new at this

[Anonymous]

i have a few questions
1 what is the difference between brass and nickel tracks ?
2 what is the best set to start with o-ho-n?
3 i want to make a nice layout and im not sure on what i need ?

if anyone can give me some advice i will be very greatful
thank you in advance!

[Anonymous]

Personaly, I think the way to go would be HO scale. It's more readily available and is affordable. If you want to have a huge layout in a small space, go with N scale. If you have A LOT of space then try O. There are many diffrent kinds of O (Lionel, MTH, 2-rail O). The choice is up to you.

[JeremyB]

Hi there

4884bigboy is right HO is great because of what's avialble but that's up to you. There are also great books that you can find at your local hobby shop that will answer alot of your questions I think a big problem with brass rail is that when It get's dirty oxidation will form on the rails and will not conduct electricity as well as the nickel silver rail, oxidation will form on both types of rail but at least with the nickel silver your trains will still run.

Jeremy

[Anonymous]

i noticed there are more HO sets and parts available and im leaning toward that, as far as the space i have. the basement has alot of room, im thinking i might use four or five 4'x8' sheets of plywood maybe more if need be.my other problem would be what the layout will consist of (what to model it after ) since where i live theres only 1 or 2 active trains and its a straight line. also im thinking of trying to get tracks on ebay it seems there are alot for sale there what does anyone think the downfall would be? sorry about jumping around there but i have so much running through my mind

[Anonymous]

MaZeRaT,
1 what is the difference between brass and nickel tracks ?
Nickle/silver rail looks more like real rail, when painted so only the top is shinny. Nickle/silver rail tends to tarnish less than brass and therefore needs less cleaning.

2 what is the best set to start with o-ho-n?
Available space and cost are important factors when deciding the scale to model. If you have lots of both, O-scale might interest you. If space and money are tight, HO or N might be a good choice. HO is the most popular scale with the most amount of available goodies. N scale is less popular but far more stuff is avalable for N, than O. If going with HO or N scales, I wouldn't start with a trainset, I would buy all separate. The reason for this is the quality of the typical "trainset" leaves something to be desired. Also, it allows you to own the equipment you really want. As far as what models to buy, you will need to sort out weather you like steam, diesel, or both. I do not want to recommend one scale over another as they are all fantastic and have +&- about them. I would recommend the following manufacturers for starting out! Lionel for tin plate O scale. Athearn, Stewart, Atlas and MDC Roundhouse for HO and N. You have left out some scales. S scale is the old America Flyer size. S scale is sort of a craftsman's scale. There are many wonder full brass steam locos available for this scale. There is also a smaller than N scale size, called Z scale. Another choice you need to make is standard gauge (4'8.5" between the railheads) or narrow gauge. Most scales have some or lots of narrow gauge equipment available. Typical narrow gauges are 3 feet, 30 inches or 2.5 feet and 2 feet between the railheads Again, the narrow gauges are more craftsman oriented. Kalmbach Publishers has many great books to help you get started.

3 i want to make a nice layout and im not sure on what i need ?
You will need at the least, a locomotive, a power pack and at least enough track to make a circle or small oval. Ad some car kits and your off and running.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MaZeRaT

i have a few questions
1 what is the difference between brass and nickel tracks ?
2 what is the best set to start with o-ho-n?
3 i want to make a nice layout and im not sure on what i need ?

1. go with nickel silver.
2. HO
3. For your first - and hopefully not your last, something like WoodlandScenics' Grand Valley layout kit will get you off to a good start. You will learn proven techniques, and have a nice layout. Once you have that up and operating, and you have time to enjoy, you will get a much better idea of where your interests lie. See: http://www.woodlandscenics.com/ PS Walthers' currently has it on sale.... Get the track pack for it too, and the buildings set.

If you can afford it, get a Digitrax Zephyr, and a DCC equipped locomotive. For diesels 1965 to present an Atlas Master Series GP38 or GP40, for steam a BLI Heavy USRA Mikado, Bachmann 2-8-0, or 2-10-0 with the factory Soundtraxx installation.

The above represents about $1200 to $1400 depending on your source.

For freight cars stick with 50' and shorter. For reasonable quality rtr at a reasonable price: Atlas, Life Like Proto 1000 and Proto 2000. Kits: Athearn, MDC-Roundhouse, LL Proto 2000........ are reasonable and reasonably priced. There are many other manufacturers.

Have fun.

