How to Buy a Model Train Set

Things you’ll need to Buy a Model Train Set:

• Model Locomotives
• Model Train Sets
• Model Train Tracks
• Scenery to Scale
• Table or Tables

Where to go

Go to the toy store or hobby store. The toy store is likely to sell wind-up trains, called “tin plate” trains. The hobby store will sell a more complicated, electric model train set in different scales, tracks and scenery.

Decide what set

Decide how extensive a set you want. For a child, a simple circular track without much scenery will probably suffice. For adults, things get more complex.

Decide what scale

Decide on a scale. The common scales for model trains ranked from largest to smallest, are O, S, HO and TT. HO is the most common scale. There are other scales but not as much and accessories are available.

Decide where to assemble

After you’ve chosen a scale, decide whether you have enough room for it in your house or garage – or if you need a smaller scale. Reconsider as necessary.

Buy what you need

Buy a small amount of track, the necessary switches and plugs, an engine and a few cars to start. If a kit is available, start that way making sure those basic components are included, it is much easier when you are starting out and you can always build on it. Ensure you have enough curves and can lay out a complete circuit.

What to assemble it on

Stop by a hardware store and pick up a table for your set or wood to build one. There is plenty of internet sites that can help with building a table for your model train set.

The most important step

Leave room for expansion. You will want to expand your set as time goes on and not having enough room for expansion may mean starting over again.