How to Assemble Your First Train Set

Fri, 10 Aug 2012 10:07:11 +0100

Assembling a model train set for the first time can be intimidating, but anybody can do it. Whether you're just building a display for the holidays or starting out on a life-long hobby, every layout starts with simple basics. Model railroading is a great family activity, and with a little adult help the kids can do this too.

This "quick and dirty" approach to getting started should have you running trains within the hour. Everything you do will be reversible so you can make changes and improvements later as your skills, confidence and collection expand.

One of the hardest tasks is deciding which train is right for you. If you haven't already purchased a set, see this buyers guide. With so many sizes and styles available, there is certainly a model train that will expand your imagination without overloading your space and budget.

No matter what scale or style train you've chosen, you'll want to prepare yourself before you get started. Take a few minutes to prepare the space you've chosen for the train and gather some key tools.

Get Ready

Make sure the area you've chosen is clean and clutter-free. The floor, especially carpet, is not the ideal place for a model train. Electric trains depend on stable, clean track for reliable operation. For temporary layouts, or to engage young engineers, the floor may be the best option.

If you are using an elevated platform, make sure it is strong enough to support the weight of the trains and anything else that may wind up on it, including you. A level table is an advantage, but it doesn't need to be perfect.

Most starter train sets don't require much in the way of tools. A Phillips or Flat-head screwdriver may be all you'll need. Needle-nose pliers, wire strippers / cutters, scissors or a utility knife and an extension cord may also be useful. If you are making your track permanent, a tack hammer, nail set and spikes will be needed. It is ok to wait a while before spiking all of your track. Take some time to experiment with different designs and learn what works best for you.

If you're doing this for the first time, expect to take 30 to 60 minutes to set up your first circle of track. If the set you've chosen has more than a circle of track, start with a circle or small oval anyway. Once that is up and running you can test your train and then start expanding with confidence.

Get Started

Your train set will soon be up and running in four easy steps:

Unpacking Your Model Train Set
Laying Track
Hooking up the Power
Testing Your Trains

Even if your set doesn't look like this one, the steps will be the same. Refer to the instructions that come with your train set when there are differences.

Starting simple is a great way to build the confidence and passion you'll need to keep growing. You'll be learning carpentry, electrical and artistic skills as you go. And remember, model railroading can be a lifetime hobby, so take your time and enjoy the ride!

Locos and Stock

Thu, 09 Aug 2012 04:39:47 +0100

Final preparations are under way for Expo-NG next weekend, with some small jobs being done. One was loads for wagons, as with my 014 stock it struck me that shunting empty open wagons around is both dull and generally unrealistic. I realize so is shunting loads into then out of the same station, but at least the trains look more interesting!

These loads are all quite easy. Coal is a piece of black plasticard to fit in the wagon, with an off-cut of plastic in the middle to space it up close to the top of the wagon. It is not supported all round, a prod with a finger tips the load and it can be lifted out. Real coal of course is glued on top. This photo also shows the carriages, which have had a weathering wash to tone them down and add shadows.

The timber load is made in the same way as the coal loads but with coffee stirrers cut up and glued on top instead. The sheeted object is offcuts of foam-core board with a single ply of tissue glued over it, and painted with enamels. The nearest wagon has various items glued to a removable floor.

A more important job has been the going over of the stock and locos. The stock have had the back-to-backs of the wheel flanges checked - and in many cases adjusted - using a borrowed gauge, I really should get one. All the locos to be used have been had their wheels and pick-ups cleaned, couplings checked, and a drop of oil where appropriate until they ran smoothly and at low speeds. The photo below shows them all lined up at Awngate. Of course this is at least twice as many locos as the railway layout actually needs, but it adds variety and provides spares!

model-train-blogs

How to Assemble Your First Train Set

Locos and Stock