Model Train Pictures 1

Would you like to share your model train layout photos with the visitors to this site?

Send your pictures to: elliotdavenport1@aol.com

When you send your pictures also include a little information about yourself and your layout.

If your layout is a work in progress….don’t worry, because other model railroaders will appreciate your effort and progress.

Here are a few layout photos that have been sent to Model Train Tips And Advice which I’m sure you’ll enjoy!

The following photos were submitted by: John and Sue Heath, UK

John and his wife have this to say about model railroading and their layout:

Hello Elliot, your latest email suggested that you may be interested in our new and first attempt at building a model railway.

Many years ago I set up a simple loop in the loft with my son. It didn’t take long for him to lose interest. Shame really – I was using Fleischmann gear and I loved it.

Now, more than fifty years later and recently married, I told my wife of my original interest in model railways and both of us decided it might be nice to build an HO setup, continental in flavor, and getting a little inspiration from the front cover of Continental Modeler Magazine. I got stuck on eBay and couldn’t get off it!!.

We had a mad spending spree mainly using eBay and now have some sixteen locos. [Fleischmann] more than fifty buildings, loads of track, trucks and accessories. It was a crazy way to start and we needed to grab a spare bedroom to accommodate all this stuff !! All done in something of an enthusiastic hurry [ I've just passed eighty!! ] and my lovely wife is an enthusiastic modeler !!

I’ve attached a few pictures showing the progress. so far.

The layout will be along two walls [15 and 9 feet ], a window wall [9 foot ]with removable access. The ends are 3 foot diameter to allow two continuous main lines with a third long loop for a high level line .Between ends the boards are 2ft 6ins wide. The baseboards are 6mm MDF. All legs, supports and wall rail are steel bracketed everywhere and are immensely strong.

The third side is going to be for the loco sheds and wonderful Fleischmann turntable and will be a busy little spot. The trackwork is PECO 100. Picture 47 shows my wife fixing down some track which is PECO 100 [she's an absolute gem] When I sit on the floor to get under the boards I have a bit of a job getting up so Sue does that for me. She is able to do the wiring with some direction from me. This is a super joint hobby and we are getting plenty of pleasure from it.

We are going for DCC and have a Fleischmann Twin Centre and the matching Twin Controller. to enable us to control both ends of the room together. All locos are coded.

Model Trains MTH-Mike’s Train House

When you ask any model train hobbyist when he was drawn to this amazing hobby the answer is frequently the same. Their introduction and interest developed during their childhood, and this is also the case when referring to Mike Wolf, who at the age of twelve began building and selling model trains for Williams Electric Trains in the early seventies.

Sometime during this same time period Williams Electric Trains decided to discontinue their Lionel standard and O gauge reproductions, and this seemed like the opportune time to Mike Wolf to buy the tooling for these models and continue to create and sell these particular scales.

This was what was to be a long a long and successful career for young Mike and his company which he called Mike’s Train House or MTH.

One thing which Mike Wolf truly understood about running a successful business was the necessity to reduce and keep his operating costs as low as possible, and during the 1980’s he did so by selling trains and their accessories through a mail order business which he operated out of his home.

The other important tenet which Mike Wolf clearly knew was that the quality of his products had to be at the highest level in this competitive industry, and in addition, charging the most competitive price for these products would allow him to dominate the market. Through the employment of this solid business strategy his company enjoyed enviable profits, and a long list of more than satisfied customers.

Throughout most of the 80’s MTH continued to manufacture replicas of the Lionel standard model train and the O gauge model train. However, as many companies do to produce a profit, Mike subcontracted a certain part of this work to a company in Korea who was approached in 1987 by Lionel, one of the leading companies in the industry, with an offer for them to manufacture standard gauge models rather than do the work which they were currently doing for Mike Wolf. The offer wasn’t rejected, but instead they referred Lionel to Mike Wolf who accepted this business opportunity.

What may have initially seemed like a sound business decision only led to numerous disagreements between Mike Wolf and Lionel and rather than continue this relationship it was ended in 1993, when Mike decided to re-enter the market as an independent contractor for the O scale model of the General Electric Dash Eight diesel locomotive.

This turned out to be a brilliant marketing decision and well proven by the fact that MTH out produced and out sold the O gauge model when compared to Lionel by more than ten million dollars.

In the upcoming years Mike’s Train House has continued to be an innovator in the industry with over 10,000 different choices for model train enthusiast to select from, and included among these choices are four different scales: O gauge, One Gauge, HO gauge, and Tinplate Standard Gauge.

Model Ho Scale Trains-Internationally Popular

In spite of the financial difficulty of the time period, which was during what was referred to as the “Great Depression,” people retained their hope that things would improve. One activity that took their attention away from these troubling times was by maintaining an interest in their hobbies. One of the more rewarding and enjoyable hobbies of the time, and continues to maintain it’s popularity today is model railroading.

