All things model trains, planes, automobiles and scale hobbies
When trying to decide on an electric model train there are a lot of options out there! Two of the oldest and most established brands are Lionel vs Bachmann. These two brands have been making hobby model trains for around 100 years. The competition between the two has risen them both up to be the … Read more
So you’re working on your model train layout and want to make a full circle, or even a part of a circle to make ovals or smooth turns in your track, but don’t know how much track you’ll need? Read on! The Difference Between Radius and Arc Okay, first things first, lets get some definitions … Read more
What are Athearn Trains? Athearn is a model train manufacturer owned by Horizon Hobby based out of Illinois, USA. They first started in 1938, when Irvin Athearn built an O scale model railroad layout in his parent’s house, and then decided to sell it. These days, they specialize in HO and N scale model trains, … Read more
What are Bachmann Trains? Bachmann trains are currently one of the largest manufacturers of model trains in the world. They’re currently a Chinese owned company but were first founded in Philadelphia in 1833. From 1833 right through until 1966, they were manufacturers of a variety of different products; originally vanity products made from ivory and … Read more
What are Lionel Trains? Lionel Model Trains are a staple in the model train community. In fact, they were one of the first companies to ever make model toy trains, and have been in business since the early 1900s. They’re one of the oldest brands of toy trains in the world, and are so prolific … Read more
Thinking about buying a model train for your toddler as a Christmas gift from Santa? or an electric train set for one of your kids as a birthday present? Or maybe it’s a ‘just because’ kind of thing. Well, this is the guide for you! But first, why would you even buy a train set … Read more
So what happens when you really like model trains, and you want to build a layout, but you happen to live in a cramped inner-city apartment, or just don’t have an awful lot of space? Well, you either need to get super creative or consider moving to a small gauge of model train. So is … Read more
Considering picking up a new model train and looking to find out who the best model train manufacturer and brands are? You’ve come to the right place! In truth, there aren’t a lot of model train brands around these days, so the list of ‘best’ is definitely pretty small. It’s not a bad thing though, … Read more
Want to learn how to make mountains for model train layouts? It’s actually super easy! There’s nothing better than model railroad mountains that sits proudly on your layout for your train to either go around, up or even through! Plan your layout This is the most important part of the whole process when making hills … Read more
Ready to ballast your model train track? Or don’t even know what model train track ballast is? Ballast is the rocks or gravel in between the sleepers of a train track. Adding ballast to your tracks is a really good way to help blend it into your scenery and add a sense of realism. The … Read more