Lionel Layout
Toy Model Trains - An Overview
Some model trains can be extremely expensive and are too delicate for children, but toy model trains are the perfect way to introduce children to this wonderful hobby. They are less expensive than other types of trains, and they are generally sturdier and easier to use.
Model Trains Kits
Many toy Model Train kits come with the train, tracks, and some accessories for creating the environment. They may come with some trees, signs, and other accessories that children can use to set up their own play set.
Scale Standards
The Normal European Modeling Standards, also called NEM standards, currently lists twelve sizes for toy model trains, from minuscule 1:220 scale models all the way up to very large 1:5.5! To truly be considered a toy model train, they are generally either S gauge or O gauge, although HO scale and N scale models are easier to find in toy stores.
A good way to get started with toy model trains is to purchase a pre-packaged set. Companies like Lionel and Bachmann make great starter sets, and they are collectible, as well.
Once you get a little experience, you may prefer to start buying pieces individually. You can buy train cars, tracks, and accessories separately, so you can choose only the pieces you really want.
If you really enjoy trains, you might consider joining the Model Railway Club or another similar club. This club was established in London in 1910, and they are the oldest train club in the world. Clubs like this are a great way to get more information on things you can do with your toy trains, and to share your interest with other people who enjoy it as much as you do!
Lionel Toy Trains
Lionel is by far the most popular maker of toy trains. The company has been in existence for over 100 years, originally started in 1900. They were founded as an electrical novelties company, but trains quickly became the staple of its product line. They originally produced trains from 1901 through 1969, when they were bought by General Mills. These days the company is still doing business, making toy trains and accessories.
Composition
Toy trains may be made of metal, plastic, or wood. Metal trains are usually preferred by most enthusiasts. Plastic trains are generally reserved only for children. Wooden trains are beloved by many people, but they've fallen out of favor with the general public.
Some people buy toy model trains to play with, and others prefer to purchase them solely for collecting. Those who buy to collect usually prefer older models, and those made my major companies like Lionel or Marx. People who purchase their trains to play with may buy from any manufacturer, and may even mix parts between manufacturers in order to build their ideal system.
About the Author
Den Gardner is a toy model trains enthusiast and enjoys helping others get started in the amazing, fun-filled hobby. His newest book, "The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains", teaches hobbyists everything they need to know including setup, scale, layouts, benchwork, model trains scenery and more.
Lionel Layout
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 LIONEL DEALER SUPER O D 264 FACTORY 5 x 9 LAYOUT  US $1,600.00
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 LIONEL AND PORTO TRAIN PAC COMPANYS RARE SUITCASE PORTABLE 027 GAUGE LAYOUT US $500.00
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 HUGE LOT of Lionel Fastrack 2 CW 80 GIANT Layout O 36 O 48 MANY FULL CIRCLES US $349.00
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 LIONEL 8 CITY BUILDINGS DOWNTOWN O GAUGE ACCESSORY LOT TRAIN LAYOUT MAIN STREET US $324.95
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 Lionel Pennsylvania Flyer Freight Train Set O Gauge 30174 Layout 40 x 60 New US $230.00
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 LIONEL Trains 5 x 10 DELUXE Double Crossing FASTRACK Track Pack Layout Lot US $220.00
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 LIONEL train DELUXE TRACK PACK for FASTRACK 5x10 Feet layout straight curve US $205.94
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 Lionel FasTrack Deluxe Double Crossing 5 ft x 10 ft Layout Track Pack US $197.59
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 Lionel Fastrack Twice Around Layout O Scale Track Set Fast Track New US $174.95
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 LIONEL Trains 7 x 7 DELUXE Twice Around Corner Layout FASTRACK Track Pack Lot US $165.00
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 LIONEL TRAINS POSTWAR 52 FIRE CAR BUMPER REVERSE FUN ON THE LAYOUT SHARP US $159.95
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 LIONEL 6 22969 DELUXE O GAUGE TRACK LAYOUT w STRAIGHTS CURVES CROSSOVER US $120.00
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 LIONEL 6 HOUSES HOMES O SCALE GAUGE ACCESSORY LOT TRAIN LAYOUT ESTATE SUBURBAN US $119.95
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 LIONEL 48x96 FASTRACK TRACK COMPLETE OVAL SET terminal 4x8 train layout NEW US $99.84
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 NEW MIB MTH 30 9167 Operating Bikini Carwash Original Shipper Lionel Layouts US $98.96
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 Lionel O guage FASTRACK 40 x 90 Complete Figure 8 Layout with terminal section US $98.95
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 LIONEL 12726 GRAIN ELEVATOR BUILDING KIT TRAIN ACCESSORY O GAUGE LAYOUT NIB US $89.95
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 LIONEL FASTRACK 16825 036 COMMAND CONTROL RIGHT HAND SWITCH TRACK O GAUGE LAYOUT US $84.95
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 LIONEL 6 2318 ILLUMINATED OPERATING CONTROL TOWER BOXED FOR LAYOUT USE US $79.99
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 LIONEL 6 14221 WITCHES CAULDRON LAYOUT ACCESSORY US $74.95
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 LIONEL FASTRACK 12052 TRAIN GRADE CROSSING FLASHERS O GAUGE FAST TRACK LAYOUT US $69.95
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 LIONEL TRAINS 24168 TIRE SWING NIOB NICE ADD TO ANY LAYOUT US $67.95
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 Lionel 1033 90 Watt Train Transformer Serviced Nice Layout Ready A US $64.95
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 LIONEL 12736 COALING STATION BUILDING KIT TRAIN ACCESSORY O GAUGE LAYOUT NIB US $59.95
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 Vintage How to Operate Lionel Trains Layout Planning for Pop Books 4 Manuals US $59.00
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 LIONEL 12710 ENGINE HOUSE ASSEMBLY BUILDING KIT TRAIN ACCESSORY O GAUGE LAYOUT US $54.95
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Can anyone give me advice for an O gauge, scale layout model railroading?
Okay I have a rather small layout 6' by 5'2 " indoor layout, double tracked. 2 mth sets, and 1 lionel hobo set. What should I get next? Should I jump into the scenery or locomotives, track, accessories (etc)? Please help me! thanks
Before your layout becomes a pot of rail noodles, take the time to figure out what you are going to do for scenery. Is it going to be a desert, a mountain, a city? Deciding on that can help you plan ahead for what buildings to purchase/if you are going to make the layout any larger with track. One popular trick is to block off about 3/4 of the layout on one side with a piece of wood about 1-3' high, and put different scenery on both sides, this makes it easier to have a town on one side, and a desert or mountain on the other. Hope this helps you some, also if you have a tunnel, make shure that you can get easy access to a train if it derails/a car comes off the train. Hope this helps you somewhat in your model layout, they are extremely fun to have. My parting tip is this, make it your own and take your time 