | | | you'd need for your railway scene, from grass and |
| track, or AC power directly. If you're going with Lionel | | | | trees to buildings and bridges. |