[dave9999]

I agree with Nigel,
The Grand Valley Layout is a GREAT learning tool, plus you end up with a great layout. I built this a couple of years ago, and I leaned a lot about layout building. Its a little expensive, but for what you get it's a bargain. If you purchased it all separately you would spend a bundle. Dave

[Anonymous]

well the idea that i have is like city and country scenes,picking up coal and frieght i can see it in my head but im not sure on how to plan it. so im thinking of just buying track from ebay and LHS and i think i might also get the getting started book

[Anonymous]

Nickel Silver, and HO. I don't know about the third question though.

[Anonymous]

i have been buying magazines to try and get ideas and now i want the all!

[Anonymous]

Definitely nickel-silver. The new layout I am building in my basement is HO but now I wish I had started with N. Today you can get just about anything in N that is made for HO. I just imagine the increase in scale miles I could have in the same space.

[DSchmitt]

Get the book "Track Planning for Realistic Operation" by John Armstrong

Start small, don' try to fill the basement all at once. You can incorporate the initial small layout into a larger plan latter.

Consider ultimately building a shelf type layout mainly along the walls instead of a table layout in the center of the room. John's book has a good discussion of how to determine what will fit in a given space.

Build the layout in sections that can be moved easily. It is often easier to do a lot of the building away from the layout.. You can more easily rebuild sections you don't like. Move them around to make a better plan, and salvage more is you move to another house

If you choose HO and because you have the space, I sugest ultimately having a mainline mimimum radius of 30" if it will fit, but not less than 24". Indistrial tracks can be tighter 18" or maybe even 12" if its limited to short switchers and 40' cars. On many layouts the minimum radius is used everywhere. Remember just because you have a minimum radius doesn't mean you have to use it if a larger radius will fit.

Although the kit layouts have tighter radii than I suggest and are not shelf layouts, I recommend you follow Nigel's advice and start with one of them.

Use nickel silver rail, avoid brass. At least initally get your track at a hobby shop so you can see what you are getting. There are many different brands. Some are scale and some are toy like. Atlas, Peco, Shinara are good and each has good and bad features.. Flex track is less expensive than sectional track and more flexable. Most brands of track will work together so you aren't limited to any one brands geometrics

For a serious permanent layout don't use the sectional track with the built in roadbed..

Track on EBAY may be new or used. Its best to avoid used unless you can check it out. Know what you are buying and what the price is at your local shop and the internet stores. You might be able to get a good deal EBAY, but its not a sure thing. Be aware of shipping charges if you don't buy locally. If you have a good relationship with your local store and buy a lot, they might give you a discount.

[Anonymous]

Deschane has given you excellent advise.

Since you are so new, you can take advantage of what you don't have - commitment to a scale. Most guys chose the scale then look at the space available. For some this method works well, for others it doesn't work so well.

Why don't you start at the very beginning and tell us how much space you have, then from there ask for a recommendation of scale.

Forget about brass track; pretend it doesn't exist.

[Anonymous]

well if i start at the begining i can deffinetly put four 4x8s straight plus i have plenty more room after that i have 3 rooms i can go through

[Anonymous]

now i found out that im gonna have to solder the wiring into the tracks myself?
im wondering if i should close the book before i fini***he first chapter if you know what i mean

[Anonymous]

Now available, HO Scale Model Railroading, Getting Started in the Hobby! From benchwork to realistic scenery, this practical guide presents the basics of HO model railroading. Perfect for beginners. Buy Now! would this book be a ood start for me?

[Big_Boy_4005]

Slow down, this isn't a race. It sounds like you have a lot of space, and the potential for a very nice layout. The advice that everyone has given you so far is great, and I agree that you should avoid boxed sets and go "a la carte", it may cost a little more to start, but you won't be throwing things away later.

One thing you should consider is not referring to your space in terms of sheets of plywood. Those rectangles are too limiting. You have a lot more space available to you than many people, and taking full advantage of it is an important factor of enjoying this hobby.

Someone mentioned the book Track Planning for Realistic Operation earlier, and I couldn't agree more. This is a great book, and reading it will give you a real understanding of how railroads work.

There are a lot of different facets to this hobby, and you aren't going to learn them all over night. Take your time, try some things, and most of all have fun.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Yes!!! A very good place to start. a little of everything as an overview.

[Anonymous]

well like the topic say im new at this and im the type of person when i get into something new i want to know all i can as fast as possible,and the local hobby shop i went to was trying to sell me a set and told me its to much $ to buy the tracks seperately im sorry for bouncing around like this!

