Lionel O Scale

What is model railroading?

Model railroading is a hobby, an art form, serious business, or fun. It depends on who you ask. Click here to operate a live O-gauge model railroad online via your web browser!

Wikipedia defines model railroading as “Railway modeling (UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Ireland) or model railroading (US and Canada), which is a hobby in which rail transport systems are modeled at a reduced scale.”

That description is formal for me. I lean more toward the fun and scientific aspects of model railroading. I love tinkering with anything that involves electricity and motors. Many of the folks I know who build model railroads are very much into the modeling aspects of it. 

How long have people been building model railroads?

People have been modeling railroads since the mid-1800s. Wikipedia has a very cool photo of a model railway from the 1800s that you can view here

Collection of various HO Locomotives

Who produces model railroading trains and the supplies for building model railroads?

There are many manufacturers of model trains and model railroading equipment. A few of the most prominent ones today are Lionel, Atlas, Bachman Trains, Walthers, and Hornby. You can buy trains at your local Hobby Lobby, Hobby Town, or, even better, your local mom-and-pop hobby store if your town has one. 

Other popular options for buying model trains include eBay, and local model train swap meets often hosted by local model railroading clubs. 

What is the culture like around model railroading?

Model railroading is excellent fun for the whole family. It covers the entire spectrum, from playing with a toy to the most critical and detailed scale modeler. There are local model railroading clubs in many cities and states, and swap meet shows happen almost monthly in many areas. 

What are the benefits of model railroading as a hobby?

Model railroads teach history, electrical theory, and design design theory. It’s a hands-on hobby that encourages fellowship with other hobbyists. There is a low barrier to entry.

How can you start model railroading today?

Go here now and find a club near you! Find a swap meet here

Small 5×8 FT N scale layout

How much does it cost to get into model railroading?

Plenty of complete starter sets are available for less than $200, which you can operate on a tabletop or floor in your house. You can start for less than that by buying used sets.

How much space do I need for my model railroad?

This depends on the scale. You can start with a small N or Z scale train that could run on a small tabletop. Conversely, some folks have sets that occupy entire buildings or rooms in their house.

Now that you know why I think model railroading is the hobby for you. Share your thoughts, questions, or comments below.

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