Model Train HO Railroad HO Scale

Model trains are available in a variety of different sizes that are denoted as scales. This spectrum of sizes ranges from miniature train sets to large models that designed to be set up outdoors. There are two terms used in association of collecting model trains, they are gauge and scale. Scale is used to describe the ratio of a model to the actual train that it depicts and gauge refers to the track width.

When it comes to model railroad collecting the choice of scale is usually the most important aspect that needs to be decided before the collection can start. It is a matter of personal preference as well as experience and don’t forget what may be the most important part of the equation, which is your budget. Although there are many different scales available for you to choose from the HO is one of the most popular.

The HO model train scale is by far the most common amongst the scales. The approximate ratio of HO model trains is 1:87. You will also be able to find variations in the HO scales. The HO is popular since it comes in various gauges and is very easy to work with. The detail is outstanding and the size of the train is somewhat like a popular fairytale. It’s size is not to small, it’s not to big…..it’s just right!

Not only will you be able to find HO model trains with utmost ease but also one of the biggest advantages of sticking to this scale is that you will easily be able to find a wide variety of accessories with which you can enhance your model train display.

Next in line on the popularity chart is the N scale model trains. The N scale has the ratio of 1:160 that makes them considerably smaller than the HO. For my taste the N scale is to small and the detailing on the locomotives and cars is not as intricate as on the HO scale. One other detail that should be mentioned is that accessories for the N scale are much less available than for the HO and other model trains because their small size makes them complex and difficult to work with and the number of units sold has reduced worldwide demand therefore making this a difficult train to collect. However there is one big benefit with this standard and that is the fact that you can set up an extensive railroading track in a relatively small space. The N scale tends to be more popular with kids and individuals that have limited space to work with and are not interested in large detailed railroad layouts.

The other three scales in the fab five list are the O (1:48), the Z (1:220) and the big daddy himself, the G (1:24). There are other scales available but are not considered to be big collector items since their popularity is so small. The fewer retail units sold means fewer accessories. Collectors tend to lean toward the fab five and then it is the individual’s personal taste in scale that seems to be the determining factor in their collection. So spend some time and consider your space, your budget and your personal taste and come on aboard.

Model Train Scenery Mean, Model, Scale, Trains

At a very early age, boys are exposed to things that set them up for some tough times and even failure throughout their lives. Things that will affect them to the core of their being and have a deep impact in their relationships, careers and marriages.

Most guys can remember when they were young and at some point those words “Man Up!” or “Be a Man!” were said to them. What’s important is when they were said. It was most likely during a moment of weakness or vulnerability and either their father, older brother, coach or someone else in a position of influence, made them feel as though getting emotional or having feelings wasn’t okay. Saying things like; Why are you crying?, Men don’t cry., It doesn’t hurt, walk it off., Quit your whining!, or you’ll never be good enough if you don’t man up and fight your way through it.

From the first day on the playground boys see that the more athletic you are, or how strong you are is what defines you as a man. Weaker boys are made fun of and belittled in front of others. This sets the framework in the lives of those that they make fun of. They go through life wondering if God screwed up and didn’t do something right when he made them. They wonder why are they good at things like Drama, Debate, Science or Art. Why aren’t they strong and fast and have great hand-eye coordination. They struggle for years getting picked last in sports and feelings of inadequacy are implanted forever.

As boys get older and begin to think about girls, their lack of emotion make them believe that women are for pleasure, eye candy and trophies to show off. The more women, the better. With words like Pimps and Ho’s and others I won’t put in this blog, they’re made to believe that it’s okay to disrespect women.  The tough guys they see, walk away when it doesn’t suit them any more, when it’s not all about them or convenient. They talk about not getting respect and not having to put up with it.

In business it’s about dominating others and getting where you need to, without worrying about who you destroy in your path. We separate our hearts, emotions and morals from our decision making process. Many of our “so called” role models in sports and hollywood are so caught up in their own greatness, that they don’t see the people they destroy in their wake or worse yet, the people that they don’t even know, who are looking up to them.

A “Real Man” is strong in his convictions, not his bench press. He doesn’t belittle or make fun of the weak, he stands up for them against those who do. He spends time encouraging them and building into them the belief that they too can accomplish great things with the gifts that God has endowed them with. He’s a mentor and leader who trains others to be great at whatever it is that drives them.

A “Real Man” takes responsibility, he doesn’t walk away from his wife or girlfriend when things get tough. He would never leave his children fatherless, because his wife got on his nerves and made him feel weak. He knows when he’s wrong and asks for forgiveness. 

A “Real Man” looks outside his own world, to those in need. He doesn’t need to get something in return for the good he does. He certainly doesn’t need a trophy or plaque to remind him how great he is or to hang on his wall for others to see. He’s rewarded inside by knowing that he made a difference and thats all that matters.

I must say, that I was definitely not the right kind of man most of my life. I fell into the idea that it was all about me. Where I was weak, I found someone weaker to put down in order to make myself feel better. 

In the past 15 years, I met men that were different, not only in public but in private as well. I studied their success in relationships with other men, their businesses and their marriages. I wanted what they had and realized I had a long way to go. Having a 2 year old daughter made me realize that, what she saw growing up, would be similar to the man she would one day marry and she deserved the best.

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