Everyone needs a fun hobby to pass their free time in doing something they enjoy. There are a million things we can do but if you were looking for another fun activity to immerse yourself in, you’ve come to the right place. You might have heard of RC cars, RC model tanks, or electric trains because they’ve become popular hobbies for people of all ages. They offer a wide variety of choices so you’ll surely find something for yourself. If you’ve always admired trains and how they work, electric train sets would be the ideal option for you.
There are so many models on the market which makes choosing the right one even harder. If you’re a beginner, it can be difficult to know if you’re looking at a high-quality model or one that’ll stop working after a few months. Before making a purchase, look for shops that are known for selling quality train sets and not toys. You want a good model that’ll last for years and you can even find solid ones that will last you a lifetime. You should know several things before making a decision and here are some guidelines that can help you choose the train set suited to your needs.
Which Model Train Scale Is the Best?
Scale and gauge are the two things you’ll come across when you start looking for a model train. Scale determines the size of the model in relation to its real-world counterpart. A larger scale number means the model is smaller. For instance, a 1:87 scale means that the model is 1/87th the size of the real thing.
Gauge, on the other hand, tells us the distance between the rails, i.e. the width between the two running rails of truck. When you choose a set at a particular gauge, everything that’s included will be made on the same scale. If the gauge is the same, you’ll have no problem running different scale models on the same track.
Because there’s a wide variety of electric train sets for you to choose from, you should always consider the scale, no matter if you’re buying for yourself or someone else.
- N Scale – A smaller train set that’s 1:160 scale. This means it’ll be suitable for smaller spaces but still allow complex layouts. It might be difficult for children to work with the small parts;
H0 Scale – The most popular one, which is 1:87 scale. This means it’s larger than the N scale and a wide range of accessories can be found because of its popularity; - 0 Scale – This is 1:48 scale train. Due to its size, it requires more space in order to look realistic. You can find a lot of accessories for this model and smaller children find it easier to work with;
- G Scale – The size of this scale can vary depending on the manufacturer but it requires a lot of space since is a big model train set. This is why many models are suitable for outdoor use. There aren’t many available accessories and they can be pretty expensive as well.
So when choosing, think about the age of the person you’re buying the train for because elderly people or small children can easily work with larger models. Another thing to consider is the available space. Even small apartments can be the perfect setting for model railroading if you choose smaller layouts.
The budget is also important when choosing the set. Since the price can vary from very expensive to pretty affordable, set a budget and try to find the best model you can for your money. And the last thing is to consider the expectations you have from the electric train set. For example, do you want to build the set from scratch or buy a pre-assembled set? Do you want to be able to include a lot of accessories? Is portability essential for you?
What Are the Different Types of Power Supply?
If you choose a model set that’s ready for use, you’ll find that they come with a basic power supply. It’s usually enough to power the train you have, along with several accessories. But if you desire to expand the layout, the power demand will grow. Higher-end sets include a more reliable power supply, which means they provide a good operation for many years and are able to support large layouts. There are three types of power used in model trains:
- AC – Alternating current, used mostly in three and two-rail systems;
- DC – Direct current, mostly used in two-rail systems;
- DCC – Digital command control systems, which use digital information to operate the train. It’s not very common in starter sets but you can easily include it when you think you have the need for more power.
What Tracks Are Used in Model Trains?
Tracks are included in starter sets and while conventional tracks were built to meet certain standards to ensure compatibility, most sets today have integrated roadbed track. This track features a raised plastic base and each manufacturer has developed one. It has many advantages over the traditional tracks and it’s perfect for beginners and temporary layouts. But because every brand has its own integrated track, this makes them incompatible with one another. So take this into account if you’re planning on expanding the layout.
Regarding the material, cheaper sets have a track made entirely from plastic but a combination of plastic ties and metal rails makes more durable tracks. If you’re on a budget, consider all the different models and their characteristics to make sure that you get the best deal possible or you can look for model trains for sale to get the set that you want.
What Kind of Wheels Do Model Trains Have?
Since there are many different wheels used in trains, the right ones can make a big difference in the way the train works. Plastic wheels aren’t preferred because they have greater friction and easily collect dirt. Metal wheels, especially the heavier ones, run more smoothly and are easy to clean. If you want to upgrade plastic wheels, you can find replacements but make sure that you check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend.
