If you have been a model railroader for some time you will understand that the costs of model trains can add up very quickly.
Model trains are the best hobby in the world, but if you are going to pay full retail price for everything you buy, it will soon become the most expensive hobby you have ever had!
Here is how to save money on your model trains:
1) Make Sure You know What You Want
A common mistake with beginner railroaders is to start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more accessories in another scale, so they change over.
Do your research first, speak to other railroaders, check how much space you have available, do you want diesel or steam locomotives, will your layout be multi-level, etc.
Think carefully about what you want. Hobby shop sales people love customers that walk in and ask their advice. Most of the sales people are on commission bonuses or incentives, so it is natural for them to sell you what is in stock and preferably the equipment with the biggest commissions.
With the internet it is easy to do some quality research and find the best price. Often model train equipment from different states or countries can be much cheaper, even with postage included.
2) Create Half a Layout
A model train that takes up your whole basement looks very impressive, but the bigger your layout the more money you will spend.
Often beginner model railroaders will see large and impressive layouts at their local model train club and want to build a similar sized layout. They usually do not have any idea what that large layout has cost the owner and how many hundreds of hours have been invested in building the system.
Start off slowly with a half sized layout built against a wall. With clever use of backdrops you can make your layout appear twice as big as it actually is.
A half sized layout is quicker to build and will provide any beginner railroader a good idea of costs and time involved. A half sized layout can always be pulled away from the wall and made twice or three times as big.
3) Buy 2nd Hand
I have bought locomotives off eBay for a tenth of the price of a new one. Model train enthusiasts are generally very careful with their model train equipment, so it is very rare that you will buy a dud.
Unfortunately some veteran railroaders leave us after 30 or 40 years of model railroading. Often complete sets like these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Set up an alert on eBay, watch your local newspapers and community boards, keep in touch with your local model train club and ask the hobby shops.
Hobby shops usually only sell new equipment because the profits are bigger, so they will happily keep your details on file should someone come in wanting to sell 2nd hand equipment.
Advertise in newspapers and newsletters that you want to buy 2nd hand model train equipment. Most veteran model railroaders have far too much equipment for their needs and usually have had stuff sitting in boxes for years.
Your advert may come at a time when they need some cash.
4) Trade With Other Railroaders
Model train clubs are great places to swap or trade model train equipment.
Often railroaders do not want cash but they may want what you have. It does not mean that you have to swap a diesel locomotive for a diesel locomotive, you could trade your skill in building a pond or painting their model train room.
The ideas are endless and this can be a massive money saver.
5) Always Spend Your Hard Earned Money on Quality Over Quantity
If you have the money and only want new equipment than you absolutely must buy quality over quantity.
Locomotives can cost hundreds of dollars and it can be tempting to buy a locomotive at the lower end of the price scale. Manufacturers have become very good at producing lower priced locomotives that are well detailed and look good.
However they lack in their inner workings. A common mistake is to say you will upgrade later, because the initial money you spent will be wasted.
Once you experience quality equipment you will never use the low quality stuff again.
6) Make It Rather Than Buy It
Model trains will teach skills that you never had before. From working with electrics to creating rivers and ponds to building landscapes and so much more.
It is this skill set that you develop that makes model trains the best hobby in the world. Every part of model trains can easily be learnt by buying an ebook, a book or asking your model train club.
So make it before you buy it.
Buildings can be bought in kit form but it is so much more fun (and cheaper) creating the structure from scrap wood, beads, glue, paint and other bits and pieces.
7) Keep a Journal And Budget
It can be very easy to impulsively buy when being sold by an enthusiastic hobby shop sales person.
If you know what you want and have done your research online you will know how much you need to spend, which will make negotiating easier.
Building a reasonable sized model train layout can run into the thousands of dollars.
If you have $500 to spend then you do not want to even start with this layout. You will end up with a half finished layout until you find some extra money.
As you buy your model train equipment record the date, the details of the item you bought and the price you paid in a journal or notebook.
That way, when you come to sell it 2 or 3 years later, you know what you paid for it and can price it accordingly.
A journal is a great way to record your progress. Keep pictures as you are building your layout and comment on any issues or milestones.
The Funnest Hobby In The World!
