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The featured element, a 5500 sq. foot HO gauge model railroad layout, will have ten separate wiring systems, 20+ scale miles of mainline track and 50+ siding miles, hundreds of buildings (many of which have been scratch built), thousands of hand made trees and scenery never before attempted on a model railroad. The layout will be configured so that it might operate automatically in a “show” mode, and in manual “operational” mode for train running sessions. The wharf areas will feature ships that are fully operational “in the field”, along with a full-scale model of the 729 foot ore carrier, Edmund Fitzgerald. This Is Not to Open to till early 2009 More Info at: www.gfsm.org Greeley Freight Station Museum (GFSM) is designed to be a part of the City of Greeley Museums in Greeley, Colorado

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One of the most important decision model train enthusiasts have to make is the scale they will use. The scale represents the ratio of the model train to its real life counterpart, and there are six popular train scales from which to choose. Here are the scales from smallest to largest:

Z scale – 1:220 ratio N scale – 1:160 ratio HO scale – 1:87 ratio S scale – 1:64 ratio O Scale – 1:48 ratio G Scale – 1:22 ratio

When selecting a scale, you should keep in mind the following three factors:

1) How much space do you have? For small spaces (like apartments), the N scale may be best. You need to consider the size of your bench-work when making this decision, as it is the primary limiting factor for the scale size you select.

2) How much selection do you want? The “HO” scale is probably the most popular train scale used today, and because of this there is a wide variety of scenery and trains to choose from and the competition keeps the prices fairly affordable. You may find the selection for the very large and small sizes a bit more limited. You also are more likely to find used model railroad and scenery elements for HO and N sizes for sale on eBay and in classified ads, if that is an important consideration for you.

3) Will the model train be used indoors or outdoors? If you are considering building a outdoor exhibit, you may want to consider the largest size (”G”) as the trains and scenery elements will generally be made for outdoor use and be suitable for use in nearly all weather conditions.

Once you have selected the model train scale you are going to use for your layout, you will find there variety of clubs, shows and publications dedicated to the model you have chosen.

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Before adding scenery to your HO or O scale model trains toys, first determine the theme, location and layout.

Theme: Consider the theme or purpose for the setting you want to achieve. Is it a passenger train, a military base, or some other setting? The location should be considered, such as if you want the train to travel through towns to and from its destination. Think about the era; do you want your trains toys to be vintage or modern? Your setting and scenery should reflect the overall theme of your train set. Keeping the scenery consistent with the era and theme will keep your train realistic looking.

Location: Decide where you want to display your model trains toys. You might build it on a shelf or countertop for more permanent mounting. You could create an intricate design in which your train runs through the walls (near the ceiling) of your house, traveling from room to room. A different town or factory could be in each room. (Of course, the downside to this type of track is chasing down derailments, but it would be an interesting hobby.)

Layout: After you know the theme and location, plan the layout for the track, terrain, structures and finally, the scenery. The scenery must work within the constraints of the space available and it should compliment your scale model trains. To get some ideas on what you can do with scenery, there are books available from hobby shops. Another source which is faster and cheaper is a Google search for “train stations” or other related keyword phrases. When you find a real train station, then choose maps, then the Satellite tab and zoom in for a view of the scenery around a real station. You can model your station after that or use parts of it for your own design.

To get started with laying out the scenery, draw a rough sketch design on a piece of paper to get an idea of where you want to place different items. After you have a plan that you like, use a pencil to lightly draw directly on the surface of your layout, whether it is a plywood board or wherever the scenery will be positioned. Plan for height and depth based on the scale of your trains.

Use either construction foam (spray-on kind) or plaster to build hills. The spray foam insulation can be painted and cut to fit your style. Spray the foam on a working surface where you have room to work, away from your actual layout, shaping it to the bottom layer of the “hill.” Trim the edges until you are satisfied with its look. Add more layers, spraying and trimming each time, until your hill is the correct height. Be sure the layers fit together. Once you are satisfied with the hill’s height and shape, glue each layer together with a product like Liquid Nails. Hold the layers together with toothpicks until dry. Once dry, you can glue the hill to your board, making it part of your scenery. Let this sit aside while you continue adding scenery.

Begin adding ground cover materials around the track. Your hobby store should have several sizes and shades available; a mix of colors and sizes will provide realistic settings for a wide variety of trains toys. If you will be painting or trimming any scenery near the tracks, be sure to cover the tracks with masking tape.

Decide the placement of trees, grass, and other ground covers before moving to the next step. Be sure you have marked the board with the location of each item.

When you are ready to use ground cover, brush an earth-colored brown paint onto an area a few feet square. Your ground cover will stick to the paint as the paint dries. Add some broken branches or more ground cover to enhance your scenery. Continue this process around the board, being sure to protect the tracks as you work.

