By Stan’s Hobbies and Interests | Updated: February 2026
Welcome to the start of a journey that spans generations. If you are looking for a way to connect your family through creativity, technology, and shared goals, you have found it.
Model railroading is often called “The World’s Greatest Hobby” because it isn’t just one interest—it is a dozen hobbies rolled into one. When you build a model railroad, you aren’t just playing with trains; you are a civil engineer, an electrical technician, a landscape artist, and a historian. In our Family Empire series, we look at hobbies not just as “pastimes,” but as tools to build stronger bonds and smarter kids.
Why Start a “Family Empire” on Tracks?
In 2026, our lives are more digital than ever. Model railroading provides the perfect “tactile reset.” It offers a physical space where parents and children can work side-by-side on a project that lives and breathes in the real world.
- Educational Depth: From learning the physics of electricity to the geometry of track laying, the educational ROI (Return on Investment) is massive.
- The Power of Narrative: Every railroad tells a story. Why is that train carrying coal? Where is that passenger headed? Building this world together encourages storytelling and imagination.
- A Growing Legacy: A well-built layout is a family heirloom. It’s a project that can start on a dining room table this year and grow into a dedicated hobby room five years from now.
Choosing Your Scale: The First Big Decision
Before you buy your first locomotive, you need to choose your “Scale” (the size ratio of the model to the real thing). In 2026, two scales dominate the family-friendly market:
- HO Scale (1:87): The most popular worldwide. It’s large enough for kids to handle easily but small enough to fit a great layout in a spare room.
- N Scale (1:160): The “Space Saver.” You can fit a massive empire on a simple coffee table.
To calculate how much space you need, use this simple ratio:
Space Required = Real World Area \times (Scale Ratio)2
Don’t worry, we’ll handle the math together as we build!
The 2026 Starter’s Guide: 3 Proven Paths
To kickstart your Family Empire, I have selected three entry points that balance quality, technology, and value.
1. The Classic Family Entry: Bachmann HO Scale Thoroughbred Set
This is the “Gold Standard” for a reason. It is rugged, reliable, and uses the E-Z Track system that snaps together flawlessly—even on a play-room carpet. It’s the perfect way to see if the hobby “clicks” for your family without a massive technical hurdle.
Bachmann HO Scale Thoroughbred Set
2. The Tech-Forward Entry: NCE Power Cab DCC Starter
If your family loves gadgets, this is the 2026 winner. You control the train, the lights, and the authentic “chuff” of the engine directly from your smartphone via Bluetooth. It removes the need for complex wiring, making it incredibly beginner-friendly.
3. The Precision Builder: Kato N-Scale Master 1 Set
For families with limited space but a high interest in detail, Kato’s N-Scale sets are unmatched. The “Unitrack” system is the most reliable in the world, ensuring your trains won’t stall or derail—keeping the “fun factor” high for younger operators.
Beyond the Tracks: An Invitation to the Series
This article is just the beginning. Over the coming months, we will dive deeper into each aspect of the “Industrial Empire.” We will move from simply “running trains” to “building worlds.”
Our upcoming “Family Empire” modules will include:
- Scenery & Artistry: Using 3D printing and modern foams to create realistic mountains and rivers.
- The Digital Command Center: Learning the basics of DCC (Digital Command Control) to run multiple trains at once.
- Operations & Logistics: How to run your railroad like a real business, teaching kids about scheduling and freight.
Final Thoughts
Model railroading isn’t about perfection; it’s about the process. It’s about the Saturday afternoon spent painting a plastic bridge or the pride in your child’s eyes when they finally master the “slow crawl” into the station.
We invite you to join us on this journey. Let’s stop just watching screens and start building something that lasts.
Next Step: Are you ready to pick a scale? Would you like me to provide a “Room Planner” guide to help you figure out exactly where your first layout could fit?
Getting Started in Model Railroading – 2026 Edition
This video is a fantastic visual companion to this introduction, showing the different scales in action and giving you a “sneak peek” at the scenery techniques we will cover later in this series.
Stan's Hobbies and Interests 