The model Ho scale trains were created as a direct response to the pressures of this economically depressed time. Not only was and is this scale more affordable when compared to the O scale, it is also around half the size of it’s closest competitor. The actual scale size is 1/87^th the size of it’s real life prototype. Where one could argue that this scale is more fragile than the O scale, it’s diminutive size provides the hobbyist with some very desirable side benefits. For example, this scale provides the model railroader with the opportunity to add more detail and scale miles to their layouts. Moreover, the scale itself reflects a further exactness of detail in it’s selection of locomotives and railcars which speaks to a more realistic representation of the real life prototype.

Today’s model railroading enthusiast has the opportunity when shopping for an Ho scale train, or set to look at multiple manufacturers, and will also be pleased to discover that the market offers a wide degree of pricing as well. As for powering this great little scale, the hobbyist can choose to run his locomotives with direct current or by Digital Command Control. The choice is always a matter of personal preference, and what will work best with the type of layout the hobbyist has created.

An added benefit which applies to the Ho scale is that it offers five different gauges to choose from, and this is where hobbyist who are new to model railroading can become confused. Knowing the difference in scale and gauge is an important part of a model train hobbyist initial education. Just remember that scale is the difference in size when comparing the model to the real life train, and gauge is the distance which is measured from the inside of a rail track to the inside of the opposite side. With that knowledge you can determine which gauge you would prefer to select.

When you make the decision to build your layout around the Ho Scale you may want to take a look at the catalog made available by WM. K. Walthers who is the principal model train supplier in North America. His catalog has over a thousand pages that contain products for this one scale alone. You may very well find that you have no need to shop anywhere else. Additionally there are three types of varieties which you can choose from and they are:

1. Craftsman Kits which require a higher level of skill to work with.

2. Ready To Run kits and these are exactly as the name implies. Kits which are ready to run after you take them out of the box.

3. Shake The Box kits which are quite easy to assemble and are perfect for the novice.

L Line Model Trains-The Popular Lego Model

If your looking for a model train which does not have a specific scale, and is more than unusual and definitely unique, you may want to spend a little time researching l line model trains. If your not familiar with this particular model train line, which would not surprise me at all, it is actually a model train that is manufactured by Lego.

It’s reasonable to think that Lego model trains are not the first choice which may come to mind when deciding on a train scale to build your layout around. Most model railroaders are more likely to research model train scales like the HO, N, Z, O or G. However, there are definitely collectors who devote all of their time and energy to this distinctive model train line known as the L line, and many have very elaborate layouts. Think I’m kidding you? If so, just take an online trip to YouTube and you’ll discover quite a few interesting and entertaining videos which are devoted to the Lego model train.

If your first thought was to conclude that Lego model trains were only meant for children you would be quite wrong. The interest in the this train definitely includes adults, and in fact, the interest in this model is not any different than the other scales. With a little online research you’ll find that there are Lego model train associations, conventions, and shows.

Lego first introduced their model trains in 1966 and these first trains required that you manually push them around their tracks. The first electric powered model train wasn’t made available to the public until 1969 and it’s introduction into the modeling world was met with more than mild interest. More than one parent recognized that this particular type of model train would be the perfect choice for their children. Initially, one could easily say that the first Lego model train sets were spartan and required improvement.

In fact, the Lego model train was completely reworked in the 1980’s, 199l, 2006, and 2007. Most of the changes were centered around the type of voltage used to power the trains and in the end Lego’s final decision was to completely do away with their 9 volt system and this decision resolved a number of complaints which were registered by hobbyist.

Along with the change in voltage Lego introduced their first remote controlled trains which are run on batteries. An additional change involved changing the tracks for these model trains from metal to plastic in an effort to reduce costs for their product.

If the Lego train is a model that you may want to take a closer look at you’ll be pleased to learn that there is an membership which you can join whose name is the International Lego Train Club Organization. Also, the community of Lego model train enthusiasts is also supported by a magazine about this unique train called Railbricks.

Model G Scale Trains-The Ourdoor Train

G scale model trains have not only been around for quite some time they are also an excellent solution to the problem of limited indoor space for your layout. This particular model scale is most commonly used in outdoor settings. If your new to model railroading you may not have considered the possibility of creating your model railroad empire in an outdoor setting. Rather than facing the problem of building your layout in a confined area, you have the potential when working with this scale, to essentially use all or most of your backyard landscape to craft the model train layout of your dreams.

Deciding on an outdoor layout built around the G scale model train does have certain drawbacks which you’ll have to consider, and one of the more important of these relates to weather changes in the area in which you reside. Fortunately this scale is one of the more durable scales which are manufactured, and this certainly contributes to it’s popularity, but on the other hand measures will still have to be taken to protect your trains and layout because they are not completely impervious to severe weather changes.

