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Getting Started in the Hobby
And Don't Miss the Teens Section Too!

Whistle. Train Whistles Send Signals!
There are different combinations of long Long blast. and short Short blast. blasts. They let the train crew communicate. Here are some:

Short blast. Apply brakes, stop!
Long blast. Long blast. Release brakes, proceed.
Long blast. Long blast. Short blast. Long blast. Approaching a crossing.
Long blast. Short blast. Short blast. Short blast. Flagman protect rear of train.
Short blast. Short blast. Short blast. When standing, back up.
Short blast. Short blast. When standing, start.
Short blast. Short blast. Short blast. Short blast. Short blast. A series of shorts: emergency, something on the tracks!
There are others. Today, much communication to and onboard trains is by radio.

Students are welcome to use the Toy Train Reference Library for research with assistance from the librarian, and for browsing books about the great hobby of toy trains.

Scout Railroading Badge  If you're in the Boy Scouts, you can go for this badge that includes real and toy trains! (Availability may be limited, ask your troop leader.)

What's the largest train layout in the world?
Northlandz, in Flemington, NJ. It has 8 miles of track and up to 100 trains running at once.

Smallest?  We aren't sure, but how about a Z gauge layout that fits into a briefcase, or a coffee table layout under glass?

Toy Train Web Sites
There are hundreds of sites. See some on our list here.

The National Toy Train Museum is operated by the Train Collectors Association