Barry Melek Electric Train Sets

Scale Train Layout

The Most Important Factors When Choosing Model Train Layout Plans

If you've decided that you're finally going to take on that childhood dream of yours and build your own model railway, then this will take careful research and planning. While designing your model trains layout plans, you'll need to take a number of important considerations into account.

 

To begin with you will want to think about what model train scale and gauge you want to use to design and build your model railway and this will again be determined by a few different factors. These are things like how much space you have, how much you want to fit on your layout and what scale best suits your personal needs (You can find more about choosing the best model train scale for you in one of my other articles).

 

You will also want to think about what type of scene you want to set for your railway and what scenery and backdrops you will create for your model railroad. For example, the model train layout plans for a fiddle yard, will differ greatly to those of a mountain village setting, or an inner city monorail.

 

This also leads on to the next point nicely, which is what model railway trains you are actually interested in. If you are collecting a lot of freight trains, then this will have an influence on what scenery you will be building for it, which again in turn will have an effect on the type of model train layout plans you will design.

 

Freight trains lend themselves better to industrial scenery, which can be fitted on a smaller plans, with more switching options, going backwards and forwards along the same tracks, such as a fiddle yard shelf layout. However, longer passenger trains work better in larger layouts where they have a longer track to travel along.

 

Again, this brings up another point, which is the length of your carriages and the size of your layout, paying particular consideration to the radius of the curves. If you have longer carriages such as modern passenger trains, these will have a longer wheelbase than an old freight wagon and your model railway layout plans will therefore need to have more gradual turns so that the trains don't derail all the time.

 

If you hadn't already realized, you will now be able to see that there are a lot of different factors that will influence your decisions as to which model train layout plans you will want to use for you model railroad and each of these will have an effect on the next. Therefore, the best advice I can give to anyone who wants to build their own model railway is to do a lot of research first and have a clear plan of exactly what you want to build from the start. That way, you will be a lot more focused on your build and far more likely to succeed with achieving your dream model railway layout.

 

For more information on model railway trains, visit my site by clicking on the links below, where I have shared my knowledge and experience of this amazing hobby.

About the Author

Tim McCarthy is a model railway enthusiast with many years experience in the field of model trains. For further information on model railroads, including more on model train layout plans, please feel free to head over to http://www.modelrailwaytrainstips.com/model-train-layout-plans.

HO scale train layout model lamppost lamp $48.74 hight quality HO scale model lamppost lamp for HO layout, hand made. All style can be 6V, 12V and 16V to meet the customer need

8-Piece N-Scale Railroad Layout All Tall Pier Set Train Accessory by Hawthorne Village $46.23 Ready to take your N-scale layout to new heights? Now you can expand the configuration of your train displays with this dynamic 8-piece all tall pier set. Each tall pier tower arrives with a coordinating base and bracket and features a snap-together system and assembly instructions. This heirloom-quality Bachmann N-scale train accessory makes the perfect addition to your collection and is available from The Bradford Exchange Hawthorne Village Division. Each piece of this tall pier set is expertly crafted of durable plastic by master artisans with precision detailing. The pivoting track brackets swivel and the pier bases accommodate floor or carpet use and are designed for easy removal. Strong demand is expected for this N-scale layout so order now! Easily attaches to your existing N-scale track display; assembly instructions providedCertificate of AuthenticityN scale

Bachmann HO Scale 12-piece E-z Track Layout Expander Set $76.21 This Bachmann HO Scale 12-piece E-z Track Layout Expander Set allows you to add to the track with our train sets or create new configurations of turnouts, branch lines and double-track mainlines on your existing railroad.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 44494Materials: Plastic and metalRecommended for ages 8 years and olderSet includes 12 pieces of track expandersDimensions: 4 inches long x 12 inches wide x 16 inches tallFour pieces of 9-inch strait trackFour pieces of 18-inch curved trackIncludes manual turnout-left, manual turnout-right, and two Hayes bumpersQuick and easy assembly on floors, tables and carpets without the need for special toolsOffered in steel alloy with black roadbedDimensions: 16 inches long x 12 inches wide x 1 inches tall

Build a Better Toy Train Layout $18.94 - Perfect for beginning and intermediate toy train operators - Written by John Grams and Dick Christianson

Scale $11.99 Track Listing: 1. Something Isn't Right, 2. Movers and the Shakers, The, 3. Moving Like a Train, 4. Harmonise, 5. We're in Love, 6. Birds of a Feather, 7. Those Feelings, 8. Down, 9. Movie Star, 10. Just Once, 11. Wrong

Lifelike 132251 SceneMaster O Scale People Figures 4331855 $31.25 These handpainted figures add action and detail to any O or G scale train layout . Six figures in action poses stand on clear bases. For ages 14+. Made in China.