Other issues you’ll want to consider relate to building a suitable roadbed for your train to insure that you have proper drainage which will then keep water off of your tracks. This concept is also followed when constructing tracks for real life trains, and with this said you may want to journey to the nearest railroad tracks to observe how tracks are set up to solve this problem. Another matter you’ll have to give some thought to is the natural curiosity of your household pets who may think that you’ve added some new toys in your landscape theme which are purely for their entertainment. Caring for your landscaping that surrounds your layout is also important to further guarantee that plants and their vines do not grow over your tracks and derail or disable your trains.

On a more positive note you’ll find that the precision and quality found in the model G scale train is at highest level, and worth every penny or dollar you invest in them. You also be pleased to see your children’s reaction when playing with this scale. Without question this larger scale makes for easier handling and gives the feel of the real life prototype.

Furthermore, there is less maintenance to be concerned with as the tracks used for the G scale are made of brass, and for the most part will only require being wiped with a clean cloth or wire wool when required. The final word here is less time spent performing time consuming maintenance will allow for more time to enjoy this unique scale.

More important than your own personal enjoyment of this scale is the fact that your entire family will most likely be drawn to it as well. Working with the design of a new landscape theme and layout for your G scale model train will be sure to promote suggestions and an interest level that you may not have expected.

Marklin Model Trains

Whether your new or an experienced model railroader, deciding on which manufacturer to purchase your supplies and trains from can be somewhat challenging because there are so many to choose from. One of the better companies to buy from is Marklin model trains. They are renown for their authenticity and fine attention to detail.

If your not familiar with the Marklin line of model trains it should be encouraging and also reassuring to learn that this company has been around for one hundred and fifty years, and if you’re a serious collector they currently have several commemorative models which you can select from to add to your model railroading empire.

Marklin is a German based company and is the countries number one model train manufacturer, and they also can be considered as being one of the top manufacturers in the world. The company is well known for producing one of the first fully functional and complete clockwork model train sets, and this accomplishment was in the latter part of the eighteen hundreds. One of the more interesting and unique facts about this company is that they are responsible for the development and creation of almost every gauge and scale that are popular among model railroaders today.

The first of the scales that Marklin brought to the forefront of model railroading is the HO scale, and this scale is without doubt one of the more popular of the current scales that are available. It’s popularity is further bolstered by the fact that it offers a wide array of accessories and the price for locomotives, rail cars and other items that are needed to build a complete model train layout are well within the reach of most hobbyist.

Perhaps one of the more unique and special scales that Marklin began producing in the early 1970’s is the Z scale. This particular scales special place in the world of model railroading is benchmarked by the fact that it is one of the world’s smallest scales. If there is an issue about this particular size scale it is one of handling. This tiny scale will take a great deal of patience when worked with because it’s size may not be suitable for some hobbyist.

There is one peculiar characteristic that is associated with Marklin model trains and that is it’s system that is known as the “Marklin system.” This is a system that uses a third rail that is embedded in the roadbed. The drawback for some hobbyist relates to the fact that if they have two wheel track trains these will have to be modified to work with this system.

If you decide that you’d like to purchase your locomotives and rail cars from this one of a kind company you’ll be more than pleased when you discover the broad selection of accessories that Marklin also provides its customers.

OO Model Trains- England’s Popular Choice

Although OO model trains are renown for being an inaccurate representation for their scale and gauge, they continue to be one of the most popular model trains in England. This is due in large part to the availability of ready to go and starter sets, which are ideal for the novice model railroader.This scale was first introduced in 1921 by a German company whose name is Bing. Unfortunately Bing’s lifespan was short lived because of continuous financial difficulties and in the early thirties the company finally had to close it’s doors. The one positive note is the creation of the 4mm-scale which is the only scale of it’s type that is manufactured by all of the top manufacturers in the model railroading industry.

Where it may be true that the British make the OO scale their first choice, Hornby model trains, located in Liverpool, England, has a distributorship set up in Washington, and this has made the double O gauge a choice for Americans as well. In fact, if you do a little research you’ll discover that Hornby makes this scale accessible throughout the world. One interesting fact about Hornby OO trains rests in the fact that as high as eighty percent of their models are replications of British model trains.

In the early 1990’s Hornby recognized that it faced serious competition from newly appearing companies, and based on this, made the decision to move its manufacturing plant to China and in so doing reduced it’s operating costs, and at the same time made marked strides in the quality of their product.

With these improvements, came the production of a new set of model trains which parents and children alike are familiar with, and they include train sets that are based on Harry Potter’s “Hogwarts Express” and “Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends.” It goes without saying that these new train lines proved to increase the profit margin of Hornby model trains in a positive way.

Hornby double O model trains have retained their popularity among model train enthusiast since the early 1940’s, and even has an association for these hobbyist which is called the Hornby Railway Collectors Association, and boasts a membership that exceeds over 2000 members.

