Frequently Asked Questions
- Where can I get a model train?
- How do I know what type of model train is best for me?
- There are so many different pieces available! What do I buy first?
- Where should I set up my model train?
- My kids want a model train. How old should they be before I get them one?
A: Most communities have at least one hobby shop that sells model train equipment and supplies. Check your local yellow pages listings or do a search online for the shop nearest you. If you are interested in a specific train scale, you may need to do a more in depth search, as not every hobby store sells every size of model train.
A:This will depend on how much space you are able to dedicate to a model train layout. If you have lots of space for a large layout or are planning a garden railroad, you will want to get a larger scale train, such as a G or an O scale. If you want a smaller layout, an HO or N scale would be more appropriate.
How well you see and/or whether or not you are buying the train set for children will also be a factor. Larger scale trains tend to be easier for small fingers to handle and weak eyes to see, while smaller scale trains are more challenging for the young, enthusiastic hobbyist.
A: If you are just starting out, purchase a starter set in the scale you wish to try. Starter sets usually include a locomotive, 3 or 4 cars, enough track to make a simple circle layout, a transformer, power connectors, and an instruction booklet. It is also a good idea to buy some extra track at the same time, as a circle layout will become boring pretty quickly. Once you have this basic set and are familiar with it, you can build from there.
A: Set your train up on a flat surface near a power source, as you will need to plug the transformer in. Where this is located in your home is up to you and depends on how much space you are able to dedicate to your train. Our Wall Mounted Model Train Layout Plan gives you a creative way to save space while constructing a permanent layout for your train.
A: This depends on the type of train set you intend to buy and how much supervision you are willing to provide your children when they play with their train. In general, children under the age of 10 should be supervised when running electric model trains. In some cases, based on the child’s level of responsibility, you might want to supervise an older child.
There are several factors to consider when purchasing model trains for kids, but the basics are how durable are the cars and how large are the pieces. Trains that are made of stronger materials will hold up to younger children dropping them or mishandling them. Likewise, larger trains are easier for smaller fingers that haven’t developed fine motor skills to handle. Children as young as 6 are able to handle the large G and O scale train cars, with adult supervision of course. HO scale is best for children over the age of 10 and N scale for children over the age of 12 if they have well developed dexterity.