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I’ve talked a bit about the model train scales and basic track layouts, and now I want to touch on the first model train you’ll be purchasing if you choose not to buy a set. There are two main classifications of model trains, freight trains and passenger trains. The choice is largely aesthetic as there are a plethora of options available for either type, and most enthusiasts find themselves purchasing a second model train or more as time goes on.

Model freight trains are marked by the varying cars in tow, there is little if any uniformity. The nice thing about freight train cars is there is quite a bit of variety that you can add to your model train, there are timber cars, box cars, petrochemical cars, and many others. Along with the variety that is added to your model train some freight cars can perform some sort of action or in other ways interact with your landscape such as timber cars that allow you to load and unload tiny logs at a depot. And since there is no overriding aesthetic to the model train you can keep it fresh by cycling in and out new cars without replacing the engine.

Small selection of model train freight cars

Passenger model trains differ from model freight trains in that there is usually a common paint scheme to the train, including the train engine and caboose. Most model passenger trains are representative of real life trains that are or used to be in service, such as the passenger cars from The Orient Express as pictured below. Model passenger trains usually look very nice on your track and will sometimes have effects such as lighting in the windows, silhouettes of passengers in the windows also give a nice sense of realism to the model train as well. One of the potential downsides, is that the engine will often time match the paint scheme and branding of the cars so you don’t have as many options as far as switching out cars as your collection grows. But often enthusiasts will just add a second train as opposed to using mismatched cars with a passenger engine. In the end the choice is entirely up to you.

Passenger cars from the Orient Express

Selecting the first train to add to your collection is fun but don’t feel like you are losing out by selecting one over the other, both offer ample enjoyment and either are lovely jumping off points for your burgeoning collections.

Engines and Cars freight trains, passenger trains

Determining how you are going to layout your model train track is part of the fun of model trains themselves, the possibilities are almost limitless given enough track and space. Even limited amounts of track or space can deliver a very satisfying model train experience.

If you buy your first model trains as part of a set, in other words it contains the power pack, the model train engine, cars to be pulled by the engine including a caboose, and enough model railroad track for some form of contiguous layout. A contiguous layout is any model train track layout that allows the train to run continuously without needing to change direction. The most common model train track layout is the oval, and most model train sets come with enough track to create this layout. It is a very simple layout but not a true oval as the longer sides are both straight, think of a running track you see at a high school with two large parallel straight-aways and a gradual half circle at each end.

Oval Layout

A variation on the oval track is the covered oval. This model train track layout is identical to the oval layout but the far side of the straight-away is covered by a tunnel fashioned out of a faux mountain. The covered oval gives the model railroader more of a sense of realism as the model trains is not always in view. The track doesn’t have to be truly covered; anything obscuring the visibility of the model train would accomplish the same goal. The covering of the track itself gives one the chance to incorporate some scenery as well, whether you like snow covered mountain tops, simulated city skylines, or a forest of miniature fir trees you will have ample opportunity to flex your creative muscles.

Another common model train track layout is the figure eight and appears exactly how it sounds, with a piece of X track in the middle of the track layout. This is another common layout that does not require any switching track, but timing to prevent crashes is needed if you are planning on running more than one model train on your track at the same time.

Figure Eight Model Railroad Track

Some enthusiasts build straight line model train tracks, in other words there are no curves at all. Many times these are purely decorative, sometimes ending up as a shelf piece since the practicality of the model train would be limited by the need to constantly toggle the model train’s direction between forward and reverse.

Once you start adding switches to your model train track layouts a whole other world of possibilities open up for you as you can more easily manage more than one train on your track at a time and you can segment your layouts into different themes. I’ll go over more advanced layouts using switches in the future.

The Basics, Track and Layout

So you’ve decided to make your first forays into the world of model trains, maybe it’s memories of toy trains around the Christmas tree, or watching from the interstate as an engine pulled dozens of cars across countries, you’ve decided to recreate the memories in your own garage or den. The first item of business is to decide in which scale you would like to work in. The scale refers to the size of your models relative the size of a real life train. The most common model train scales are: HO scale, N scale, O scale, and to a lesser extent Z scale and G scale. There are also slight variations on scale such as Hon3 scale and Nn3 scale.

HO scale is currently the most common of model train scales out there and consequently most popular. HO scale is 1/87^th the size of a real life train. This size lends itself to decent sized home layouts while still being big enough to easily work with. Along with N scale model trains and cars HO model trains and cars will be the most plentiful and easy to locate. A variation on HO scale is Hon3 scale, which is a model of the same size but the track gauge is slightly narrower, the gauge refers to the amount of space between the train tracks.

HO scale model train

N scale is also another very popular model train scale with a wide range of model train engines, model train cars, track options, model buildings, and terrains available. N scale model trains are scaled at 1/160^th the size of a real train and are about half the size of an HO scale model train. Due to the smaller nature of the N scale model train versus the HO scale model train you can do a much larger layout with N scale model trains but the work requires more patience when setting up due to the smaller nature of everything.

Z scale model trains comes in at 1/220^th the size of a real train and is a approximately a third smaller than the N scale model trains. This scale requires even more patience when detailing and can be somewhat dull for people with poor eyesight or larger hands. While Z scale model trains are not for every enthusiast you can accommodate some truly stunning layouts in a very small amount of space.

O scale model trains are on the opposite end of the spectrum from Z scale model trains and are quite large at a scale of 1/48^th the size of a real train. The O scale was once quite popular and was more common a few decades ago and now command higher prices to collectors. I have fond memories of the O scale engine and cars constantly revolving around the Christmas tree at my parent’s house. Some special edition, branded, O scale model trains are being released again but they are almost always plastic and not that satisfying metal of the originals.

G scale model trains are the only scale larger than that of O scale, coming it at 1/24^th the size of the real deal. These model trains are quite large and are primarily used in outdoor settings. It’s pretty neat to see a train chugging through the herb garden or along the gazebo deck.

Knowing which scale model train you want to start with is important, take the time to browse around the hobby shop and look at each one, compare prices, and availability of product. Also when choosing which model train scale to go with be mindful of the amount of space you are allocating to your new hobby. But most importantly be sure to choose the model train scale that will give you the most enjoyment!

Engines and Cars, The Basics g scale, ho scale, model trains, n scale, o scale, z scale