Info about Model Trains

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Trains

Scale / Gauge

There are multiple gauges but the main sizes are:

O Gauge - Wikipedia: 1.43 scale
OO Gauge - Wikipedia: 1.76 scale More common in UK & Ireland
HO Gauge - Wikipedia: 1.87 scale Very common in EU & USA
TT Gauge - Wikipedia: 1:120 scale most common in Europe
N Gauge - Wikipedia: 1.148 scale

List of all scales

Manufacturers

Hornby Biggest most well known manufacturer. Generally slightly less detailed than others and more aimed at mass market.
Bachmann Probably the 2nd largest manufacturer, very highly detailed models, aimed more at the collector.
Tillig Main European maker of TT scale. Makers of Luna tram track which goes through city streets.
Roco Austrian maker of high quality trains, HO, TT, N gauges, as well as HOe (narrow gauge), nice digital equipment
Heljan Danish manufacturer, very detailed, serveral models have had running issues. Produces a lot of niche models
Murphy Models Manufacturer of Irish models in OO. Unparalleled detail in it models.
Peco UK Manufacturer of track, widely used
Fleischmann trains High quality European trains, mostly HO.
Marklin a German maker with a different power system. Most popular in Germany. Makers of Z gauge, exceedlingly tiny size, a layout in a suitcase!

There are many more more focused on HO and N scales on the continent and America: Lima, Jouef, Rivarossi, Dapol.

Landscaping Materials for Layouts
Noch Noch are makers of very comprehensive scale materials trees, grass, bridges, to give a layout that real flavour. They make duplicate sizes of each item in the popular gauges like HO/OO, TT, N.

Shops / Suppliers
Both Irish and international, bricks & mortar and on-line.

Marks Models
The Model Shop
Green Hobby & Model
ID Models
Model Fair
Belfast Models
The Model Centre, Dublin (no website)

eHattons.com
Rails of Sheffield

Other sites

IRM Irish discussion board
Model Rail Forum UK based forum
SDMRC South Dublin Model Railway Club
MRSI Model Rail Society of Ireland
Camelot Junction Fantastic UK layout

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Power Options

DC

The "traditional" way of powering a layout. An analogue controller is used and power adjusted via a dial. While cheaper and simpler than DCC it is quite limited now-a-days. DC requires you to isolate the running locos from non running ones, or they will simply all run together.


DCC

The newer option, each loco has a DCC chip in it with its own "address". This allows you, via the controller, to select which loco the power goes to and which will move or sit with their lights on etc.
Multiple trains can be run on the same track without needing to be isolated. Also computer programmable which can allow for quite complex layout to run multiple trains.
Many older locos can be converted to DCC with some minor wiring chges and more modern ones will have a DCC socket fitted, even if the chip is not included.

All you ever wanted to know about DCC but were too confused to ask

48nico

"G" (G gauge) Wikipedia 1:22.5 scale as used in gardens.

coolwings

"TT" (Table Top gauge), also called 3mm when Triang made it in the UK.
TT is the size next most popular after HO in Europe, equal to HO in the Eastern European countries.
TT is 12mm between the rails, and would be 3/4 the size of the OO or HO sizes. Scale of TT is 1:120