Saturday, December 11, 2010
7 Tips to Save Money on Your Model Trains7 Tips to Save Money on Your Model Trains
If you have been a model railroader for some time you will understand that the costs of model trains can add up very quickly.
Model trains are the best hobby in the world, but if you are going to pay full retail price for everything you buy, it will soon become the most expensive hobby you have ever had!
Here is how to save money on your model trains:
1) Make Sure You know What You Want
A common mistake with beginner railroaders is to start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more accessories in another scale, so they change over.
Do your research first, speak to other railroaders, check how much space you have available, do you want diesel or steam locomotives, will your layout be multi-level, etc.
Think carefully about what you want. Hobby shop sales people love customers that walk in and ask their advice. Most of the sales people are on commission bonuses or incentives, so it is natural for them to sell you what is in stock and preferably the equipment with the biggest commissions.
With the internet it is easy to do some quality research and find the best price. Often model train equipment from different states or countries can be much cheaper, even with postage included.
2) Create Half a Layout
A model train that takes up your whole basement looks very impressive, but the bigger your layout the more money you will spend.
Often beginner model railroaders will see large and impressive layouts at their local model train club and want to build a similar sized layout. They usually do not have any idea what that large layout has cost the owner and how many hundreds of hours have been invested in building the system.
Start off slowly with a half sized layout built against a wall. With clever use of backdrops you can make your layout appear twice as big as it actually is.
A half sized layout is quicker to build and will provide any beginner railroader a good idea of costs and time involved. A half sized layout can always be pulled away from the wall and made twice or three times as big.
3) Buy 2nd Hand
I have bought locomotives off eBay for a tenth of the price of a new one. Model train enthusiasts are generally very careful with their model train equipment, so it is very rare that you will buy a dud.
Unfortunately some veteran railroaders leave us after 30 or 40 years of model railroading. Often complete sets like these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Set up an alert on eBay, watch your local newspapers and community boards, keep in touch with your local model train club and ask the hobby shops.
Hobby shops usually only sell new equipment because the profits are bigger, so they will happily keep your details on file should someone come in wanting to sell 2nd hand equipment.
Advertise in newspapers and newsletters that you want to buy 2nd hand model train equipment. Most veteran model railroaders have far too much equipment for their needs and usually have had stuff sitting in boxes for years.
Your advert may come at a time when they need some cash.
4) Trade With Other Railroaders
Model train clubs are great places to swap or trade model train equipment.
Often railroaders do not want cash but they may want what you have. It does not mean that you have to swap a diesel locomotive for a diesel locomotive, you could trade your skill in building a pond or painting their model train room.
The ideas are endless and this can be a massive money saver.
5) Always Spend Your Hard Earned Money on Quality Over Quantity
If you have the money and only want new equipment than you absolutely must buy quality over quantity.
Locomotives can cost hundreds of dollars and it can be tempting to buy a locomotive at the lower end of the price scale. Manufacturers have become very good at producing lower priced locomotives that are well detailed and look good.
However they lack in their inner workings. A common mistake is to say you will upgrade later, because the initial money you spent will be wasted.
Once you experience quality equipment you will never use the low quality stuff again.
6) Make It Rather Than Buy It
Model trains will teach skills that you never had before. From working with electrics to creating rivers and ponds to building landscapes and so much more.
It is this skill set that you develop that makes model trains the best hobby in the world. Every part of model trains can easily be learnt by buying an ebook, a book or asking your model train club.
So make it before you buy it.
Buildings can be bought in kit form but it is so much more fun (and cheaper) creating the structure from scrap wood, beads, glue, paint and other bits and pieces.
7) Keep a Journal And Budget
It can be very easy to impulsively buy when being sold by an enthusiastic hobby shop sales person.
If you know what you want and have done your research online you will know how much you need to spend, which will make negotiating easier.
Building a reasonable sized model train layout can run into the thousands of dollars.
If you have $500 to spend then you do not want to even start with this layout. You will end up with a half finished layout until you find some extra money.
As you buy your model train equipment record the date, the details of the item you bought and the price you paid in a journal or notebook.
That way, when you come to sell it 2 or 3 years later, you know what you paid for it and can price it accordingly.
A journal is a great way to record your progress. Keep pictures as you are building your layout and comment on any issues or milestones.
