Over the past decade they have increased in popularity in this country, until they are now the fastest growing area of model railroading as well as a new area of gardening. The scale is roughly one half inch of model to one actual foot. Just like model trains of other scales, electricity is delivered to the engines by track power. Only the transformer needs to be protected from the weather. Trains also can be operated with batteries and radio control.
Prices vary greatly among the manufacturers and local dealers.
Local railroad stores, while often not stocking the Big Trains, have color catalogs you can browse through or purchase, to order almost any train, car, or accessory you might need. Starter kits with a small power pack, circle of track, engine, and a couple cars are a good way to begin. You can find a list of suppliers in model train magazines in bookstores and libraries. Accessories include such items as lighting and sound systems for cars, miniature figures to scale of people and animals, building kits, and railroad signals. National mail order catalogs offer a wide selection and often the best prices and may be the way to go if you already know a bit about what you want.