Model Railways, Cats and Parrots: Can They Live Together?

Our recent That’s Christmas 365 article about buying model railway gifts prompted a rather important thought in our own household.

We have an African Grey parrot and a very large Maine Coon cat.

Would introducing a model railway into that combination be brave, or completely foolish?

Fortunately, pet ownership doesn't necessarily mean abandoning dreams of miniature steam trains or classic vintage diesel locomotives winding through beautifully detailed countryside. However, some sensible precautions are definitely required.

The railway may look like a giant cat's toy

Cats and model railways aren't necessarily natural companions.

A locomotive moving around a layout could prove irresistible, while delicate trees, signals, telegraph poles and buildings aren't designed to withstand a large cat deciding to walk across them, or spend an afternoon catnapping on them.

Then there are tunnels.

What self-respecting cat wouldn't investigate something repeatedly disappearing into a hole or coming out again?

Rather than hoping your cat simply loses interest, it's better to design the railway on the assumption that curiosity will eventually win.

And don't underestimate a parrot!

African Greys are extraordinarily intelligent and inquisitive birds, equipped with a remarkably powerful beak.

Small model railway accessories could be picked up or chewed, while exposed electrical cables present an obvious hazard.

For households with parrots, wiring should therefore be properly enclosed and inaccessible. We'd also disconnect the railway from its power supply when it wasn't being used.

Tiny detachable scenery and accessories shouldn't be accessible to either cats or birds.

Consider a railway in a cabinet

One particularly attractive solution is building a layout into a cabinet.

Transparent acrylic doors or panels could allow everyone in the family, including the pets, to watch the trains while preventing paws and beaks from reaching the railway.

Open the cabinet when you're operating or maintaining the layout and close everything securely afterwards.

A folding layout offers another possibility. A compact OO, N or 009 layout could be brought out for an evening's railway operation before being folded or stored safely away.

A railway room?

If you're fortunate enough to have a spare bedroom, box room or other suitable space, turning it into a dedicated model railway room could solve most of the problem.

Simply keeping the door closed when you're not there provides an extremely effective first line of defence.

For larger homes, garages, lofts and suitable outbuildings can offer other possibilities, although temperature, humidity and security need considering.

What about a garden railway?

Going bigger could be another answer.

Garden railway equipment is generally much more substantial than its indoor cousins, and constructing a railway amongst real plants can become a fascinating hobby in itself.

However, cats may still regard the railway as part of their territory, while pet birds obviously shouldn't be allowed outdoors unsupervised.

Pets don't mean giving up the railway dream

Perhaps that's the important point.

If somebody in your family receives a model railway for Christmas, the presence of cats, parrots or other inquisitive pets doesn't mean trains and animals can't coexist.

It simply means thinking about where the railway will live, how it will be protected and how its electrical equipment and small components will be secured.

In fact, designing a pet-proof railway could become an interesting modelling challenge in its own right.

In our household, a substantial cabinet layout with clear protective doors sounds increasingly attractive.

After all, a model railway is supposed to provide relaxation and enjoyment.

Watching your lovingly constructed signal box disappear beneath the paws of an enthusiastic Maine Coon probably doesn't qualify.

And as for an African Grey parrot presented with dozens of miniature trees, buildings and telegraph poles to dismantle?

We suspect the parrot might regard that as the best Christmas present of all.

Merry Christmas, and happy (pet-proof) modelling from That’s Christmas 365!

All Aboard for Christmas! Model Railway Gifts for Every Gauge

There’s something wonderfully Christmassy about a model railway. Perhaps it’s the sight of a little steam locomotive passing snow-covered cottages, the glow from miniature station lamps or simply memories of train sets appearing beneath Christmas trees.

If there’s a railway modeller in your family, Christmas offers an enormous choice of presents,  and you certainly don’t have to buy them another locomotive. 

Buildings, scenery, figures, vehicles, signals, trackside details and modelling materials can provide hours of enjoyment.

First, find out the gauge!

Before buying anything railway-related, discreetly discover which scale and gauge your modeller uses. Railway modelling ranges from remarkably tiny trains to substantial locomotives designed to run outdoors.

At the smaller end there’s 009, popular with modellers recreating narrow-gauge railways. Then there is N gauge, where an impressive railway can be squeezed into a comparatively small space.

Britain's enormously popular OO gauge offers perhaps the widest selection of ready-to-run trains, buildings, vehicles and accessories. HO, similar in size but built to a slightly different scale, dominates in many other countries.

Moving upwards, there is O gauge, followed by larger scales including Gauge 1 and the various scales commonly grouped under the heading of garden railways. These substantial models can turn a garden into a miniature railway landscape.

Look beyond the train set

Once you've established the scale, the possibilities become much more interesting.

A modeller might appreciate station buildings, signal boxes, engine sheds, bridges, tunnels, retaining walls, fencing or platform furniture. There are miniature passengers, railway workers, farm animals, cyclists, cars, buses and delivery vans.

Scenic materials can be excellent stocking fillers. Think trees, hedges, grass fibres, ballast, rocks, bushes and miniature flowers. For someone building an urban layout, there are shops, factories, terraced houses, pubs, garages and street furniture.

Even tiny details such as milk churns, luggage, parcels, postboxes, benches and advertising signs can transform a layout.

For garden railway enthusiasts, meanwhile, Christmas presents could include buildings, figures, trackside accessories and weather-resistant scenery, or perhaps plants suitable for creating convincing miniature landscapes.