Model trains are the best hobby in the world, but if you are going to pay full retail price for everything you buy, it will soon become the most expensive hobby you have ever had!
Here is how to save money on your model trains:
1) Make Sure You know What You Want
A common mistake with beginner railroaders is to start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more accessories in another scale, so they change over.
Do your research first, speak to other railroaders, check how much space you have available, do you want diesel or steam locomotives, will your layout be multi-level, etc.
Think carefully about what you want. Hobby shop sales people love customers that walk in and ask their advice. Most of the sales people are on commission bonuses or incentives, so it is natural for them to sell you what is in stock and preferably the equipment with the biggest commissions.
With the internet it is easy to do some quality research and find the best price. Often model train equipment from different states or countries can be much cheaper, even with postage included.
2) Create Half a Layout
A model train that takes up your whole basement looks very impressive, but the bigger your layout the more money you will spend.
Often beginner model railroaders will see large and impressive layouts at their local model train club and want to build a similar sized layout. They usually do not have any idea what that large layout has cost the owner and how many hundreds of hours have been invested in building the system.
Start off slowly with a half sized layout built against a wall. With clever use of backdrops you can make your layout appear twice as big as it actually is.
A half sized layout is quicker to build and will provide any beginner railroader a good idea of costs and time involved. A half sized layout can always be pulled away from the wall and made twice or three times as big.
3) Buy 2nd Hand
I have bought locomotives off eBay for a tenth of the price of a new one. Model train enthusiasts are generally very careful with their model train equipment, so it is very rare that you will buy a dud.
Unfortunately some veteran railroaders leave us after 30 or 40 years of model railroading. Often complete sets like these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Set up an alert on eBay, watch your local newspapers and community boards, keep in touch with your local model train club and ask the hobby shops.
Hobby shops usually only sell new equipment because the profits are bigger, so they will happily keep your details on file should someone come in wanting to sell 2nd hand equipment.
Advertise in newspapers and newsletters that you want to buy 2nd hand model train equipment. Most veteran model railroaders have far too much equipment for their needs and usually have had stuff sitting in boxes for years.
Your advert may come at a time when they need some cash.
4) Trade With Other Railroaders
Model train clubs are great places to swap or trade model train equipment.
Often railroaders do not want cash but they may want what you have. It does not mean that you have to swap a diesel locomotive for a diesel locomotive, you could trade your skill in building a pond or painting their model train room.
The ideas are endless and this can be a massive money saver.
5) Always Spend Your Hard Earned Money on Quality Over Quantity
If you have the money and only want new equipment than you absolutely must buy quality over quantity.
Locomotives can cost hundreds of dollars and it can be tempting to buy a locomotive at the lower end of the price scale. Manufacturers have become very good at producing lower priced locomotives that are well detailed and look good.
However they lack in their inner workings. A common mistake is to say you will upgrade later, because the initial money you spent will be wasted.
Once you experience quality equipment you will never use the low quality stuff again.
6) Make It Rather Than Buy It
Model trains will teach skills that you never had before. From working with electrics to creating rivers and ponds to building landscapes and so much more.
It is this skill set that you develop that makes model trains the best hobby in the world. Every part of model trains can easily be learnt by buying an ebook, a book or asking your model train club.
So make it before you buy it.
Buildings can be bought in kit form but it is so much more fun (and cheaper) creating the structure from scrap wood, beads, glue, paint and other bits and pieces.
7) Keep a Journal And Budget
It can be very easy to impulsively buy when being sold by an enthusiastic hobby shop sales person.
If you know what you want and have done your research online you will know how much you need to spend, which will make negotiating easier.
Building a reasonable sized model train layout can run into the thousands of dollars.
If you have $500 to spend then you do not want to even start with this layout. You will end up with a half finished layout until you find some extra money.
As you buy your model train equipment record the date, the details of the item you bought and the price you paid in a journal or notebook.
That way, when you come to sell it 2 or 3 years later, you know what you paid for it and can price it accordingly.
A journal is a great way to record your progress. Keep pictures as you are building your layout and comment on any issues or milestones.
7 Tips to Save Money on Your Model Trains7 Tips to Save Money on Your Model Trains
If you have been a model railroader for some time you will understand that the costs of model trains can add up very quickly.
