Getting started in

Welcome to the World’s Greatest Hobby SM

Tips for building your

first train layout
PLUS

Information to help
you get started
Choosing the best
scale for you

618077
 WHAT’S AHEAD

Welcome
There is no hobby like model railroading. Fun for the whole family
In fact we think it is the greatest hobby in Model railroading is a great family activity.
SCALES AND GAUGES....... 3
the world. That’s a bold claim but here’s Many couples participate in the hobby
why we feel that way. together. And of course kids have always
SCALE MODEL TRAINS...... 4
Model railroading offers many activities been fascinated by trains.
for all ages. Interested in history? You’ll What better gift can you give your chil-
TOY TRAIN COLLECTING.... 5
enjoy researching a time period for your dren or grandchildren than your time?
model layout. Enjoy woodworking? You can You’ll make precious memories together as
create everything from a simple train table you share a lifetime hobby, one that teach-
GARDEN RAILROADING..... 5
to miniature wooden structures. Perhaps es patience, builds skills, and rewards you
you have an artistic flair, which can be used with the joy of creating something with WAYS TO GET STARTED..... 6
to create realistic scenery, layout accesso- your hands.
ries, and backdrops. Take your time and read through this B U I L D I N G A L A Y O U T.. . . . . . . 8
The good news is you don’t have to do helpful booklet. It has tips and resources to
all of these to be a model railroader. You get you started. We hope it will inspire you RESOURCES................. 15
can concentrate on the areas you find to further explore this lifetime activity. Wel-
most interesting now, and learn other come to model railroading – the world’s P H O T O G A L L E R Y .. . . . . . . . . . . 1 8
skills if and when you like. greatest hobby!

P39906

Controlling a train on a layout that you built gives you a great thrill. You get to set the speeds of the train and determine
the scenery you want to put on your layout.

2 World’s Greatest Hobby

 WHAT’S THE RIGHT SIZE FOR ME?

Understanding scale & gauge

Large scale: 203/4"

O: 12½"

S: 93⁄8"

HO: 7" The same locomotive in six different scales,

N: 33/4" measuring just 23/4" long in Z scale up to a
Z: 23/4"
whopping 203/4" long in large scale.

You don’t have to spend much time with of the size of these trains, the 50-foot-long modelers making it their top choice.
model trains to realize that they come in locomotive shown in the photo above Smaller still is N scale. Rolling stock and
different sizes. Let’s take a look at them measures about 203⁄4 inches in 1:29 scale. locomotives of this size are designed to be
so you can think about which size may be The most popular gauge for toy trains is in a ratio of 1:160 to their prototypes. The
best for you. O, with 11⁄4 inches between the rails and track gauge is 9 mm between the rails. N
We differentiate model and toy trains built to a ratio of 1:48. The 50-foot locomo- scale works well for modelers who don’t
according to their scale and their gauge. tive in the photo is 121⁄2 inches long in O. have a lot of space at their disposal or who
“Scale” relates to the comparative ratio of Slightly smaller than O gauge trains are prefer to run their trains through truly
measurements between a model and its S gauge trains. They run on track whose expansive scenery.
full-size prototype. rails are spaced 7⁄8 inches apart, and have a Even smaller are Z scale trains. Their pro-
“Gauge,” the second aspect of a model’s ratio of 1:64. portion to the prototype is 1:220, and they
size, refers to the space between the rails of run on track whose rails are 6.5 mm apart.
the track. Precision and consistency are Small and popular How tiny is this scale? That 50-foot loco-
essential when dealing with gauge. Manu- Scale models built to be approximately half motive measures just 23⁄4 inches in Z.
facturers must be able to guarantee that the size of O gauge models are called HO.
the wheels of all the models they advertise These trains have a relationship of 1:87 to their Which size is best?
as being of that gauge do indeed fit on that full-size compatriots, and the track gauge No one scale is right for everyone. Look
size track so all trains can be used together. measures 16.5 mm. Our 50-foot locomotive at several scales and consider how much
now measures only 7 inches in length. space you have to devote to your trains.
The largest of them all HO trains are small enough to allow Talk with experienced modelers, club
The largest scales in use today are collec- you to plan a satisfying layout in a com- members, or hobby shop employees.
tively called “large-scale trains.” These mod- pact space, and still are large enough to Don’t worry if you change your mind and
els are offered in a range of scales, and all show off lots of detail and be easy to work later decide that a different scale is a bet-
operate on Gauge 1 track. This track has 45 with. HO railroading is the most popular of ter choice for you. No matter what you
mm between the rails. To give you an idea the scales, with more than two-thirds of choose, prepare to have a blast!

