10 Of the Most Spectacular and All Around Awesome Model Trains

10 Of the Most Spectacular and All Around Awesome Model Trains

Trains are something that catch the hearts and imaginations of so many children.  While many of us do not end up growing up to be train conductors - especially considering that the train is not what it used to be in terms of passenger transportation - that does not mean our love for the train must die off as well.  In fact, exactly the opposite is the case.

Model trains are not just for kids.  When adults build model trains, we tend to go all out.  We have a bit more knowledge and experience, and perhaps just better hand-eye coordination, and are willing to spend the many months (or even years!) it takes to bring one of these creations to life.  What follows are some of the coolest model train stations around.  Read of for some of the best of the best!

If you want to know more about Model Railway Layouts then be sure to check out my blog.

#1: The Tenachapi Pass

For some, realism and following the exact details of the trains they are modeling in small form is the most important aspect of building a model train.  That is the case with these incredibly accurate model of this famous pass of railway.  The creators took thousands of pictures of the pass from different angles to ensure that down to the details of topography, they were being accurate in their representation of this iconic pass.

#2: The Great Train Story

The Great Train Story is a great story (and a great name) indeed.  What better way to learn the history of the expansion of the railroads from Chicago to Seattle than through a moving, visual representation of history?  This is an amazingly realistic model that shows the history of a bygone era in a way that cannot be duplicated.

#3: The Living Desert

The longest model railroad of its kind, currently spanning 2,300 feet and counting, this is a beautiful, massive, and very detailed model of the railway that runs from Old Indio through the Grand Canyon.  This is a very lifelike model of the pass and they plan on adding up to 25% more to the model in the coming years.

#4: Loxx Model Railway

Model railways sometimes come in massive scale as well - though, of course, not nearly as massive as the stretches or passes they are mimicking.  The Loxx model railway is contained within an area of around 3/4 of a mile.  You could NOT fit this model in your livingroom!  This is a true to life model that is the largest of is kind in Europe.

#5: Wunderland "Hamburg, Germany"

The Germans are known as a pretty serious people, and even when it comes to model trains, they take their construction quite seriously.  Serious to the tune of 7.3 million Euros and 50,000 man hours spent creating this lifelike and incredibly detailed "Wunderland".

#6: Virginian & Ohio

This iconic pass of railway was made even more iconic by the creators of this model railway.  In the process of creating their masterpiece, they revolutionized the way that model train builders built their setups.  They have been so influential to those with a passion for model trains that a historical society and book have been written in their honor.

#7: The Miniature Railroad & Village

This is the largest and most realistic model of its kind.  The villages and railroad towns of western Pennsylvania in the late 18th and early 19th century are quaint visions of a bygone era.  Why not mimic those traditions and the way things actually looked?  Exactly!  This lovely miniature village with a rail network makes one feel as if they are looking back in time.

#8: The Madder Valley Railway

This was the first model railway of its kind, built back in the 1930s, that integrated the natural and physical landscape with the model railway.  He created the first model railway that had landscapes, houses, trees, and changes in topography.  While due to its age, it doesn't run everyday, on special days of the year, you can still see the Madder Valley Railway in all its glory.

#9: Gauge One Bekonscot Model Railway

This is a beautiful model railway, and really, a whole model village that is nestled within the lush landscapes of Buckinghamshire.  The oldest model of its kind in Europe, this is a breathtaking feast for the senses, as its beauty and mimicking of reality make it seem like it was meant to be there.

#10: The Northlandz Model Railway

When you spend 25 years on a model railway creation, one expects it to be pretty darn special, and the Northlandz model railway does not disappoint in the slightest.  This is an amazing feat of skill, patience, and attention to detail.  This incredibly lifelike mock up also boasts tons of different trees, houses and more, all unique and detailed with care.

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D5027 40pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO 5cm    US $9.47

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D14070 4pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees O G 14cm    US $9.47

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2 vintage MARX ELECRTIC SWITCH set model RAILROAD train TRACK BOX LEFT RIGHT    US $20.00

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27 vintage LIONEL O gauge TRAIN TRACK SWITCH set model RAILROAD curve straight    US $15.00

D9035 20pcs Scale Train Layout Set Model Trees N HO 9cm    US $11.05

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Question by ♣ Star ♠: What is the average cost for garden, junction, and quarry model train railways?
I have been thinking about getting three different types of model train railways: garden, junction, and quarry railways. I plan to make each one of them at least 25 X 15 feet each. I will have 5-10 trains running on each one, and they are all about $ 45-$ 120 each (the trains.) I will be buying about $ 650 dollars worth of scenery, buildings, tracks, and accessories for each railway. So how much would be my average for each one?

Best answer:

Answer by Steven D
Unless you have an inside line on all the stuff you're asking about, $ 650 might cover one layout.
Here's some links to back up my statement:

http://www.towerhobbies.com/trains/train_listings/train_set_g_scale.html

http://www.modeltrainstuff.com/category_s/332.htm

http://www.trainsetsonly.com/page/TSO/CTGY/SETSGBACH

Know better? Leave your own answer in the comments!

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