Model Railroad sets are very popular and are increasing in numbers each day. This is due to the fact that every day more and more people come to realize how pleasurable the calm and serenity of building a model railroad set can be. These sets were originally created to emulate actual railways and in many cases are simply smaller models of the real thing. Because of this, model railways are adored by people of all ages just like real trains. This is why model railroad and model train building kits can be great for everyone—something matched by few toys or models.

There are some elements that are common in almost every model railroad and model train set. Of course there are going to be tracks and a train. But usually there will also be some type of scenery which will include, but is not limited to buildings, plants and animals. In fact, model kits can contain any accessory you could possibly want and since each set is different and original you will need to know a few necessary tips for finding the perfect model railroad kit.

The first thing to know is that model railroad and train building kits come in many different sizes. These sizes are generally called scales and will be symbolized by either a letter or a ratio. This will allow potential buyers to know the size of the model compared to the original. It is rare that a model will have both a ratio and a number, but even though every model railroad brand has its own numbering system there are some more prevalent scales that have become somewhat universal.

It is very important to learn about the four common scales before making any decisions.

The G scale is the largest possible model kit available. The G scale usually represents a model that is 1/22 the size of a real train and can sometimes get as big as 1/8 the original size depending on the company. 

The O scale is a model that is almost have the size of a G scale as O scale models are 1/48 size of a real train. In reality, O scale model trains are about thirty inches wide and although they run on a narrow track they still have all the detail of the real thing.

The HO scale is 1/87 the size of a real train, which is half the size of the O scale model. The “H” in the HO scale represents the half since the HO scale is half the size of the O scale.

Finally, the Z scale is the smallest possible size model at 1/220 of the size of a real train. Just as Z is the last letter of the alphabet it is the last thing from the original train’s size. These sell better than any other model as they take up very little space.

Before you choose which model railroad and model train set you want to buy you need to read all the information about it to make sure you have adequate space for the set. Look around on this site at the various model train layouts and be sure to check out the Questions and Answers section.

Two great books loaded with information about all aspects of model railroading are Model Train Help and The Complete Beginner’s Guide To Model Trains.