Posts Tagged ‘Model Railroading’

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Creating Realistic Scenery For O Model Trains |

January 21st, 2010

Author: David Blackburn

In order to create the most realistic scenery for O model trains, you will need to get familiar with the different methods of cutting and shaping extruded foam. There is an art form to using handsaws, wire brushes, and box cutters in order to create the most realistic scenery. Cutting your Styrofoam will help to lay the groundwork for the scenery, but you need to be familiar with the different methods used in order to paint and cover the scenery in order to make it look like it is alive.

Most people will use paint like burnt umber in order to paint what will look like dirt. This will serve as the base for the landscape in most terrains. If you are looking to have a snowy mountain scene, you may want to use a dark grey paint instead. The paint will have to dry before you can move ahead with any part of the project. Make sure the paint completely covers the Styrofoam. Use two or even three coats of paint if necessary to completely cover the base foam. Many people will use cheap house paint if they are looking to cover large layouts. You will quickly see the quality of the paint does not matter as much as the ability to cover the layout evenly.

Once the paint has had a chance to dry, there are several different ways you can add vegetation to the layout. Because of the size of O model trains, many opt to buy moss sheets from a nursery. These sheets can be either glued into place, or simply laid on. They are preferred because they are real vegetation, which will last a long time without decaying. If you spray the moss with a fine mist of water, it will actually grow a little bit while on your layout.

Lichen is a great way to add shrubs to your scenery. The more popular way to add these to the landscape is to use some diluted schoolhouse glue. Simply mix the glue with water and then dip one end of the lichen. Use the glue in order to stick the lichen into the exact spot you would like for it to be in. The glue will dry clear, so you will not have to worry about it being seen. Another way you can add lichen to a layout is through the use of fine wire. The wire is wrapped around the middle of the lichen and then stuck into the Styrofoam.

Another great way to add realism to your O model trains scenery is to add small tress to it. This is accomplished through the trees you buy from the hobby shop. While there, you should also buy the blue polyurethane that will be poured into the riverbed you have created with the help of your wire brush. Adding some boats to the side of the river is a great way to add more realism to the environment you have created. Have fun in your mini world creating realistic scenery for your O model trains and let your imagination run wild.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/creating-realistic-scenery-for-o-model-trains-1572614.html

About the Author:

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on o model trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE "Secrets To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia |

January 20th, 2010

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I have been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Alabama, Florida, and Georgia.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia are:

10. Trains by Johnson in Pensacola, Florida

9. Warrick Custom Hobbies in Plantation, Florida

8. Blairsville Hobby Shop in Blairsville, Georgia

7. Southerland Station in Huntsville, Alabama

6. Electric Train Outlet in Saint Louis, Alabama

5. Trains and Treasures in Clearwater, Florida

4. H and R Trains in Pinellas Park, Florida

3. Bull Street Station in Savannah, Georgia

2. Legacy Station in Lawrenceville, Georgia

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Alabama, Florida, or Georgia is…

1. Kennesaw Trains in Kennesaw, Georgia

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Model City Models in Jacksonville, Alabama; Pyramid Hobbies in Cullman, Alabama; KB Hobbies Model Trains in Stuart, Florida; Hollash’s Trains in Riverview, Florida; B&B Sales Hobby Shop in Snellville, Georgia; and Young Again Trains and Hobbies in Stockbridge, Georgia.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over Alabama, Florida, and Georgia, with both Georgia and Florida having four in the top ten and Alabama having two.  Georgia did especially well to have all three of the top three.

