Model Train Basics

Essential tips for getting started in the hobby of model railroading.

Thinking about building a model railroad? Here's what you need to do before spending your hard earned money.

Tips on buying and selling model railroad trains for your collection or as gifts.

If you need some help picking a specific gift, take a look at these tips.

Model railroaders can be hard to shop for. For most of us, our model trains aren’t just a hobby but an extension of our personality. Yet to an outsider, every train looks the same. Here are some tips for finding the perfect gift for that train buff in your life. Keep these tips in mind when searching for specific ideas in any price range.

Building simple model train kits.

How to clean model trains.

Description of knuckle couplers available for model trains, including brief prototype history.

How to fix a coupler that hangs too low.

Build a simple display board for model trains as a fun project or learning experience.

Early diesel freight and passenger locomotives had distinctive full-width enclosed body styles, as opposed to the later "hood units". While the EMD E and F units are the ones commonly called covered wagons, there are ALCO and Baldwin units similar in design that they could be called "covered wagon" locomotives too.

Set up and maintain an inventory for your model train collection.

Widely read magazine on model railroading topics.

Joe Fugate provides a forum and sells his "how-to" videos on this site.

An good overview of Japanese Railway Modeling, with links to all aspects of Japanese model railroading.

Common maintenance and repair tips and techniques.