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 LIONEL LARGE SCALE 81011 THOMAS TRAIN SET WITH ANNIE AND CLARABELLE  US $99.00
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 Lionel new Large scale Snow Curved Track section US $12.00
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 LIONEL LARGE SCALE G PENNSYLVANIA GONDOLA 8 87400 US $39.95
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 Lionel large scale new 8 87006 1989 Christmas car US $75.00
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 Lionel large scale new 8 87007 1990 Seasons Greetings US $80.00
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 New Lionel 8 87029 2007 Large scale Holiday boxcar US $65.99
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 LIONEL DISNEY MICKEY GOOFY HANDCAR MIB LARGE SCALE US $160.00
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 LIONEL MICKEY AND GOOFY LARGE SCALE HAND CAR US $159.95
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 Lionel new Large scale Snow Curved Track sections 12 US $85.00
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 Lionel Large Scale Alaska Road Tank Car 8 87500 US $45.00
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 New Lionel 8 87023 Large Scale 2002 Christmas Boxcar US $45.00
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 Lionel New 8 87216 Mickey Goofy Large Scale Handcar US $120.00
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 Lionel Disneyland 35th Anniversary Steam Locomotive large scale US $175.00
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 Lionel New Large Scale Figure Assortment US $21.00
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 Lionel new 8 87034 2010 Large scale Holiday boxcar US $75.00
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What Makes Model Railroading Fun
Model Railroading is a great hobby for kids and adults alike. I have been doing it since I was in high school. I have always been interested in miniatures since the age of 3. There are all types of scales to work with: O, HO, N, S, Z, etc. HO is the most common. HO scale is 1.2.1 (stands for Half O). HO scale is what I use for mine. It seems to work for me and it seems to have the most accessories available for my layout.
When I was a kid, I had a TYCO, that was my first train set. Lionel was my brother's train set (Lionel is one of the most common larger gauges at regular O scale). N scale is the most common smaller scales.
Model railroading takes lots of planning and patience, but once you see the finished product, the work pays off. You have to plan how many trains you are going to run, what type of scale is best for you, how large you want your layout, how many switches you are going to need, whether you want passenger or freight trains, just to start.
Accessories need to be planned also. You will need crossing signals, buildings (freight or passenger station, water tower, railroad buildings, etc.), lights, cars, people & animals, houses & businesses, telephone poles, etc. You will also need to plan your landscaping and wiring (for the trains, and lighted or working accessories), so will need more than 1 power pack, because if you are running several trains, you will need separate power packs to operate each train, plus a separate power pack for the accessories.
The landscaping usually consists of: trees, bushes, shrubs, track bedding, roads, tunnels, and if you want to be creative, mountains and rivers. (you actually don't need water, they can be mad with a resin & hardener).
I am running 2 freight trains on a 8 x 8 layout, with 3 power packs, 4 track switches, several buildings and houses, and still dreaming of having a huge model railroad that will make people stare in awe. Even thought I love my trains, they also need maintenance. The engines need oiling to keep them running at their best (just don't get any oil on the tracks).
There is lots more to learn about model railroading. I learn something new everyday!
When I got started in model railroading, I found this book to be helpful. I looked at http://ziprl.com/mdl-tn-hlp, This is one the great books that helped me get started. I am glad that they keep updating their editions.
I wish everyone good luck on their model railroading, It can be very rewarding for you and your family.
Happy Model Railroading!!
About the Author
Submitted by Garry McDaniel