| 1. Do you have the space? | | | | sets and trains compared to a hobby shop, however, |
| When buying a model train set you must consider | | | | if that's all you have they will be able to find what it |
| your available space. Where do you intend to put it? | | | | is you are looking to buy or set you on the right |
| Are you going to put it in the den or the basement | | | | track. Another way is to search online. You will find |
| or even the garage? Knowing the limitations of your | | | | many websites featuring model train track and other |
| space will help you greatly in choosing the right model | | | | products for sale. Also, you will find eBay and other |
| train set for you. | | | | auction sites will have plenty of used and new train |
| 2. Deciding on scale | | | | merchandise (often at a great price). |
| Once you have decided on the best place to set up | | | | 5. Which brand |
| your new model train set, you can start on choosing | | | | There are many model train brands on the market |
| the size that best fits into the space. Most indoor | | | | today a few of which are Atlas model trains, |
| model trains come in several scales: Z, N, HO, and O. | | | | Bachmann and Lionel. They all make great model train |
| The two most common scales are N (1:160) and HO | | | | engines and cars, model train track and backgrounds |
| (1:87) and are best for smaller home spaces, while O | | | | (trees, outbuildings, etc). The only thing I can mention |
| (1:48) scale would be fine for a large basement setup. | | | | here is that it's all a matter of taste. |
| 3. Time and Money | | | | 6. Do you really want a model train? |
| So, you have taken a look at your space and | | | | After looking at the above advice, ask yourself some |
| decided on the best scale size to suit it. Now you will | | | | simple question: Do I really want a model train set? |
| need to think about how much time, money and | | | | Do you get excited at the site of a locomotive |
| energy you are going to want to spend on your new | | | | passes by? Does the thought of controlling your own |
| hobby. If you only have access to limited funds or | | | | little world make you happy? Do you like to work |
| time, it may be in your best interest to purchase a | | | | with your hands, get dirty and fiddle with things? You |
| smaller set as they will cost less and need less | | | | will need to dig deep into yourself to find the answer. |
| maintenance. If, on the other hand your funds are | | | | Lastly, I suggest that you go to several model train |
| limitless as is your time, then the sky's the limit on | | | | shows or events before you purchase anything. |
| what model trains you can buy and set up. | | | | They happen all the time in larger urban areas. Just |
| 4. Where to buy your Model Train Set | | | | ask at your local hobby shop and they will be able to |
| There are several ways to get model trains and | | | | tell when and where one will be. You will be able to |
| model train products today. The first is to look in | | | | talk to people who have been at this hobby a very |
| your local telephone book and see if there are any | | | | long time and who will be able to give you free |
| model train shops or hobby stores in your area. The | | | | advice and personal insights into the world of model |
| model train store will have the greatest selection of | | | | trains. |