| Model trains are fun for both young and old--men and | | | | power supplies. They provide the enthusiast a way to |
| women. The hobby bridges the generation gap and | | | | study and recreate entire worlds and towns in |
| can be a great way to bring the family together! Model | | | | miniature. |
| trains are not only for kids: Adults are very much a | | | | Model train layouts are always constructed, operated, |
| part of this world. Consider joining a local model-train | | | | and maintained by people, of course. Their movements |
| club. Model trains are a very interactive hobby, where | | | | and access to the layout are as important, if not more |
| users can create elaborate model railroad layouts. | | | | so, than the arrangement of the trackwork. Model |
| Users develop numerous hobby skills associated with | | | | railroads are a very electrically noisy environment so |
| modeling trains including building structure kits and | | | | that special care must be taken in isolating grounds |
| modeling scenery. | | | | between the controller and the rest of the layout. |
| Model trains are an amazing hobby and one that many | | | | Model railroads are among the almost $4 billion worth |
| people find very exciting. Imagine having an exact | | | | of toys and models made each year in the U.S. |
| replica of the Orient Express or the Trans-Siberian | | | | New concepts and the techniques to control model |
| Express running around a model landscape you hand | | | | railroads are constantly being developed as the |
| built in your basement. Model trains are some of the | | | | technology of the hobby allows. In the past decade, |
| most enduring toys of all. They are so enduring that | | | | the development of computer controller model engines |
| even adults love them. | | | | has increased the ability to operate trains like a real |
| Standard and narrow gauge model trains are available | | | | railroad. Model railroads are great for sparking interest |
| in a number of scales. European scales include OO | | | | in where do commodities come from and where do |
| gauge which has the same track gauge as HO gauge | | | | they go? Westward expansion in the US was fueled |
| but is a larger scale. Model trains are offered in a wide | | | | by the expansion of railroads across America. Model |
| variety of sizes, styles and colors. These models often | | | | railroads are enjoying a surge of interest and activity |
| feature sophisticated electronic components that make | | | | from professional designers and artists. Model |
| them elegant and realistic in operation. Model trains are | | | | railroading is a lifetime hobby of enjoyment and fun. |
| sold in standard scales, from the tiny Z scale to large | | | | For operating in a realistic fashion like the real railroad, it |
| G scale. HO scale model trains are just some of the | | | | is often done on very large layouts. These layouts are |
| most popular out there on the market and these sizes | | | | too large for the typical home and are built by clubs. |
| tend to be more readily available than others. | | | | They have many scale miles of track and can operate |
| Model railroads are usually built to a letter scale, such | | | | long freight trains realistically. Also, they provide a |
| as HO, where 3.5mm on the model represents 1 foot | | | | variety of train traffic like the real railroads making |
| on the prototype. Model railroads are not built overnight. | | | | operating them more fun. Check with your local hobby |
| In fact, no model railroad is ever finished. Model | | | | shop and you will find the name and location of a club |
| railroads are more then just the trains, tracks and | | | | near you. |