The 2 Model Train Concepts
Almost EVERY Beginner Forgets..!
Dear Model Train Beginner,
In this letter, I am going to show you the ONLY two things that matter when building your first model railroad.
As a model train beginner, the two fundamental concepts you will learn today, will be the only two things you will need to know to ensure that the rest of your model train experience will go flawlessly in terms of planning. (Building a model train layout is a whole different story and I recommend this guide for the actual execution stage. download it now.)
After spending the last 25 years building model train layouts for some of the biggest model train expo’s in the United States, I still use this two step strategy while planning my model train layouts. I am sharing this knowledge with you to make sure the “World’s Greatest Hobby” lives on for generations and you can share wonderful experiences with your friends and family building model railroads.
The only two things that matter when you are preparing to start is Size or Scale and Electrical Current.
Let’s dive right into size or scale:
- Size (scale): There are many model train scales but once you choose one, your entire layout revolves around that scale. Reason being, all terrain, accessories; details are scaled to a specific size, if you start mixing scales within the layout the entire realistic aspect of the layout is thrown out the window. You will end up having different size trees and tracks and one especially important error that will happen is mishaps with tracks and wiring due to the difference in scales.
- The bigger the scale the more room it acquires. Keep that in mind when choosing a scale based on the space your model train layout will have for itself. Be space conscious for indoor trains and tracks.
- Different scales are not interchangeable.
Breakdown of the two most popular scales:
- HO Scale – HO scale model trains are the most popular in the world and are responsible for a huge leap in demand due to consumer affordability dating back to around 1922. Because of its far-reaching popularity it is the most well developed scale with the largest selection of buildings, trees, tracks and everything. In this scale, 3.5 mm (0.14 in) represents 1 real foot (304.8 mm). Scale Ratio: 1/87
- Supports: DCC and DC
- HO was created after the First World War to meet the growing demand for a smaller more home friendly scale of model train. Up to this point you were stuck with O scale (very big – great for outdoors)
- O Scale – The oldest model train scale, it’s been around since the 1900’s. It is the biggest scale available and perhaps the best choice for that want a tough/lasting indoor set up. O scale was originally designed to be durable, affordable and capable of surviving younger hands. Because of this, most model train stuff for this scale lacks overall detail and typically is less pleasing to the eye. For less detail and more running then the O scale is good for you and also durable for younger hands.
Now let’s discuss electrical current:
- DCC (digital command control): Is the best type of electrical current if you are running multiple trains at different speeds. DCC is more modern and allows for intricate layouts with numerous trains following their daily routes at varying speeds to ensure the most realistic layout possible. Just like real life, locomotives move at different speeds. Not going DCC from the start is almost futile, if you ever want to have a super realistic model train layout, you WILL have to eventually use DCC, might as well use it right off the bat.
- For modest train layouts DC (direct current) can do the trick. When you turn on the DC switch on your layout, all the trains on every different track will start moving at the same speed. Biggest real world advantage of DC is the lower cost, majority of model trains that can be purchased that run on DC are less expensive than their dynamic DCC counterparts.
Model trains is not necessarily an expensive habit but beginners who fall prey to the standard trial and error format of learning how to build model train layouts end up losing motivation due to the costs of making errors. Do not go down this route by spending a few bucks on a guide that will save you hundreds of dollars in the near future. This is the secret that will put you ahead of any other mode train beginner.
In all of my years, I have found one resource that I’ve always recommended to the model train beginners I coach on a regular basis. It is the best beginner’s book I have ever come across.
In this book you will learn how to:
- Repair model trains so you don’t have to waste money and time at a hobby shop
- Maintain model trains to look as stunning as when you first acquired them
- Create the perfect current flow with wiring to ensure your multiple trains run smoothly at different speeds for the most realistic model trian layout possible.
- Convert DC to DCC and allow for intricate layouts with numerous trains that can follow their daily routes at varying speeds
- Create terrain and buildings from scratch , this will allow you to build your dream model train layout without spending money on multiple guides
- Avoid common mistakes to save money and time
- Find cheap model train stuff to save money that will allow you to spend it additional details for your model railroad
- Build model train layout plans that will have your railroad looking display ready very quickly
- And a ton of other valuable information that would take 10 to 15 different books to acquire
View the Risk Free Book Offer Now.
I can honestly say that will be the most effective money well spent for beginners. It may set you back a few bucks but the information is so valuable that it comes with a 60 Day Money Back Guarantee. This guarantee allows you to get a complete refund while keeping the book. That is a no brainer!
View Model Train Book for Beginners – what do you have to lose?’
Sincerely,
James “Jim” Reynolds
Model Train Expert