Toys That Travel: A Guide To Model Trains

The practice of building model trains is almost as old as the invention of the railway system itself. In the beginning, wooden trains were semi crude representations of these large modern marvels. In time, the specific dimensions were made to scale and perfected as miniature versions of trains from the past and present. Model train making is not only a fun and creative hobby; it is also extremely educational in a wide variety of ways. The history of trains is a rich complex subject, from the origins of the railways to the uses for them today. Building a model train requires not only time and patience, but a unique logical thought process. A great deal of planning is also necessary; especially if the creator desires to create an entire landscape to work upon. Basic engineering and electrical wiring are required to make sure the train is assembled correctly and will run smoothly.

How To Get Started

• Model Train Beginner's Guide: This guide is presented by the National Model Railroad Association. It introduces tracks, wiring, scaling, and scenery layouts to any model train beginner.
• How To Get Started With Model Trains: This site helps you to pick out what kind of model train is right for you. It also provides information on the most reputable manufacturers of model these trains.
• How To Get Started With O-Gauge Model Trains: This site explores all aspects of building and playing with scale O model trains. It provides information on the price of these trains and where you can buy them.
• Model Trains: To Scale: This site provides information on how to decide what scale a train model enthusiast should model in.
• For Beginners Guide: This website is dedicated to expanding the knowledge of those new people with interests in model train making, through the compiling of information on the subject.
• How To Lay Your Model Track: This site helps you to tackle interesting layouts, such as multiple level scenes for model trains.

Materials

• Train Material Database: This database is one of the best material finders for any model train enthusiast.
• Model Train Guide: This is a comprehensive website, devoted to finding and buying model train parts.
• Toy Train Restoration Products: This website is for advanced model enthusiasts in search of specific parts.
• Model Railroad Product Information: Walthers' website offers an advance selection of model trains and their parts.
• Model Railroad Supply: This website provides all the items your model train set needs, to make the surroundings as authentic as the train itself.

Research

• Lionel Model Train History: This site discusses Joshua Lionel Cowen and how he helped to start the model train industry. He was the owner of one of the two manufacturers of model trains at the start of the twentieth century.
• The Great Train Story: Museum of Science and Industry Chicago presents 1,400 feet of model train scenes, depicting the actual train route from Seattle, Washington to Chicago, Illinois. 
• Toy Train Reference Library: This reference library has everything and anything that a model train enthusiast would find quite intriguing. The library itself is located in Pennsylvania but its online resource is valuable to everyone, everywhere.
• Scaling Handbook: Information for the advanced model train maker, with an emphasis on proper scaling methods. 
• All Things Model Trains: This website is the product of over 50 years of experience in creating model trains. Its owner offers valuable insights on how to build and enjoy any model train set.

Organizations and Societies

• Piedmont Division of the NMRA: This Southeastern division of the National Model Railroad Association is dedicated to local developments and gatherings for train enthusiasts in the Atlanta, Georgia area.
• Rensselaer Railroad Heritage Website: Students at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute decided to develop a historically accurate depiction of the rail system that leads from Troy New York up to the Canadian border. For a fee, anyone can access this extensive archive about, and library of photos of, this incredible project.
• Bay State Model Railroad Museum: This Massachusetts museum was established in 1968 to honor and continue the tradition of model train making. Some of the fantastic models available for viewing have been featured in major magazines.
• Lionel Model Train Club: Founded in 1970 this club is devoted to anyone and everyone with a sincere passion for model trains. The club focuses on those model train enthusiasts that are interested mostly in the collecting aspect of the hobby.
• Tacoma Northwestern Model Railroad Club: This club, based in the Pacific Northwest, provides news, photos, videos, and a club calendar of events.
• Association of Professional Model Makers: This organization is created for the serious model maker looking to use exact measurements and make model trains to the correct scaling.

Recommended Reading

• Model Railroader Magazine: This magazine will deliver the best and newest product information about model trains.
• Classic Toy Trains: This magazine will bring information about classic trains, that some adults will remember playing with when they were younger.
• University of Oregon: Train Photo gallery: This site provides excellent pictures of model trains, parkway trains, and actual trains.
• Planning For Realistic Organization: This book shares "Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad."
• Getting Started in Toy Trains: This book will give you the basic information about using your model trains, how to set up the train track, and where to go to find more parts.