Model trains are the best hobby in the world, but if you are going to pay full retail price for everything you buy, it will soon become the most expensive hobby you have ever had!
Here is how to save money on your model trains:
1) Make Sure You know What You Want
A common mistake with beginner railroaders is to start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more accessories in another scale, so they change over.
Do your research first, speak to other railroaders, check how much space you have available, do you want diesel or steam locomotives, will your layout be multi-level, etc.
Think carefully about what you want. Hobby shop sales people love customers that walk in and ask their advice. Most of the sales people are on commission bonuses or incentives, so it is natural for them to sell you what is in stock and preferably the equipment with the biggest commissions.
With the internet it is easy to do some quality research and find the best price. Often model train equipment from different states or countries can be much cheaper, even with postage included.
2) Create Half a Layout
A model train that takes up your whole basement looks very impressive, but the bigger your layout the more money you will spend.
Often beginner model railroaders will see large and impressive layouts at their local model train club and want to build a similar sized layout. They usually do not have any idea what that large layout has cost the owner and how many hundreds of hours have been invested in building the system.
Start off slowly with a half sized layout built against a wall. With clever use of backdrops you can make your layout appear twice as big as it actually is.
A half sized layout is quicker to build and will provide any beginner railroader a good idea of costs and time involved. A half sized layout can always be pulled away from the wall and made twice or three times as big.
3) Buy 2nd Hand
I have bought locomotives off eBay for a tenth of the price of a new one. Model train enthusiasts are generally very careful with their model train equipment, so it is very rare that you will buy a dud.
Unfortunately some veteran railroaders leave us after 30 or 40 years of model railroading. Often complete sets like these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Set up an alert on eBay, watch your local newspapers and community boards, keep in touch with your local model train club and ask the hobby shops.
Hobby shops usually only sell new equipment because the profits are bigger, so they will happily keep your details on file should someone come in wanting to sell 2nd hand equipment.
Advertise in newspapers and newsletters that you want to buy 2nd hand model train equipment. Most veteran model railroaders have far too much equipment for their needs and usually have had stuff sitting in boxes for years.
Your advert may come at a time when they need some cash.
4) Trade With Other Railroaders
Model train clubs are great places to swap or trade model train equipment.
Often railroaders do not want cash but they may want what you have. It does not mean that you have to swap a diesel locomotive for a diesel locomotive, you could trade your skill in building a pond or painting their model train room.
The ideas are endless and this can be a massive money saver.
5) Always Spend Your Hard Earned Money on Quality Over Quantity
If you have the money and only want new equipment than you absolutely must buy quality over quantity.
Locomotives can cost hundreds of dollars and it can be tempting to buy a locomotive at the lower end of the price scale. Manufacturers have become very good at producing lower priced locomotives that are well detailed and look good.
However they lack in their inner workings. A common mistake is to say you will upgrade later, because the initial money you spent will be wasted.
Once you experience quality equipment you will never use the low quality stuff again.
6) Make It Rather Than Buy It
Model trains will teach skills that you never had before. From working with electrics to creating rivers and ponds to building landscapes and so much more.
It is this skill set that you develop that makes model trains the best hobby in the world. Every part of model trains can easily be learnt by buying an ebook, a book or asking your model train club.
So make it before you buy it.
Buildings can be bought in kit form but it is so much more fun (and cheaper) creating the structure from scrap wood, beads, glue, paint and other bits and pieces.
7) Keep a Journal And Budget
It can be very easy to impulsively buy when being sold by an enthusiastic hobby shop sales person.
If you know what you want and have done your research online you will know how much you need to spend, which will make negotiating easier.
Building a reasonable sized model train layout can run into the thousands of dollars.
If you have $500 to spend then you do not want to even start with this layout. You will end up with a half finished layout until you find some extra money.
As you buy your model train equipment record the date, the details of the item you bought and the price you paid in a journal or notebook.
That way, when you come to sell it 2 or 3 years later, you know what you paid for it and can price it accordingly.
A journal is a great way to record your progress. Keep pictures as you are building your layout and comment on any issues or milestones.
Model trains are the best hobby in the world, but if you are going to pay full retail price for everything you buy, it will soon become the most expensive hobby you have ever had!
