Are you one of those people who loves to watch the big locomotives push and pull the railroad cars along the tracks or someone who loves to ride trains in general? So why don’t you try building a model train at home? It can be something you really love and just as rewarding as the enjoyment you get from seeing those big trains in action. Collecting model trains is a great hobby for all ages.

When you’re ready to choose a model train, you need to know what the options are. If you are just starting out, you may enjoy the Z scale which has a 1:220 aspect ratio. The Z scale is the smallest scale ever made; which is perfect if you only have a small amount of space like in a small apartment.

The N scale model train is the second best selling model train in the world and would also be a great choice. The N scale has a ratio of 1:160 and this train is a favorite of younger and more experienced model railways. If you consider yourself in this group, then the N scale model train may work well for you.

The best-selling model train in the world is the HO scale, with a ratio of 1:87.1. The products and resources available for this model train are very extensive. A very popular brand for HO scale is the Kato Unitrack WGH plan set.

This would be the train scale where you can start small and build it the way you want. HO scales are generally sold with the track only and do not include a power supply for the train. The default layout includes four turnouts, two on the left and two on the right. It features configurable power routing that allows power to be routed through the turnout for DC operations, or power can be routed to both legs of the turnout. The Kato Unitrack WGH game is definitely a starter game. As mentioned a moment ago, if you’re looking for something that allows you to start small and expand as your experience grows, this is the scale for you.

Another scale model that you could choose is the O scale, with a ratio of 1:48. This particular scale is the oldest scale and has been around for over 100 years. The O scale was originally manufactured by Marklin in Germany in the early 20th century. The O scale is now made by companies like MTH, Lionel and Marklin. Historically, the 1:48 scale was selected because it was in proportion to dollhouses of the time. This model train was originally made as a wind-up toy and was not powered by electricity.

Now we have the 1:64 ratio S scale models, which were created due to a strong demand for more realistic versions of scale trains. This particular model adopted higher quality fidelity in its construction and shape. This is one of the main reasons why the S scale is such a rarity today; tends to be cost prohibitive.

Finally, there is the T scale, which was introduced in 2006, currently considered the smallest commercially sold model train. All T-Scale models are battery operated with a maximum electrical output of 4.5VDC at best. For better energy harvesting, the carriages contain magnetic wheels that connect to the steel rails of the track. Standard sets come with two motorized cars placed in the middle of the train.

There are so many varieties of model train scales available to choose from that the decision may take some time. The key is to learn all you can about the various model train options and decide which model is best for you. If you’re just starting out, there are many starter kits that will work just fine for you. If you place a high value on detail and realism, you can choose one of the more complex models. Whether you’re a collector or a hobbyist, there’s a model train named after you.