www.GreatestHobby.com 3
 SCALE MODEL RAILROADING

Model railroading is fun

What is it about scale model railroading
that makes it such a great hobby? At the
heart of it all is our fascination with minia-
tures of all kinds. We find a thrill in studying
tiny duplicates of real objects. Even though
a precision model of a locomotive is a work
of art in its own right, placing that same
model in the context of a complete setting
makes it come to life. Building a complete
model railroad that evokes a sense of time
and place is the heart of this hobby.
Many scale model railroaders recall their
childhood when a train set allowed them
to travel through an imaginary world. As
adults, they find they have the means and
skills to bring that world to life.
Although there is a tremendous variety
of fine-running, beautifully detailed loco-
motives, cars, buildings, and accessories
available to scale model railroaders, this is
still a personal and creative hobby.
There are no minimum requirements for
entry, and people of all levels of participa-
tion, skills, and interest are welcome to join
in the fun of model railroading, meaning In the model railroad hobby, you have many choices of what you want to model.
there is a place for you. Many modelers prefer creating different eras when building their layouts. In this
picture, the modeler went back in time and produced a 1950s layout.
Fun in all kinds of ways
So who are scale model railroaders? They railroaders who rarely, if ever, build a started with identical track plans, their
come from all walks of life and enjoy the model. They enjoy reading about the finished layouts would look nothing like
hobby in different ways. There are model hobby and thinking about the model rail- one another. One might create a whimsical
road they’re going to build someday. desert setting, while the other could end
Other hobbyists build detailed models up with a busy urban scene.
of locomotives or cars. Some focus on The track plan is merely a blueprint, a
building structures and scenery. For them, diagram showing where the pieces should
model railroading is a form of sculpture. go. It provides a starting place but it takes
They may even look upon the trains as a the scenery and settings, and the creativity
secondary consideration—providing of the modeler, to breathe life into the lay-
movement in an otherwise static world. out and make it unique.
Then there are those who focus on tin-
kering with mechanical and electrical Starting small
aspects of their layout to the point they Most model railroaders start small—a
never feel the need to build scenery. 4x8-foot layout is the most common size,
The majority of model railroaders find at least in HO scale. They add a few build-
the greatest enjoyment in combining all ings, some scenery, and additional cars
these approaches, tailoring the hobby to and locomotives as the mood strikes.
suit their interests. No matter how big or small, no layout is
ever really finished. There’s always some
Narrow gauge railroads blend the An evolving hobby new technique to try and something to
mystique of the old West with spec- Despite the variety of commercial prod- improve or change. A model railroad is a
tacular scenery and the sights and ucts available, model railroading is a cre- form of evolutionary art that changes and
sounds of the iron horse. ative endeavor. If two model railroaders grows with its creator.

4 World’s Greatest Hobby

 TOY TRAINS

Action-packed toy trains

In the years following World War II, it seemed
that just about every boy wished for a color-
ful train or an action-packed accessories from
Lionel or American Flyer. In the 1950s, electric
trains were the number one toy for boys – and
these toys are just as exciting today.
Today’s O gauge and S gauge have the
appearance, ruggedness, and heft of electric
trains produced in the 1950s, but today’s
models feature state-of-the-art electronics,
including realistic sound systems and digital,
wireless control systems.
Because of their strong heritage, today’s toy
trains remain compatible with those manufac-
tured 50, 60, and even 70 years ago. Track
sizes and basic electrical functions have not
changed, so it is a common sight to visit a toy
train layout and see a locomotive manufac-
tured in 1953 running side-by-side with one Hobbyists like Rick Wright combine newer locomotives with vintage Lionel
manufactured a half-century later. accessories and built-from-scratch structures for a unique toy train layout.

GARDEN RAILROADING

Enjoy model trains outdoors

A garden railroad brings your trains and scen-
ery outdoors. Mountains are made of dirt, riv-
ers are real water, and rocks are actual stone.
Part of the fun in this hobby is following the
practices of a full-size railroad and working
with the landscape. The “garden” part of gar-
den railroading is another fascinating aspect
of this hobby. Many nurseries and specialty
plant growers sell dwarf and miniature ver-
sions of all types of plants. These specimens
are ideal for garden railroads since they fit
with the scale of the trains by having smaller
features and a slower growth rate than their
full-size cousins.
Garden railroading is a deep and excep­
tionally rewarding hobby anyone can
enjoy. It might be the best hobby for your
family, because increasing numbers of
A garden railroad is a fascinating addition to any landscape and is a great way women, children, and families are enjoying
for the whole family to enjoy model railroading. it together.

www.GreatestHobby.com 5
 GETTING STARTED

Five easy ways to get started in

You might already have a starter set in the
attic or tucked away in a closet, but aren’t
sure what to do with it. Maybe your son or
grandson enjoys Thomas the Tank Engine
or Brio toys. Here, we’ll help you make the
transition from thinking about model rail-
roading to actively participating in it. It’s
easier than you might think.

1. Train under the Christmas tree

For some folks, it just wouldn’t be Christ-
mas without a toy train running around
the tree. With the availability of starter
sets and snap-together track, it’s never
been easier to set up a holiday-themed
train layout.
A basic oval, perhaps with one pair of
switches to provide interest with an alter-
nate route, is all that’s needed. If you want
to run two trains, set up another oval
inside the first.
Tie the tree and the train layout together
Nothing says Christmas like a toy-train layout. Many holiday buildings and in some way. A winter scene works well,
accessories are widely available to help get you started. even in warn climates. Accentuate the
whimsical: cute buildings, oversized acces-
sories, and blinking lights. Many discount
stores sell holiday-themed accessories that
work great for toy-train layouts.
You should also do something to set the
layout apart from the rest of the room and
protect the carpet. Little accidents happen
—lubricating oil sometimes splatters, fake
snow gets out of hand, artificial coal
spills—and you’ll want something to con-
tain or absorb these mishaps. If you’re
doing a winter motif, a white bed sheet
will work well.
Set up your train and accompanying
scene, sit back, and enjoy. You might
find that you’ll want to keep the trains
out all year!

2. A layout for kids

Many stores now sell “play mats” for kids;
basically, they’re a piece of carpeting with
roads and a city scene imprinted onto the
fabric. Dick Christianson, retired Manag-
ing editor of Model Railroader, used a play
Dick Christianson and his grandson, Elliott, enjoy this simple toy train layout on mat as a basis for a simple toy-train layout.
Christmas morning. You can easily build a version of this 4- by 6-foot O-27 gauge He attached the carpeting to a piece of
layout for your family. Dick added cabinet handles so Elliott can easily roll the plywood to form a train table, and screwed
layout under his bed. 3-rail track on top of the carpet.

6 World’s Greatest Hobby

model railroading
A wooden railway system,
such as this one by Learning Curve,
exposes kids to trains at a young age.