When in Alabama, Florida, and Georgia be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Foley Railroad Museum in Foley, Alabama; Heart of Dixie Railroad Museum in Calera, Alabama; North Alabama Railroad Museum in Huntsville, Alabama; Central Florida Railroad Museum in Winter Garden, Florida; Florida Railroad Museum in Parrish, Florida; Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, Florida; North Florida Railway Museum in Green Cove Springs, Florida; South Florida Railroad Museum in Deerfield Beach, Florida; West Florida Railroad Museum in Milton, Florida; Charlemagne’s Kingdom in Helen, Georgia; Roundhouse Railroad Museum in Savannah, Georgia; and Southeastern Railway Museum in Duluth, Georgia.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Alabama, Georgia, and Florida, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-alabama-florida-and-georgia-1580633.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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A Brief History Of American Model Trains |

January 20th, 2010

Author: David Blackburn

In order to tell the history of American Model Trains, it is necessary to tell the history of the S scale. This is the scale that is sold by the company today. They have staked their reputation on being able to create model trains in a sector, which is all but forgotten by too large a section of the model train industry. Getting to know this niche market may cause you to want to invest in an S scale model train today.

The S scale is about half way in between O and HO scale. It is characterized by a 1:64 ratio. The model is fairly large as far as model trains are concerned. Because of its size, it is fairly durable. It can handle being mistreated by those who not know much about model trains like children and beginners. The larger size allows the production companies to add more detail to the trains in order to boost the amount of realism as the train powers around the track.

The history of American Model Trains starts in Britain where the S scale first got its start. When it was created before the turn of the century, it was known as the H-1 scale in order to represent its size as half that of the #1 scale. The name was changed in 1937 when CD Models started marketing the track that would be suitable for use in the 1:64 scales. The last change in the name came when the American Flyer brand started selling steam-powered locomotives.

American Flyer Trains got its start as a toy model train company, which was bought by AC Gilbert in 1937. When the company first started selling the trains, they ran on a 3-gauge rail. In 1942, the company started producing a 2-gauge track that is pretty close to what is being used by the same scale trains today. The American Flyer Train business failed in 1967, but the Lionel Company bought the name in order to sell the same scale and using the tracks that the company designed. Lionel still sells the American Flyer brand in their catalogs and online.

The majority of American Model Trains which are produced today are made to look and feel just like the old American Flyer trains. This will bring back a lot of memories for those who remember the trains chugging around the track on Christmas morning. Even if you do not remember, the trains offer a great classical looking train you can enjoy as it powers down the track.

The train you buy today will undoubtedly have a lot of history attached to it. Seldom are the trains going to have such an American heritage as the American Model Trains do. No matter if you buy the train for the history or for the realism, you are sure to enjoy the way it looks as it rolls down the tracks. Make sure you buy the train, which will allow you to have the most fun. Having fun is the name of the game in this and any hobby.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/a-brief-history-of-american-model-trains-1583922.html

About the Author:

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on American model trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE "Secrets
To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.

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LGB Model Trains Through Time |

January 7th, 2010

Author: David Blackburn

A look at LGB Model Trains through time can provide an interesting insight into the history of the world during the times each model was developed. This is because the onset of these model trains being offered to the public was a reflection of how trains affected the lives of people. It also a reflection of how people romanticized real life passenger trains at the time. At times in both Europe and America passenger trains have been marks of both technology and sophistication.

The LGB Model Train originated in Germany in the year 1910. The trains were invented by a known inventor named Ernst Paul Lehmann. LGB Model Trains are the most popular brand in the world for G scale model trains. The G scale or “garden train” as it is known is 1:22.5 scale. This is one-twentieth of the size of a real train. For a while the LGB was one of the few companies who even produced G scale model train.

The name LGB is an acronym for Lehmann Gross Bahn. Translated from German it means Lehmann Big Train. From the beginning LGB Model Trains quickly established itself as the leader in the world for G scale model trains. The company has long been the most popular producer of the G scale amongst G sale model train enthusiast. LGB Model Trains have been designed so they can be left outdoors year round. This is because they are waterproof and built with great durability.

Then LGB Model trains made their way across the pond to America. By the 1980’s LGB Model Trains were being made in California. When the trains began being produced in California so did the trend of collecting garden trains or G scale model trains.

In the 1990’s the LGB multi-train system was developed. This is where two trains can be run on just a single track. This has drastically increased the options for LGB Model Train layouts. It also makes it possible to reduce the space being used for LGB model train layouts.

