Setting up your train set for the very first time.

For some people getting the train set out of the box setting it up into something interesting and fun to run is simple and straight forward, but for others it is not. Here is secret, it does not have to be difficult or daunting but it does have to be fun. The layout really only needs to be as complex or simple as you want, as realistic as you want and fun to put together and run. So what if you are not an expert, maybe you will be on something at some point.

People interact with model trains differently and for different reasons. Some people like to build and love the modeling aspect and others really only like to run the trains.

For some, modeling an existing or historical line or section of a line in a specific time period is the way to go, for others putting something together that makes sense with their skills, time and space constraints makes sense.

Some folks like to run trains with as much realism as possible, making up train orders and schedules and running those trains to those schedules. This scenario can be done with friends and or clubs with each member taking a role, kind of like an old version of an online video game. Others just like to put the train on the tracks and run them around in their basement, garage or some other place.

My love for trains came from setting up a layout in our family basement with my father. We put together a layout that used 2 4x8 sheets of plywood and if it had a theme it was rural/ industrial in the 1970's which ironically was the time frame it was being built.

Years later I picked up a train set at a chain hobby store that is no longer in existence while I was out at the mall on a date with my girlfriend. A short time later we started setting a layout up in her parents basement and would spend some evenings just working together on it and running the trains. As time went on we started riding some scenic railroads and got to the point where that is how we determined our vacations spots and itineraries; find the trains and if they are steam driven it is even better.

What I learned through this is model or toy trains can also help build and cement relationships. They can help build bonds and lasting memories. That girlfriend and I married and have been together for 31 years and trains have been a significant part of our life together. Years ago I was given the layout built in the family basement by my mother and since the base of the layout is not usable it hangs on a wall in my garage while I figure out the best way to move forward with it. Do I try to restore it to the original layout or just re use the parts and pieces? I am not sure just yet, I am only sure I am not really ready to let it go at this point.

If you are interested in toy or model trains and are a bit unsure of how to start please contact me. I would like to help, if you live within a reasonable drive from Amherst MA, we can get started together as described in the services section of MD&I Trains. If you live outside of the area I will be posting some "how to" tutorials in the website store. These will be easy to read and give a options if your specific situation is not an exact fit.