Here is how to save money on your model trains:
1) Make Sure You know What You Want
A common mistake with beginner railroaders is to start collecting one scale of model trains only to find that there are more accessories in another scale, so they change over.
Do your research first, speak to other railroaders, check how much space you have available, do you want diesel or steam locomotives, will your layout be multi-level, etc.
Think carefully about what you want. Hobby shop sales people love customers that walk in and ask their advice. Most of the sales people are on commission bonuses or incentives, so it is natural for them to sell you what is in stock and preferably the equipment with the biggest commissions.
With the internet it is easy to do some quality research and find the best price. Often model train equipment from different states or countries can be much cheaper, even with postage included.
2) Create Half a Layout
A model train that takes up your whole basement looks very impressive, but the bigger your layout the more money you will spend.
Often beginner model railroaders will see large and impressive layouts at their local model train club and want to build a similar sized layout. They usually do not have any idea what that large layout has cost the owner and how many hundreds of hours have been invested in building the system.
Start off slowly with a half sized layout built against a wall. With clever use of backdrops you can make your layout appear twice as big as it actually is.
A half sized layout is quicker to build and will provide any beginner railroader a good idea of costs and time involved. A half sized layout can always be pulled away from the wall and made twice or three times as big.
3) Buy 2nd Hand
I have bought locomotives off eBay for a tenth of the price of a new one. Model train enthusiasts are generally very careful with their model train equipment, so it is very rare that you will buy a dud.
Unfortunately some veteran railroaders leave us after 30 or 40 years of model railroading. Often complete sets like these can be bought for a fraction of the cost of buying new.
Set up an alert on eBay, watch your local newspapers and community boards, keep in touch with your local model train club and ask the hobby shops.
Hobby shops usually only sell new equipment because the profits are bigger, so they will happily keep your details on file should someone come in wanting to sell 2nd hand equipment.
Advertise in newspapers and newsletters that you want to buy 2nd hand model train equipment. Most veteran model railroaders have far too much equipment for their needs and usually have had stuff sitting in boxes for years.
Your advert may come at a time when they need some cash.
4) Trade With Other Railroaders
Model train clubs are great places to swap or trade model train equipment.
Often railroaders do not want cash but they may want what you have. It does not mean that you have to swap a diesel locomotive for a diesel locomotive, you could trade your skill in building a pond or painting their model train room.
The ideas are endless and this can be a massive money saver.
5) Always Spend Your Hard Earned Money on Quality Over Quantity
If you have the money and only want new equipment than you absolutely must buy quality over quantity.
Locomotives can cost hundreds of dollars and it can be tempting to buy a locomotive at the lower end of the price scale. Manufacturers have become very good at producing lower priced locomotives that are well detailed and look good.
However they lack in their inner workings. A common mistake is to say you will upgrade later, because the initial money you spent will be wasted.
Once you experience quality equipment you will never use the low quality stuff again.
6) Make It Rather Than Buy It
Model trains will teach skills that you never had before. From working with electrics to creating rivers and ponds to building landscapes and so much more.
It is this skill set that you develop that makes model trains the best hobby in the world. Every part of model trains can easily be learnt by buying an ebook, a book or asking your model train club.
So make it before you buy it.
Buildings can be bought in kit form but it is so much more fun (and cheaper) creating the structure from scrap wood, beads, glue, paint and other bits and pieces.
7) Keep a Journal And Budget
It can be very easy to impulsively buy when being sold by an enthusiastic hobby shop sales person.
If you know what you want and have done your research online you will know how much you need to spend, which will make negotiating easier.
Building a reasonable sized model train layout can run into the thousands of dollars.
If you have $500 to spend then you do not want to even start with this layout. You will end up with a half finished layout until you find some extra money.
As you buy your model train equipment record the date, the details of the item you bought and the price you paid in a journal or notebook.
That way, when you come to sell it 2 or 3 years later, you know what you paid for it and can price it accordingly.
A journal is a great way to record your progress. Keep pictures as you are building your layout and comment on any issues or milestones.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Model Train Tips -3 Quick Tips
Quick Tip #1
Shiny surfaces can spoil the realism of any model railroad.
Shiny surfaces can make buildings and trains look fake as
though they have just come off a shop shelf. A simple way
to remove that shine is to overspray the structure or
rolling stock with Dullcote (Testors #1260 clear flat
lacquer overcoat). Dullcote is available at most hobby
stores and comes in a small spray can like many other
model car colors.
