Model Railroad Trains - By Category

Model Train Basics

Model railroad trains are what it's all about. Here you'll find all the basics to get you started and then some!

Layout Construction

Constructing a model railroad layout is actually a fine art. It comprises sculpting, model building, painting, and even some electronic engineering. When modeling a real location, photography plays a big part in the preparation. Before construction begins, track layouts are designed using templates or specialized CAD programs on a computer. Computer graphics may be used to create miniature billboards and signs. Oh... and most serious modelers make their own decals too.

Viewer Polls

The most popular scale? The best part of the hobby? See what our views think and share your opinion.

Model Railroad Clubs and Organizations

Many model railroaders belong to organizations like the NMRA, as well as local clubs where they can run their trains with friends. To make their models accurate, modelers research railroad history. Real-life railroad organizations and rail-fan groups are invaluable resources to serious modelers.

Real Railroads

Before you can model anything you need to know something about it. Whether they're still in operation or have become "fallen flags", real-life railroads have their own histories, paint color schemes, and heralds, Many have their own museums and rail-fan groups.

Model Railroad Glossary - Definitions of Model Railroading Terms

Model railroading and real-life railroading have their own language. Here's a glossary of railway and model railroad culture related definitions. Here you'll find the meaning of many terms, acronyms, and jargon defined.
A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Collecting Model Railroad Trains

Collecting model railroad trains is very different from modeling or operations. Operators buy model trains, put them out on their layout and run and frequently customize store bought trains. Collectors buy model railroad trains and display them on shelves or put them away. They may take them out to look at, but they seldom if ever run them. Models are acquired for collectible value rather than operational qualities.

Customizing Model Trains

Give your models personality and character and improve operations with extra details, weathering, and more.

Rio Grande Narrow Gauge Project Layout

Build a model train layout based on the Denver and Rio Grande narrow gauge rairoad in Colorado step-by-step.