Buying a Model Train - 3 Tips You Need to Know Before Buying a Model Train
You've made the decision -- you're buying a model train.
But it's not exactly cheap, so you want to make the best choice.
That being the case, here are three tips you need to know before buying your first model train set.
Ready?Set?Then "All Aboard" for the ride through the tips! Tip 1: Space and Scale You can feel the train approaching...
but once it arrives, where will you put it?So tip number 1 is to figure out how much space you have for your set.
Your new train will have a "scale", which basically means, what size is the train.
It is also sometimes referred to as "gauge" - they are used interchangeably.
Probably the most popular scale is HO -- small enough to fit in a relatively small space, but large enough to show some good detail.
But if space is a problem, try an N scale, which should fit in most tight spaces.
If you really want to enjoy a train set, try an O gauge.
They are larger, but have great detail, and some of the neatest "add-ons" are for the O scale models.
Tip 2: Buy the Set or By the Piece? Your next choice is to buy a whole train set, or buy your model train piece by piece.
Naturally, a lot of that will depend on your budget.
A complete model train set tends to lack the extras associated with model railroad setups; for example, scenery.
On the positive side, however, you can be up and running in minutes, as everything you need is included.
Whether you end up buying a model train complete set, or piece by piece, you can add to it by buying the parts you desire -- extra cars, scenery, extra track, etc.
Just make sure that you buy all the same scale! Tip 3: Buying a Model Train...
or Trains? If you don't think you'll ever want to buy a second train set, then don't worry about this section.
But if you think that you might eventually want to add another model train to your collection, read on.
When buying your new model, check and see if it's DCC enabled.
If it is, then you will be able to run more than one train at a time on the tracks.
By making sure your train is DCC enabled, you keep your options open for the future.
And once you experience the fun of model trains, chances are excellent that you will want to add to your collection.
But it's not exactly cheap, so you want to make the best choice.
That being the case, here are three tips you need to know before buying your first model train set.
Ready?Set?Then "All Aboard" for the ride through the tips! Tip 1: Space and Scale You can feel the train approaching...
but once it arrives, where will you put it?So tip number 1 is to figure out how much space you have for your set.
Your new train will have a "scale", which basically means, what size is the train.
It is also sometimes referred to as "gauge" - they are used interchangeably.
Probably the most popular scale is HO -- small enough to fit in a relatively small space, but large enough to show some good detail.
But if space is a problem, try an N scale, which should fit in most tight spaces.
If you really want to enjoy a train set, try an O gauge.
They are larger, but have great detail, and some of the neatest "add-ons" are for the O scale models.
Tip 2: Buy the Set or By the Piece? Your next choice is to buy a whole train set, or buy your model train piece by piece.
Naturally, a lot of that will depend on your budget.
A complete model train set tends to lack the extras associated with model railroad setups; for example, scenery.
On the positive side, however, you can be up and running in minutes, as everything you need is included.
Whether you end up buying a model train complete set, or piece by piece, you can add to it by buying the parts you desire -- extra cars, scenery, extra track, etc.
Just make sure that you buy all the same scale! Tip 3: Buying a Model Train...
or Trains? If you don't think you'll ever want to buy a second train set, then don't worry about this section.
But if you think that you might eventually want to add another model train to your collection, read on.
When buying your new model, check and see if it's DCC enabled.
If it is, then you will be able to run more than one train at a time on the tracks.
By making sure your train is DCC enabled, you keep your options open for the future.
And once you experience the fun of model trains, chances are excellent that you will want to add to your collection.
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