If you added water to your scenery, be sure to check that the water flows easily, but doesn’t gush and therefore cause damage to your track. The complexity of your water scene determines how much containment you will need for the water. Simply adding a green paint with shimmers gives the illusion of a small pond.

Once the ground cover is all in place, it’s time to add your trees, animals, or other items to your scene. Be sure that purchased items are the same scale as your scale model trains. Your towns can include traffic lights, building, cars, people, and pets. Browse your local hobby shop or an online store for items that fit your theme, whether it’s early steam engine or modern supersonic trains.

Once you’ve mastered these simple scenery-building basics, you can add intricate designs, holiday-themed elements, and trees and scenery that reflect the change of seasons. As your train set expands, you can add detailed cities, construction sites, and other scenic items as you choose. Have fun with your designs. Take pictures, keep them in a photo album so you can see your progress, and have a record of your changes.

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Train sets can be enjoyable and exciting for both kids and adults. Serious hobbyists can choose the latest models available while kids may want the Christmas season train sets.

Train set collection is one of the world’s greatest hobby and pastime. They make impressive gifts for both kids and adults. Train sets can be easily assembled, too. The sets come in an array of sizes called scales. Sizes generally have equivalent alphabet names. The most popular scales for train sets are G, O, S, HO, N, and Z. The measurement can also be in ratio.

For the younger ages, they can choose the proper scales which are usually smaller scales. Sets maybe electric powered. They too include tiny parts. Therefore, it is imperative that adults supervise and assist the kids during assembly.

Train sets go together with standard parts necessary to complete the assembly. Here are the parts and accessories along with their functions:

Locomotives – This is the part which has the engine and pulls the train to move. An old model normally uses steam engines while the most modern types use diesel. Locomotives also come with a working light and still other locomotives produce smokes. Larger scale steam locomotives are mostly equipped with chugs and whistle just like a real train.

Tracks – Sets include pieces of curved and straight parts that make up the track. These types are commonly assembled to form a circle. Switches are installed to turn on/off the train. A re-railer which aligns the wheels into the tracks is sometimes included. Likewise, rail joiners are sometimes supplied as extra accessory to connect additional tracks. Tracks can be as large as you wish and you can purchase them to form a larger rail track.

Couplers – Couplers are used to connect trains and to keep them aligned when moving. They are often mounted underneath the cars. Up to date train sets come with a knuckle shaped couplers which holds the cars more securely.

Power Packs – These are electric power controllers which allow you to control your train set. You can increase the speed, slow down, or stop. You can also move your train backwards using the controller. Power packs have two connections. The one powers the train while the other controls electric powered accessories such as lights. The majority of the power packs are designed with automatic protective devices that shut down the power if they detect electrical trouble. This is a good feature for the safety of the users especially the children.

One of the most favorite train sets for kids is the Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer electric train from Hawthorne Village. This collectible train set features daintily sculptured characters with lovely decorations of the holiday season. This train set collection is inspired by the television special “Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer”. It also comprises of numerous lights which illuminates the whole train set. The set includes 16 piece HO gauge track created from nickel silver. The train is made up of metal chassis while the wheels are of steel alloy.

Another exclusive collection from Hawthorne Village is the Dale Earnhardt Intimidator Express train set. The set is a precision detail of the legendary Dale Earnhardt’s artwork. It is authorized by the Dale Earnhardt Inc. and NASCAR. The set is powered by diesel with lighting headlights. The Dale Earnhardt is meticulously designed with accuracy and is of solid metal framework having steel alloy wheels that guarantees sturdiness.

Conversely, the Thomas & Friends TrackMaster Railway System at the Coal Station set is an exclusive of Toys “R” Us. This train set collectible portrays the classic steam powered locomotives and the scenes of the coal mines.

This set features:

? 2 “magic-change” coal cars
? Coal Station
? Signalman’s house
? water tower and track
? Train dimensions: 2″ height x 13.5″ length
? Track dimensions: 27″ x 18.5″
? Create the world of Thomas & Friends with additional TrackMaster train sets and accessories
? This train collection is battery operated with a single AA battery.

When opting for train sets for your children, you ought to pick those that come with a variation of wagons that could actually load some of their toys. In this way, your children will not get bored by just watching the train run on loop without much activity. You can also purchase additional tracks so as to have modifications of the train’s movements.

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I am looking for a good model train set to buy as a gift for my 9 year old son. I would like to get something that he will carry into adulthood and can continue to add onto throughout the years. Any suggestions on what is the best brand/set to buy? and what is a good startup package? thanks

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