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Scale Model Railroading
| | [larger image] | Narrow gauge railroads blend the mystique of the old West with spectacular scenery and the sights and sounds of the "iron horse" |
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Creating a World WHAT IS IT ABOUT SCALE MODEL railroading that makes it such a great hobby? At the heart of it all is our fascination with miniatures of all kinds. We find a thrill in studying tiny duplicates of real objects. Even though a precision model of a locomotive is a work of art in its own right, placing that same model in the context of a complete setting makes it come to life. There are many ways to enjoy scale model railroading, but building a complete model railroad that evokes a sense of time and place is the heart of this hobby.
Many paths Many scale model railroaders recall their childhood when a train set allowed them to exercise control over an imaginary world. As adults, they find they have the means and skills to bring that world to life. This is often combined with an interest in real railroads - called the "prototype."
Although there is a tremendous variety of fine-running, beautifully detailed locomotives, cars, buildings, and accessories available to scale model railroaders, this is still a very personal and creative hobby.
You will put something of yourself - your unique stamp - onto everything you do. There are no minimum requirements for entry, and all levels of participation, skills, and interest are welcome to join in the fun of model railroading, meaning there is a place for you.
Fun in all kinds of ways So who are these scale model railroaders? They come from all walks of life and enjoy the hobby in different ways. There are even model railroaders who rarely, if ever, build a model. They enjoy reading about the hobby and dream about the model railroad they're going to build "someday." We call these enthusiasts "armchair modelers."
Other hobbyists build detailed models of locomotives or cars. Some focus on building structures and scenery. For them, model railroading is a form of sculpture. They may even look upon the trains as a secondary consideration - providing movement in an otherwise static world.
Then there are those who focus on mechanical and electrical things to the point that they never build scenery.
But the majority of model railroaders find the greatest enjoyment in combining all these approaches, tailoring the hobby to suit their current whims and interests.
A virtual time machine Have you ever wanted to visit an earlier time or different place? Well, you can use model railroading as your ticket - back to the days of mighty steam locomotives, streamlined passenger trains, or the old West. Or you can choose the excitement of railroading today.
While some model railroaders build layouts that are precise models of real places, just as many modelers enjoy creating a world that "might have been," complete with plausible, "free-lance" railroads.
An evolving hobby Despite the variety of commercial products available, model railroading is a creative endeavor. Some even consider it art.
If two model railroaders started with identical track plans, their finished layouts would look nothing like one another. One might create a whimsical desert setting, while the other could end up with a busy urban scene.
The track plan is merely a blueprint, a diagram showing where the pieces should go. It provides a starting place but it takes the scenery and settings, and the creativity of the modeler, to breathe life into the layout and make it unique.
Starting small Most model railroaders start small - a 4x8-foot layout is the most common size, at least in HO scale (N scale starter layouts can be even smaller). They add a few buildings, some scenery, and additional cars and locomotives as the mood strikes. For some modelers a small layout provides enough fun for many years of enjoyment. More often, though, the empire builder in all of us takes over and soon plans are afoot to fill the attic, basement, garage, or spare room. No matter how big or small no layout is ever really finished. There's always some new technique to try and something to improve or change. A model railroad is a form of evolutionary art that changes and grows with its creator. Scale model railroading is a great release from the pressures of everyday life. We learn more about our world, exercise those creative energies, and have fun in the process. What more could you ask? 
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