Welcome to Model Trains 101

Thanks for checking out this blog.  You probably came across Model Trains 101 because you have an interest in building your first HO scale model railroad layout.  Perhaps you have a starter train set and you want to know what you can do to expand upon the simple oval.  Maybe you do not even have a train set yet and want to know what you should do to get into the hobby of model railroading.  Model Trains 101 is the website for you to gain more information about building your very first model railroad layout.

The focus of Model Trains 101 is to teach beginning model railroaders how to build their first model railroad layout.  Though there are many different ways to do this, Model Trains 101 will be discussing layouts built on the popular 4 foot by 8 foot table top footprint.  True, this size is pretty small and will limit the length of trains that can run on the layout, However, this is the perfect size layout for beginning model railroaders to tackle.

Model railroad layouts involve a lot more than just setting up an oval of track and getting the train to run.  You most likely have already done this with the train set you received on Christmas.  Remember, you came to Model Trains 101 to learn how you can expand upon that basic set.  Here you can learn tips on building solid bench work to support the layout, lay reliable track, the kinds of engines and rolling stock available to run, how to build structures and add realistic looking scenery to the layout.  These all require different skills that you will have to develop as your interest grows in this hobby.  This is why the 4x8 table layout is a great starting point.  You can work to develop all of the required skills on a small area which will give you the experience you need to build your dream layout in the future.

Model Trains 101 has elected to discus Bachmann's E-Z Track System and other products by Bachmann Trains for the content of this website.  These products were selected because many people get their start in the hobby with one the various starter sets offered by Bachmann.  The E-Z Track System also has a lot of support and resource information on the internet, so you can do further research on a topic that interests you.

Thanks again for checking out Model Trains 101.  Please bookmark it in your favorites and subscribe to the email message list so you can be notified of updated information as it gets posted to the site.