layout size?

[Anonymous]

I am new to railroading, i am planning a layout and to start in the new year.
I have a workshop to adapt for my layout (workshop size 8ft x 20ft.
Is this space big enough? I want a (n) gauge layout. Is it wiser to go HO scale?
Is DCC easy to install use? Can i buy Locos without decoders in, are they all adaptable for dcc running?.

[IRONROOSTER]

[#welcome]

8x20 is large enough for any of the popular scales - Z, N, HO, S, O, of G. The type of railroad operations and what can be included will vary with the scale. Generally speaking the smaller scales favor longer trains and a higher scenery to track ratio. The larger scales favor building, detailing, and have a more massive presence on the layout. HO has the widest selection of items and is found in almost every hobby store, but there is enough available in all 6 scales for a complete model railroad.

DCC has been used in all the scales (not sure about Z) - small engines in the smaller scales can be a problem, but there are some very small decoders out there. Sound favors the larger scales because you can use a bigger speaker. Some locos come with decoders, some with a plug for inserting your own decoder, and some you have to convert.

I would suggest you try to get to a couple of trains shows with operating layouts in several scales and visit some clubs that have open house. This will give you some idea of what the different scales are like.

Enjoy
Paul

[chateauricher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by malcwest23
I am new to railroading, i am planning a layout and to start in the new year. I have a workshop to adapt for my layout (workshop size 8ft x 20ft. Is this space big enough?

Yes, it is. Depending on how the room is laid out — where doors and windows are, etc — you should be able to get a decent layout in that space. I would suggest you do an "around the walls" shelf layout with the shelves about 24 to 30" deep (leaving you a 36-48" aisle, if you have shelves on both sides). If necessary, you could go with deeper shelves in some areas; but remember that most people have a maximum reach of about 30". That basically means that no part of your layout should be more than 30" from an aisle. Also, keep your aisles at least 30" wide.

QUOTE: I want a (n) gauge layout. Is it wiser to go HO scale?

Scale is a largely a matter of personal choice. The available area for a layout can also dictate which scale is choosen. (By the way, "guage" refers to the distance between the rails; or to wire size.)

With your room size, N-scale will provide you with excellent design options. You can easily incorporate reversing loops with workable 15" radii and still keep your shelf depths within reason. 15" radius curves in HO-scale are considered quite tight and probably unworkable, meaning you'll need to make your shelves much deeper wherever you have reversing loops.

N- and HO-scale both offer very good selections on rolling stock (locomotives, cars, etc); track and accessories; and scenicking elements. However, HO-scale offers a wider variety of structures; although N-scale is catching up. Prices for the two scales are comparable.

QUOTE: Is DCC easy to install use?

Yes, it is fairly simple to use. Just how easy depends on the system you choose — some are simpler than others; some are more basic than others. Installation is a snap compared to the more complicated wiring needs for DC.

QUOTE: Can i buy Locos without decoders in, are they all adaptable for dcc running?

If you plan to use DCC from the start, be sure to buy locomotives that are either "DCC decoder equiped" or "DCC ready". You may want to buy only "DCC ready" locomotives, and choose and install your own decoders. If you plan to use DCC only in the future, be sure the locomotives you buy are labled as "DCC ready" that way converting to DCC will be simpler.

Be aware that if the locomotive is NOT labeled as either "DCC decoder equiped" or "DCC ready", you will likely have a more difficult time converting them to DCC operations. Not all locomotives are created equal when it comes to DCC conversions.


It would be wise to invest in some track planning software to plan your layout. There are several options available out there — some for free, others you pay for. Whichever you choose, be sure it can show you the plans in 3-D and that you can print it out at whatever scale you choose. Another wise investment would be in some trackplanning books and guides.

[Anonymous]

Regardless of how large you would like your layout to be when complete, you may want to consider building it in modular form one module at a time for a couple of reasons. First, you'll have a greater sense of accomplishment if you can go from benchwork to track and wiring to scenery fairly quickly. I have seen too many incomplete layouts because the builder bit off too much at once and lost interest.

Secondly, with modules, you can change the ultimate configuration of the layout as you go. The layout idea you have today may not be what you will want six months from now.

Thirdly, if you investigate you may find a modular group in your area that can be a source of information and inspiration. You may even want to join.

Finally, you never know when you have to move your layout. Modules make it much easier.

As for the question of which scale, that's been a hot topic for decades. I think the choice goes far beyond availability of equipment and has more to do with realism and ease of operation and maintenance, in which case larger tends to be better. I model in HO, but don't overlook S scale or even O, for that matter.

John Timm

[nbrodar]

QUOTE: 8ft x 20ft. Is this space big enough? I want a (n) gauge layout. Is it wiser to go HO scale?

More then enough. Although, it probably too big to start. I had a 20x20 and a couple 10x20 layouts that never made it past the track laying stage. My current 10x12 layout progressed much farther, much faster.

Scale is personal choice. I started in HO, and like it very much. Although, I have dabbled in N, O and G, I keep going back to HO. I also have friends that swear by N or O.

QUOTE: Is DCC easy to install use? Can i buy Locos without decoders in, are they all adaptable for dcc running?.

I still run DC, but many of my friends run DCC and love it. It is easy to install, and pretty easy to use. At least in HO, more and more locomotives are coming decoder equipped, and those that arn't are DCC ready, so all you have to do is drop the decoder in. Some of the older ones (Athearn Blue Box kits) though, are a little more involved

Nick