Quick Tip #2
Ballasted track adds more scenic realism to a layout.
However, you need to make sure that the electrics are all
sorted out and that all the rail joiners are tight fitting
before you start ballasting. Otherwise you may find that
after you have ballasted your track, some sections of track
won't work properly.
For yards you may want to use a finer grade of ballast to
give the impression of more lightly laid lines, while on
the mainline you might want more coarse ballast.
Quick Tip #3
Sawdust can be an inexpensive material for making ground
cover. Buy some fabric dye from the supermarket or hobby
store. Mix up the dye according to the directions and start
adding your sawdust. Keep adding the sawdust until all the
liquid is gone. Preheat the kitchen oven and then turn it off.
Then put the colored sawdust in a baking dish and put in the
warm oven for an hour or so to dry it out. Once it's dried
and cooled, bag it up to store it until you're ready to use
it. You can apply it to the ground with white glue and to
trees with spray glue or hairspray.
You can easily access more quick tips here:
Happy Railroading!
Shiny surfaces can spoil the realism of any model railroad.
Shiny surfaces can make buildings and trains look fake as
though they have just come off a shop shelf. A simple way
to remove that shine is to overspray the structure or
rolling stock with Dullcote (Testors #1260 clear flat
lacquer overcoat). Dullcote is available at most hobby
stores and comes in a small spray can like many other
model car colors.
Quick Tip #2
Ballasted track adds more scenic realism to a layout.
However, you need to make sure that the electrics are all
sorted out and that all the rail joiners are tight fitting
before you start ballasting. Otherwise you may find that
after you have ballasted your track, some sections of track
won't work properly.
For yards you may want to use a finer grade of ballast to
give the impression of more lightly laid lines, while on
the mainline you might want more coarse ballast.
Quick Tip #3
Sawdust can be an inexpensive material for making ground
cover. Buy some fabric dye from the supermarket or hobby
store. Mix up the dye according to the directions and start
adding your sawdust. Keep adding the sawdust until all the
liquid is gone. Preheat the kitchen oven and then turn it off.
Then put the colored sawdust in a baking dish and put in the
warm oven for an hour or so to dry it out. Once it's dried
and cooled, bag it up to store it until you're ready to use
it. You can apply it to the ground with white glue and to
trees with spray glue or hairspray.
You can easily access more quick tips here:
Happy Railroading!
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Which model train scale (or gauge) is best?
First up… A common mistake for model train beginners, is to confuse scale and gauge.
I’ll explain…
Scale is the proportion of your model to the real thing. An example is a HO scale locomotive. This locomotive will be 1/87 the size of the real locomotive.
Gauge in model trains is the width between the inside running edge of the track.
o How Does Someone Considering Model Trains Decide Which Scale To Start With?
This comes down to 3 deciding factors –
1. How much space you have available for your model train layout,.
2. The physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and.
3. The accessories available for that model train scale..
Let me explain these 3 points in detail… .
1. How Much Space Do You Have Available?
Building a model railroad layout in HO scale will be about 1/2 the size of a similar model train layout in O scale.
The turning radius’ in HO scale will be tighter, the structures will be smaller, the detail will be less important and it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale like HO scale.
It can be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale.
HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic.
A HO scale continuous loop model railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 foot table, while a HO scale switching model railroad can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table.
A model train layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop.
If you don’t have that much room available, then you should consider a N scale layout which can be built in less than 1/3 of the area required by a similar HO scale model train layout. .
2. Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?
It can get very frustrating trying to work with a locomotive or car that you struggle to hold, or struggle to see the small fiddly pieces.
A big magnifying glass, bright lighting and tools to work with your trains can solve many of these problems, but often it’s easier to just model a bigger scale.
This hobby should be fun, so there is no need for frustration searching for the lost magnifier or your glasses…
Children will also find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards.
Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail. .
3. What Accessories Are Available For The Scale You Are Considering?
At this stage HO scale is the most popular model railroad scale.
Because of this the manufacturers have responded and are constantly creating a huge amount of accessories and rolling stock for HO scale.
