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Never buy a new locomotive as an investment. Two: Buy a locomotive because you like it. Physical considerations: Do I have enough legroom? The size of the train and the track it runs on does matter, regarding both the physical dimensions of the model and its ability to go through tight curves.

Track curvature and switches: There is a dazzling array of track types on the market today. The days when the question was whether to use O or O profile track are long gone. The problem remaining is whether or not trains will run through your curves and switches. Some moderately sized locomotives are now offered for O or wider operation how to build a toy train only. These restrictions, if ignored, may result in derailments or even damage to the how to build a toy train. Switches, on how to build a toy train other hand, pose two problems.

This is how to build a toy train same principle as running through curves. If the locomotive has only one power pickup or if its pickup rollers are too close, the unit may hit a dead spot and stop cold.

This may help you decide what you are looking for before you buy! Starter sets are a great way to introduce someone to the hobby, and they are also a good way to quickly expand your fleet. Though I have long passed the starter set phase, over the years I have bought a few sets just to get the locomotive or cars. There is a world of small, mini-locomotives, motorized units, and trolley cars that can add fun to your three-rail layout.

Generally speaking, curves that are too tight are not their problem. You may have some issues stalling on switches, depending on their pickup roller placement, but these models add fun and variety to a railroad.

These are amazing times for O gauge operators. There have never been this many locomotive types and road names available for three rails — ever. There are plenty of models that will fit in between and today, and a slightly more limited number for operators interested in the 19th century.

These are jumbotronic locomotives that require decent curvatures in the track and a layout with some physical space. Buy engines that appeal to you is an excellent policy. To me, having a layout where all the engines have single road name paint schemes becomes boring. Watch for clearance with scenery. Large articulated engines require a good amount of room as their fronts swing out to the side as they go around the curve.

The same is also true for passenger cars. The collector car world has been through this, just like every other hobby. There are going to be ups and downs. My modest railroad, built in a small attic, has limitations, but still, I can run O and O curves, mostly, my inner loop is all O It fits how to build a toy train layout perfectly.

Modeling with a disability. Families and Electric Trains. This page special issue from Classic Toy Trains magazine features 15 stories of how electric trains bring families together.

Model Railroader Calendar. How to build a toy train a year's worth of beautiful model train layouts. Skip to content. Sign in. You have 7 views remaining. Bob Keller shares ideas of what type of engines you can buy for your layout Email Newsletter Get the newest photos, videos, stories and more. Get Updates. A few years ago I addressed this topic with a two-pronged approach: a little philosophy that might help you shape your fleet and some practical physical elements to ponder before you plunk down your credit card.

Interestingly, while the locomotive and cars are O compatible, the set came with O track, to improve the look of the train on curves. Reviewed in the May issue.

Starter sets Starter sets are a great way to introduce someone to the hobby, and they are also a good way to quickly expand your fleet. Atlas O Industrial Rail trolley: This model has a simple, timeless trolley design that features interior and exterior lighting and neck-jarring reverse bumper action for point-to-point running. It has nice detailing and is fun to operate. Reviewed in the March issue. Reviewed in the February issue. Small engines There is a world of small, mini-locomotives, motorized units, and trolley cars how to build a toy train can add fun to your three-rail layout.

The SD70ACe operates on traditional O diameter curves, and looks at home on command-equipped or traditional layouts. This model represents the best of modern railroading. Reviewed in the November issue.

Powered by two can-style motors, it can operate on O track. Powered B units are available. More than a classic, this locomotive is a highly detailed scale model. Reviewed in the July issue. Traditional or scale sized? Lionel Measuring roughly 31 inches in length, and requiring O curves, this steam locomotive offers good performance and a catalog of Lionel Legacy features.

Obviously, this freight-hauler would require a lot of leg room to be best operated — and appreciated. Reviewed in the January issue.

MTH Red Arrow: While requiring modest O curves, this articulated train runs as a single unit with five sets of trucks to negotiate switches. The whole train measures just over 39 inches and looks best on long straightaways and broad curves. Reviewed in the October issue. Super-sized engines These are jumbotronic locomotives that require decent curvatures in the track and a layout with some physical space.

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