Posts Tagged ‘toy trains’

Ahh Lionel Trains…who hasn’t heard of them?  Lionel model trains were masters of the model train world in this country until the 1950’s.  If you grew up in the postwar period and you saw a model train setup at a store, without fail it was a Lionel model train setup. Around Christmas the local hardware store would put one up and watch as it drew us all in like metal shavings to a magnet. Challengers like Bachmann and financial woes have long since undone Lionel’s supremacy, but the brand still carries a lot of its former cachet. Here’s the story why:

It’s every thing to do with the O gauge:  Part of the explanation why Lionel fell from power in the post World War II era can be explained by the scale of its trains. Lionel trains were usually in O gauge, but with the expansion of model training in the 50’s more and more middle class model train hobbyists began to purchase trains for smaller spaces.  Real world trains are only 48 times the size of O scale model trains.  This was simply too great of a space requirement, so fans turned to HO scale which only required a 4’ x 8’ space.  Lionel’s failure to stay in tune with changing times is what cost it and what makes its odd scale a real draw for enthusiasts these days.

Lionel calls up long lost recollections:  Because Lionel has survived for so long and was so popular in yesteryear it is one of the favorites of collectors. We cannot under estimate the nostalgia that Lionel inspires. These are, after all, the hobby trains they were raised on or would like to have grown up on. Lionel’s trains seem never to break and so they’ve survived its lean years time capsulled in craft and second hand stores.

You’ll find no lack of manuals and news items on Lionel:  Lionel’s got its own little subset of devoted enthusiasts including the rocker Neil Young. There are two types of books on Lionel.  First, there are books that are specifically focused on to getting you started with model training using Lionel O gauge trains.  Second, there are several books that focus on the many repackagings of Lionel trains from the early days to the present.

Finally, Lionel is popular because they just made good trains:  Ahh, the engineering of Lionel trains!  Larger than most other trains, they are ideal for detailing and decaling and weathering. The size of Lionel trains make it a favorite among people who love to paint and detail model trains. Hobbyists also love that the trains are so big and so bold.  You simply can’t miss a Lionel train.

For the reasons that I have mentioned above, it is unlikely that Lionel O gauge trains will fall out of favor any time soon. It’s hard to contemplate the model train world without Lionel. Lionel never disappoints.

Here is more information on Toy Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.

Technorati Tags: American model trains, Lionel, Lionel electric trains, Lionel O guage Trains, model trains, toy model trains, toy trains

We’re in tough economic times, there’s no getting around it. It’s rough out there.  REALLY tough!  I was thinking the other day about some ideas to draw more shoppers into my business and what I came up with I think might work for you too.  I was recalling how when I was a child and my mom was widowed with me in my brothers. In a really big city. The weather would drive us into a department store during the holiday. It was one of the largest, multistory department stores but it really doesn’t make a difference which. There, right in the store would be this amazing model locomotive layout.  You had to wait because there were so many kids but eventually get your go to press the button that started one of the many trains go around the setup. What a great memory we had there!  The track was huge as a swimming pool!  It was a complete world onto itself.

The point is: the the layout brought pedestrians into the store and they inevitably ended up buying something even if it was just to get their kids to leave that hypnotizing layout.  So here’s the thought I had:

Use display g scale railroad locomotives to entice pedestrians in:

Toy retailers have known this for ages and hardware stores have found this a natural fit since shoppers can buy the parts and tools for model railroading all right there.  But I think other kinds of establishments could really improve the bottom line by having a model railroad, especially eye catching g scale trains and tracks. If you’re part of a line of stores or by a entertainment center this could be perfect for your establishment. You don’t really need to be a business that is in any way hobby related. A family physician’s office might just have a g scale display to keep the kids busy while they waited for their appointments or for prescriptions.  Kids would pull their parents into the store and many parents would have great trouble leaving without getting their kids a little toy at least.  Some parents would even welcome the time that their kids are fascinated by the models to browse for themselves. The increased business would be well worth the drawbacks in terms of space, start up costs and maintenance. Any place by where families spend time could take advantage of these little lures.  Thankful parents would make for return business.