Today if you are looking to collect LGB Model Trains there are few accessories to choose from. To date there are 150 freight trucks and passenger carriages which have been produced. This is far less than the offerings of other model train brands.

In addition to there being few LBG accessories to choose from they are also more expensive. Although there are few items in the LGB line and the price of them is higher than other model trains you can find them almost anywhere model trains are sold. It is not difficult for a model train store to obtain the parts you might be looking for in the LGB line if it is not already on their shelves.

Although the company has had recent financial struggles, LGB Model Trains are still being manufactured in both Europe and America. New models of the LGB Model Trains are being developed today. The company seems to still have many pages left to write in regards to their legacy.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/lgb-model-trains-through-time-1557153.html

About the Author:

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on lgb model trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE "Secrets
To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.

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How To Weather Model Train Scenery |

January 6th, 2010

Author: David Blackburn

When it comes to weathering, most people only consider the trains and not the model train scenery. If you are purchasing buildings from a store, you will want to weather them as well in order to keep with the appearance. After all, it will look odd for the weathered train to be traveling through a pristine environment. If the train is traveling through the city, the train and the city should both look just as worn by smog and graffiti artists in order to make it look as real as possible.

The first thing you can do in order to weather model train scenery is to use a mixture of paint thinner and a dark gray paint. This paint should be mixed into an airbrush gun in order to spray a light coat of paint that looks like it has been accumulating for years. The best way to apply the paint is in wide sweeping motions side to side. Make sure the room is well ventilated before attempting anything of this sort. For best results, do not try to finish the weathering all at once. Apply one coat, allow it to dry and then apply a second coat. Use as many coats as you feel necessary to create just the right look.

Another city element you may want to add to your model train scenery is graffiti. You can buy different pieces of graffiti from the hobby shop, or online. The graffiti you buy will be in a decal form, so you may want to spray it with the same formula you used on the building it will be on. This will cover the edges and give the graffiti the worn look it usually has in the city. Graffiti is also a good addition to trailer cars. It gives the appearance the cars have been docked in the city rail station for a period of time.

Rail stations that are a part of desert scenery should have a look as if they have seen many different sand storms over the years. A good way to accomplish a sand worn appearance is to shoot sand at the structure. Mix together fine grain sand and water in the bowl of your airbrush gun and use it to blast the structure. Sanding the structure may be too harsh as you can simply scrape the paint off rather than adding a look of wear. Another good element in these conditions is to airbrush on a medium brown color to the metal roof in order to give the rusted over look expected in the climate.

Creating realistic looking model train scenery is an endeavor every model railroader has. It is a skill, which has to be learned over time in order to get it exactly right. The best way to learn is to find as much information as possible about weathering and creating your own structures. Practicing what you learn is the ultimate way to learn. Have fun and explore new ideas you may have in order to decide which methods work best for you.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/how-to-weather-model-train-scenery-1547287.html

About the Author:

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on model train scenery visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE "Secrets
To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.

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A Look Into The History Of The Lionel Model Train |

December 30th, 2009

Author: David Blackburn

A look into the history of the Lionel Model Train is fascinating. Lionel trains got their start in 1900 when Joshua Lionel Cowen created his first toy train, the Electric Express. Joshua was already a successful inventor at the time. He created the toy train as a nod to his childhood growing up around the rise of Union Pacific and Central Pacific lines, which made America into a world power.

Once Cowen invented the Electric Express, it and the next train he invented after it became his main passion for the remainder of his lifetime. Cowen told people boys who had a Lionel Model Train would be better prepared for adulthood. Word of this led fathers to join their sons in becoming model train enthusiast. Soon after Lionel train layouts were in several American homes. This was especially true during the Christmas season when it became a tradition to put a Lionel train layout around the Christmas tree.

Later in the century when American’s began their love affair with automobiles and cross-country flying became the norm, people quit buying the Lionel Model Train. This is because when Lionel trains first hit the market; trains had become a symbol of American technology and travelling in sophistication. Later in the 1960’s the freight lines were starting to be shut down, as were some of major train stations. Around this time Joshua Lionel Cowen passed away.

