FAQ

What is involved in starting with this hobby?

--- All you need to do is buy a starter set that includes your locomotive, wagons, tracks and power pack.

How expensive is a starter set?

--- It can be as economical or expensive as you choose. Sets can be obtained for as little as $70.00 if they run on batteries or about $150.00 if electrical. We recommend the electrical starter sets.

Do you sell starter sets?

--- No, the Toronto Model Trains Fun Club does not sell anything.  We just like to promote a great hobby.

I heard that there are two types of model trains, 2 rail and 3 rail.  What is that all about?

--- Well, that is a bit like the old Beta and VHS distinction.  The 2 rail and 3 rail (Marklin) systems are not compatible with one another, except for wagons that with some adaptation can run on both systems.  However, you will not be able to run a 2 rail locomotive, say Walthers, on a 3 rail system, Marklin. You need to choose which way you want to go. Or you can do what we do: have both!

Which system is better, 2 rail or 3 rail?

--- If you ask Marklin fans, they will swear Marklin is the only way to go. If you ask 2 rail fans, they will say the same thing. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

-- For those of you who are more technically oriented, our resident expert indicates that:

Marklin is a 3 rail system which has the centre rail powered and the two outer rails supplying the ground connection. The locomotive has a centre mounted slider which picks up the power and returns it via its wheels. This is better than 2 rail for the simple reason there is a greater amount of physical contact between the locomotive and track for superior electrical conductivity. The other advantage simpler wiring as there is no need to polarize points (switches) or to do fancy wiring for return loops.

The two rail advantage is largely related to cosmetics. There is no centre rail which some enthusiasts consider to be unsightly even though Marklin’s centre rail is well disguised.

With broad strokes there is about a 40/60 split worldwide between 3 rail and 2 rail with Europe being heavily into Marklin 3 rail.

Is there a difference between European and North American 2 rail train sets?

--- Yes, definitely. Once again North American fans will swear their trains are the best, while European fans will say the same thing. It's a personal choice, really.

Having said that, there is always a debate about which is “better”.  The relationship between cost, quality and sophistication is a complicated one. By and large, you get what you pay for in both European and North American train sets.

What stores in the GTA specialize in selling trains?

--- If you like 3 rail, Marklin, the store people normally go to when they need not only trains, but also technical advice and service, is called Westend Trains:  http://www.westendtrains.com/

--- If you like 2 rail, North American Train sets, a great store for purchasing trains and technical support is the Credit Valley Railway: http://www.cvrco.com . 

--- If you like 2 rail European trains, getting expert advice and technical support is more difficult. 2 rail train sets (and Marklin) can be bought at John's Hobbies: http://www.johnshobbies.ca/trains/, they provide advice but  do not service the trains. 

I heard that trains come in analogue and digital formats. What is that all about?

--- Analogue systems, both 2 rail and Marklin, are the old fashioned way of running trains and often involve elaborate wiring to maximize the fun.

-- Digital systems, again both 2 rail and Marklin, are the more modern way of running trains, involve less wiring but are also more expensive.  At Toronto Model Trains Fun Club we use both analogue and digital systems to run our trains.

-- Our resident expert says:

Digital Systems by their very name use a digitally encoded power supply to all locomotives and accessories (points, switches, relays etc.) which allows individual control even though they all obtain their power from the same two wire buss. Digital Systems allow for sophisticated automation with full PC control.

Is there any source of free advice if I get stuck in operating my trains?

--- Yes, definitely. Most train lovers belong to various forums where experienced and knowledgeable people give priceless advice. We recommend the Marlin Users Forum that in spite of its name helps anyone with any train problems, 2 rail or Marklin, analogue or digital:  Marklin-Users.

Are there any websites that list the trains, wagons and accessories that I may like to buy?

--- Yes, the most comprehensive site we know of is located in the United States and lists all sorts of Marklin and 2 rail European trains: Reynaulds. Keep in mind that the prices are in US dollars and you will have to pay shipment and duty).

--- For  North American trains, the best website we know of is Walthers . Again, keep in mind that the prices are in US dollars and you will have to pay shipment and duty).   The CVRCO listed above can help you in getting the Walthers products and you pay only the exchange in addition to the listed prices (about 35% these days).     

Do you have any upcoming events?

--- Yes, we are hoping to have some exhibitions in the GTA in time for the Christmas holidays. We will announce details in the future weeks. Stay tuned.