A Quick Guide to Assembling Your Model Train Set

The hard part comes when you open the packaging and get down to assembling the model train set. Here are a few simple guide lines setting up a model train layout.

The first thing that you have to do is make sure that the floor you’re going to be assembling your model train set on is clean and free of clutter. There should not be any carpet on the floor nor should the ground be uneven otherwise the track will not be stable. Any elevated platform you are using should be strong enough to support the weight of your model train set. For example, if you are using a table or an extended mantle piece, it should be strong and sturdy.

The good thing about assembling a model train set is that you won’t need a lot of tools. If you have a flat head screwdriver, wire strippers or utters, scissors, cord extension, and a pair of needle nose pliers, these items will suffice. For a permanent track, things like spikes, a set of nails and a tack hammer might also be needed. If you are assembling a model train for the first time, on average, it can take a person half an hour up to an hour to set it up. You can experiment with multiple designs in order to see what will suit you best. If the tracks of your model train set have an intricate design, then start out from the smallest circle or oval section of track, and work your way from there.

Make sure to be very careful when unpacking the model train, because the sets often include delicate parts that can be broken very easily. You might also want to dissemble your model train set later on, and put the parts back in the box, so keep the packaging safe. Apart from this guide, it will be very helpful, it you read the instruction manual provided in the packaging, because they will be specific to your model train set. Most people don’t know the injustice they are doing to their railway transportation modeling sets when they skip out on reading the manuals.

The next step is to lay out the sections of track in the form of a circle. Make sure to attach each section to the next one properly. Keep the power supply close to a wall outlet, so that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb in the middle of the display. Track sections that accept wires coming from the power supply should also be kept near to the source and out of harm’s way.

After the track has been assembled, place the locomotive on it. Before turning the power supply on and running the locomotive, check that the speed control has been put on low. Now you can make your locomotive do a few laps in either direction of the track. After this, you can add in cars, and couple them with the trains. Go for a test run again to check that all the joints are okay. You are good to go!