There are many different type of lay outs for the serious model train hobbyist. There are also different type of scales. When choosing what type of layout one wants it is important to keep in mind what type of scale one will use. As far as scales go for different types of model trains go, the most popular ones are O, HO and N. The garden sized trains are usually the G model. The smallest ones are labeled Z. This type are so small, one could design an entire set on top of a table.
The model G is great as an outdoor model and model train hobbyist will build these in their gardens and use some very realistic gardens. One favorite trick in the book when building a train set out doors is to make the artificial scenery close to where people are standing a little larger than the scenery in back. This way when the train moves away from you to the back, it will create a better illusion of traveling further away. There are people who spend lots of time tediously recreating a specific landscape, in order to enhance the feeling of distance.
