| Model trains are not only for kids: Adults are very | | | | yards and run to service the surrounding industries. A |
| much a part of this world. Consider joining a local | | | | 'fast clock' is used so that 24 hours may be |
| model train club. Model trains are some of the most | | | | compressed into a 3 hour operating session. Join a |
| enduring toys of all. They are so enduring that even | | | | club and remember that model railroading is fun! |
| adults love them. Model trains are offered in a wide | | | | Most often model trains are collected according to |
| variety of sizes, styles and colors. These models often | | | | scale. A scale is a ratio expressed in terms of one unit |
| feature sophisticated electronic components that make | | | | on the model equals a specified number of units in real |
| them elegant and realistic in operation. In fact, the latest | | | | life. The most popular scale is HO at 1/87 of real size. |
| models are controlled by computers. | | | | Model trains are an amazing hobby and one that many |
| Model trains are fun for both young and old--men and | | | | people find very exciting. Imagine having an exact |
| women. The hobby bridges the generation gap and | | | | replica of the Orient Express or the Trans-Siberian |
| can be a great way to bring the family together! Model | | | | Express running around a model landscape you hand |
| trains are a very interactive hobby, where users can | | | | built in your basement. |
| create elaborate model railroad layouts. Modelers | | | | Layouts for model trains are not built overnight. In fact, |
| develop numerous skills associated with modeling | | | | no model railroad is ever finished. Model train layouts |
| trains. Many people enjoy putting together a model | | | | are usually built to a letter scale, such as HO, where |
| train display, in a landscape or village setting. | | | | 3.5mm on the model represents 1 foot on the |
| Model train layouts are way more compelling when | | | | prototype (1/87). Model railroads are enjoying a surge |
| there are people doing it together. Every person | | | | of interest and activity from professional designers and |
| comes with a different skill: wiring, modelling, painting, | | | | artists. It is being played out in the smaller scale world |
| kit-bashing, computer programming, painting or | | | | of HO or N scale model trains. |
| air-brushing; decals, historical accuracy, mechanics, | | | | Model railroads are more then just the trains, tracks |
| design, sculpting, making tiny trees, tiny rocks, or tiny | | | | and power supplies. They provide the enthusiast a |
| people. This is why model railroad clubs are so popular. | | | | way to study and recreate entire worlds and towns in |
| You can find a local club by doing a Google search. All | | | | miniature. Model railroads are always incorporating new |
| clubs welcome new model railroaders. | | | | concepts and the techniques. The controls are now |
| A key aspect of joining a club, is to do 'realistic' | | | | based on microprocessors like miniature PC's. Model |
| operation. This is where the model railroad uses real | | | | railroads are always constructed, operated, and |
| world like operating rules. Trains are run according to | | | | maintained by people so their movements and access |
| the schedule with passenger trains getting priority over | | | | to the layout are as important, if not more so, than the |
| freight trains. Also, local freights are assembled at the | | | | arrangement of the track work. |