Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Lionel Tunnel

What Makes Model Railroading Fun

Model Railroading is a great hobby for kids and adults alike.  I have been doing it since I was in high school.  I have always been interested in miniatures since the age of 3.  There are all types of scales to work with: O, HO, N, S, Z, etc.  HO is the most common.  HO scale is 1.2.1 (stands for Half O).  HO scale is what I use for mine.  It seems to work for me and it seems to have the most accessories available for my layout.

When I was a kid, I had a TYCO, that was my first train set.  Lionel was my brother's train set (Lionel is one of the most common larger gauges at regular O scale). N scale is the most common smaller scales.

Model railroading takes lots of planning and patience, but once you see the finished product, the work pays off.  You have to plan how many trains you are going to run, what type of scale is best for you, how large you want your layout, how many switches you are going to need, whether you want  passenger or freight trains, just to start.

Accessories need to be planned also.  You will need crossing signals, buildings (freight or passenger station, water tower, railroad buildings, etc.), lights, cars, people & animals, houses & businesses, telephone poles, etc.  You will also need to plan your landscaping and wiring (for the trains, and lighted or working accessories), so will need more than 1 power pack, because if you are running several trains, you will need  separate power packs to operate each train, plus a separate power pack for the accessories.

The landscaping usually consists of: trees, bushes, shrubs,  track bedding, roads, tunnels, and if you want to be creative, mountains and rivers. (you actually don't need water, they can be mad with a resin & hardener).

I am running 2 freight trains on a 8 x 8 layout, with 3 power packs, 4 track switches, several buildings and houses, and still dreaming of having a huge model railroad that will make people stare in awe.  Even thought I love my trains, they also need maintenance.  The engines need oiling to keep them running at their best (just don't get any oil on the tracks). 

There is lots more to learn about model railroading. I learn something new everyday!

When I got started in model railroading, I found this book to be helpful. I looked  at http://ziprl.com/mdl-tn-hlp, This is one the great books that helped me get started.  I am glad that they keep updating their editions.

I wish everyone good luck on their model railroading, It can be very rewarding for you and your family.

Happy Model Railroading!!

About the Author

Submitted by Garry McDaniel

Lionel Santa Fe Tunnel $99.99 Lionel Santa Fe Tunnel - Wall Decal

Lionel LIO12896 Tunnel Portals for O and O-27 Gauge Trains $23.96 Set of two tunnel portals with raised Lionel lettering and classic Postwar styling. 2 Tunnell portals for O and O-27 gauge trains. Detailed molded construction, Portals with raised Lionel lettering, Classic Postwar styling. Lionel tunnel portals add to the fun. Everyone wants to see the train go in the tunnel! Install on your permanent layout or just make a temporary tunnel with some boxes. Dimensions: 7" x 8-1/2".

Lionel LIO12896 Tunnel Portals for O and O27 Gauge Trains $29.67 Set of two tunnel portals with raised Lionel lettering and classic Postwar styling. 2 Tunnell portals for O and O27 gauge trains. Detailed molded construction Portals with raised Lionel lettering Classic Postwar styling. Lionel tunnel portals add to the fun. Everyone wants to see the train go in the tunnel Install on your permanent layout or just make a temporary tunnel with some boxes. Dimensions: 7 x 81/2 .

Tunnel $10 Tunnel

The Tunnel $16.99 The Tunnel

Lionel $29.99 Liv & Flo Lionel - Framed Art Print

Lionel LIO711141 GGauge BatteryOperated Twosided Diorama $32.24 Add some scenery to your Lionel GGauge BatteryOperated set This colorful twosided diorama is sure to add a new dimension of excitement to your layout. Durable cardboard construction. Imagery on both sides of diorama. Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge. Dimensions: 78 x 21 / Tunnel Portal Openings 63/4 x 83/4 .

Lionel Richie $6.49 Lionel Richie

Lionel Messi $99.99 Lionel Messi - Wall Decal

Lionel Barrymore $7.99 Lionel Barrymore - Photo

Lionel Stander $7.99 Lionel Stander - Photo

Lionel Jeffries $7.99 Lionel Jeffries - Photo

Lionel Ritchie $7.99 Lionel Ritchie - Photo

Lionel LIO711141 G-Gauge Battery-Operated Two-sided Diorama $26.04 Add some scenery to your Lionel G-Gauge Battery-Operated set! This colorful two-sided diorama is sure to add a new dimension of excitement to your layout. Durable cardboard construction. Imagery on both sides of diorama. Gauge: Large Scale/G Gauge. Dimensions: 78" x 21" / Tunnel Portal Openings 6-3/4" x 8-3/4".

Lionel The Trainer - WakeUp $10 Lionel The Trainer - WakeUp

Lionel Richie: Live In Paris $16.99 Lionel Richie: Live In Paris

Line Dancing With Lionel Blair $13.99 Line Dancing With Lionel Blair

Lionel Hampton Story $13.49 Lionel Hampton Story

Sonatas Arranged By Lionel Tertis $22.99 Sonatas Arranged By Lionel Tertis

& Lionel Hampton (Japan) $44.99 & Lionel Hampton (Japan)

Lionel LIO16843 Western Diorama with a Factory Rebate Offer $23.91 Add two distinctive landscape scenes to your layout with this new diorama! This Product has a factory Rebate offer. Download and print the coupon below. Cardboard construction. Imagery on both sides of diorama. Gauge: Traditional O Gauge. Dimensions: Dimensions: 69-3/4" x 17-3?8" (6-1/4"x 8" tunnel portal opening)

Lionel Messi Mural $99.99 Lionel Messi Mural - Wall Decal