Building a model railroad is a classic hobby that continues to grow in popularity year after year. High-end model trains actually end up becoming heirlooms that are passed down from one generation to the next. What sets a model train owner from a master collector is the model railroad layout.

Once you have determined the scale and make of model train you intend to collect you will then need to focus on designing a layout for your collection. It is important to do your due diligence when it comes to selecting the model railroad and scenery you wish to use within your layout. Getting these elements right may make a profound determination in how you layout your railroad. If you are a novice in building a model railroad system it is highly recommended that you purchase a kit for your first layout. Creating a layout from scratch should be left to the veteran collector since it is a very tricky job and one that should not be ventured into lightly. A model train kit will come equipped with the model train scale of your choice, railroad tracks as well as some minor landscaping, equipment and accessories. Kits are easily available in specialty model train shops all around the world and it is the best way to start off from scratch.

For you seasoned collector there is plenty of room for experimentation. An experienced model train collector should stay away from the simple and yes boring circular tracks. Begin to push the envelope with your layout and go for a railroad that offers a more exciting and dramatic route. Ask yourself what do you find interesting about trains in general and build on that thought. The masterpiece comes from your imagination. Put your civil engineer hat on and begin to see the layout as a passage through time. See the terrain with rivers, gorges, mountains, deserts, bridges, highways, etc. The layout should be a growing organism. It can start very small, however the layout should be set up to be expandable beyond the space you have available. Over time you may wish to move the entire layout to a new location and the layout should be able to grow into the new location.

For a true masterpiece you will want to incorporate various track designs. You may want to use a continuous loop with an out and back setup. A continuous loop on its own is monotonous and boring but when you add a variation to the setup it becomes part of a masterpiece. The out and back will allow you to incorporate tunnels and bridges, turning circles and even train stations.

Another option that you can explore is that of point-to-point model railroad layout. Although this is of a simple design where the model train has to go from one end of the track on the way to the other, they tend to be far more exciting yet simple to work with. Most of the times you find these tracks accompanied with a train station.

In conclusion the kind of custom model railroad that you choose to build should reflect your character and passion. This is what will make it unique and allow it to become a masterpiece. You should also consider the availability of space and the level of experience that you have in setting up a model railroad. However, do not limit yourself to a short-term situation when you may have more available space in the future. Be sure and visit model railroad shows and comb through model railroad magazines for ideas. The sky is the limit!

Author Bio: Michael Weston is a Model Train Expert. For great information on model railroad, visit http://www.modeltrainsexpert.com

Photo by McClure Railroad Landscape Picture Book 1983

US $29.95 End Date: Thursday Sep-09-2010 8:20:28 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $29.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Model HO Railroad Landscape items

US $1.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Sep-12-2010 16:34:33 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

Postcards;Northern California (4) Railroad/Landscape

US $9.99 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 11:05:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $9.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK11 - 4 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 14:31:52 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK12 - 5 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 14:42:57 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK13 - 5 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 14:46:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK14 - 5 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 14:50:09 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK17 - 3 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 15:00:21 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK18 - 2 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 15:14:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

WOODLAND SCENICS TK19 - 2 TREES FOR RAILROAD LANDSCAPE

US $16.37 End Date: Saturday Oct-02-2010 15:23:50 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $16.37 Buy it now | Add to watch list

A well designed and cleverly painted backdrop can make your model railroad layout stand out from the rest and look truly unique. This is mostly because it makes an optical illusion that produces an effect called forced perspective.

Forced perspective occurs when the layout in the foreground appears to be larger because it is placed in front of a space in the distance, which is made by adding a backdrop to the wall in the case of model railroads. It is an optical illusion that will make your entire model railroad layout appear to be larger than it really is.

The effect of forced perspective can be observed all around us. For instance, a barn several hundred feet away from you will look smaller than a Chihuahua sitting on the ground ahead of it. By analyzing natural landscapes you will notice techniques you can use to make an outstanding backdrop to use with you model railroad layout.

Projects of this sort always require lots of planning. Hopefully, you will be working on your backdrop at the same time that you are designing the rest of your model train layout. A mistake that many people make is working on the backdrop after they have finished everything else. If you design them together, you can make some interesting and unique set pieces.

To make your backdrop, you need to have in mind what season it will, what the weather will be like, the location you will be showing, and what kind of day it will be. Planning these details will save you lots of frustration in the long run.

Think about what the sky will look like. Remember that, even on a cloudless day, the sky is actually made up of several different hues of blue due to the position of the sun and other environmental factors. A good base color is Velvet Sky Vinyl, available in acrylic flat paint.

When considering what the clouds will look like, remember that no two clouds are quite the same. The grand majority of clouds are cumulus, stratus, and cirrus. The most common clouds are the white and puffy cumulus ones.

The color of clouds also varies quite a bit depending on where they are positioned in the sky. Decide where the sun is in your backdrop and then color the clouds near is lighter than those farther away.

Thamas Tank Engine Train Birthday Invitations

US $10.00 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:26:14 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $10.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list

JOHN DUSKO LIMITED ED. Painting READING RAILROAD Train

US $9.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:28:52 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

WINTER GIRLS WAIT for TRAIN NICE Old NEW YEAR postcard

US $9.99 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:30:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $9.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

.. Marklin Model Train Catalog 1964/1965

US $36.75 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:31:05 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $36.75 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Comp Cams 102 Valve Train Engine Assembly Lube 4 oz.

US $4.88 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:31:12 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $4.88 Buy it now | Add to watch list

.. Marklin Model Train Catalog 1960

US $36.75 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:31:20 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $36.75 Buy it now | Add to watch list

Faller- Jahreskatalog 1964/65 (Toy Car/Plane/Train/Bo..

US $7.30 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:31:44 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $7.30 Buy it now | Add to watch list

1977 BUDDY L TABLE TOP RAILROAD TRAIN SWITCH TRACK SET

US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:31:54 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list

NEW THOMAS THE TRAIN WINDOW PANELS (2 PER SET)

US $12.99 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:33:33 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $12.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list

NEW RIDE ON IN KID CHILD CAR 6-WHEEL PEDAL PLAY TRAIN!

US $339.00 End Date: Tuesday Sep-07-2010 0:39:32 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $339.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list