I came across this posted on another forum. It is a link to the Hornby ~ Model Rail Forum.
It's written from a prospective of an HO modeler, but it is relative no matter what scale trains you play with.
Everyone should read this piece & remember that playing with trains is about having fun, relaxing
and getting into the Toy Train Zone....
http://www.modelrailforum.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=RivetsHappy Rails.
Dave