When you start out, you’ll probably have a vision of your ideal track layout and all the railway accessories that go with it. You’ll have imagined all the background scenery, lakes, rivers and tunnels, but you might not have considered just how much space it will take up.

Various model trains and train tracks are made by assorted manufacturers and can used in different situations. But that’s not a bad thing, it means you’ll easily be able to find something appropriate for your set up.

So that the trains from different manufacturers will work on any brand of train track, model train makers create tracks and trains according to specific sizes, called scales and gauges. When model train hobbyists talk about the scale of a train, they really mean the size. Scale means exactly what you imagine it would mean — it’s a scaled down model or replica of the real world train. Scale is actually the ratio of the size of the model train to the size of the real train. Different letters are used to signify different scales, which reflect a different ratio.

Take for example an N scale train, which is on the small side compared to other scales. Actually, it’s the smallest of the four popular scales and it’s specific ratio is 1 to 160, which is normally written as 1:160. Or to put it another way, an N scale train is one hundred and sixtieth the size of a real train.

The most popular of scales is the HO which is about twice the size of N scale. HO scale is actually 1:87 and is preferred by enthusiasts who either don’t have too much room to build their layouts or like lots of scenery.

Even though N scale trains are designed to take up less room than larger scales, they still have fine details, more so than other smaller scale trains. The good thing about these smaller scale trains is that they make it much easier to create layouts that are easier to maintain and expand. They also provide an opportunity to create more stunning landscape and scenery on a larger scale.

As opposed to the standard scale, HO scale and O scale which have been around for over a century, N scale trains only became popular around the 1960s. N scale is so called because the N stand for nine and there is nine millimeters between the rails. Technically the gap between the train tracks is called the gauge.

N scale model trains are just one of choices you have when building your model railway, and you might find they suit you if you like lots of scenery or if you’re limited for space. But whatever size of train you pick, you’ll get the same thrill from building it and watching it run.

I’m not sure as a small boy there was any understanding of what makes toy model trains so fascinating, but as I got older I realized it was the attraction of creating my very own world of trains and controlling everything that happened.

Perhaps it’s the same thing that drives most boys to play with model railways. It is addictive to drive a train, even toy model trains that are only a fraction the size of a real one. But then I was also intrigued by how the trains actually worked by running electricity through the train tracks.

I think there’s a touch of nostalgia in those memories too. The whole experience of being a child at Christmas, surrounded by presents with the train whistling its way through the tunnels made from wrapping paper. There’s definitely something of the joy still there every time I set the trains going, even as old as I am now.

Toy model trains used to mean a fairly low cost plastic version, but these days there are toy trains of a fairly decent standard. Admittedly, they’re not the high quality machines of the enthusiast, but then they’re not supposed to be. They are really designed either for younger children, or to introduce someone to the model railway world. And they can normally take more knocks and bumps than the more expensive locomotives and engines.

Also toy model trains are usually available from large toy stores or outlets, you don’t need to visit a model train specialist or hobby shop. And yes, the price tends to be much lower too. There are a few things to watch out for though. If you’re buying a toy model train that runs on tracks, you might find that the lighter weight causes it to be slower in starting, or makes it struggle when pulling any carriages or trucks. That is one advantage the more expensive model trains have.

And of course toy model trains won’t have anywhere near as much detail or authenticity as a more expensive model. But then that’s to be expected and probably won’t be an issue. If you’re looking for any level of accuracy in your model train then a toy train is not really what you’re looking for.

One benefit of buying toy model train sets is that they usually come with a huge collection of accessories. A horde of little men to fix the steam engines and clean the railway tracks. Passengers galore for the station platform, and of course all that model railway scenery such as trees, fences, farm animals and such. And you almost always get a model train tunnel or two.

Even though there are very few boys that get to drive a real train, or even grow up to drive a train, those that do must relish the fact that they are living their childhood dream. For the rest of us, we’ll have to make do with our toy model trains, which are a wonderful substitute no matter how old we get.

HO model trains are the most popular of the more common sizes. The letters HO stand for half standard (or ordinary) and mean that HO trains are half the size of standard model trains.

If you’re going to buy a model train any time soon, here are a few things to remember.

How much space do you have, and what size model train should you buy?

It’s an easy mistake to make – you like the look of a particular model train so you buy it, along with a selection of track. And then you get home only to realize that you don’t have enough room to lay it out. You need to look for a scale when choosing which model train you’re going to buy. The scale will give you an indication of how big it is.

If you’re not sure, go for an HO scale. It’s the size that most hobbyists choose because it strikes a balance between the space it takes up and the amount of detail the trains and accessories have.

What accessories do you need in addition to your model train?

It might be obvious, but an HO model train will need HO gauge tracks to run on. If you’re buying a complete set you’ll automatically get the right size tracks for the included train. If you’re buying the train and tracks separately, make sure you get matching sizes. Double check the labels of both the engine and the tracks to make sure they are HO gauge. Also, check that any scenery you buy is the appropriate size for your HO model trains.