3. Wooden railroad systems

Wooden railroad systems are a great way
to introduce the excitement of railroading
to children as young as age three. Popular
wooden railroad sets, such as those made
by Brio, or those featuring the popular
Thomas the Tank Engine & Friends char-
acters, offer plenty of hands-on fun right
out of the box. Best of all, a kid (along with
his/her family) equipped with a train and
plenty of track will soon start to experi-
ment with building new track arrange-
ments and thinking up stories to go along
with the action.
That’s the kind of creative play that really

KEVIN STRONG
fires a kid’s imagination and boosts prob-
lem-solving skills. You can’t beat a quality
wooden train set for years of railroad fun!
A grape arbor provides a pleasant backdrop for the beginnings of a garden rail-
4. Simple outdoor set up way. If you choose to expand the railroad, the dry rock garden can become part
Perhaps you received a large-scale starter of the landscape.
set as a gift and aren’t sure what to do with
it. You don’t need to build a complex gar-
den railway to enjoy your trains outdoors.
Set up the track in a corner of your yard or
on a deck and watch the trains run. The best
part is, you can leave the track outdoors if
you wish (but bring the transformer and
train inside after an operating session).

5. Attend a train show

There’s no better way to get started in
the hobby then by attending a train
show. Shows in all scales are held across
the country year round (to find one near
you, see the events database list at trains.
com). Many train shows feature operating
layouts and displays, so you can experi-
ence the hobby first-hand. Often, club
members and hobby representatives are
available to offer assistance and answer There’s no better way to experience the hobby than by attending a train show.
your questions. Many shows feature operating layouts, like the one above.

www.GreatestHobby.com 7
 BUILDING A LAYOUT

Building a simple layout

Terminal/rerailer

L Two 3"
straights
ROCK JUNCTION
HO Scale
Scale: ¾" = 1'-0"

Power pack Terminal/rerailer HO scale layout (4 x 8 feet)

Wiring diagram Terminal N scale layout (3'-6" x 7'-0")

(conventional DC)
HO scale layout (4 x 8 feet)
rerailer

This simple track plan of the HO scale Rock Junction is a great for beginners.
It’s easy to recreate and small enough to fit in a room or basement.

Planning a layout
Train sets usually come packed with an specialty books available at hobby shops Once you’ve selected a plan, you’ll need
ovalPower
or apack
figure-8 of track. Hobby shops and through the Internet that contain page to translate it into track sections. Some
and other dealers sell extra track sections after page of plans in different scales and in plans come with a “shopping list” of sec-
– straights, curves, and turnouts (sometimes sizes from 4 x 8 sheets of plywood to base- tions used to construct the layout. Other
called switches) that allow you to design
N scale layout (3'-6" x 7'-0")
ment empires. Different plans focus on dif- plans leave it up to you to study the cata-
a layout in almost any track configuration. ferent aspects
Terminal of model railroading, from logs and Websites of track manufacturers
rerailer
The only limits are your imagination and the mainline running to rural branch operations to determine what straight, curve, flex-
space available in your home for a layout. to yard switching. Your own tastes will dic- track, and turnout sections you’ll need to
Some of the best track plans come from tate which plan is right for you. build the layout and in what quantities.

Wiring diagram Terminal

(Digital Command Control) rerailer

8 World’s Greatest Hobby

 Tabletop 1⁄4" plywood, 4 x 8-foot sheet

47"
96"

16"

Wing nut

Lock nut
Bolt-washer
Materials for table
4 x 8-foot sheet of 1⁄2" birch
plywood ripped into 3"-wide 40"
by 8-foot strips (1)
4 x 8-foot sheet of 1⁄4" Bolt-washer-lock nut
plywood (1) 32"
8" lengths of 2 x 2 (4)
8-foot lengths of 1⁄4" x 11⁄4"
wood molding (4)
T-nuts, 1/4" (4) 8" length of 2 x 2
Carriage bolts, 1⁄4" x 2" (16)
Wood molding, cut to fit
Washers, 1⁄4" (16)
Lock nuts, 1⁄4" (4)
Wing nuts, 1⁄4" (12) T-nut Bolt-washer-wing nut
Carpenter’s glue
Panel nails (1 box) Leg-leveling bolt
1⁄4" leg-levelers (or bolts) (4) (or plain bolt) 18"
35"

Model railroad benchwork doesn’t need to be fancy, but it should be sturdy.

Here is a sample of benchwork you could build at home.

Train tables
There are many different ways to build hence the term “train table.” strip-wood girders, which looks like an
the support structure of your railroad, but Benchwork for larger layouts often uppercase letter L. The other parts of L-
they all fall under the general heading of requires more versatile designs to con- girder benchwork are legs, joists, and ris-
“benchwork.” Benchwork can be just about serve material and provide more latitude ers. Horizontal L-girders join sets of legs
anything, from a shelf attached to a wall to for scenery construction. While they may together, horizontal joists run perpendicu-
an unused kitchen table. seem complicated at first glance, they are lar to the girders and give the framework
Typical benchwork starts with four legs, actually easy to build. lateral strength, and risers support the
a horizontal support frame made from Among the most popular of these track. By modifying the height of the
1 x 3 pine boards, and a piece of plywood designs is “L-girder” benchwork. This open- risers you can create scenery effects
screwed to the top of the support frame. frame benchwork gets its name from the that go far beyond the parameters of
The end result looks much like a table, appearance of the cross-section of the flat-topped tables.

www.GreatestHobby.com 9
 BUILDING A LAYOUT

SECTIONAL TRACK

ALL-IN-ONE TRACK FLEX TRACK

Three types of commercially-available track. All-in-one track is sectional track with built-in roadbed. Sectional track comes
in predetermined straight and curved sections. Flex track (shown from both the top and underside) can be bought in
three-foot sections and can be formed to your specifications.

All-in-one track has roadbed integrated with the rails. To use, simply snap the pieces together.

