Bachmann Trains & Accessories

Ho Scale Bnsf Locomotive
Ho Scale Bnsf Locomotive

Model toy trains are realistic replicas of their life size counterparts. The miniatures are collected and operated by enthusiasts all over the world. Elaborate scenery, called the “layout,” is created to give the miniature an interesting environment to travel through. Landscaping of this type is called “scenicking.” The more realistic the details, both on the locomotive and in the landscape, the more successful the miniature railroading endeavor is considered to be.

Ready to use kits may be the best option for the beginner. They are available at hobby shops and come in a variety of themes. It is the easiest way to get started quickly. Expect to find a simple track configuration in the box with your first replica. You may launch your new hobby with a lone locomotive, but soon you will be adding rolling stock – the railroad cars, coaches and wagons. Some kits come with the components pre-assembled, and others require quite a bit of skill to put together.

On the opposite side of the spectrum are enthusiasts who want to make their own model toy train. While it is possible to do what is called “scratch building,” there is another option called “kitbashing.” This refers to buying one model kit, or even several, and cannibalizing parts for a new creation. Professional model builders employ this technique because they find it much easier to use the detailing that has already been created for an existing kit, than it would be to build the necessary components from scratch.

When beginning the journey of model toy train collecting, it is a good idea to decide first on the scale of the miniatures you will start with. “Miniatures” is a term that encompasses a wide range, from locomotives that are smaller than a pencil to those that can be ridden by an adult. The scale is described in terms of ratio. For instance, the popular HO Scale has a ratio of 1 to 87, meaning that the real train is about 87 times bigger than the replica. Buying into a popular variety like the HO Scale will mean that there will be plenty of rolling stock and proportional scenery to choose from.

Another tip is that it may be wise to choose one particular railroad to collect. This is economical and also efficient, because then you can have a full set of one type of model toy train, rather than a number of incomplete sets. BNSF and Union Pacific are two popular train lines that have plenty of rolling stock.

The scale of train that you choose will also determine what gauge track you will need. Gauge refers to the width between the two outside rails. It is very important to match gauge to scale so that your model toy train will stay on track. HO Scale track is fabricated out of nickel/steel alloy, and G Scale track, which is larger and tends to be the kind used outdoors, is made of either stainless steel or brass. Of course, the longer the track, the greater the set-up expense will be.

Some of the most fun you will have is designing the environment for your model toy train. When you see the wonderful array of prefabricated accessories available, you may feel that your eyes are bigger than your pocketbook. Anything that you can dream up is ready for purchase, including mountains, tunnels, roads, trees, bushes, grass, cars, people, stoplights, billboards, animals and more.

When setting up a G Scale, or Garden Train, you can also put your real landscaping talents to use. It’s a great pleasure to sit in the garden, enjoying the outdoors, while your model toy train chugs past.

While most model toy trains run on electricity of some kind — batteries, alternating current, or some combination — there are miniature antiques that are steam driven, harking back to the days before electricity was an option.

Whether you are an impatient beginner who just wants to get your railroad up and running, or a patient hobbyist who views the journey as the best part of the fun, you will find plenty of like-minded people who share your passion of collecting model toy trains.

George T. is a model train builder and enthusiast. For more information and advice on model railway trains then visit http://www.modeltrainsutopia.com

BNSF Locomotive Startup