Slowly Lionel trains were rediscovered by those who were looking for a piece of American nostalgia. Others had their imaginations captured by the possibilities of being a model train collector. Recently, America has begun renewing its own relationship with trains as a viable form of transportation. As more high-speed passenger lines are being created and historical landmarks such as Penn Station are being restored, American’s are rediscovering their passion for model trains such as the Lionel Model Train.

Evidence of the renewed relationship American’s have with the Lionel Model Train can be seen in the Lionel Store located in New York at the famous 30 Rockefeller Plaza in Rockefeller Center. Every day, the store is filled with tourists from around the world trying to get a piece of this bit of true Americana. The store’s offering of Lionel Model Trains is just as symbolic of Christmas in America as the ice rink located outside the store in Rockefeller Center at Christmas time.

Another chapter of Lionel Model Train history is being written as the company has increased its online efforts to serve the model train community. Now people looking for sound advice when starting to collect model trains can go on line to the Lionel website. Model train enthusiasts can also find the information they are looking for. They can find everything from different models for purchase, answers to questions, and current model train news. There is even an online club offered on the website called the Lionel Railroader Club. Here train enthusiasts can get subscriptions to “Inside Track” the official Lionel Train news magazine and get special offers on Lionel trains and accessories.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/a-look-into-the-history-of-the-lionel-model-train-1522166.html

About the Author:

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on a lionel model train visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE "Secrets To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Virginia and West Virginia |

December 30th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Virginia and West Virginia.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Virginia and West Virginia are:

10. Rick’s Hobby Shop in Roanoke, Virginia

9. Chesterfield Hobbies in Midlothian, Virginia

8. Riders Hobby Shop in Sterling, Virginia

7. Whistle Stop Hobbies in Alexandria, Virginia

6. Trains Etc. in Lorton, Virginia

5. Engine House Trains in Virginia Beach, Virginia

4. Main Street Trains in Barboursville, West Virginia

3. KMA Junction in Manassas, Virginia

2. Piper Hobby in Chantilly, Virginia

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Virginia and West Virginia is…

1. Locust Grove Trains in Locust Grove, Virginia

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Awesome RC and Hobbies in Fredericksburg, Virginia; Craftech Hobby Shop in Norfolk, Virginia; Davis Hobby Supplies in Portsmouth, Virginia; Debbies RC World in Chesapeake, Virginia; Dunn’s Toy and Hobby in Manassas, Virginia; Hobby Works in Fairfax, Virginia; Leesburg Hobbies and Collectibles in Leesburg, Virginia; Rail Yard Hobby Shop in Roanoke, Virginia; Staunton Trains and Hobbies in Staunton, Virginia; Train Depot in Manassas, Virginia; Train Town Toy and Hobby in Ashland, Virginia; Walt’s Hobby Shop in Petersburg, Virginia; Cain’s Trains and Hobbies in Bunker Hill, West Virginia; Fountain Hobby Center in Charleston, West Virginia; Kid Country Toys in Charleston, West Virginia; Nitro Hobby and Craft Center in Nitro, West Virginia; Patrick’s Trains in Wheeling, West Virginia; Stephens Outdoor Railways in Vienna, West Virginia; and West Virginia Hobbies and Crafts in Teays, West Virginia.

So, there are lots of great model railroading shops from all over Virginia and West Virginia, but clearly Virginia dominated the list with nine in the top ten.  This isn’t too surprising as Virginia is a bigger state with a bigger population and more hobby shops than West Virginia.