Track
Many hobbyists get started with the loop Nearly all brands of regular track will fit Often they are described by a numeral
of sectional track that came with their first together with each other using metal rail such as 4, 6, or 8 that corresponds to the
train set. You can expand your loop with joiners since the rails use the same cross- angle at which the diverging track turns
the same brand of track or you can use section profile. All-in-one track often uses away from the main line.
another brand in the same scale. clips on the ends of the plastic roadbed to Flextrack can be bought in bendable
Two types of sectional track are avail- mechanically join sections, so some manu- sections (usually 3-feet long) that allow
able: regular and all-in-one. Regular track facturers’ clips may not fit into another you to construct a layout with curves dif-
features rails mounted on injection-mold- manufacturers’ track sections. ferent in radius from those created with
ed plastic ties. All-in-one track includes Turnouts, sometimes called switches, are standard curve pieces.
plastic roadbed that represents the layer of made to match the radii and length of
rock ballast under the ties. track pieces offered by manufacturers.

10 World’s Greatest Hobby

 Wiring diagram Terminal
(conventional DC) rerailer

Wiring diagram Terminal

(conventional DC) rerailer

Power pack

Terminal
rerailer
Power pack

Terminal
rerailer

Wiring diagram Terminal

(Digital Command Control) rerailer

Wiring diagram Terminal

(Digital Command Control) rerailer

Command
station

Power
supply
Terminal
rerailer

Command
station The upper diagram illustrates direct current (DC) wiring, while the lower diagram
is wired for Digital Command Control (DCC).
Power
supply
Wiring Terminal
For most model railroads, the simplest wir- create electrical “blocks” of DC power. By
rerailer rate. All of the locomotives contain digital
ing system is straight DC (direct current). using two power packs, you can use toggle receivers that do not recognize the track
If your layout is fairly simple without any switches to alternate which power pack is voltage until a control unit sends a digital
return loops that would create positive/ electrically connected to which block, signal to a specific locomotive’s unique
negative polarity problems, all you need allowing you to operate a second train on “address,” in effect “waking up” the locomo-
are a locomotive, a power pack capable the same layout independent of the first. tive and telling it what to do. Since each
of producing variable voltages, and two Advanced model railroaders often use locomotive has its own digital address,
wires. Your train moves at a speed deter- electronic control systems, such as DCC dozens of locomotives can be operated
mined by the track voltage. (Digital Command Control). On DCC lay- independently on one layout at the
As your layout grows you’ll want to outs, track voltage remains at a constant same time.

www.GreatestHobby.com 11
 BUILDING A LAYOUT

With the multitude of scenery products available at hobby shops, it's never been
easier to detail your model railroad. Here, premade ground cover is sprinkled
onto wet paint to simulate grass.

Scenery
Model-railroad scenery can be as simple show scenery making in detail. wet paint. You could add to the scene by
or as elaborate as you’d like. Hobby shops Create simple landscaping to your layout adding clumps of a dense ground cover to
sell an abundance of scenery products to by adding grass, sand, or roads to your lay- make bushes, or by “planting” a few pre-
make the job easier, from rock molds and out. For instance, in the photo, grass is packaged trees.
miniature trees to scenic backdrops and being made by sprinkling premade ground
shrubs. Books and videos are available that cover (found at a hobby shop) on top of

12 World’s Greatest Hobby

 Structures and other details bring your layout to life. Cork is used as a base for
this structure. T-pins secure the cork until the glue dries.

Structures and details

Make your layout come to life by adding period, skill level, and price range, in either As your skills improve, you may choose to
structures and details. It’s never been a kit or presassembled form. Many kits and make structures from scratch using your
better time to enter the hobby. Products details are available in plastic, but you can choice of materials.
are available to suit nearly any scale, time also purchase them in wood or even brass.

www.GreatestHobby.com 13
 BUILDING A LAYOUT

You can almost hear the two Wisconsin & Southern engines roll past this train
depot. This HO scale scene features regional railroading in southeast Wisconsin.

Locomotives and rolling stock

You don’t have to spend too much time Model locomotives are manufactured eras. Some are ready-to-run straight from
walking the aisles of a hobby shop to from plastic, steel, alloys, and even hand- the box while others come in kit form to
notice the variety of locomotives and crafted brass. They come with a wide be assembled. Nearly all manufacturers
freight and passenger cars (collectively range of details, depending on price. Many use wheels and couplers that are standard-
known as rolling stock) available to hobby- higher-end locomotives contain digital ized following National Model Railroad
ists. Models of diesel, steam, and electric control receivers and some even offer Association guidelines, so locomotives and
(powered by overhead wires) locomotives remotely controlled sound and smoke rolling stock from one manufacturer can
are available in all scales, in nearly all effects. be combined with those from other manu-
railroad names, and in prototype designs Models of rolling stock, too, are available facturers in the same train.
from the 19th century to today. in different scales, road names, and time

Everything you
to know about need
Building
Building your first

your first modelbuilding

railroad!

your first
Find out why mode
really is the World l railroading

DVD FOR BEGINNERS

with this exciti ’s Greatest Hobby
that teaches young instructiona
l video
to know to build everything you need

model railroad
layout. No prior a model railroad
experience is neces
sary, just the desire
to have fun! -

• How to build the

table
• Easy methods
for laying track
This instructional video, narrated by Michael Gross,
Your guide to getting
started with model
model railroad

• Building structures trains

and scenery
• Wiring techniques
guides you through the process of building a simple
• And much more
! BONUS:
It’s
easy!
model train
HO layout. Available at the Kalmbach Hobby Store
Narrated by Micha
el Gross, actor and
model railroad
enthusiast. video
60 minutes (plus

www.KalmbachHobbyStore.com
15-minute bonu

or on the World's
video); DVD; all-dig s
stereo sound; ital format;
color.
For more informati
Greatest Hobby website www.GreatestHobby.com
the World’s Greateston about
visit www.greatesth Hobby
obby.com
P4312

