Posts Tagged ‘Collection’
Things You Might Want to Know First, Before Beginning a Model Train Collection!
Collecting model railroad trains is a very popular hobby for men, women and children. Due to the cost associated with collecting model trains it is important to educate oneself on the technicalities associated with the proper scale and gauge and other fascists of the hobby before making a substantial investment in both time and money.
First and foremost what you must learn about is the scale system associated with the various sizes of model trains. Basically the term scale is used to denote the size of the model train, which is the ratio of the model train to the actual full size train used for human purposes.
The smallest of these scale spectrums is 1:220 known as the Z scale. The G scale is the largest and its ratio is 1:8. Model train collectors will be able to find a plethora of scales to choose from with the most popular being the HO scale. The G, N and Z are also among the most popular ones, also.
Many people will want to collect the larger scales since the perception is that you can put more detail into the locomotive, cars and bench work layout. I tend to disagree! I believe that all the scales deserve their rightful place and that the detail depends more on the manufacturer than on the size of the scale. I like the HO scale because it lends itself into allowing me to build the layout that I like with the limited amount of space that I have available.
Those with extremely limited space may want to consider the Z scale since it is the smallest. Some people consider the Z to be a poor value for collecting because they feel the details are to small to appreciate. I believe the beauty is in the eyes of the beholder and that the scale that best fits your taste as well as space should be a factor in determining which type you will choose.
I will say that the G looks great at all the model train shows. Because of it’s size it seems to look so realistic. Unfortunately it is also like trying to park a bus in your garage. For most of us it just overwhelms the space we have available and it really limits the multi-track, multi-train concept. Some people will set them up in their garden due to the size. This can be very risky.
Many new collectors get caught up in terminology especially the difference between scale and gauge. So, lets keep it simple. Scale deals with the size of the model train to the actual size of a working train. Gauge deals with the size of the track. The size of the scale will help you determine the gauge. Check with your local store to get more information.
Collecting the model train and all of the various cars is fun, but the real fun is getting the perfect layout for your bench work and setting up an ascetically pleasing track and topography. Getting the perfect train station, cities, countryside, mountains and tunnels is what will make your collection of model trains really sing. The model railroad you build is truly a piece of functioning art.
Your layout will help you determine what types of locomotive and cars to collect. The topography of your layout will look even better with a collection that is accentuated with the effects of weather that coincides with your bench work.
Check out a local model train show to determine the best scale and gauge for you and your budget. Do a little research and get started right away because this hobby is a lifetime of enjoyment and something of pride that you can leave for generations to come. Welcome to the club of collecting and building model trains and model railroads.
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TRAINS Magazines Collection
My massive pile of Train magazines I collected over the past 3 years or so. Mostly TRAINS, TRP, Model Railroader or Garden Railways magazines. I fast forwarded the video to make it shorter, just a quick video before i start posting more Ohio vids or NY vids of the trains i saw over break. But i have to do some over since WMG blocked the songs in my videos. … “TRAINS Magazines” Trains Train TRP “Model Railroader” “Model Railroad magizines” “Garden Railway magizines” …
For a Quality Collection, Many Choose Bachmann Model Trains
Bachmann is a world-renowned brand name when it comes to making model trains. The company has been involved in the production of high quality model trains for over 150 years. The company is centered in the United Kingdom of Great Britain but they market their trains to collectors all over the world. The collection of trains produced by the company is extremely diverse and it is lauded for having some of the most interesting varieties for hard-core model railroading enthusiasts. Collectors of Bachmann model trains include the young, the old, beginners and professional collectors.
Today you will be able to find Bachmann trains in a five different scales. The HO Scale, N Scale, O Scale, On30 Scale and what they call the Large Scale. They also produce a membership model called “The Williams by Bachmann” which is only available to Platinum Club members. These cars are limited additions and are part of the membership package for the Platinum Club. The limited addition “The Williams by Bachmann” cars come in the affordable O-gauge. The annual membership cost $35 and other benefits include:
? Limited Edition Platinum Club Car
? 2009 Williams by Bachmann catalog
? Quarterly e-mail newsletter
? New product announcements by email
The Large Scale includes the world known “Thomas & Friends” model train collection. The faceplates for all the characters in “Thomas & Friends” are available as an individual purchase or as part of a package set. The “Thomas & Friends” train collection is a great way to get your kids or grand kids involved in model trains. Bachmann has “Thomas & Friends” as their featured product this month. A starter set will run you about $385.00.
The price of acquiring Bachmann model trains varies considerably. The least expensive of these train sets will cost you about $59.00 whereas the more detailed steam engine trains will set you back more than $900.00. The steam engine trains come in every scale except the O. You need to understand that this is just for a basic track, a locomotive and a few basic cars. The real cost of collecting and building a model railroad train collection is in the elaborate detail of your bench work.
Bachmann has been building model trains since before World War II and it is the pre-war lines that are of the highest quality of craftsmanship and therefore of the highest value in collector circles. The postwar lines, although still well built and with nice detailing, pale in comparison to the pre-war line in their value. However, for someone just starting out in collection of model trains the economical value of the post-war line will make a beginners collection much more affordable. Although the older trains have more collector value one is required to put in a considerable amount of time and effort in order to restore their appearance. This is why beginners are advised to stick with the more recent models. Leave the restoration to the more experienced model railroading enthusiasts.
The pre-war model toy trains by Bachmann are considered to be vintage items since they date back to before World War II. In fact World War II is considered to be the turning point when it comes to model train collecting. Experience model train collectors solely seek to acquire pre-war trains. The design material, attention to detail and just the pure age of the items are why experienced collectors seek out these vintage trains. A hardcore collector will tell you that there is no substitute for the look and feel of a vintage train. The sound and spirit of the real-world train is truly captured in the Bachmann pre-war trains.
Although the Bachmann post-war model trains are built with superior technology and are still very authentic in nature they do not hold the sentimental value and the collectable value of the vintage age. However, the new trains are extremely popular with children and new collectors. Either way, Bachmann has been an integral part of model train history and will continue to lead the way in the future. Happy collecting.
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