Why Model Railroading is
"The World's Greatest Hobby"
To download these free signs simply go to the website mentioned
in the video and search for "Free Train Room Signs" under USEFUL TOOLS in the top
tool bar.
Model Railroading - A Lifetime of
Activity And Enjoyment
It doesn't seem to matter whether you’re 5 or 95... or somewhere in
between. The personal satisfaction of building and operating a realistic miniature
railroad layout is rewarding and fun. Model railroading is a truly rewarding hobby
that will keep most model railroad hobbyists busy and entertained for hours...if
not a lifetime.
Ask model railroad hobbyists "what appeals about the hobby?" and you'll get a
variety of answers. For some model railroad hobbyists, it is a way of re-creating a
fond childhood memory. Others; simply enjoy building a world in miniature with all
its detail and realism. Then there are those model railroad hobbyists who love
solving the technical problems of building and operating an electronic control
system.
Knowledge Of Model Railroads
The more you know about model railroads, the less chance that you'll be
taken
for a ride (excuse the pun!). Some hobby shop assistants and internet model
railroad retailers just want to sell... and others may misunderstand your needs and
sell you the wrong thing for your model railroad set. However, in saying that,
in general hobby shop staff have a wealth knowledge and are happy to share their
model railroading ideas. Also the more research you do, the better you'll get to
know your model railroad scales, styles and which model railroad set manufacturers
you prefer.
Model Railroading Needn't Cost The
Earth
Model railroad sets can run from a few dollars for a basic train
set, to several thousands of dollars for a model railroad set loaded that's with
accessories. Therefore, it is important to decide how much you want to spend on a
model railroad set. Set a realistic budget for your model railroad set and stick to
it.
Thanks to the Internet and sites like "e-bay" you can pick up some
real bargain model train sets and railroading accessories in the secondhand market.
Make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
When planning a model railroad layout it is usually best to start small. Then
hopefully, mistakes can be small too. You will probably want to begin your model
railroading hobby by purchasing only a small amount of track and maybe some plugs,
switches, a locomotive or two, and a few cars. A small model railroad track layout
of 4x8 or less might be a good place to start your railroading hobby. There is no
point in being intimidated (and maybe discouraged) by a large or complex model
railroad set when you are learning the basics of the hobby. With a smaller model
railroad set it will be easier to fix mistakes or make changes.
A 4x8 model railroad layout is large enough to fit the 18-inch radius curves
that come with many railroading sets. With a 4x8 model railroad layout there is
also room for an oval with 18-inch radius ends and a few sidings.
Choosing A Model Railroad Scale
It is best to choose a model railroad scale that best suits your needs and gives
you the effect you are looking for in your model railroad layout. O scale model
trains and S scale trains are large when compared to the more popular HO scale
model trains. O scale is 1:48 size with 1¼" track gauge and a minimum radius of 2
foot (24 inches). S scale is 1:64 size with 7/8" track gauge and a minimum radius
of 22½ inches. As you can see S scale model trains are smaller in size than the
larger O scale model railroad sets.
Model Railroading A Creative Hobby
YES! Model railroading is a fun-filled leisure activity that provides plenty of
scope for the creative individual with a technical bent. It incorporates a variety
of interesting hobby activities from building, maintaining, upgrading and operating
a railway. What kind of world you create, where you create it, and how much time
you spend in it... is entirely over to the individual model railroad hobbyist. We
are all different.
George Bernard Shaw And Model
Railroads
A model railroading hobbyist can build a railroad layout in the solitude of his
or her basement, attic, shed or garage workshop...or they can sit in a sun lounger
and watch model trains weave around their garden... or the railroad hobbyist can
join a local model railroading club and share their railroading ideas and
experiences with others. The opportunities for the model railroad hobbyist are
endless!
