The Model Trains For Beginners Insiders Club

Model Train Newsletter Issue #105 Is Hot Off The Press

mtfbmem — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 10:23:15 +0000

Hello all model railroaders… Issue #105 of the model train newsletter is available at http://howtobuildamodelrailroad.com/model-train-newsletter-105/

In this newsletter we cover…

1. Which locomotive do you choose?

2. A video of an amazing LGB layout

3. Voltage for a 3 way switch

4. Help for a simple layout

5. Lighting adjustments

6. Subscriber photos

7. Creating orchards

8. And so much more…

There is something for everyone. If you have any suggestions or comments please reply to this email and tell us.

Enjoy,

Dan Morgan

Model Train Sets For Adults – A Guide On What To Look For

mtfbmem — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 07:19:27 +0000

More at http://modeltrainsforbeginners.com/

Are you looking for model train sets for adults?

Some people think that model trains are for children, but there is a big range of model train sets for adults.

If you have ever attempted to build a model train set, you would have quickly realized that there are an incredible amount of little different pieces to this big puzzle.

And, it’s probably very true when the experts say a model railroad is never completed.

There is this never ending learning of new techniques and better ways to create the look and feel you are after. Making your model railway layout look more realistic is the end goal.

That is why it so important for the beginner to have patience. This is not a race to complete your train layout as quickly as you can.

Thought has to be put into your planning and every portion of your creation should be enjoyed.

It is not just a train track placed on a bench with some power to drive the locomotive.

It is the complete planning and building of a miniature world. There are the buildings, roads, trees, mountains, hills, rock formations, fields, meadows, streams, rivers, lakes, ponds, waterfalls and more to be built.

Model railroad mistakes are expensive so you should carefully consider how your dream model railroad will look and operate.

Things to consider are the scale of your model railway, the era you are choosing to model, the landscape and the operation – DC vs DCC.

Careful planning in the beginning will save you a lot of time and money in the future. Model railroads are a great hobby to escape from the stresses of life. You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a huge amount of fun.

There are armchair model railroaders who research and do nothing more. Then at the other end of the scale you have experts who have accumulated their model railway equipment over 20 or 30 years and fill basements with their layouts.

Model Trains Stores Can Be Expensive

mtfbmem — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 06:03:50 +0000

Model trains stores can be expensive, but then you do get what you pay for. If you are a beginner then model trains stores should be your first stop.

Notice I said model trains stores and not hobby shops, because there is a difference. Hobby shops are usually staffed by people that are not experienced model railroaders.

While model trains stores are usually owned by very well experienced model railroaders.

Building a model railway is the most enjoyable hobby in my opinion. There is no other hobby where you can learn and improve a wide variety of skills in one place.

Building a model railroad exposes you to planning, design, woodwork, metalwork, wiring, electronics, kitbashing, scratchbuilding and so much more. But, you don’t need to know it all when you start.

The model trains stores in your area are filled with people waiting to advise you on building your dream model railroad.

So, why is model railroading known as an expensive hobby?

The answer is in the decisions they make. These are the 7 most common model railway mistakes you should avoid:

1 – Not Knowing What You Want

Most model railroad beginners start with an electric train set that comes complete with an oval track, locomotive, some cars and a controller. Often this is because it is cheaper to buy the set rather than individual components, but you get what you pay for.

As soon as you add more track to expand the oval, the problems start.

The power pack in the electric train set may have only been designed to power the oval length of track. When you add extra track, the power pack is now not powerful enough. This results in a voltage drop on the track and intermittent starting and stopping of the locomotive. This can be very frustrating.

2 – Building a Model Railway That Is Too Big

Often the impressive model railroads at the shows encourage beginners to go home and convert their entire basement into a huge model railroad.

Some of the model railway experts at those shows have spent 20 or more years on their layouts and a beginner trying to achieve that level of model railroading from the beginning will be disappointed.