6 44 65 1 0 003
94 2
10003 $12
.95

N A R R A T E
D B Y M I C H A E L
G R O S S

14 World’s Greatest Hobby

 RESOURCES

Where do I go next?
You’ve made the decision that model rail- Trainfest Railroad Model Craftsman, P.O. Box 48,
roading would make an ideal hobby. Now 21027 Crossroads Circle, P.O. Box 1612, Bucklin, MO 64631, 877-787-2467,
what? To help you take the next step we’ve Waukesha, WI 53187-1612, rrmodelcraftsman.com
compiled this list of resources. It’s by no train-fest.com
means all-inclusive but will provide a good Ztrack, 6142 Northcliff Blvd., Dublin OH
starting point. You’ll find information on train 43016, 614-764-1703,
shows, publications, videos, and websites Scale model railroading ztrack.com
with the appropriate contact information.
Publications Books
Model Railroader, P. O. Box 1612, Build Your First Layout, by Peter Vassallo,
Hobby shops Waukesha, WI 53187-1612, 877-246-4879, Kalmbach Media Co., P. O. Box 1612,
To find a shop in your area, check your Yel- trains.com Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
low Pages or the hobby shop directories at 877-246-4879
the back of most model railroad magazines. Model Railroad News, P.O. Box 48, KalmbachHobbyStore.com
Bucklin, MO 64631, 877-878-2467,
modelrailroadnews.com Building the Right-Sized Layout, by Thomas
Train shows Klimoski, Kalmbach Media Co., P. O. Box
Hundreds of local shows are held through- N Scale, 5811 75th Ave NE, Marysville, WA 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
out the year all across the country. In 98270, 360-658-2458, 877-246-4879
addition, numerous large shows are held nscalemagazine.com KalmbachHobbyStore.com
throughout the country. Contact sponsors
directly for show times and locations. N Scale Railroading, P.O. Box 77296, Seattle, Building Realistic Model Railroad Scenery,
WA 98177-0296, 206-364-1295, by Kathy Millatt, Kalmbach Media Co., P. O.
National Train Show (an annual show nscalerailroadn.com Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
sponsored by the National Model Railroad 877-246-4879
Association), P.O. Box 1328, Soddy Daisy, Narrow Gauge & Short Line Gazette, P.O. Box KalmbachHobbyStore.com
TN, 37384-1328, 423-892-2846, 48, Bucklin, MO 64631, 877-787-2467,
nmra.org ngslgazette.com How to Design a Model Railroad, by Lance
Mindheim, Kalmbach Media Co., P. O. Box
Trainshow.com O Scale Trains, P.O. Box 48, Bucklin, MO 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
P.O. Box 1192, Lombard, IL 60148 64631, 877-787-2467, 877-246-4879
info@trainshow.email oscalemag.com KalmbachHobbyStore.com
trainshow.com

SCALE MODELING TERMS

Benchwork: A sturdy, railroad kits and Narrow gauge: Rails device used to supply Sectional track: Pre-
level frame which is changing the construc- spaced closer together current to a model fabricated interlocking
the foundation of a tion process or com- than the standard train and control its track sections that can
model railroad layout. bining parts from dif- gauge of 4' 81⁄2". Three- speed and direction. be easily assembled
Wood is the most pop- ferent kits to create a foot was the most and disassembled.
ular material for unique model. common narrow Rolling stock: Any
benchwork. gauge in the U. S. piece of railroad equip- Weathering: Making
Motive power: Anoth- ment that rides on the new models look more
Free-lance: Modeling er word for locomo- Operation: Running rails. realistic by simulating
that doesn’t closely fol- tives, the pieces of roll- trains on a layout in a age and exposure to
low an actual railroad. ing stock that do the way that simulates real Scratchbuilding: the elements.
work of moving trains railroad activity. Making a model from
Kitbashing: Taking down the road. raw materials and
one or more model Power pack: Electrical parts, not using kits.

www.GreatestHobby.com 15
 RESOURCES
NING
PLAN
GN AND
Videos Books DESI

G THE
UT
BOOKS
L AYO

BUILDIN BIG VISTAS

Green Frog Productions, Ltd. NG

EDON AN S GAUGE LAY

Miniature Garden Guidebook, byP LNancy
ANNI

SIZ
AND

RIGHT-O
Hobby
SIGN
189 Waterbury Way, Douglasville, GA Norris, Kalmbach
UT D E Media Co.,

BUILDING
L AYO
for you
BOOKS

30134, 800-227-1336, P. O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI 53187-

LAY UT
ze la yout
e right si
hor
lroader aut

THE RIG
t is th Model Rai rtheastern
greenfrog.com 1612,
Figure 877-246-4879,
out wha
railroad but
don’t kno
w where
akin g proces
to start?
Frequent
s that led
him to bui
ld his Ge
orgia No

design
del and

HT-SIZED
g a mo n-m

KalmbachHobbyStore.com
decisio a prototype
in buildin ugh the to choose
Interested oski takes you thro Railroads 2020. UT
Klim Model Tom sho
ws you how
ING LAYO
Thomas in Great railroad? ent to fit. how to SWITCH
Online resources
featured a model ling basem shows you ALL
Railroad,
NG A SM
m for a spraw ? Tom
e enough
roo sn’t need to be inte
resting crew. RATI
AND OPE
ut that doe

LAYOUT
if you hav potential or a small
Not sure isfying layo operator
SIGNING
n for a sat operating in a solo

Videos
a track pla enough e to enterta
not have ng schem DE
Model Railroad Academy
ut might r operati n’t be sor
ry!
smaller layo ut, but you in, you wo
Afraid a you r layo and dig O AND S GAUGE FOR THE OPERATOR AND COLLECTOR
only book
detail not t? Buy this
to do nex
MAIN COVER LINE
Movie-Mix Productions
ring what
2955 Xenium Lane N, Suite 10, Plymouth, Still wonde

MN 55441, 855-208-7399, 282 Kerry Dr., Santa Clara CA 95050

modelrailroadacademy.com 408-248-7846

Model
moviemix.com A LAYOUT
Trains.com BUILT FOR
erience
THE 21ST

Railroader
Online resources
. This exp
operations

Kalmbach Media Co., P. O. Box 1612, e author

railroad ys
t he enjo

CENTURY
prototype s on wha
About th railroaders, Thomas Klim oski ching
ed him focu oading: local swit
has help el railr mas is
pe ut mod . Tho
t model prototy most abo rtline railr
oad
Like mos model and Railroader p. 30

