| When you are getting started with a model train | | | | (Remember also, that an adult should always be |
| hobby, it can be a little overwhelming. There is not | | | | involved in helping to set up and to supervise the |
| only a huge amount of information out there, but | | | | use of the train set.) |
| also a wealth of choices to make as to which | | | | Z scales are harder to work on in several |
| products you should buy. Before you begin setting | | | | respects, but can offer a great challenge and a |
| up a model train layout, you should carefully | | | | chance to create a truly original train layout. |
| research the various types of trains and model | | | | Because z scale train sets are so small, a layout is |
| setups. Deciding on a layout and a scale before | | | | also substantially smaller. These are a good choice |
| you begin building will save you a lot of time, | | | | for people who need to keep their setup in the |
| money and frustration in the long run. | | | | corner of a room, for example. Some z model |
| Consider what scale train you want to work with | | | | layouts are small enough to fit into a briefcase! |
| first, as this will determine how large everything in | | | | The majority of these are based on European |
| your layout needs to be and how things will be | | | | railways. Unfortunately, there are some downsides |
| spaced out. Scale refers to the size of the model | | | | to working on this small scale. First of all, you |
| in relation to the size of the actual object. For | | | | must have great eyesight and hand-eye |
| example, a model that is 1/22 is 1/22 the size of | | | | coordination to work on something so small. To |
| an actual train. The scales that are most | | | | be able to do detailing at this size, such as |
| commonly offered for model trains are G, O, S, | | | | lettering on the trains, requires a great deal of |
| HO, N, and Z. A 'g' sized model is 1/22, the largest | | | | patience. |
| size of model that is commonly used. Contrast | | | | Additionally, because z scale is somewhat more |
| that with a 'z' model, which is only 1/220- in other | | | | difficult to work with, it is not as commonly used |
| words 1/10 the size of the 'g' model! It is | | | | as many of the other scales. For this reason, it is |
| important to choose a train scale that is | | | | hard to find parts and accessories for z train |
| appropriate for the model maker. If the train set | | | | layouts. You will be somewhat limited by the |
| is going to be worked on (or used by) a child, you | | | | available options. People who enjoy working at this |
| should consider going with one of the larger | | | | scale often say that they like the challenge, and |
| scales, as this will require somewhat less intense | | | | that is has forced them to be more creative in |
| coordination to work on. The child will also be | | | | their scenery and layouts. |
| better able to see the details of the set. | | | | |