The popularity has come from HO scale being just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail, the amazingly good running performance and the price.
Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want.
Then have a look at eBay. .
Now, my question to you is… .
Which Model Train Scale Are You Considering, or Already Modeling, and Why?
Source
I’ll explain…
Scale is the proportion of your model to the real thing. An example is a HO scale locomotive. This locomotive will be 1/87 the size of the real locomotive.
Gauge in model trains is the width between the inside running edge of the track.
o How Does Someone Considering Model Trains Decide Which Scale To Start With?
This comes down to 3 deciding factors –
1. How much space you have available for your model train layout,.
2. The physical size of model train equipment you prefer working with, and.
3. The accessories available for that model train scale..
Let me explain these 3 points in detail… .
1. How Much Space Do You Have Available?
Building a model railroad layout in HO scale will be about 1/2 the size of a similar model train layout in O scale.
The turning radius’ in HO scale will be tighter, the structures will be smaller, the detail will be less important and it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale like HO scale.
It can be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale.
HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic.
A HO scale continuous loop model railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 foot table, while a HO scale switching model railroad can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table.
A model train layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop.
If you don’t have that much room available, then you should consider a N scale layout which can be built in less than 1/3 of the area required by a similar HO scale model train layout. .
2. Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?
It can get very frustrating trying to work with a locomotive or car that you struggle to hold, or struggle to see the small fiddly pieces.
A big magnifying glass, bright lighting and tools to work with your trains can solve many of these problems, but often it’s easier to just model a bigger scale.
This hobby should be fun, so there is no need for frustration searching for the lost magnifier or your glasses…
Children will also find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards.
Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail. .
3. What Accessories Are Available For The Scale You Are Considering?
At this stage HO scale is the most popular model railroad scale.
Because of this the manufacturers have responded and are constantly creating a huge amount of accessories and rolling stock for HO scale.
The popularity has come from HO scale being just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail, the amazingly good running performance and the price.
Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want.
Then have a look at eBay. .
Now, my question to you is… .
Which Model Train Scale Are You Considering, or Already Modeling, and Why?
Source
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Weathering Your Model Trains
Why should you weather your model trains?
Whether you are just getting started with model trains, or you have been enjoying this hobby for a long time, there are many different things that you can do to make your model train layout look more realistic.
You may have already spent a lot of time making sure that your models are to scale, but if you want your model railroad to look real, you have to avoid it looking too new!
Having objects in your train set look too shiny or too new can be quite distracting.
This is why you need to think about how to weather them.
Weathering is the process by which you can make new objects look distressed and more worn.
It can be instrumental in how you take your model train set to the next level.
One product that you should have on hand when you are thinking about weathering metal objects on your train set is a can of Rustall.
This is a simple aerosol spray that will allow you to put touches, or even whole finishes of rust on various bits of your model set. It works best on a surface that has been primed or that otherwise has some tooth to it, allowing the mixture to settle.
When you spray something with Rustall, you’ll have a great look of rusted metal and the more you spray on, the more weathered the object looks.
When you are thinking about adding brick buildings to your model train layout, think about how you can make the bricks look even more realistic.
Take some diluted latex paint in gray or buff and brush it carelessly across the face of the brick.
Then take a rag and wipe the surface off while it is still wet. The paint stays in the channels between the brick when you do this and defines some bricks more than others.
When was the last time that you saw a roof that was perfectly shingled and detailed, especially when you are looking at older buildings?
You want to give your model train layout a homely and well worn look.
Using a craft knife, or a sharp flat object, gently pry up some of the shingles on your model train building. Missing shingles are a little much, but if you start prying some of the shingles out of their beddings, you will give more texture to the building as a whole.
One important tip to remember when you are painting on finishes is to let gravity help you and guide you.
Think about painting on a finish and having it drip a little.
This can look great, because in real life paint usually drips down.
However, if you are holding your structure upside down, this creates a drip pattern that is very different to what it should be in real life!
Take a moment to look at your finishes and to make sure that you are getting the drip pattern that you need.
Weathering is great fun and requires no special skills, just a willingness to give it a try.
Start with an old model or even some scrap plastic, until you are more confident.
By observing the older buildings in your area you will notice how the elements have faded the paint, corroded the metals, rotted the timber, etc.