Trains.com/grw
on a sho

Waukesha, WI 53187-1612, 877-246-4879,

enjoyed the
n set to operations r to Model
has always Lionel trai layout, contributo featured
m his first Railroad a freq uen t
had his layo ut
trains. Fro theastern After e and has Great
rgia Nor t of his life. magazin as well as
current Geo been a par Railroad
Planning first
City of Mia
mi Thomas’

trains.com Kalmbach Media Co., P. O. Box 1612, el trai ns have the in Model 0. This is
mod ter from able roads 202
as a firefigh Tho mas was Model Rail h Media.
retiring ent ,
Kalmbac
e Departm the Blue book for
Fire-Rescu trai nman for
e as a about
part tim ned a lot

Waukesha, WI 53187-1612 to work

Ridge Sce
nic Rail roa d and lear

KLIMOS
Clubs and associations 877-246-4879

KI
National Model Railroad Association trains.com Kalmbach
HobbyS
tore.com
12825
Klimosk i
U.S. REVIEWED: PIKO’SThHO
omas
SPRINTER
P.O. Box 1328, Soddy Daisy, $21.99
ISBN
978-1-
62700-
837-2
52199
p. 56

MODEL RAILROADING IS FUN!

TN 37384-1328, 423-892-2846,
5
60148
44651

Toy trains
6

372
7 008
9 78162

nmra.org March
LOOKING AT
LIONEL TRAINS
2022 • Trains.com
FOR 1979 p. 26
ADDING ACTION
TO A GANTRY
CRANE p. 66
TWO GREAT
FOR A BARR
SHED KIT p. 5

National Association of S Gaugers Publications

P.O. Box 268, Middlebury, CT 06762-0268,
nasg.org
Classic Toy Trains, Kalmbach
Media Co., P. O. Box 1612,
Easy & excellent 2 0 21 E D
ITION
Waukesha, WI 53187-1612 weathering! Collectible
s

GREENBERG
Gritty high-mileage realism for
Ntrak Inc., P.O. Box 1301, Tuttle, OK 73089, 877-246-4879

LIONEL
your passenger cars – one step at a time p. 36
URCE
THE NO. 1 SO Y Up
ntrak.org trains.com Project R LIONEL TO
FOrailroad:
LUES ent
Wiring and VA

TRAINS
TRAIN
DC
POCKET PRICE GUIDE
s, the 40th

’S POCKET PR
With 464 page
track tips edition of this
handy resource

1PLU
O Gauge Railroading, 1310 East- 1901-2 02An
rehensive
is the most comp l O gauge

Garden railroading
p. 32 Lione
price guide for
r, postwar,
trains of the prewa
and modern eras. N
side Centre Ct., Suite 6, Mountain et Price
Shor
The 2021 Pock Usin
Home, AR 72653, 800-980-6477, Guide includes:

ICE GUIDE
1,500 updated
• More than

Publications
s
postwar price

ogaugerr.com • 800 Lionel

items
Corp. Tinplate

Garden Rail (UK publication), 108 Phil • Box section

listings
with 1,400

Books
David Popp’s guide to

LIONEL TR AIN
Hardin Rd., Newton, NJ 07860,
production items
• 900 special adding picture-perfect
12,000 mode
rn- weathering. p.36
• More than
PLUS era products,
including

www.warnersgroup.co.uk Greenberg’s Pocket Price Guides, hundreds

Modeling street life and streetcars p. 42
of new products

Vol. 89 • Issue 12
P. O. Box 1612, Waukesha, WI How to scratchbuild a small-town depot p. 28
Interiors and lighting for N scale buildings p. 24
Steam in the Garden, P.O. Box 335, Newark 53187-1612
2021 S

bbyStore.com
www.KalmbachHo

Valley, NY 13811-0335, 607-642-8119, 877-246-4879 $22 .99 U.S. 108721

steamup.com KalmbachHobbyStore.com
1
1-62 700-805-
ISBN 978-
52299
0137 9
6 44651 6
008051
9 781627

GARDEN RAILROADING TERMS

Battery power: rails. Although a Large scale: A generic Railway garden: Sectional track:
Onboard batteries that garden railroad can term that includes Garden planted with Commercially made
provide power to a be built to run on any all trains running on dwarf and miniature track that comes in
locomotive that’s con- gauge of track, gauge gauge 1 track. plants to be in scale predetermined straight
trolled by radio. 1 is most commonly with the trains. lengths and curved
used. Live steam: Miniature sections with a set
Flextrack: Longer locomotives that run Roadbed: The material radius.
sections of track that Groundcovers: Low- on steam, just like real that supports the track
are flexible enough to growing plants that locomotives. They have and provides drainage. Water feature: A
bend to any desired spread to cover the fire in their fireboxes In garden railways, this pond, river, or waterfall
curvature. ground, useful for fill- and boil water in their is most often ballast on your railway, often
ing in areas and boilers. (crushed rock and rock incorporating fish and
Gauge 1: 45 mm (just preventing weeds and dust). water plants.
over 13⁄4") between the erosion.

