Train Set Accessories

A model train layout without accessories is like a hamburger without a bun or the fixings. It may be satisfying at one level, but somewhat disappointing on another level.

Accessories take their form in many ways, and can be great fun in their own right. They are a great way to perk up any layout.

Anything and everything

Accessories bring depth, texture, and life to a model train layout. While the term "accessories" can mean anything from a building to a semi-truck frame with mud flaps, most model railroaders consider an accessory to be a structure or non-railroad vehicle that adds to the realism of the layout. Included in this list would also be signs and signals, such as working crossing guards, beacon signals, trackside signage, and even billboards.

Anything that can be used to create geographical figures, such as kits to build mountains, rivers, or lakes are usually considered accessories, too. Paint, glue, knives, and airbrushes are tools that are considered accessories.

Proper atmosphere

Creating atmosphere is one of the joys of model railroading. It opens the door for your creativity and for your originality. Ever wanted to write ads? Do a billboard for your layout. Think your town should be in the mountains? Build them. Want to put a theme park right next door? Install one with a building kit.

You are only bound by your imagination for your railroad, and there are accessories to help complete just about any type of project. For pre-fab building kits, you have choices such as churches train stations, factories, boarding houses, drive-in theaters, and popular fast-food restaurants. One kit for a drive-in theater has an actual LCD screen that has a DVD player connected to it. You can show movies from the era you are modeling, to today's popular hits.

Of course, accessories such as building kits will have more choices in the popular scales, namely HO scale. If you model S or N scale, you may have to build certain buildings yourself. This will truly challenge your creativity. While appearing somewhat daunting at the beginning, the payoff is quite rewarding and there are many book titles to help you. Success with creating specialized structures can lead to creating completely original scenes with moving parts. Ones popular in model railroading are firemen rushing to put out a fire, amusement park rides, and haunted houses. Many times, these scenes are built largely from scratch.

Signs and signals

To create another level of realism is to install working signals and crossing guards where appropriate. In real life, when a train has the right-of-way on the rails, the signal beacon in the block will have a green light. As the train passes, the light turns red. There are kits to accomplish this effect. Most everyone is familiar with a crossing gate and how it lowers and its lights flash when a train approaches. This type of signaling can be also recreated quite easily with widely available kits. Simple electric wiring from the tracks or directly from the power pack powers them.

Accessories like these and others, can bring an element of realism that will give you and others enjoyment watching them. You will also experience a sense of accomplishment, too, as you impress family and friends with a realistic model railroad.

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