This will give you many ideas that you can apply to your model train buildings. Weathering your model train buildings, locomo
Source
Whether you are just getting started with model trains, or you have been enjoying this hobby for a long time, there are many different things that you can do to make your model train layout look more realistic.
You may have already spent a lot of time making sure that your models are to scale, but if you want your model railroad to look real, you have to avoid it looking too new!
Having objects in your train set look too shiny or too new can be quite distracting.
This is why you need to think about how to weather them.
Weathering is the process by which you can make new objects look distressed and more worn.
It can be instrumental in how you take your model train set to the next level.
One product that you should have on hand when you are thinking about weathering metal objects on your train set is a can of Rustall.
This is a simple aerosol spray that will allow you to put touches, or even whole finishes of rust on various bits of your model set. It works best on a surface that has been primed or that otherwise has some tooth to it, allowing the mixture to settle.
When you spray something with Rustall, you’ll have a great look of rusted metal and the more you spray on, the more weathered the object looks.
When you are thinking about adding brick buildings to your model train layout, think about how you can make the bricks look even more realistic.
Take some diluted latex paint in gray or buff and brush it carelessly across the face of the brick.
Then take a rag and wipe the surface off while it is still wet. The paint stays in the channels between the brick when you do this and defines some bricks more than others.
When was the last time that you saw a roof that was perfectly shingled and detailed, especially when you are looking at older buildings?
You want to give your model train layout a homely and well worn look.
Using a craft knife, or a sharp flat object, gently pry up some of the shingles on your model train building. Missing shingles are a little much, but if you start prying some of the shingles out of their beddings, you will give more texture to the building as a whole.
One important tip to remember when you are painting on finishes is to let gravity help you and guide you.
Think about painting on a finish and having it drip a little.
This can look great, because in real life paint usually drips down.
However, if you are holding your structure upside down, this creates a drip pattern that is very different to what it should be in real life!
Take a moment to look at your finishes and to make sure that you are getting the drip pattern that you need.
Weathering is great fun and requires no special skills, just a willingness to give it a try.
Start with an old model or even some scrap plastic, until you are more confident.
By observing the older buildings in your area you will notice how the elements have faded the paint, corroded the metals, rotted the timber, etc.
This will give you many ideas that you can apply to your model train buildings. Weathering your model train buildings, locomo
Source
Monday, November 29, 2010
Model Train Tip - Using An Airbrush
For those who don't already know, an airbrush is simply a precision
air driven paint sprayer. However, it differs from a conventional
paint gun or spray can, because it is precision instrument that
can be adjusted to achieve different and highly detailed effects.
Airbrushing can add amazing realism and special effects to any
model railroad layout. An airbrush can be used for all sorts of
projects from weathering buildings, adding subtle effects to
landscapes and backdrops, through to adding realism to
advertising signs and rolling stock.
Airbrushing is a skill that takes time and practice to master,
but when done well, results in a very good finish. However,
don’t expect to get a good finish first time... it takes practice.
Many airbrush artists create works that are so sharp in detail,
so lifelike as to mimic the real thing. An airbrush can also be
used to get the opposite effect of feather-edged, cloud-like
softness... the type of subtlety that couldn't be achieved
with a paintbrush. So, whether it is detail, from fine lines
to wispy, or mere suggestions of color, an airbrush is a
versatile tools to use on any model railroad layout.
air driven paint sprayer. However, it differs from a conventional
paint gun or spray can, because it is precision instrument that
can be adjusted to achieve different and highly detailed effects.
Airbrushing can add amazing realism and special effects to any
model railroad layout. An airbrush can be used for all sorts of
projects from weathering buildings, adding subtle effects to
landscapes and backdrops, through to adding realism to
advertising signs and rolling stock.
Airbrushing is a skill that takes time and practice to master,
but when done well, results in a very good finish. However,
don’t expect to get a good finish first time... it takes practice.
Many airbrush artists create works that are so sharp in detail,
so lifelike as to mimic the real thing. An airbrush can also be
used to get the opposite effect of feather-edged, cloud-like
softness... the type of subtlety that couldn't be achieved
with a paintbrush. So, whether it is detail, from fine lines
to wispy, or mere suggestions of color, an airbrush is a
versatile tools to use on any model railroad layout.
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