Other things to check

If you’re buying a new HO model train, it’ll almost certainly have something called DDC. This is a controller which enables you to run more than one train at the same time. The DDC is usually fairly obvious to spot, but if you’re in any doubt check with the shop assistant that’s it’s compatible with anything else you’re buying for your model railway.

There’s no doubt that if you’re serious about your model trains you’ll be visiting specialist shops. Apart from being the perfect place to buy your HO model trains, they’re also a great place to pick up hints and tips.

There’s always plenty to learn about different model trains, their characteristics and history, so don’t be shy about asking for information. The shop assistant will almost certainly be a model train enthusiast and more than happy to talk your ears off!

There is also the O scale, or standard scale, which is also classed as a large scale train, although this is only half the size of the G scale train. An average G scale model train will be about 26 or so inches long and about 6 inches tall, whereas the O scale will be about 16 inches long and only 3 and a half inches tall.

G scale model trains were originally produced around 1881 by a company called Ernst Paul Lehmann Patentwerk. The trains are often referred to as LGB which is short for Lehmann Gross Bahn, or Lehmann Big Train in English. The US branch of the company was called LGB of America.

The reason G scale model trains are so large is that they are popular for what is often called garden railways, which some people say is where the G comes from. But then the G is also short for the German word for big, which given the model trains history, sounds a little more likely. In common with other large scale trains the G scale trains all use 1 gauge track. Number 1 gauge track measures 45 millimeters between the rails, maybe not as large as you would expect.

G scale model trains are an ideal choice for using outdoors in the garden or backyard. They are usually made from brass so require little if any maintenance to keep them running. They are much more weather resistant than their steel counterparts. Usually a wipe down with an old rag will keep them looking bright and shiny, ready for the next journey. Saying that, they can certainly be used indoors as well. In fact their large size makes them more durable than smaller models, especially useful if you have children around.

The most well known G scale manufacturers in the US are Aristocraft and Bachmann, both of which are renowned for their quality and durability. If you’re buying one of these for your children, rest assured they will be able to play with them for years to come.

Model railway trains are one of those hobbies which can be enjoyed by both parents and children, ideally together. The robustness of G scale trains makes them perfect for small children and will prepare them for when they can play with smaller and more delicate trains such as the N scale. N scale model trains are about 5 inches long and just over 1 inch in height, not as small as the common HO scale, so slightly more appropriate for young children.

Whichever model railway train layout you want to create, you can be sure there is a size to suit both your space and your pocket. G scale model trains are a great place to start, especially if you have a bit more space, or children.

The bench or table that you’re going to use for your model railroad must be the foundation of everything else. These days, model railway enthusiasts are fortunate enough to have the option of buying ready made benches or benchwork kits.

If you buy a benchwork kit you’ll find it’s already drilled and cut to size, and comes with suitable support. Although it’s tempting to use a piece of plywood placed across a couple of sawhorses, you might go off this idea the first time it wobbles or collapses. Plus, if you use a ready made kit, you’ll be able to easily disassemble it to move it.

Of course you also have the option of building your benchwork from scratch yourself, and although this is more difficult, it does give you room for creating your ideal model railway layout. You’ll need to start with a clear plan of what track you want, and what scenery. That will tell you how large your benchwork will need to be. Also, don’t forget to make provision for expanding your model train world later.

Check that you have the room in your house for your intended layout. You might have to adjust it to fit in with the shape of the room. Plan on having the bench at about a 28 inch height, and if possible make it with adjustable legs although be sure to make the legs sturdy enough to support the weight of the full set up. In fact making sure the benchwork is strong enough is probably the most important part of building it.

The baseboard should be of suitable strength too, at least 3/8 of an inch thick but preferably 1/2 an inch thick plywood. You can always cut the base into sections if you want to be able to take it apart and move it later on.

An important aspect of a model railway train layout is perspective, so plan your benchwork to take the scenery into account. What you should be trying to do is make the whole scene appear larger than it really is. There are some tricks you can use to help accomplish this, such as using smaller bits of scenery in the background. Also think about consistency in the landscape. Make sure your layout has the right accessories that match the environment.

There’s a huge range of items you can add to your layout, including tunnels, bridges, crossings, roads, fields, ponds, lakes and rivers. And don’t forget hills and mountains. You can also include different sorts of buildings such as houses, cottages, stations. You can get specially made buildings with lights inside which look fantastic.

Finally, it’s all the small details that will really make your landscape come alive. Think about fences, trees and bushes, people and animals. A little bit of water as part of your scenery will work wonders too so try adding streams, ponds, or even waterfalls. Study pictures of real landscapes to try and make yours as realistic as possible. Every bit of work you do will improve the appearance of your model railway, so don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops.