Introduction to the World of Train Miniatures - By: train miniatures

When first hearing about train miniatures, you immediately think of toys for little kids. However, model trains are something much more than just toys.

Building a respectable track requires passion, as well as financial means and in depth knowledge of trains. In a way, this is similar to a form of art. Beyond the satisfaction you get when the railway track and layout is finished, this is an act of homage to the creators of the real locomotives and railway systems. Thanks to their efforts the world today is faster, safer and profitable.

Model railroading is the art of creating your own little world of trains in the garden or indoors. Depending on the space available and/or the money at hand, train miniatures can vary from models smaller than a pencil, to others actually being able to carry people. The prices vary according to the size, and also depending on how rare a piece is.

The smallest size is the Z scale (1:220), with models measuring just millimeters, while the largest is the G gauge, standing for garden, measuring 1:8. There are also 1:4 scale models, which means that you can actually ride them - such train miniatures are commonly found in park tours.

As you can see, those are the two extremes. The vast majority of model railroading enthusiasts usually use the HO gauge, measuring roughly 1:87, and the OO (1:76). Besides the aforementioned scales, the O (1:48), N (1:160), and S (1:64) scales are also commonly used, all of which coming with different gauges.

It is important to keep in mind that gauge and scale are mostly used as interchangeable terms, but they actually refer to different aspects. The term "scale" is used to indicate the size of the model compared to the original unit, while gauge means the distance between rails.

Another aspect you should consider is the fact that just the model trains and some rails are not worth all the effort. That would be no different than playing with toys. A proper layout is needed, with tunnels, hills and mountains, stations, a village or city, and so on. Moreover, the size of the ensemble is not all that important at first; you can start with something small and grow from there.

But there is one thing to keep in mind when going for your own model railroad system. Make sure that each element you buy fits the same scale and gauge. This way, inaccuracies regarding sizes are less likely to occur. The same principle applies to couplers. There are many types available and they are not always compatible. Moreover, train miniatures and scales tend to differ from country to country - for example the US standard is generally smaller than the UK one.

Today, the most common way of powering the entire set is through electricity. A small layout will use a negligible amount of power, but a garden set will add to the power bill a sizable amount of money.

All in all, if you know what you are doing and you keep in mind the aspects above, train miniatures and model railroading are an excellent way to relax and have some fun.

About the Author

train miniatures is the webmaster at http://trainminiatures.com , a resource and product site developed for model railroading.

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