Model railroading is a hobby where people build and use scale models of various things, usually found in urban or rural environments. There are two basic types of model railroading: indoor and outdoor. Indoor model railroading consists of trains designed to run on a specially designed track, while outdoor models may be played outside on a lawn or garden.
Most people start with this great hobby because it’s not expensive. However, you need to keep in mind what is needed to start this hobby. Here are some of the things you need to get started with model railroading.
Hardware
The basic railroading hardware consists of switches, throttles, power sources, and electronic signal blocks. If you are only starting, it’s advisable to buy a starter set that includes everything you need to start this hobby. The most popular brand of starter sets is the “MicroDigits EZ Command Control” series because they are effortless to install and use.
The power source used for your train set depends mainly on the size of your layout. Most of the time, a power pack is used. It’s generally a small box connected to your power source and is responsible for supplying the energy your train needs to run. The power source is connected to the throttles with wire.
Track and Scenery
The basic track used to build your layout comes in various sizes and types. It’s best to buy the type most suitable for your layout.
This is the green flexible track used for outdoor models in most cases. Two types of this track exist hardwood and plastic. Both work well, but the plastic kind is cheaper. If you buy the hardwood tracks, you will have to put them together first.
The basic way of doing this is by using short screws to attach the track pieces. You can use railroad switches for indoor models to turn your layout in different directions. They are designed for indoor models, so you should use this type rather than the outdoor switches.
You should be able to find them at your local hobby store.
Scenery includes putting things around your train to make it more realistic. The three main types of scenery are model buildings, trees, and figures. Bodies of water can also be used if you want to create a lake or river backdrop.
All you have to do is place your train set on a flat surface, then surround it with something that looks good. You can use anything good for the environment, like stones, plants, and even trees.
The idea is to surround your train with something that looks visually appealing but doesn’t take away from the train set itself.
Figures and Accessories
Figures are people and animals placed around your layout to make it look more realistic. You can buy them at most hobby stores. If you are planning on buying figures, make sure you know what scale they are on. Several scales are used for figures, and some fit better than others for certain layouts.
For example, Disney figures don’t fit a train running on a scale of 1:87 since they are too large. Make sure you know what (or who) you’re buying before getting started. The most popular scales are Z, N, S, HO, and O scales.
The smaller the numbers in the scale, the bigger the figures are. In the case of HO and O scales, the smaller numbers indicate that the figures are smaller, but they still look good. Z scale figures should be the biggest ones, followed by the N scale, S scale rankings, and so forth.
There are many accessories you can purchase to make your model train more realistic. You can find them at almost all hobby stores: bridges, trestles, tunnels, and even towns. You can also buy trains and other accessories like cars and trucks. You don’t have to use only train sets.
For example, you can get a good set of miniature cars and very realistic trucks. Don’t try new things even if you are starting with this hobby. There’s nothing wrong with experimenting with some of the accessories because they will make your layout look better.
If you are new to this hobby, you should start with the core things that belong to this hobby, which include switches and a train track. It will be a lot easier for both yourself and your family members.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several things you need to start with the hobby of model railroading. If you take the time to get these things, you will have a good time in this hobby. If you have your own train set, then you should use this set for a while as an introduction for your family members who may get interested in this great hobby.
So, the next time you are at the hobby store, take a look at the products they have and note what you need. Then check if your local hobby store has everything that you need.