The world of model railways is not just about small trains going round a circle of track.
The hobby opens up a complete set of new horizons to the enthusiast. Railway modelling combines a wealth of activities to keep you busy for years. Not only does your knowledge increase about the locomotives and rolling stock themselves but also D.I.Y, Social History, Geography, Electrics, and Mechanics - You name it, you'll be certain to need it at sometime or other.
There is a great deal of satisfaction to be had from designing, constructing and operating your own miniature world and you will not need to be rocket scientist to achieve it.
The best way to get a broad knowledge of Model Railways is to attend a local club. Your local library will usually have information about meetings.
Why should you join a club?
Of course you don't have to join a club, but that is where you will find a vast resource of experience and advice.
A Club will usually have several Club layouts in different scales (sizes), this will help you decide on which scale you would like to use on your own layout. Most clubs often get a discount from the local store, which is useful should you decide to join.
You can then run your own locos and stock on a layout that you helped to build. It is a good sociable experience and you have free advice and experience on tap.
Please bear in mind that whomever you talk to, you are only getting an opinion. Nothing is set in stone as an absolute right or wrong. If you are happy with the end result then that is all that matters.
Once you build your own layout your local club may well give you the opportunity to display it at exhibitions.
The best way to see all the common scales in operation is to attend a Model Railway Exhibition
They are usually advertised in the Local papers, but all exhibitions throughout the country are advertised in the numerous Model Railway magazines available from most newsagents. The Largest show in England is Warley Model Railway show and this takes place at the NEC at the end of November each year.
We would recommend that you attend a number of First class exhibitions and shows, or visit a local club before making an expensive decision that you regret a couple of years down the road.
Bachmann now provide information regarding the period that our models actually operated on the real railways. These Eras will help you purchase items that ran together in the same period of history. Many railway liveries lasted longer in practise than just one specific era as defined in our chart, none the less; the ERA classifications will be helpful to all beginners as guide to authenticity.
The single most important skill you will require is patience
If you have plenty of that you are halfway to winning the battle. Depending on what you want from a layout and the space available, will affect what scale you choose to model in. You may want to see long trains running quickly through a town or countryside scene, or perhaps you would prefer a small compact layout featuring a branch line terminus and small goods yard with lots of small shunting moves.
There are lots of books available showing suggested track plans that fit lots of different spaces. and a large number of publications available from good bookshops.
PECO produce a series of very inexpensive pamphlets detailing layout construction, and a very good video "How to build a Model Railway"
There are pro's and con's for all scales but as there is no right or wrong answer, it is entirely up to you. Generally speaking, it is best to use the biggest scale permissible under the following parameters.
- The space you have
- The model design you want to build. Yet is often fun to model a real location, as you can visit it and research track diagrams and architecture.
- The time you have. Certain scales require everything to be built by hand with nothing-available ready to use from a shop.
- The Budget you have.
Layout building materials are readily available. Bachmann 00 track is produced to the standard UK track geometry. A full list of Bachmann track can be found on the Track page
Woodland Scenics is the most comprehensive range of landscaping materials available. Woodland provides every thing you will ever need from track ballast to water. From a complete forest of trees to Snow. Information on the entire woodland scenic range can be found on the Woodland Scenics pages.
Woodland Scenics also produce some excellent guide books and DVD’s. These are listed at http://www.bachmann.co.uk/prod1.php4?prod_selected=scenics&prod=25
Bigger usually costs more!
The biggest lesson that most modellers have learnt is never rush into buying anything unless you know exactly where it goes or how you are going to put it to use. Don‘t waste money.
There are several firms that will build a first class layout for you, but this can be expensive. If you feel that this would be a good investment, then give them a call. Get some quotes before taking the plunge. Ask them to bring some photos of layouts they have built recently.
We would recommend that you make an attempt to construct something yourself first, even if it is just laying, wiring and ballasting a single piece of track onto a scrap piece of wood. Test your own skills before calling in the professionals.
Exhibition Standard layouts hardly ever have a single building constructed from a "Shelf Ready Kit" as none are suitable for the location they are modelling eg. You cannot buy a model of York Station off the shelf!
It may be that you will have to commission someone to build items for you, but the outcome will be a model that you know is correct to the real location, or that the track plan has not been compromised by the dimensions of a proprietary set of points.
The Railway press will inform you of all the latest products on the market.
Digital Command Control (DCC) is the latest innovation that is becoming increasingly popular. Bachmann produce a range of E-Z Command DCC Products, including Ready-to-Run Digital Starter Sets
When things go wrong you need to be able to repair and sort them out yourself with out having to rely on others for information and help.
You will find that different shops charge differing amounts for products; going with the cheapest is not always the best way. Build a good relationship with a local store and you will be able to go to them for advice.
It is also easier to return items to the local shop should it be required.
We hope that this brief guide has pointed out a few key issues that you are likely to face.