[Anonymous]

For scale:

Visit a Model train store (one with a vast number of trains, not just a tucked away corner somewhere), look at all the different sizes available, then choose the scale that will fit both your eprsonal tatses and the space you have available. Every person is different, I may favor HO, but you may Like G scale, while someone else may love N Scale, it's all relative to you and your tatses.

Jay.

[Big_Boy_4005]

The a la carte option will cost more than a boxed set, but it shouldn't be much over 50% more given comparable quantities of track and cars. Nobody said this hobby was inxepensive. If you have more than one hobby store in your area, check them out, you may find one is better than another. But, start with that beginners book, it will help you with your shopping list.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by MaZeRaT

now i found out that im gonna have to solder the wiring into the tracks myself?
im wondering if i should close the book before i fini***he first chapter if you know what i mean

MaZeRaT,
Soldering is an easy skill to learn. Don't let that scare you one bit! Talk to friends and see if any know how to do it. If not, my email address is listed on the bottom of this box, email me and I will tell you how. The biggest thing to remember is solder flows to the heat.

[joecool1212]

Another nice thing about HO over N is ther is detail that you can see and work on, or leave off like MU hoses Coupler cut bars and metal grab irons. For me O has to much detail. HO Is the best scale for me. My advise is read about everything you want to try and read diffrent peoples writing, also find a model rr club in your area and go see it . If it excites you join one you will learn more that way. Go to train shows and ask questions. Before your layout is started you will want to see train action and a train show or club will fill the early desire and hopefully moivate you. Also find friends you can bring over to the hobby side to help or just hang out with. Going to a show or club for me is always better. When you try everything tou will find some things you dont like to do. I like laying track but i'm not to good at scenery. I have a friend who helps me and he is weathering buildings with me. He knows nothing about track and wiring so I help him with that. Go Slow and have fun, thats what its all about. Good luck Joe

[Anonymous]

Go with HO (and I am an N Scaler.)

Also, DON'T build where you can't reach. Those 4x8 sheets are ok, untill you have to reach to the back of one from the front over details, etc., for a lenghty time while cleaning / repairing.

If it is your first layout K.I.S.S. cannot be overstated. You want to start with HO, get good with your benchwork and tracklaying skill, then consider moving to a smaller gauge (if ever.)

I liked HO, and it was a lot more reliable (larger margin of error,) but in N Scale I have an EMPIRE where I would have had TRACK in HO.

Good luck... oh yeah, NO MATTER WHAT, GO DCC not DC from the beginning!

Welcome to Model Railroading! No matter what you build, you can build better the next time. Tell yourself to get up and get started. The rest will come to you!

[Anonymous]

im getting GREAT advice from everyone and i thank you all i guess i just have to do more research and take my time John

[Anonymous]

As an N-scaler, I would also go HO to start--keep your layout small at first and try your hand at all the different aspects of modelling. I would recommend a stand alone 4' x 8' to start with--one in which you could walk completely around for total access.
Benchwork, tracklaying, wiring (ugh), scenery and detailing--towns have vehicles and people. HO is much more forgiving in trackwork but the devil is in the details.

Don't bite off more than you can chew and don't get discouraged if things seem too hard, after all, this is supposed to be a hobby!! I will defininetly recommend DCC (see the wiring comment), but have fun and seek out all the info that you can.

Later, once you have some experience, I would recommend an around the wall layout with 1' to 2' foot shelves and peninsulas in the center of the room.

But no matter what, it is your layout and have fun!!! Best of luck and lots of enjoyment!!!

[Anonymous]

still need more research theres so much to learn

[vsmith]

Originally posted by MaZeRaT

i have a few questions

1 what is the difference between brass and nickel tracks ?

Brass was cheaper but nickel is more common now, better elect conductivity, and better prototypical appearance.


2 what is the best set to start with o-ho-n?

That depends on what your tastes are.

N is minimal on the train detail but maximized on the scenery and scope of a layout. its far easier to do large areas in a more prototypical scale. really long trains, big cities, etc.

O can be maximized on the train details, especially two rail O gauge, 3 rail Lionel type O gauge is more aimed at the nostalgia train era modelers, but either takes a great deal of space to do a larger layout.

HO is a good median between O and N hence its the most popular, good train detail and good scenery/scale/scope can be achieved. Also by far the most products avalible so getting started is easier.


3 i want to make a nice layout and im not sure on what i need ?

Time, money, commitment, labor, and space, all are needed to one degree or another. Dont be intimidated getting started. Check out some of the resources listed above, ther are several good book mentioned that allow you to start building a layout simply by following the examples in the books.

[Anonymous]

HO is the way to go. Use nicle silver track.