G-Scale Model Railroad Designs could also make for unique businesses in the hospitality industry:

You know how you’ve been thinking of making your quaint little house into a Bed-and-Breakfast now that your children have all gone to college.  Well what better way to help create a special individualized experience than to add a g scale model railroad layout to your B & B?  You could advertise your Bed-and-Breakfast as a toy train Bed-and-Breakfast and you could have entire train theme. Customers would really get into watching the trains winding around them. The strangeness would be sure to bring out people with their kids and you could make a little bit of extra money by selling model train related accessories like key chains.  If you have a nearby tourist trap that is locomotive related you could create a tie-in to this site.  If you are in the Western US this shouldn’t be difficult since most of its history is related to the rise of rail travel.

 It’s a dog eat dog world out there since the financial bubble burst.  But that is exactly why it is the best time to look for a business increasing plan like this.  Whatever you can do to make your business seem individual and to have it stand out from the crowd can help the increase revenues.  I’ve only scratched the surface. Picture a bar where your drinks are carried to the end of the counter by a Budweiser decorated trolley or…

Here is more information on G Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.

Technorati Tags: g model railroad designs, g scale model railroads, g scale model trains, ideas for small business, model railroad track plans, toy trains

Small miniatures are the neatest, huh? You won’t hear an argument from me.  There is nothing so neat as little tiny trains. Something about the uncanny likeness of miniatures really lures us in.  Another interesting thing about these little locomotives is that they are so miniscule you can practically fit them anywhere.  Let’s think a little bit about how we could use them in different spaces:

2’ x 4’ N model railroad layout:

This is the smallest layout that we can use for these little trains.  We could set it up on the coffee table if this is all the space we’re going to use.  If we do this layout though, we are really limited to just having the trains go around in a circle. The only other choices would be a figure 8 or concentric circles.

Pre-fab n scale scenic highlights:

N-scale is so small it is hard to work with. Craftwork is not really feasible for these little guys but don’t worry, several companies offer lines of pre-fab accessories.  A good way of adding interest to your n-model railroad layout is to purchase some of these and add them to your layout. Atlas is a good first stop for these accessories.

Square setup:

A square 3’ x 3’ hobby space will really open up fun possibilities.  I’ve seen some pretty interesting designs for a space of this size and larger. Try a peak at the center of your setup with your train circling around it.  This makes for a really captivating scene in a really tight space.  I wouldn’t advise trying it in a space any smaller than this however.  The attempts I’ve seen to do this just don’t really work.

Add systematically to your track area:

A good way of constructing your design is to add incrementally to it.  You could begin with a simple 2’ x 4’ design and then add to it so that it is a 2’ by 8’ long island type configuration and then turn it into an “L” shape, etc., etc..  You might extend a river so that it is at the center and then have your track criss-cross it as it moves down the table. Use your imagination to come up with captivating detail.  Little ruins or perhaps a delapadated castle by the side of a tributary can really make for a varied and captivating scenic experience.

N scale gives you the most variations for the least amount of space. Challenge yourself to let your imagination overcome the physical limitations of your space.  If you find a particular landscape fascinating, build it.  Others are likely to find it captivating as well.

Here is more information on N Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.

Technorati Tags: model train layouts, model trains, N Model Railroad Layout, n scale model railroad layouts, n scale model trains, toy trains

I see it’s not a very big space. It is 4’ x 8’ so it will do.  It also has some good features.  It’s by that sky light where it gets some sun shine.  It’s clean and dry.  And it’s close to your work area so you won’t have to stomp across the yard to get any tools that you need.  So here are some ideas for making it better:

Get a solid Model Train Table:  

Having your tracks on the floor is a disastrous idea. You look proficient with your tools so you could probably design the surface yourself. There’s lots of drawbacks to living with a setup that are permanently fixed to one location.  If possible we want to have a unattached display area that we can haul as when necessary. Perfect hobby tables can be located by just doing a simple search on the internet.  These tables are designed to link to each other so that you can fill almost any space as you desire and so that if you have second thoughts about your design later, they are easily altered into new shapes and into new sizes. Sturdy, light, easily movable—they’re everything you want in display table. Portability may also be significant if you ever would like to motor your layout to a model train convention. If you relocate, being able to keep your set up roughly as is can also be a big relief.