Scale People Standing Figures (Pack of 6) $35.32 These hand-painted standing figures add action and detail to any O or G scale train layout. This package features six figures in action poses standing on clear bases.People Standing FiguresHand-paintedPerfect for any O or G scale train layoutSix figures in action poses stand on clear basesRecommended for ages 14 years and olderModel: 433-1855Sizes are approximate.

Bachmann Your First Layout Track Pack - HO Scale $109.99 It's never been easier to get started in model railroading! Bachmann's Your First Layout Track Pack contains all the track you need to build the layout featured in the included DVD, Building Your First Model Railroad. Hosted by actor and model railroad enthusiast Michael Gross, the easy-to-follow video will quickly get you on track for fun with the World's Greatest Hobby! Backmann E-Z track system. Snaps together and stays together on floors, tables and carpets. No nails, screws or special tools needed. 45-piece Track Pack includes: World's Greatest Hobby Building Your First Model Railroad DVD, hosted by actor/model railroader Michael Gross nine 9" straights one 9" terminal/rerailer one 9" rerailer twenty 18" radius curves two 3" straights two switches - left two switches - right two Hayes bumpers four switch wires (green)one terminal wire (red) Bachmann HO scale E-Z Track® features: clear tie spacing low-profile spike heads modeled from AAR track engineering dimensions

S P Whistle Stop 42333 Train Crew $22.95 Populate your layout with miniature figures from all walks of life. HO Scale. Huge selection to choose from. Satisfaction ensured. Constructed from the highest quality materials.

Lifelike 152400 HO Scale Electric Slot Car and Train Set High Iron and Burnin Rubber $170.83 Combining the action of racing with the fun of model railroading this set delivers twice the fun You ll get a complete train set with a powered diesel loco two freight cars and matching caboose plus ULlisted power pack and for easy set up a 47 x 38 1.19 x .97m oval of snaptogether PowerLoc track with an eightpiece over under pier set. For highspeed fun there s also a complete racing set with easy to use DuraLoc track that snaps together. The 42 x 48 1.07 x 1.22m layout includes the awesome race/train intersection track where slot cars actually cross the railroad Two slot cars two speed controllers ULlisted power pack and additional accessories round out your racing fun. Combined set up size: 51 x 57.5 1.3 x 1.46m. Illustrated instructions included. 1 year warranty against defects. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

Bachmann G Scale White Christmas Train Set $565.9 This Bachmann G Scale White Christmas Train Set electric train set includes power pack and speed control. This ready to run train set comes with steam locomotive with operating headlight and much more.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 90076Materials: Plastic and metalG Scale ready to run electric train set includes 4-6-0 steam locomotive with operating headlight, smoke and speed synchronized soundIncludes tender with wood load, combine car with operating door and lighted interior and coach car with lighted interiorOval track is 98 inches long x 51 inches wideFeatures power pack and speed controllerOne 1.9 volt battery required (not included)Recommended for ages 8 and older

Stanley 68046071 Premium Quick Square Layout Tools $23.45 Rafter layout square with black body and yellow graduations for maximum readability in all light conditions. Extra thick body for use as a saw guide with a 0deg; to 90deg; protractor scale

Layout $26.44 This is an updated version of the popular first edition of this book, in which Ambrose and Harris introduce the fundamentals of layout within the field of graphic design. It provides a guide to the effective arrangement of text and image elements within a design scheme, which enables students to learn how to create powerful forms of visual communication in both print and electronic media.