16 World’s Greatest Hobby

 OTHER RESOURCES
D I N G
Hobby
BOOKS

S C R A T C GreatestHobby.com
H B U I L D
I N G
This site has everything you need
BUILDING Get Started in Toy Trains, P. O. Box 1612,
BUILDING WHA

on to planning to
to get started in model trains: find
Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
build-

YOUT
WHAT’S IN
by photo
graphs.

answers to frequently asked ques-

p. 48
Pinkepank’s What’
s in
f Classic Trains maga
-
877-246-4879
T’S IN

ares its gathered

tions, read articles, and much more.

wis-

A PHOTO
models of the scene
s
Civil War era to
KalmbachHobbyStore.com
A PHOTO

ere’s something
in

Learn how to rea

HOW TO
Trains.com
Model
listically
BUILD
A GREAT
CONSTRUCTION
design, plan, and
model Videos Find in-depth product reviews,
MARCH 2021
SCENE p. 46
I Love Toy Trains series

Railroad
modeling techniques, and instruc-
TM Books & Video, Box 279,
tional videos on model railroading.

er
New Buffalo, MI 49117
You can also sign up to receive free
800-892-2822
e-mail newsletters related to the
tmbv.com
scale(s) you’re interested in.
BUILD A M
ODERN WA Clubs and associations
REHOUSE Lionel Collectors Club of America
Manufacturer sponsors
p. 24
FUN!

Business Office, P.O. Box 529,

ROADING IS

Rapido
train set in Canadian
N scale p. 48 Peru, IL 61354
MODEL RAIL

August 2021
Trains.com lionelcollectors.org Atlas Model Railroad Co. Inc.
378 Florence Ave.
How to bu Lionel Operating Train Society Hillside, NJ 07205,

custom lo ild a 6376 W. Fork Rd., Cincinnati, OH 45247 908-687-0880

comotive lots-trains.org www.atlasrr.com
T USES
REL
Add an un
54
common di
esel with
this kitbas
h project p.
34
Toy Train Collectors Society Bachmann Trains
Holger Krogemann, 3460 Jeffery Rd., 1400 East Erie Ave.
Palmyria, NY 14522 Philadelphia, PA 19124
GE R CAR DETAILS
p. 37

FLYER PASSEN ttcsltd.org 215-533-1600

www.bachmanntrains.com
pgrading
try-level LIONEL'S
Toy Train Operating Society
WILD WEST
CC system
s Saddle up for a Barbara Rohrs, 3950 Mack Rd., - 57, Kalmbach Media Co.
p. 46 Dave Abeles swing through
US
COLLECTOR
eng
MARC
ma
own Conrail de his
H/APRC30
ine. See IL 2022
-7A
its sets p. 26 Sacramento, CA 95823 21027 Crossroads Circle
N scale lay AND page 34
out S GAUGE FOR THE OPERATOR
rt line operO ANDin a crawl space p. 40 ttos.org P.O. Box 1612
THE WORK OF A
ation mad
ng trees to e simple p.
Waukesha, WI 53187-1612
HI-RAIL
add a view 54
block p. 30
Train Collectors Association 262-796-8776
MASTER p. 30
P.O. Box 248, Strasburg, PA 17579-0248
tcatrains.org
www.kalmbach.com

Kato USA
Online resources 100 Remington Rd.
Trains.com/ctt Schaumburg, IL 60173
A TRIBUTE
Kalmbach Media Co., P. O. Box 1612, 847-781-9500
TO HERB
LINDSAY Waukesha, WI 53187-1612 www.katousa.com
BY NEAL A.
SCHORR 877-246-4879
trains.com Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.
5601 W. Florist Ave.
to motorize
Lionel’s no. 155 How
an operating Milwaukee, WI 53218
Postwar and an signal: history
modern mix on variations trailer loader
O gauge empire
p. 42
and
p. 40
p. 48
414-527-0770
www.walthers.com

TOY TRAIN TERMS

Collector: Modern-era: Operator: Toy Postwar: Prewar: Reproduction: Restoration:
Toy train Descriptive train enthusiast Descriptive Descriptive Toy train pat- Toy train
enthusiast term for toy who acquires term for toy term for toy terned after an returned to its
who acquires trains manu- vintage or trains manufac- trains made in antique that original operat-
vintage or factured since contemporary tured between 1942 or earlier is long out of ing condition
contemporary 1970. models to 1945 and 1969. in the 20th production. and appear-
models to dis- repair, restore, century. ance by repair
play or study. or run on track. and repainting.

www.GreatestHobby.com 17
 PHOTO GALLERY

LOU SASSI
Southern Ry. RS-1 no. 405 pulls a string of empty hoppers destined for Tennessee Consolidated Coal Co. on Bob Lawson’s
HO scale layout.

GEORGE HALL

A photo like this of Ken Kelley’s standard-gauge layout is like a time machine. No matter how old you are or where you’re
living, one glance at this terrific picture and you feel as though you have gone back to the early 1930s and are standing in
front of a department-store window.

18 World’s Greatest Hobby

 MATT HUTSON
Many garden railways operate year round. A snowplow extra heads north on Matt Hutson’s railroad in Colorado. The plow
and caboose are made from scratch, while the locomotives are from USA Trains.

Glenn Nilsen captures the essence of the Pennsylvania Railroad in the 1940s.

www.GreatestHobby.com 19
 PHOTO GALLERY

Few organizations surpass the San Diego 3-Railers in their passion for sharing the pleasures of toy trains with the public.
Besides some appealing wall displays, club members designed and worked together to build a 42- by 44-foot O gauge
model railroad at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

LOU SASSI

While employees at Baxter’s Supply organize materials on the dock, a New York, New Haven & Hartford RS-1 engine leads
a manifest freight into Pawtucket, R.I. The scene is on Marshall Sommer’s HO scale Rhode Haven layout.

20 World’s Greatest Hobby

Engine no. 15 crosses a bascule bridge on the Model Railroader magazine’s 2014 HO scale project layout, Rice Harbor.