When in Virginia and West Virginia be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Eastern Shore Railway Museum in Parksley, Virginia; Fairfax Station Museum Railroad Museum in Fairfax Station, Virginia; Virginia Museum of Transportation in Roanoke, Virginia; Princeton Railroad Museum in Princeton, West Virginia; West Virginia Railroad Museum in Elkins, West Virginia; and Williamson Area Railroad Museum in Williamson, West Virginia.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Virginia and West Virginia, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-virginia-and-west-virginia-1522751.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina |

December 30th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of North Carolina and South Carolina.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in North Carolina and South Carolina are:

10. The Hobby House in Hendersonville, North Carolina

9. Todd’s Train Depot in Wendell, North Carolina

8. Little Choo Choo Shop in Spencer, North Carolina

7. Rail and Spike Trains in Easley, South Carolina

6. The Train Loft in Winston Salem, North Carolina

5. Factory Direct Trains in Asheville, North Carolina

4. Blue Ridge Hobbies in Greenville, South Carolina

3. Time Zone Hobbies and Toys in Aiken, South Carolina

2. Tom’s Train Station in Raleigh, North Carolina

…and the most popular shop for model trains in North Carolina or South Carolina is…

1. Greensboro Electric Trains in Greensboro, North Carolina

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were ABC RC Hobby in Forest City, North Carolina; Chuck’s Trains in Landis, North Carolina; Dry Bridge Station in Mount Airy, North Carolina; Hayes Hobby House in Fayetteville, North Carolina; Leland’s Toy Trains and Planes in Hildebran, North Carolina; Zoo Toys and Trains in Wilmington, North Carolina; Hobby Station in Bethune, South Carolina; New Brookland RR and Hobby in West Columbia, South Carolina; SVC Trains in Georgetown, South Carolina; and The Great Escape Bicycles and Hobby Shop in Spartanburg, Anderson, and Greenville, South Carolina.

So, there are clearly many great model railroading shops all over North Carolina and South Carolina, with North Carolina having seven in the top ten and South Carolina having three – but both states had two in the top four.

When in North Carolina and South Carolina be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including North Carolina Railroad Museum in New Hill, North Carolina; North Carolina Transportation Museum in Spencer, North Carolina; Smoky Mountain Trains in Bryson City, North Carolina, Wilmington Railroad Museum in Wilmington, North Carolina; Lancaster and Chester Railway Museum in Lancaster, South Carolina; and South Carolina Railroad Museum in Winnsboro, South Carolina.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in North Carolina and South Carolina, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-north-carolina-and-south-carolina-1542386.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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A Brief History of Atlas Model Trains |

December 17th, 2009

Author: David Blackburn

Atlas model trains started out as Atlas Tool Company, which was founded by Stephen Schaffan Sr. in 1924. The owner of the company did what any other small business owner of the day would do and asked his teenage son to work in the family store. Stephan Schaffan Junior had a different passion in life. He enjoyed making model airplanes and as such, spent a lot of time at the local hobby shop. In order to try to make some extra cash, the young man continuously asked for something to do in the shop. His hope was to be able to work with the materials he enjoyed the most and make money in the process.

What Steve Jr. did not know was he was becoming a major annoyance to the shop owner. In an attempt to pacify the child, the hobby shop owner gave him some track to play with. He told Steve Jr. that he should see what he could do to improve the track. As Steve set to making a better track, the shop owner simply enjoyed the peace and quiet he was getting. What happened was the birth of the switch kit. This was a revolutionary invention in the world of model trains because up until that time, everything for model trains was built by hand.

Seeing an opportunity to make some real money, Steve Junior employed the help of Steve Senior and the rest of the family. From the basement of their home, the entire family worked through the night in order to create the invention, which had become so popular. They were providing one of the most revolutionary inventions in the history of model trains while still going about their daily lives, but out of the secondary income grew the company which would build the Atlas model trains you have come to know today.

Steve Jr. did not rest after creating this invention. Instead, he went on to invent the first rail joiner which could be used by everyone. He also is responsible for creating pre-assembled turn outs and flexible track. The stapling of rail to fiber track was another invention he can take credit for. It was not until much later that the company started producing the Atlas model trains you see sold in most hobby shops today. Once the company did start selling trains to go along with track and layout material, they were well received.

The Atlas model trains have been given the same care and attention the entire line of products is known for having. The plant that produces the products is in the same New Jersey warehouse it has been in since 1947. Once the company incorporated in 1949, it was well received by the stock market and remains one of the most recognized train companies for those who are serious about model railroading.

