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