How to Start a Toy Train Collection

Toy train collecting is a unique hobby, but there are few others where you can actually make active use of most of your collection!  Many people find hours of enjoyment in building model railroad layouts and setting their toy trains to run along them.  With the right tools and knowledge, this hobby can turn into years of enjoyment.

Buy a Kit

The easiest way to get started with toy train collecting is to buy a kit.  Choose the scale you find most appealing.  Toy train manufacturers build models in several standard sizes, ranging from the rideable pieces in a 1:4 scale, to the diminutive Japanese T scale, which runs on a track only three millimeters wide.  Build your collection around a kit of the scale you choose.  With a new locomotive and tracks that are in good condition, you can get a train layout up and running in next to no time.  HO scale is an intermediate option because it has the largest variety of accessories and parts due to its popularity, so it’s a good scale to begin with.

Choosing Accessories

Finding just the accessories and parts you want can be challenging at first, but there is a huge wealth of resources available to you today.  Hobby organizations, like the TCA and NMRA, can help beginners learn more about collectible toy train items, locate parts and accessories that you are looking for, and share knowledge about building your model train layout just the way you want to.  Model train stores are also viable options for finding experts and enthusiasts who can help you expand your collection and lead you in the right direction.