Model Trains for Beginners | Model Railroad Trains | Model Train Stuff

If you want multiple trains running at different speeds then DCC (Digital Command Control) is the juice for you. This more modern form of interface allows for complex model train layouts that feature many locomotives capable of operating at varying speeds.
If you already know you've been bewitched by this hobby then resistance is futile. You must go DCC or risk becoming an unhappy person.

If your dreams are more modest then good old DC (Direct Current) should do the trick. With this type of power, when you turn it on, any train on the track starts moving. Not very dynamic, but it works. Some very good stuff can be done with DC if accompanied by a solid dose of creativity.
The biggest real world advantage to DC is its lower cost. Model trains made for DC are typically less expensive than their DCC counterparts.

Two drunks were walking down a New York City street when one fell down the subway steps. When he got back up top he told his drinking partner, "...boy you got to see that guy's train set in the basement!"

There are many model train scales to choose from and they are not interchangeable. Basically, you decide upon a scale and generally stick with it. All the terrain, trains and everything else are designed for a specific scale or measurement. If you acquire model train stuff from a scale other than the one you are working with, not only will it look funny (different sized trees and buildings - not so good together), it probably will not work properly or at all (this is more a concern for tracks and wiring).

You and your space: where you intend to put your model train layout may also determine what scale you should work with. Obviously the bigger the scale the more room it requires.

Fun Fact: A Chicago, Illinois law once prohibited eating in a place that was on fire. After much discussion, a 1912 amendment exempted dining cars on steam trains.

Model Train Scales: These are all the various scales (size/measurement) that model trains come in. These feature the tiny to the really big. As mentioned earlier the different scales are not interchangeable. So, here is a list of what is out there. Farther down the page will be a more in-depth look at individual scales and what they are generally good for and what type of electrical control (DCC/DC) they primarily use. I have omitted all the hybrid scales, as these are confusing to an expert - never mind a beginner.

HO Scale
G Scale
N Scale
O Scale
Z Scale
T Scale

If you are thinking about getting serious about model trains - I can not recommend this enough; it covers absolutely everything you need to know and will save you a ton of time and money and it is available online as a digital download. It's good because it gets you in the "game" almost instantly.

• Repair, maintenance, wiring, converting DC to DCC, common mistakes to avoid, where and how to find stuff cheap, model train layout plans, and creating terrain and buildings from scratch and a ton of other valuable information.

The other great thing about this product is it comes with a 30-day free membership to the Model Train Insiders Club. Some people love the club and some find it redundant and/or of limited value. It is free for 30-days - so put it to the test and use it for yourself.

O scale model trains are the granddaddy of them all and have been around since the 1900's. This is the biggest scale available and perhaps the best choice for those in need of a tough/lasting indoor setup.

O scale was originally designed to be durable, affordable and capable of surviving younger hands. Because of this, most model train stuff for this scale lacks overall detail and typically is less pleasing to the eye.

With the appearance of smaller scales (after WWI) O scale declined in popularity due to the introduction of more space conscious indoor trains and tracks.

If you prefer to run your trains more than you enjoy detailing them, or if you want something that can handle some minor abuse, then O scale is for you (if you have the space).

O Scale in the UK is commonly 1:43.5 or 7mm to the foot
Europe it is 1:45
USA 1:48
Supports: DCC and DC

Please note the discrepancy in international measurements. Be careful you ensure compatibility with your existing setup before purchasing components for this scale.

HO scale model trains are the most popular in the world and are responsible for a huge leap in demand due to consumer affordability dating back to around 1922. Because of its far-reaching popularity it is the most well developed scale with the largest selection of buildings, trees, tracks and everything. In this scale, 3.5 mm (0.14 in) represents 1 real foot (304.8 mm).

Scale Ratio: 1/87
Supports: DCC and DC

HO was created after the First World War to meet the growing demand for a smaller more home friendly scale of model train. Up to this point you were stuck with O scale (very big - great for outdoors).

G scale model trains are often incorrectly referred to as garden scale. While they are ideal for gardens and outdoor layouts, G stands for G-gauge. However, if you walk into a hobby store asking for garden scale, they will know what you want.

As mentioned G scale trains are very well suited to garden and outdoor layouts because this scale can handle some ugly weather. The trains are not the prettiest or most detailed as they are intended to be functional and viewed from a distance.

Scale: 1/24 (yes this is the biggest scale)
Supports: DC and DCC
Note: in North America most manufactures use 1/20 scale which is not really G scale. Be aware of this as you can find legitimate 1/24 scale in North America - you just have to look harder.

The one trait that makes G scale the best outdoor choice is brass tracks; simply wipe off the tracks and you are good to go. Brass resists corrosion and is relatively cheap. For those with bigger pocket books or dreams, G scale tracks are also available in other more expensive alloys like stainless steel.

Believe it or not, putting salt on a railroad track in Alabama was once punishable by death.

N scale trains are the second most popular scale of model train in the world (HO is number 1). The term N gauge refers to the track dimensions, which are always 9mm apart. This scale of train is very little (1:160) and because of this is quite popular with people looking to create a model train layout in a much smaller space. This scale is half the size of HO and it is not the smallest scale available - that distinction goes to T scale (1:450).

USA Scale Ratio: 1/160
UK Scale: 1/148
Supports: DC

It is important to note that international measurement standards between continents vary (UK, Europe, and North America) and can lead to compatibility problems. With this scale the difference is more visual - trains and accessories come in slightly different sizes - but the tracks are always 9mm apart. This means they may look a little weird but they will work.

Z scale trains are the second smallest model trains and another popular choice for those interested in tiny layouts. Originally conceived by Helmut Killian, the engineer designer for the German model train manufacturer Marklin in 1972, this scale was assumed to be the smallest to ever be made and thus the designation Z scale (the last letter in the German alphabet). But they were wrong (see T scale).

Small-scale trains (Z and T scale) have difficulty pulling themselves up hills (think flat tracks and gentle grades) and must be kept very clean as even dust can cause problems.

Scale Ratio: 1/220
Supports: DC (originally) and DCC (most original trains can be converted to DCC and some manufactures now produce DCC versions)

T scale trains are the smallest commercially available model scale on the market. How small are they? They are smaller than your thumb; yes they are pretty much micro size trains. Think - entire model train layout in a briefcase.
Created in 2006 by KK Eishindo of Japan, this model train scale quickly found its way into production and was commercially available by 2007.

If you are interested in this size of train then consider getting stuff made in or later than 2010. There are many enhancements on the newer trains that allow for much better performance and performance is a big issue with micro sized trains.

Scale Ratio: 1/450 (tracks are 3mm apart!)
Supports: DC, some but not all T scale trains can be converted to DCC.

If you are just getting into model trains for beginners, then the first question you must ask yourself is where are you going to put the whole setup (Space and electricity are the only two main concerns). Common locations are the garage (I can hear your significant other moaning already...lol), the attic or if you have a big house a room can be converted into a railway station.

For the truly adventurous, an outdoor layout may be just the thing you are after. This however will pose concerns over moisture and other related elements.

Be prepared for Growth: most people (at some point) think that they are done adding to or building their model train layout. Don't be fooled by your common sense (lol). You will see or stumble upon something you simply must have (it happens). If you are prepared (i.e. have the room for it) then alterations are rather easy.

Railroad iron is a magician's rod, in its power to evoke the sleeping energies of land and water.
-- Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)