No matter what your skill level is, you are sure to enjoy what Atlas model trains have to offer. Not only will you enjoy the selection of trains they have, you will also enjoy the different layout elements and tracks they have to offer. With an eye for detail, the products offered are sure to satisfy even the most demanding consumer.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/a-brief-history-of-atlas-model-trains-1513914.html

About the Author:

David Blackburn has had a passion for Model Trains for over 20 years. His enthusiasm and knowledge on the subject of model trains can be found in his writing and his new book. For more great information on atlas model trains visit his site at: http://www.modeltrainsadvice.com. While you are there make sure you sign up for his FREE "Secrets To Successful Model Railroading" Mini Course.

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The Top 10 Model Train Shops in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey |

December 13th, 2009

Author: Larry Truett

For the past year I’ve been compiling a list of model train stores for my model railroading website.  These shops all look like a lot of fun to visit, but what are the most popular?   Here is a list for the states of Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey.

The most popular model railroading shops (based on online chatter) in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey are:

10. Ridgefield Hobby in Ridgefield, New Jersey

9. Maplewood Hobby in Maplewood, New Jersey

8. M. B. Klein Model Train Stuff in Cockeysville, Maryland

7. Tony’s Train Town in Cedar Grove, New Jersey

6. MTH Electric Trains in Columbia, Maryland

5. Hobbymasters in Red Bank, New Jersey

4. The Model Railroad Shop in Piscataway, New Jersey

3. The Train Station in Mountain Lakes, New Jersey

2. Toy Train Emporium in Cherry Hill, New Jersey

…and the most popular shop for model trains in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey is…

1. The Hobby Shop in Aberdeen, New Jersey

Hobby shops not quite making my top 10 were Just Trains in Newark, Delaware; Millsboro Hobbies in Millsboro, Delaware; Seaside Hobbies in Ocean View, Delaware; Engine House Hobbies in Gaithersburg, Maryland; G Scale Train Station in Waldorf, Maryland; Hobby Works in Rockville, Laurel, and Bel Air, Maryland; The Train Room in Hagerstown, Maryland; Atlantic Rails in Folsom, New Jersey; Genes Train Stop in Kearny, New Jersey; Island Trains in Middletown, New Jersey; Pastime Hobbies and Miniatures in Bayonne, New Jersey; Z and Z Hobbies in Mercerville, New Jersey; Zeppelin Hobbies and Raceway in Wayne, New Jersey.

So, there are lots of great model railroading shops from all over Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey but clearly New Jersey dominated the list with eigth in the top ten.  Maryland had two in the ten, and Just Trains in Delaware just missed out.  Note that this list was for the train stores more than their online web stores. If this list were for online stores www.modeltrainstuff.com, the website of M. B. Klein Model Train Stuff would probably have won.

When in Delaware, Maryland, or New Jersey be sure to visit some of the excellent railroading museums including Harrington Museum and Railroad Museum in Harrington, Delaware; Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Museum in Baltimore, Maryland; Brunswick Railroad Museum in Brunswick, Maryland; Hagerstown Roundhouse Museum in Hagerstown, Maryland; Huntington Railroad Museum in Bowie, Maryland; New Jersey Museum of Transportation in Wall, New Jersey; Whippany Railway Museum in Whippany, New Jersey; and South Jersey Railroad Museum in Tuckahoe, New Jersey.

I compiled this list by searching for the hobby shops listed on a number of search engines and ranking them by the number of web pages, discussion forums, photos, videos, etc that are available online.  I further screened this list to include only pages that mentioned model railroading.

See a complete list of Model Train Shops in Delaware, Maryland, and New Jersey, at www.ModelTrainsWithLarry.com which has complete contact information for each shop including an address, phone number, and map to the store.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/the-top-10-model-train-shops-in-delaware-maryland-and-new-jersey-1499200.html

About the Author:

Larry Truett is a freelance PHP and MySQL programmer living in the San Carlos neighborhood of San Diego with his wife and their 3 cats. He enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, watching too much television, and other nerdy activites.

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