Model Train Kits

I remember when I was a kid there was something about a model train kit that I just couldn’t take my eyes off. The noise, the smell and the incredible reproduction of the models just held me hypnotically.

And 40 years later I still feel the same.

If you know what I am talking about then we are friends on the same wavelength. Model train kits are just something that are intrinsically part of us.

So I went to the shop and I bought my first model train kit (in fact I still have it) I hesitated buying it because of the cost, but finally I went home my package under my arm and the proud owner of my very first model train kit.

I opened the box, I laid the rails out in a beautiful oval, got out the tender and the carriages, put them on the track and switched it on and round and round it went in all of it’s miniature glory and it kept me amused for hours.

I made the odd deliberate “emergency” train crash and hundreds of imaginary “passengers” suffered a little boy’s terror, but in the end they all survived to live another day.

You remember that? I am sure you have crashed your trains too – just for fun!?

Was this how you first got started into the world of Model train kits? Or do you have a similar story?

If you are about to embark of your first model train kit, there are a number of elements that you need to think about before you start.

Why are you building your model train kit?

Is this your hobby or do you intend to sell it for profit? Are you making just for yourself or do you intend to construct it and sell it as a fully made project?

How much money do you have to invest in your model?

Before you start buying, it is important to know exactly how much money you want to spend both short term and long term.

Short term you should know exactly how much you have to buy your initial stock and accessories. Do you have enough to buy the whole model in one go or do you have to do this bit by bit over time.

Do not go and sell Dad’s car just to buy your model train kit or put yourself into a position of suffering just to get what you need.

The location is the key to all good businesses and where you will put your new train kit is also important for your success.

Can you use the loft or attic? Do you have a spare bedroom that you can use? Do you have a shed or outhouse that you can use? For larger models, is your garden big enough to house the outdoor train? Do I have to pack it away everyday or can I leave it out fully constructed?

Most collectors have a certain theme and stick to that theme. Will you buy post-war lionel trains or will you buy Life-Like model trains? How about passenger trains or rolling stock? Will you focus on Canadian trains or South African trains? Steam or electric?

You may ask why does it matter?

There is nothing worse looking than a kit with all different styles. It looks messy and disorganized and the trains don’t go together well.

Also the theme dictates the scenery. No point building the Canadian mountains if the trains are all going to be from South Africa.

Will you have snow for a Christmas theme or will you construct a small village theme in the middle of summer?

There are many more things that you should think about before you buy your very first train, but these are subjects that I do not see discussed much and you may forget to think about them.