Keep your HO model train layout simple:  

Don’t attempt to do too much with such a small area.  You fundamentally have a choice between three separate designs: a simple oval, a figure 8 or concentric circles. They’re all about equal in regards to pros and cons. If you love creating model cities the basic donut shape leaves you the most options. The focus will fall largely on the craft and artwork involved in your buildings. A figure 8 leaves you less space for crafting topographical features and structures and places the focus back on your model. Concentric circles tends to be the golden mean between the first two layouts.  Model train fans often place a rail yard with such a design and just use other model trains.  You can also add other locomotives to your roundhouse in the middle to really freshen up this set up. These are all good starting set ups and none of them shut out any future layout possibilities. The figure 8 is the least conducive to future expansion.

Use the angle of display to conjure a enhanced sense of size:

The corner of your layout forms an apex to a triangular viewpoint that can really maximize the sense of depth if used well.  This effect can be further maximized by decaling cardboard or plywood walls extending from the back corner of your layout with fading mountain ranges and a smattering of clouds.

Finally, use accessories like buildings and uneven topography to conjure a greater sense of contrast:  

Have you ever noticed how when you see one object next to another the contrast points out new aspects of both of them? If you work this effect right you will really enhance the viewing experience.

Don’t think of this first step as the final stage of your model train experience but just as the first step in the journey.  As you become more accustomed to the joys of model train design, construction and decoration you will find many imaginative novel ways to add to this basic design.

Here is more information on HO Model Train. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.

Technorati Tags: ho model train, HO Model Train Layout, ho model trains, ho scale, HO trains, model trains, model trains layout, toy trains

Finally found a way you can mix your wife’s love of back yard sun bathing and your love of model locomotives, huh? As the young kids say these days, g gauge is definitely the bomb! You get to have fun in the sun while planning your own personal toy locomotive curiosity. Now it’s just a question of how to do it? Your backyard will have a major say in the type of design you go with.  That said, there are some simple considerations when you are planning your g gauge train setup.

Let your yard have some say over your g size track:  One of the best decisions you can make is to use the climate of your yard as one of the main factors in deciding the type of train and the design of your g gauge model railroad plans.  If you live in the Arizona desert and your backyard is a rock garden, consider choosing a type of train and track that was common in the American Southwest like the Sante Fe type locomotives that are easily purchased.  But if you live in the hills of Berkeley or San Francisco and your back yard is somewhat sloped  you will want to take this into consideration as well. Climate and terrain are just as important as spatial considerations for g gauge trains. Try to use climate and terrain to aid your train plans.

Use the natural features of your outdoor area and garden to increase the visual interest of your design:  One of the best ways of maximizing interest to our g gauge model railroad layouts is to use the hedges and plants of our back yards to enhance the visual enjoyment of our track design.

Play peek-a-boo with the spectator by snaking the train into the natural features of the yard.  Where it might be a lot of exertion to design a tunnel and mountain structure in our backyards for a g scale design, a shady bush can serve the exact same purpose with minimal effort on our part. Nothing compares to making your g gauge train appear and disappear, appear and disappear—peek-a-boo…peek-a-boo….

Work with the major landmarks of your yard:  If you have a completely empty yard then this is not a consideration, but since most of us have things other than trains and grass in your back yards, your best bet is to take these backyard landmarks and work with them.  Waterworks can really add a contemplative element to your garden railroad. Little stone dwarves around a pool featuring a transom with your locomotive tracks can really make for a enchanting experience. Use it.

Add artificial accessories to your backyard plan:  Finally, to really enhance the full reality of our g scale model railroad layouts we are well served by creating features like whistle stops and round houses to make our model train worlds as realistic and intricate as possible.  The designing, constructing and detailing and weathering of these little landmarks and features can be one of the most enjoyable and fulfilling aspects of a model railroad.  It is much more rewarding to spend in rainy Sunday afternoon detailing and coloring a model train whistle stop than watching reruns of I Love Lucy.

G scale toy trains are so in demand right now, you shouldn’t be surprised if you acquaintances are willing to shell out cold hard cash to come over and see your setup. Go ahead, make people pay at the door before they can set their eyes on your totally cool g train setup!

Here is more information on G Scale Model Trains. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.

Technorati Tags: g scale, g scale model railroad layouts, g scale model trains, garden train layouts, garden trains, toy trains