What’s apple pie without vanilla ice cream? Espresso without foam? Model trains without tunnels and landscaping? Since the inception of prototyping (the creation of scale models of actual trains) there have been a few ‘must have’ accessories that every working train system seems to have or wants to have. We’re not talking about the basics here – you have to have tracks, controllers a locomotive and at least one car as well as a power supply and a place to mount and run the thing. We’re talking those special items that make model railroading the hobby that enthusiasts love so much: the ‘bling’ of the locomotive world!
Since every diorama is different and the demands for each system change one can argue about which accessories really are the ‘top’ five – but I’m going to go out on a limb and list the ones that everyone seems to have or be getting. Those in no particular order appear to be:
1. A Train Station
One of the first things added to every working model railroad traditionally is a station where the locomotive and any attached vehicles can come to a stop. Often entire towns are built around the train station – at others it is placed in a lonely mountain setting but this has to be the number one accessory purchased or created for Model Trains.
2. People or animals
We can’t seem to build a diorama without people figures – whether it’s a conductor, a dog or horse in a pasture or people waiting at the depot reading a newspaper there always seems to be at least a few of these waiting to get into our scenes.
3. Cars and Cabooses
Normally purchased along with the locomotive there is always at least one or more ’special’ cars that find their way into a collection.
4. Lighting and Sounds
What diorama is complete without street lights or a whistle blowing? Working stop lights and warning signs on the train intersections?
5. Landscaping
Often started before track is laid landscaping materials to simulate grass, mountains and tunnels, gravel paths and roadways is perhaps the true ‘must have’ accessory for every model train set.
What about your layout? What accessories do you think are the most important to make a realistic railroad?
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
i think that you have covered it all, but a nice river helps to bring the layout to life
Dear Bill,
I think your absolutly right about the train station and landscaping. I’ve always enjoyed the forest. I love using outdoor plants and drying them out. Once they dry I paint them to whatever color fits the scene. If you notice on larger layouts the trees are very important. Whether its pines in the mountains or shade trees in the city. They really make the layout reach out at you. The depth of your trees is important too. Mountainsides look larger with big redwood type trees spread out. Good job on the website. I’ve been enjoying your letters and I have copied all your emails up to this date. Keep up the good work.
Model trains forever Mark halischak