Don't overlook second-hand treasures

One of the pleasures of railway modelling is that something doesn't necessarily need to be new to be desirable.

Model railway exhibitions, specialist dealers, collectors' fairs, auction sites, online marketplaces and model shops can turn up discontinued buildings, unusual rolling stock and accessories that haven't been manufactured for decades.

A battered box needn't matter to a modeller who wants the contents for their railway rather than a display cabinet.

There is also a thriving world of cottage-industry manufacturers producing resin models, laser-cut buildings, 3D-printed accessories and highly specialised detailing parts. These can make particularly thoughtful presents because you may discover something the recipient has never seen before.

How about a layout itself?

For somebody who has always wanted a railway but lacks the time or confidence to build one, you could even investigate ready-built or professionally constructed layouts.

Second-hand layouts regularly change hands, while specialist builders can produce everything from compact shunting layouts and portable narrow-gauge railways to extensive bespoke installations.

Just remember that buying a complete layout requires some detective work. Check its dimensions carefully, particularly whether it will actually fit through the recipient's doors!

Garden railways require even more planning, but helping someone begin their long-dreamed-of outdoor railway could make an extraordinary family Christmas project.

Gift vouchers are not a cop-out

Railway modellers can be extremely particular. The wrong locomotive, period, railway company or scale might be completely unsuitable.

That's why a voucher for a favourite model railway shop can actually be an exceptionally thoughtful present. It allows the enthusiast to choose precisely the locomotive, wagon, building or obscure packet of tiny brass components they've been coveting.

Alternatively, make a day of it. Offer to take them to a model railway exhibition or specialist shop, provide lunch and give them a Christmas budget to spend.

The railway beneath the Christmas tree

And perhaps model railways and Christmas belong together particularly well.

From a tiny 009 locomotive pottering through a Welsh-inspired landscape to an N-gauge express, a busy OO station, an imposing O-gauge steam engine or a garden locomotive steaming through real plants and miniature buildings, railway modelling offers something for virtually every age and budget.

So, if you're struggling to find something for the railway modeller in your family this Christmas, do a little detective work.

Find out their gauge, scale, period and interests, then start exploring.

You might discover that the perfect Christmas present isn't a train at all. It could be a tiny station porter, an engine shed, a packet of trees or the little signal box that finally completes a scene they've been building for years.

And if all else fails?

Ask them.

Railway modellers generally don't need much encouragement to tell you exactly what their layout needs next!

All aboard! Christmas is coming!

First Steps in Model Train Sets: A Christmas Gift Guide

Model train sets have a timeless charm, making them the perfect gift for Christmas. 

Whether you're introducing a child to the joys of miniature railways or reigniting an adult’s childhood passion, these intricate sets are more than just toys; they’re gateways to creativity, patience, and endless fun.

If you're considering a model train set as a gift this festive season, here’s how to get started.

1. Choosing the Right Starter Set

When selecting a train set for a beginner, simplicity and quality are key. Look for sets labelled as "starter kits" or "beginner sets." These typically include everything you need to get started: a locomotive, carriages, a basic track layout, and a controller. Popular brands like Hornby (a favourite in the UK) and Bachmann offer reliable and well-made options.

Tip: Opt for a model in the most common scale, such as HO/OO. These scales strike a perfect balance between detail and space requirements, making them ideal for beginners.

2. Understanding the Basics

Scales and Gauges: Scale refers to the size of the model relative to a real train. OO and HO are popular for their manageable size. Gauge refers to the width between the rails; ensure you choose compatible pieces if expanding the set later.

Track Types: Most sets include an oval or figure-eight track layout. These are great for first-time users and can be expanded over time.

3. Consider the Recipient’s Age

For younger enthusiasts, durability is a must. Sets designed for children often have fewer fragile parts, making them more forgiving of rough handling. Brands like Bigjigs or Lionel offer sturdy sets perfect for little hands. 

Thomas the Tank Engine sets are available.

For older children or adults, a set with more detail and expandability is ideal. Look for realistic models that can grow into a larger layout over time.

4. Accessories to Add a Personal Touch

One of the joys of model trains is customising the setup. Consider including accessories like:

Extra track pieces for expanding layouts.

Scenery items like trees, buildings, and figures.

A tunnel or bridge to add depth to the railway.

These extras can transform a simple track into a vibrant miniature world.

5. Setting Up Together

Part of the magic of giving a model train set is the shared experience of setting it up. Carve out some time on Christmas Day to help your recipient assemble their track, set up the train, and watch it whir into action. It’s a wonderful bonding activity and a great introduction to their new hobby.

6. Long-Term Fun

A starter train set is just the beginning. Over time, enthusiasts can expand their collection, adding more trains, track pieces, and scenery. Encourage them to explore online communities, local clubs, or even exhibitions for inspiration and advice.

Why a Train Set Makes a Special Gift

In a world dominated by screens, a model train set offers something refreshingly tactile. It encourages problem-solving, creativity, and a sense of accomplishment. Plus, it’s a gift that grows with its owner, providing years of enjoyment.

So, if you’re searching for a meaningful present this Christmas, a model train set might just be the perfect ticket to joy. With a little guidance, you can start someone on a journey that will last a lifetime—complete with the nostalgic clatter of miniature wheels on the track.

All aboard for a festive season filled with fun and discovery!