MARTIN KERN

It’s early in the morning on a bright sunny day in May 1927, on the Buttonwood Valley Railroad as train and station crews
in Buttonwood make ready for the passengers arriving at the station. Simple plantings like bleeding heart (left) and daylil-
ies (right) can add a nice backdrop to the scene.

www.GreatestHobby.com 21
 SPONSORS

PRECISION RAILROAD MODELS

Atlas Model Bachmann Trains Kalmbach Media Co. Kato USA Wm. K. Walthers, Inc.
Railroad Co. Inc. 1400 East Erie Ave. 21027 Crossroads Circle 100 Remington Rd. 5601 W. Florist Ave.
378 Florence Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19124 P.O. Box 1612 Schaumburg, IL 60173 Milwaukee, WI 53218
Hillside, NJ 07205 215-533-1600 Waukesha, WI 53187-1612 847-781-9500 414-527-0770
908-687-0880 www.bachmanntrains.com 262-796-8776 www.katousa.com www.walthers.com
www.atlasrr.com www.kalmbach.com

The World’s Greatest Hobby is a non-profit organi- The World’s Greatest Hobby organization exists
zation to promote model railroading. Initiated primarily as a means to coordinate these grass-
by Kalmbach Media Co., one of the largest roots efforts. It also distributes videos and
publishers of hobby magazines and books, introductory booklets, as well as providing
including Model Railroader and Classic Toy promotional material to the sponsors of all
Trains magazines and the Trains.com website, kinds and sizes of train shows.
the effort has grown to include the support The organization maintains Greatest
of other model railroad publishers, model Hobby.com, a website with tips and infor-
train manufacturers, and a variety of model mation designed to help the beginning
railroad organizations and businesses. model railroader get started.
Perhaps you received this booklet when Today’s model trains, structures, and
you attended a model railroad show, per- accessories are all better than they’ve ever
haps curiosity compelled you to visit the been. It truly is a wonderful time to be part
local hobby shop where you learned about of the World’s Greatest Hobby, and we’re
model railroading, or perhaps you heard a World’s Greatest Hobby here to help make your transition from
presentation about model railroading from PO Box 1192, Lombard, IL 60148 beginner to seasoned model railroader
a hobbyist. info@greatesthobby.com smooth, simple, and fun.

U N L I M I T E D
EXPERIENCE PREMIUM ACCESS TO THE BEST IN MODELING AND RAILROAD
CONTENT WITH THE TRAINS.COM UNLIMITED MEMBERSHIP.

Become an Unlimited Member to unlock exclusive videos, layouts, how-tos and expert tips. You will
get premium content from all of the best train brands - in one convenient location. PLUS, you will also
receive an exclusive Trains.com Unlimited Membership t-shirt, free upon payment.
Get started today with a 30-day free trial membership!
Visit us online at: trains.com/membership
*After 30-day free trial, Unlimited Membership is just $6.99/month, billed annually in one installment of $83.88.

THE BEST IN MODELING & RAILROADS  ALL IN ONE STOP!

 It’S HERE! A NEW APPROACH TO MODELING
DELIVERED STRAIGHT TO YOUR DOOR!
A six month subscription program for both new and experienced modelers. Each monthly
kit is an all-in-one crate filled with the materials and instructions taking you from start to
finish on creating your own 12” x 24” diorama!

Already a modeler? Walthers Build-

custom themes A-World kits let you brush up on your
Choose from a number of themed skills with easy to access “How-to”
programs including rural and videos created by top modelers along
urban scenes. These ‘kitchen table’ with printed instructions.
projects are perfect for dorm rooms,
apartments, youth clubs and senior
living communities.
Connecting your world
Great team activity for clubs, friends
and family. Move away from the
Teaching new skills electronics and let your creativity

iving!
Each kit builds on the teachings of soar. Clubs and youth groups can

e c t for gif t g
the previous, introducing you to the
f
each work on a kit and compare
skills used in model railroading and the results. How will you make your P e r
the creation of miniature worlds. diorama unique?
To purchase and learn all about it
www.walthers.com/baw
www.GreatestHobby.com 23
 START YOUR MODEL
RAILROADING JOURNEY
WITH A BACHMANN WORLD’S GREATEST HOBBYSM
FIRST RAILROAD TRACK PACK
Starting your first model railroad has never been more straightforward. Featuring a realistic
built-in raised trackbed, Bachmann’s E-Z Track® snaps together and stays together. No
nails, screws, or special tools required. With Nickel Silver or Steel Alloy E-Z Track®
options, the World’s Greatest HobbySM Track Pack comes with all the track you need
to create a fun and exciting model railroad to enjoy for years to come!

WORLD’S GREATEST HOBBY SM FIRST RAILROAD TRACK PACK WORLD’S GREATEST HOBBY SM FIRST RAILROAD TRACK PACK
with STEEL ALLOY HO SCALE E-Z TRACK® with NICKEL SILVER HO SCALE E-Z TRACK®
Item No. 44497 (fits on a 4'x8' sheet of plywood) Item No. 44596 (fits on a 4'x8' sheet of plywood)

WORLD’S GREATEST HOBBY SM FIRST RAILROAD TRACK PACK

with NICKEL SILVER N SCALE E-Z TRACK® Track Plan for All Track Packs
Item No. 44896 (fits on a 56"x28" sheet of plywood)

Bachmann Industries, Inc. • 1400 East Erie Avenue • Philadelphia, PA 19124 USA • www.bachmanntrains.com

Just GettinG started?

With Atlas Starters Sets and Track Packs, You’ll be on the Right Track!
Atlas has all of the HO, N and O scale track, accessories, locomotives and freight cars you need to
build your brand new model railroad empire or freshen up an existing layout.
Find these and other fine Atlas products at your local hobby shop or online at shop.atlasrr.com!

Item #589 - HO CODE 83

Item #2588 - N CODE 80
GRAND vAllEy TRACK PACK
SCENIC RIDGE TRACK PACK Item #588 - HO CODE 80
SNAP-TRACK STARTER SET
Item #488 - HO CODE 83
Item #2788 - N CODE 80 TRUE-TRACK STARTER SET
SNAP-TRACK STARTER SET
For more inFormation or to locate an atlas authorized dealer, visit www.atlasrr.com
while you’re browsing, sign up to become an atlas insider! we’ll deliver the latest atlas news directly to your email inbox!
ATLAS MODEL RAILROAD CO, INC. • 378 Florence Ave., Hillside, NJ 07205 • www.atlasrr.com