The popularity of model railroads and related equipment can been seen by the amount of model train stuff you can find on the market these days. When I was a youngster I myself was in love with my grandfathers attic train-set and the amount of model train stuff he kept up there to - I still have a soft spot even to this day.

You really do not need a lot of equipment if you are a newbie starting out with model trains so there is nothing really holding you back. However, as with most things that are new to us there is a certain amount of knowledge you should have to successfully and briskly get to where you want to be with model trains. You could just run out to your local store and buy a more professional train-set and follow the instructions through assembly but I personally would not recommend this.

The very first thing you should consider when it comes to model train stuff is what scale are you planning to follow with your model railway project. So what exactly is a model train scale? It is what it is - scale relates to the actual size of the trains and the equipment. For example, The scale of T is one of the most smallest scales and would be ideal if you were short of a bit of space. On the flip side of the coin you may have a large attic ( like my grandfather ) or cellar/basement so the scale G would be what you are looking for ( a very large train-set system ).

So you've decided on the scale - make sure it really is the one you want because you cannot mix and match your model train stuff - you must stick to the one scale. As a recommendation the most common scale used on a global level is HO scale. Because of it's large popularity it is much easier to find equipment and have second hand pieces available. The HO scale is also popular and well known form their high levels of durability and general toughness - this is ideal if you have young children in your house who are also interested in model trains ( which most young boys and girls are ).

So don't just travel to your local town and pick a model train-set you fancy without thinking things through first. The model train stuff that you will have to purchase forever more will relate to the first train-set's scale.