Whether you are already a model train hobbyist or you are new to the hobby and would like to get started, GreatestHobby.com is definitely your starting point. This site lets you know everything about how to become a committed hobbyist. It lists all the most reliable shops and model train clubs, along with hundreds of events that you could attend for free.
The “Find a Hobby Shop” section is actually split by State, and the site’s creators have made a point of collecting and listing the addresses of shops in countries other than the US. Look for them at the bottom of the list, they’re all included on the link named “International: Shops located outside the United States“. And both national and international model clubs are listed on the site, too. They’re presented in exactly the same way, with a State-by-State directory which is then tailed by links to international clubs.
A free booklet for beginners is available on GreatestHobby.com, and you can download it here. This booklet is a truly great introduction to the world of model trains. And once you’ve downloaded and read it, you can watch a video called “Building Your First Model Railroad” online. This video can be watched for free, and it is actually taken from a DVD which you can buy on the site. I have embedded both the introduction and the first benchwork part of this video for you below.
