Model RailRoad Hobby

Hey Robert...welcome and good luck to you in such a lovely adventure!
My grandfather simply ADORED model railroading, it was something though from the family...long line of railroaders and he was a fireman so, it was just in his blood.
This time of year actually had me thinking of it a great deal....he would always take out the scene and make it around the tree for Christmas morning...with puffs of smoke and all, it was such a delight to a child.
I have seen a great deal of railroad cars for sale on ebay and have thought on occassion how nice it would be to re start the tradition but, I dont have the cash nor enthusiasm for something like that...nice to know someone is still out there willing to go the extra mile for it.
heres some quick seraches I found but, cant give you any specific help one them though. Maybe someone else can
http://www.internettrains.com
http://www.DiscountTrainsOnline.com
http://www.modelrailroads.net
http://www.hobbytrains.com

National Model Railroad Association could be a great place to start:
http://www.nmra.org/

Robert, I am not sure what you mean by
"model railways". I live near to a country place that has model steam engine trains. They have tracks that run through the woods with railway
stations, bridges etc. Though most of the steam trains are small, some are large
enough to take a few carriages of passengers.

It appears to be a hobby that attracts many.
I met a retired man there who had worked on the
railways as a career. Every summer they
have a couple of open houses that is
immensely enjoyable for both adults and children.

Lionel's webpage (www.lionel.com) has some pretty good info for beginners, as well as starter train kits that include the essentials (locomotive, transformer, track, a few cars, etc.)

In my community, there is a model railroading club. They have designed a whole little town, with houses, churches, stores, lakes, golf courses, etc. The model railroad runs through the town. The members keep the "town" in a club room. Once a year they open it up to the public, and man, it is a great sight to see. It is amazing to watch the improvements and additions that happen from year to year.

Robert2513- Do you have a place to keep your model railroad? As I have heard, that hobby is pretty addictive, and you need a place to keep your models out permanently.