December 16th, 2010 
dwalton 
Toy Model Trains
Author: Michael Weston
When the hobby of collecting toy model trains is mentioned most people tend to think of those toy trains and tracks that are available for children in the market. However model train collecting is a very serious and expensive hobby maintained by thousands of people around the world.
The term model railroading is used to define the practice of collecting model trains and constructing elaborate tracks for them. Model trains are miniature versions of actual trains that have run the tracks around America and the UK. Model trains, as a hobby is the collecting of intricately created models that are regarded as having high collectable value amongst model train enthusiasts.
Today interested individuals will be able to find a large collection of toy model trains ranging from the pre-world war I era to the post-world war II trains. In general the model trains that predate World War II are regarded as the vintage items that have a higher collectable value status. Trains produced during that time were made out of metal and had a lot of intricate detailing in comparison with the model trains that are built today.
Model trains are available in a wide variety of sizes, known as scales in the model train industry. The Z scale for example is used to denote the smallest size. These trains tend to be so small that one has to observe them from up close in order to appreciate the detailing. It is also somewhat difficult to set up the track plans for Z scale model trains due to the ratio of the track to the topography.
Perhaps the most popular of model trains is the ho scale. These are medium-sized model trains that are easy to work with and display because the have a great deal of detail, which makes them very attractive. Ho scale model trains are highly sought after by beginners as well as professional collectors.
When looking to purchase a model train set it is important to take the availability of space for your bench work into consideration. This is all the more true when it comes to setting out the model railroad track plan. Not only will you be able to find toy model trains in different scales but you will also be able to find railroading in different styles. Amongst the most popular forms of model railroad tracks are the modular, permanent, around the walls and multi-level. If you plan to construct a permanent layout you might want to brush up on you carpentry skills.
The largest sized model train set that you will be able to find in the toy model train collectables is the G scale. These models are so large that you might want to consider setting this model train track up outdoors. The G scale model train is referred to as outdoor model train, which is usually set up in the garden. The G scale toy model train may create a very impressive exhibition especially if you pay attention to the landscaping and track layout planning. However a full-fledge G scale model train and railroading will set you back well over a 00. Unless you just have unlimited space and better yet and unlimited budget you might want to leave the G scale toy model train for big boys who can afford to maintain this as a hobby.
There are plenty of toy model train scales and gauges to collect. Visit a model train show to see them all up close and personal so you will have a working knowledge of the size of each scale. Take your time since this is a collection hobby that will last a lifetime.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/toy-model-trains-1455839.html
About the Author
Michael Weston is a model train expert. For more great tips on toy model trains, visit http://www. modeltrainsexpert.com.
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Ebay is a last resort try this one:
http://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/index.cfm
I’ve used a lot of their items for my layouts.
Here’s another I recommend:http://www.hobbylinc.com/prods/uja.htm
I use Z scale buildings to force perspective, make things look far away.
It’s an old Movie trick.
The site below might be of help. If they do not have exactly what you are looking for I’m sure they would be happy to help you out.
There are some differences. The Pro-Z trains use a custom power supply that allows the illuminated passenger coaches to work; they may not light up right with a Marklin power supply.
Conversely, the Pro Z power supply may cause Micro-Trains and Marklin locos to run strangely because of the power for the lighting. It should not cause harm, but it might cause humming, and locos may run warmer than normal.
Although you said couplers don’t matter, just to set the record straight, Marklin, Micro-Trains and Pro-Z all use different couplers that are not compatible.
The “gauge” is the separation of the rails. THis does not always tell you what the “scale is which is the amount that it is shrunk form the real life railroad or “Prototype”. For example, a 1/87 scale, 30 inch gauge car will run on N scale 1/160 track. O scale 30 inch gauge cars run on HO standard gauge track. If you play the odds, by far the most likely scale/gauge that you will pick up is standard HO. Most hobby shops can tell you in an instant what you have. To measure the wheels to tell how wide the appropraite track would be, measure just outside the flanges of the wheels. This is the inside dimension of the horizontally flat part of the wheel where it sits on the rail. Its a great hobby!
I started in HO scale when I was about 12… sadly my Dad sold the layout when I was in the Navy.
I am now 43, and in the midst of building an N-scale layout in my 10 x 12 ft bedroom !! I had to go with N-scale because I simply didn’t have room for the HO radius turns I would need. I’ve been working on it for the last year and have learned one very important thing… plan, Plan, and PLAN some more !!
My layout is a dual-mainline loop around the walls depicting parts of the CALTRAIN and ACE passenger routes here in Northern California… I have also included 4 spurs for local industries and a large yard representing Stockton-yard.
Interesting… I got started in RRing again after doing a “Hogwarts Express” layout for a friends Candy & Gift Shop during Xmas of 2005 !!
Good luck !! There are a number of pretty good Yahoo! Groups on the Model Train topic !!
Where can I find Z-scale 1:220 model cars (not train) that look realistic?
Working on an architectural model and looking for cars that are Z-scale to purchase. Not train, but auto cars – new style (not antique) are best.
Any model train enthusiasts out there? What scale do you like?
I love trains! I am almost 50 and I got my first one a month ago – shocked my husband that I liked them! I have the “Polar Express.” We also have some LGB, O scale, a couple of HO and a Z scale (Disneyland). My “Hogwarts Express” should be here in a couple of weeks.
Just curious if there are any other train nuts out there!
We went to a train show in Fullerton CA on Sunday. The layouts were amazing! The had a refurbished Disneyland engine that was beautiful.
When all the kids have moved out, hopefully soon, 1/3 of our garage will be all trains!
What scale model railroad cars do I have? Is this N scale?
I’ve seen answers to questions above that give info like below, but I have no way of comparing. The box car I have is just under 5 7/8″ long and the”box” part itself is just over 1 1/4″ (not including wheels).
I found the track measurements confusing, as I have no tracks. If I measure INSIDE the wheels, it’s1/2″, If I measure the outer side, it’s 3.4″. Is this an N scale??
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Z Scale – Trains built to a ratio of 1:220. A 75-foot long locomotive measures 4 inches long. The rails of the track are 6.5 mm apart.
N Scale – Trains built to a ratio of 1:160. A 75-foot long locomotive is 5 ½ inches long. The rails of the track are spaced 9 mm apart.
HO Scale – Trains built to a ratio of 1:87. A 75-foot long locomotive is 10 ½ inches long. The rails of the track are 7/8 inches apart.
Are Japanese “Pro Z” Model Trains Compatible With Marklin & Micro-Trains?
Hi Folks,
Will Japanese Tokyo Marui “Pro Z” model trains operate on Marklin z-scale track using a Marklin transformer?
Will Marklin and Micro-Trains equipment operate on the “Pro Z” modular z-scale layout?
I don’t care if the couplers are not compatible.
Here are 2 eBay auctions (which do not address compatibility):
120364420697
200310194327
Anyone bought any of these Japanese trains or the layout? Do they work well?
Thanks!
– Paul
where can I get sitting train model figures z scale?
I’m looking for well painted z scale train/scenery people?
I looked on ebay and they either seem sloppy or the pic isn’t very good.
Help!
I’m sooo smart.
ok I haven’t ordered before, but what does it mean when the picture of the item(s) is black and white? Am I getting a picture or the actual plastic figures and are they going to just be misc. colors?
ooh nevermind. It means it’s out of stock