Rail Master HO Scale Electric Train Set $160.68 This Lifelike HO Scale 'Rail Master' Train Set features over 100 pieces including utility poles, railroad and street signs. This toy train set features a four unit Santa Fe Diesel Locomotive with working headlight.Brand: Rail MasterHO Scale Electric Train SetOval trackIncludes Santa Fe Diesel Locomotive with working headlightOver 100 pieces including utility poles, railroad and street signsPower-loc terminal rerailer power track for easy alignmentNo batteries requiredRecommended for ages 8 years and olderDimensions: 47 inches high x 38 inches wideModel: 433-8608

Bachmann N Scale Frontiersman Train Set $215.38 This Bachmann N Scale Frontiersman Train Set includes many old-time toy train cars. This electric train set comes with easy to assemble nickel silver E-z track.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 24006Materials: Plastic and metalIncludes American 4-4-0 steam locomotive and tender, old-time water tank car, old-time box car, old-time gondola car, old-time flat car and old-time bobber cabooseOval track is 34 inches wide x 24 inches long of nickel silver E-z trackAlso comes with power pack and speed controllerRecommended for ages 8 and older

S P Whistle Stop 42341 Train Work Crew $22.95 Populate your layout with miniature figures from all walks of life. Qty OH: 23. HO Scale. Huge selection to choose from. Satisfaction ensured. Constructed from the highest quality materials.

free shipping 50pcs 3mm LED transparent 12V White Light LED Wired LEDs for train layout $11.99 Light up your model railroad buildings, model cars, doll house, model ship and other model layout with 3mm white LED

Bachmann N Scale Explorer Train Set $186.29 This Bachmann N Scale Explorer Train Set includes easy to assemble E-z track that snaps together in no time. This electric train set features power pack and speed controller.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 24008Materials: Plastic and metalIncludes Powered EMD F9 diesel locomotive with operating headlightFeatures unpowered A unit F9 diesel locomotive, single dome tank car, refrigerator car, covered hopper car, plug door box car, flat car with containers and off-center cabooseOval track is 34 inches wide x 24 inches long of nickel silver E-z trackFeatures 12 telephone poles, 24 railroad and street signs, power pack and speed controllerRecommended for ages 8 and older

Model Railroad Layout Hobbies Wall Calendar by CafePress $21 Plan view photos of a Model Railroad, toy train, layout - tracks, trains, buildings, and detail authentic scenes. Hobbies Wall Calendar Keeping track of important dates on your calendar is easy when you can view 12 months of inspiring images that reflect your personal interests. Our high-quality calendar is printed on thick 100lb cover weight paper and adds impact to any room.

Bachmann G Scale Thomas and Friends Percy Large Train Set $480 This Bachmann G Scale Thomas and Friends Percy Large Train Set includes Percy the Small Engine and two troublesome truck train cars. This large G Scale train set features power pack and speed controller.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 90069Materials: Plastic and metalG ScaleReady to run electric train set includes Percy the Small Engine with moving eyesFeatures Troublesome Truck 1 and Troublesome Truck 2 engine carsOval track is 64 inches wide x 51 inches long when assembledComes with power pack and speed controllerRecommended for ages 8 and older

Train $10 Train

This Train $14.29 This Train

The Train $8.99 The Train

Bachmann Yard Boss Train Set - N Scale $99.99 When there?s freight to be moved, there?s nothing like the raw power of a steam locomotive to get the job done. Our Yard Boss train set comes complete with Bachmann?s exclusive E-Z Track® snap-fit track and roadbed system, plus: 0-6-0 steam locomotive and tender, box car, quad hopper, wide-vision caboose, 24½ circle of nickel silver E-Z Track® including 11 pieces curved track and 1 curved plug-in terminal rerailer, power pack and speed controller, and illustrated instruction manual.

Bachmann G Scale White Christmas Large Train Set $484.9 This Bachmann G Scale White Christmas Large Train Set includes steam locomotive with operating headlight and many train cars. This electric train set runs on a G Scale track and comes with a power pack and speed controller.Made by Bachmann TrainsModel: 90037Materials: Plastic and metalG ScaleReady to run electric train set includes 4-6-0 steam locomotive with operating headlight, smoke and speed-synchronized soundFeatures tender with coal load, gondola car, bobber caboose and Santa figureOval track is 64 inches wide x 51 inches long when assembledIncludes power pack and speed controllerOne 1.9 Volt battery required (not included)Recommended for ages 8 and older