The easiest and, absolutely, most enjoyable part about the toy train hobby is acquiring the trains. It is a true delight performing the act of selecting, buying and bringing home a new treasure to add to the collection. Although the cats may suffer through a week of generic chow instead of the good stuff, you know, deep down, you`ve found something special that will give your pike, yet another, added dimension of depth it previously lacked. The satisfaction lasts until the next object of your desire comes along.

The ultimate goal of any train collector is having the ability to actually operate the acquired trains and accessories. The most difficult part is beginning construction of your layout. How will you ever know if you have enough, or too many, trains, if they operate the way you think they will, or if you can even accomplish the task of creating a layout unless you get down to brass tacks and start building?

The first requirement for any household project, including building a layout, is confidence. You must be convinced that you can use a saw, drill, wrench, hammer and screwdriver. You know you already have the desire.

The second step is to select a space. Layouts can come in all shapes and sizes to fit any space from a full room to under the bed. If you have the property, you can even custom build a home just for your layout. However, this type of extravagance is beyond the means and scope of the majority of train enthusiasts.

Most folks often think of the train layout as a basement project. Unless your cellar is bone dry and climate controlled, it`s hardly an acceptable option to install your permanent indoor O gauge railroad.

Once your space is selected, the next step is to consider how your trains will run in the allotted area. This plan will determine, for the most part, how your platforms will need to be constructed. I suggest a minimum of two independent loops in the trackplan to afford the flexibility of operating two trains simultaneously and independently.

Many will want to construct on a far grander scale. While, on the surface, this may seem like a great idea, for the novice first-timer, a grandiose plan can be fraught with technical problems that can, potentially, stall, or even kill, the dream of a smoothly operating, enjoyable layout. Again, it`s easy and fun to collect the trains. The challenge comes in creating a surface upon which to see them operate.

Just remember, if you put your mind to it, with a little planning, skill, determination and confidence, you can build that layout you`ve always dreamed about. The satisfaction derived from your efforts will pay you many years of happy dividends and your forest will shine through the trees.