Ok, you have some good answers so far. One note however, Hobby Lobby no longer carries model railroad items although they still have paint glue etc that many modelers will need.
This is a very broad question and the answer will largely depends on your husbands wants and needs. Model trains come in a variety of scales and eras so the first step would be to narrow the focus and find out what you husband finds fasinating about trains. Does he like modern equipment or old time steam? Does he have a favorite railroad or area of the country?
Model trains come in many scales. The main ones are G, O, S, HO, N and Z, going from the largest to the smallest. I have worked in most of these scales. Right now I’m modeling G and N scales. These are at opposite ends of the spectrum. G is a large scale and most of it can be set up outside. This would be great if both of you enjoy gardening or just being outside. This scale tends to get expensive fast but the large size also allows the modeler to build a lot of their own item as opposed to buying them. I found for the price or a few building kits I was able to buy enough wood working equipment to build both frieght cars and buildings.
Here’s a string of cars I built and part of my old G scale garden layout. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/3011191086/
N scale is the next to the smallest but if offers quite a bit. It’s entirely possible to model entire trains and locations. Some modelers have built layouts in suitcases and coffee tables. This is a good choice for someone with limited space. I currently collect items I like, mostly engines and cars from railroads of the Carolinas from the 1950′s and then run them from time to time. I also make my own decals to replicate frieght car paint schemes that are not available. I’m planning a layout based on one of my wifes and I’s recent vacation destination. http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/3135636578/
The engine pictured has some sentimental value as our family had the priviledge of riding in the cab of it.
Visit a local hobby store that sells trains. They may be able to help you. Also as someone else has mentioned, Model Railroader is a great resource. They usually have a series geared toward beginners that starts around Christmas. If you go the G scale route, Garden Railways is also a good resource.
I hope this is of some use to you. Good luck and hope this helps and as someone else menitioned and my wife would agree, you have been warned.
My husband is into model trains also. We got some catalogs for about $5.00 each at a local hobby store in the mall. You can also write or call the company’s you are interested in and purchase the catalogs there or if you have model train shows in your area you can also purchase the catalogs rom the dealers there. Also there are magazines like O-Guage Railroading, you can purchase that will give you the info. you need to purchase the catalogs. Hopes this helps.
Need to find a printed catalog of Lionel model trains & accessories.?
My son doesn’t do computers or online shopping, and wants a catalog of model train stuff that he can order by mail.
Christmas gift for a model train fanatic?
My ex’s father is one of those people that have every model train accessory possible. I’m going to try to be a good guy this Christmas and get each of the family something nice (the mother likes to drink, so easy present (wine, vodka – that is the question). However if I buy a present for one of the family sides, I think it would only be fair to by a cheap gift for both sides. This should be around the $10 mark, no more. Any ideas?
What is the average cost for garden, junction, and quarry model train railways?
I have been thinking about getting three different types of model train railways: garden, junction, and quarry railways. I plan to make each one of them at least 25 X 15 feet each. I will have 5-10 trains running on each one, and they are all about $45-$120 each (the trains.) I will be buying about $650 dollars worth of scenery, buildings, tracks, and accessories for each railway. So how much would be my average for each one?
What model train set/accessories are good for beginners?
My husband has always been fascinated by model trains and the miniature models that go along with them. I thought it would be a great present, but have no idea how to get started or how much money I would be spending. He would enjoy putting together the towns/scenes/or whatever they’re called, and he is good at the painting and detailing aspect. I guess I’m asking for as much info as you want to give. Thanks!
February 1st, 2011 
dwalton 
Posted in 
Tags: 
Ok, you have some good answers so far. One note however, Hobby Lobby no longer carries model railroad items although they still have paint glue etc that many modelers will need.
This is a very broad question and the answer will largely depends on your husbands wants and needs. Model trains come in a variety of scales and eras so the first step would be to narrow the focus and find out what you husband finds fasinating about trains. Does he like modern equipment or old time steam? Does he have a favorite railroad or area of the country?
Model trains come in many scales. The main ones are G, O, S, HO, N and Z, going from the largest to the smallest. I have worked in most of these scales. Right now I’m modeling G and N scales. These are at opposite ends of the spectrum. G is a large scale and most of it can be set up outside. This would be great if both of you enjoy gardening or just being outside. This scale tends to get expensive fast but the large size also allows the modeler to build a lot of their own item as opposed to buying them. I found for the price or a few building kits I was able to buy enough wood working equipment to build both frieght cars and buildings.
Here’s a string of cars I built and part of my old G scale garden layout.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/3011191086/
N scale is the next to the smallest but if offers quite a bit. It’s entirely possible to model entire trains and locations. Some modelers have built layouts in suitcases and coffee tables. This is a good choice for someone with limited space. I currently collect items I like, mostly engines and cars from railroads of the Carolinas from the 1950′s and then run them from time to time. I also make my own decals to replicate frieght car paint schemes that are not available. I’m planning a layout based on one of my wifes and I’s recent vacation destination.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/22021033@N06/3135636578/
The engine pictured has some sentimental value as our family had the priviledge of riding in the cab of it.
Visit a local hobby store that sells trains. They may be able to help you. Also as someone else has mentioned, Model Railroader is a great resource. They usually have a series geared toward beginners that starts around Christmas. If you go the G scale route, Garden Railways is also a good resource.
I hope this is of some use to you. Good luck and hope this helps and as someone else menitioned and my wife would agree, you have been warned.
ebay to start. Google “Mayberry model train accessories”.
Hobby shops..
find a book or DVD on railroad history
My husband is into model trains also. We got some catalogs for about $5.00 each at a local hobby store in the mall. You can also write or call the company’s you are interested in and purchase the catalogs there or if you have model train shows in your area you can also purchase the catalogs rom the dealers there. Also there are magazines like O-Guage Railroading, you can purchase that will give you the info. you need to purchase the catalogs. Hopes this helps.
Unless you have an inside line on all the stuff you’re asking about, $650 might cover one layout.
Here’s some links to back up my statement:
http://www.towerhobbies.com/trains/train_listings/train_set_g_scale.html
http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/category_s/332.htm
http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/CTGY/SETSGBACH
Need to find a printed catalog of Lionel model trains & accessories.?
My son doesn’t do computers or online shopping, and wants a catalog of model train stuff that he can order by mail.
Christmas gift for a model train fanatic?
My ex’s father is one of those people that have every model train accessory possible. I’m going to try to be a good guy this Christmas and get each of the family something nice (the mother likes to drink, so easy present (wine, vodka – that is the question). However if I buy a present for one of the family sides, I think it would only be fair to by a cheap gift for both sides. This should be around the $10 mark, no more. Any ideas?
What is the average cost for garden, junction, and quarry model train railways?
I have been thinking about getting three different types of model train railways: garden, junction, and quarry railways. I plan to make each one of them at least 25 X 15 feet each. I will have 5-10 trains running on each one, and they are all about $45-$120 each (the trains.) I will be buying about $650 dollars worth of scenery, buildings, tracks, and accessories for each railway. So how much would be my average for each one?
What model train set/accessories are good for beginners?
My husband has always been fascinated by model trains and the miniature models that go along with them. I thought it would be a great present, but have no idea how to get started or how much money I would be spending. He would enjoy putting together the towns/scenes/or whatever they’re called, and he is good at the painting and detailing aspect. I guess I’m asking for as much info as you want to give. Thanks!
Where can I buy the Mayberry model train accessories? (buildings, people, etc.)?
based on tv series