Another company that is one of the top competitors in the industry when it comes to the manufacturing of OO model trains is Bachmann. These were first introduced in 1953 and were modeled after the British OO gauge, and included other accessories for this gauge as well. Bachmann has over the years made every effort possible to produce the most true to life OO model trains in miniature size which represent for the most part British trains from the past and to the present day.

Whether you decide to purchase a double O model train set from Bachmann or Hornby is strictly a matter of personal choice. On the other hand, which ever you choose you are bound to be more than satisfied with your selection of this scale to add to your model train layout.

Rivarossi Model Trains

If you are a dedicated model train enthusiast you probably have invested some time in researching the various manufacturers of model trains, and if you have discovered that there is one common denominator which has stood out about the owners of these companies. Each of these men developed a passion for model railroading as children, and this dedication motivated each of these young men to develop a company for the manufacture of model trains and their accessories.

Allsandro Rivarossi is no different than any of the other owner’s, and his commitment to model railroading began in a similar fashion while growing up in Italy. The very first time he was given a model train as a gift the attachment to this amazing hobby began, and later after being the recipient of a small inheritance in 1945 he purchased a company that produced electric commutators which he then changed to a company that manufactured model trains.

Initially, the company enjoyed the luxury of being the only company in Italy which manufactured model trains, and this was not to change for awhile. Eventually two other companies whose names are Conti and Lima entered the scene and presented some level of competition for Rivarossi.

The first Rivarossi model trains were unique in their design making them a standout in the market and the most obvious characteristic about these special model trains was the special attention given to every aspect of their construction down to smallest of details. The goal of the company through creating exciting and unique locomotives and railcars was to further bolster the buyers feeling that every dollar they spent was well worth it to acquire a Rivarossi model train. Another attribute of these high quality models was their ability to run smoothly at high speeds which no other manufacturer was able to equal at the time.

One would think that a company that devoted it’s manufacturing efforts to focus on the smallest of details would have a bright and continued future. Unfortunately, this was not to be the case for Rivarossi who in it’s fifty year history routinely experienced financial difficulties. In fact, on more than one occasion the company filed for bankruptcy. There are very few companies that can experience constant financial problems and Rivarossi is no exception. Certain aspects of the company were purchased

by the well known and established model train company Hornby in 2004, and since that time continued efforts have been made to improve all of the technical aspects of this model train.

The current product line is more than complete and offers those who would like to purchase a Rivarossi model train every component and accessory imaginable. If there is a drawback to purchasing these trains it is that Rivarossi is not well known for expediency when delivering it’s products. However, if you want a truly unique model train the wait is well worth it.

Model Train Kits

If your considering model trains for a hobby one of the easiest and better ways to get started is to purchase one of the many model train kits that are available today. There certainly is no shortage of manufacturers in this marketplace and most provide an excellent selection of rolling stock and accessories.

Model railroading can and does present a number of challenges for the new hobbyist that involve learning a new language that is related to the hobby, electrical knowledge that aids the smooth running of your trains, and the design and construction of your layout. Additionally, you’ll invest time determining what type of scale or scales you would like to build your layout around.

Purchasing a model train kit takes some of the burden off of the shoulders of the new hobbyist, and this is an assured way of guaranteeing that your money is well spent. It is not unusual for the new model railroader to make costly errors in the beginning of this new endeavor and starting with a ready made kit is a safe bet. As with any new venture, the gradual accumulation of knowledge that will happen naturally if your committed to this amazing hobby, will then allow you to explore and venture into a more advanced approach to railroading.

Kits of this type are appealing to parents who have a young child or teen who is expressing an interest in model trains. Every parent has experienced at some point or other the pain of investing a little more money than they wish they had in one of their children’s hobbies, only to discover at an early point that their beloved child has lost interest in what ever it was that struck their fancy at the time.

This type of experience is just one more vote for starting your child out with a model train kit. If the interest becomes more serious, you may be more than willing to invest more capital into your child’s hobby. Who knows, you may become a model railroader yourself, and in so doing you will discover an activity that the entire family can and will enjoy for years to come.

If you do a little online research, which will save you a great deal of time, and allow you to see a much wider array of train sets, you’ll also discover that there are kits that will allow you to compliment your layout with structures that are both contemporary and dated. In fact, even if your not a new model train enthusiast some of the kits for buildings that are available may be just the thing your looking for to add to your model railroad empire. You’ll also discover that there are a number of the more popular scales that come available with today’s model train kits.

Walthers Model Trains

The story behind Walthers model trains isn’t necessarily an unusual one, but rather typical of anyone who has become fascinated with model trains as a child. The difference here is that Wm. K. Walthers took his interest in model railroading to a much higher level than most of us would consider doing.