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Building model railroads is a fascinating hobby for many. If you are thinking about getting into the hobby, here are some important basics to consider. What size would you like to work with? Model train scales are expressed as a ratio. For example (1:87) is 1/87th the size of the real train. Here is a list of some of the most popular scales used in model railroading: G scale- (1:22.5) often used for garden layouts, O Scale - (1:48), S Scale - (1:64), HO Scale - (1:87) this is the most popular scale, TT scale - (1:120), N Scale - (1:160), and Z Scale - (1:220). There are other model railroad scales used, but these are the most popular. Carefully plan your layout. Where will you be setting up your railway? Many hobbyists like to use a garage, spare room, or basement for their model railroad layout. You will need to find a space that is big enough to fit your finished railroad comfortably. Other factors to consider are if the room has adequate light, heat for year round use, and also that it is not damp. When you are planning the layout of your model, also think about how much time you think you want to spend on this project. A 6 week project is very different from a 6 month project. If you want to work on your railroad indefinitely, you can plan a really grand layout and work on it bit by bit as you go. There are limitless design elements that you can incorporate into your railroad, so you can really get creative with the details. From grass, bushes and trees, to lakes, streams and rivers, from valleys, gorges, and cliffs, the possibilities are limitless. You can also add any number of out buildings, as well as bridges and tunnels. Don't forget to think about the time of year. You can have a winter theme on one side of your layout, and a summer or fall theme on the other side. Use the colors and seasons you like best to make it most appealing to you. Make the railroad and scenery coherent with a lovely backdrop. Your railroad can have a rolling countryside with bright sky behind it, or a majestic nighttime city scape, complete with skyscrapers, or even cliff side mountains with crashing ocean waves. It's important to make sure the theme of your backdrop is harmonious with the rest of the railroad scenery. You can be a highly skilled craftsman or a complete beginner and still be able to enjoy model railroading. Many of the scenic elements can be bought already assembled. You can start by painting your own landscapes and eventually work up to making your own design elements such as trees or rocks or bales of hay. Depending on your time investment, skill level, and budget, you can build model railway trains and layouts on as grand a scale as you can dream up. You are only limited by the possibilities within your imagination. Sometimes the hardest part is just deciding to get started.
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