Starting any new hobby always brings a sense of anticipation and Model Railroading is no exception.  Once they have been to a train show, or have simply seen a model train layout displayed somewhere, many people become excited by the possibility of operating their own train setup.  This excitement often leads to a sense of being overwhelmed and sometimes sticker shock, after visiting a hobby store and looking at the huge array of model railroad supplies available and the wide range of prices. 

Well, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming and it doesn’t take a fortune to get started with model trains.  The simplest layouts consist of a small oval track and an locomotive with a few cars.  It can be set up on the floor, a simple table, or even an old door or piece of plywood on two saw horses!  Often when you talk to experienced hobbyists, they talk about the need for a strong custom bench and lots of room to set up your layout, but don’t let that stop you from getting started.  You can graduate to a more complex and expensive setup as you get more involved in railroading.  As a beginner, you may not even know in what areas you are most interested.  Do you enjoy the different locomotives and rolling stock which comprise your trains, or do you prefer building the scenery and making the miniatures look realistic?  Maybe you prefer wiring the electrical control parts of the track or configuring the software to work to your liking.  One of the best things about model railroading is the wide range of skills that you can learn and put to use.  There is something for almost everyone to enjoy. 

The other nice thing about this hobby is that you can do as much or as little of it yourself as you like.  Some of the most popular model railroad supplies are kits for just about every aspect from trains to tables to scenery, to electrical wiring and software.  These range from simple all inclusive starter kits to kits for individual parts designed for the more advanced modeler.  You can buy train and scenery kits separately or kits that include both.  The kits themselves can be either completely finished and ready to set up and run, or do it yourself kits that require more complex construction, painting and assembly.  Once again, it is easy to get started with a simpler kit and upgrade to something more complex as your needs dictate, and budget allows.  These kits also vary in price and complexity depending on the scale or gauge with which you decide work. 

Starter train kits can be purchased for as little as $80 or $90 but most will want one of the kits in the $200 range.  These train kits can be specific to an industry or a type of train, steam or diesel for example.  Starter kits typically come with a 4′ by 3′ oval track, a locomotive, several cars and a simple transformer and controller. 

Scenery kits, building kits and layout kits vary widely depending on the components and how much do it yourself work you want to do.  A building kit for a simple small town with 15 buildings can be purchase for about $160.  Layout kits, which provide the base for your layout including materials for hills, valleys and tunnels start at about $250.  Scenery kits which contain materials for trees, grass, rocks, etc. start at about $65.  Each of these can be purchased individually as the need arises. 

Software for model trains starts at as little as $20 for simulation software, and layout controllers at about $200 but you don’t have to have either of these for your first train setup. 

Any of these model railroad supplies can be purchased at your local hobby store.  Hobby shops are usually very helpful because they want you to keep coming back .  They can provide a hands-on experience and the chance to talk to others who know what it is like when you are just getting started.  They can often help you avoid common beginner’s mistakes that they have already made.  These items can also be found at local model railroad shows and conventions. 

You may also find these items locally advertised or at yard or garage sales or auctions.  All model railroaders were once beginners and you can often find bargains on trains from the hobbyist who is ready to trade-up.  Be sure to do your research before buying from these sources so that you know the value of what is being offered.

As you can see, there are many sources of model railroad supplies for beginners on any budget.  One of the great things about this hobby is that you can get involved as deeply, or as little as you like.  You can begin with a simple kit and advance in whatever direction your interest takes you.  Some hobbyists never make their own scenery, preferring to enjoy simply running their trains, while others get involved in every detail down to making their own coal and logs and plants!  So get started.  You’re going to love this!