Opinions wanted for beginner

[Anonymous]

I want to build my first layout, but can't decide on a scale.

I live in an apartment, but have an empty bedroom I was going to use the layout in. Room is probably 12 by 12. Only problem is, I plan to finish school in about 16 months, so I will be moving then. Whatever I do needs to be portable. I guess I could build a setup that connects in sections.

I've had HO sets for as long as I can remember, but they were the cheap kits (Life-Like/Bachman) and I never did anything with them but lay them out on the floor and put them up after I got bored. I bought a Bachman G scale this spring and LOVE it. My favorite by far, but I don't have that kind of room. I have a 4' by 8' plywood board that I planned to start on. I don't want another oval or dogbone track. I'm leaning towards HO and buying a really nice engine.

Would I be better with a small N or an HO? Thanks for opinions.

EDIT: Forgot to ask about the cost factor. How does N scale compare to HO on price as far as track and accessories?

[Anonymous]

I had the same dilema. I'm in an apartment, that I know I'll be moving out of in a year or two. I went with "N" and a shelf mounted layout. The layout is 10' x 10' x 24" wide arranged in an "L" I made the benchword out of 1/4 ply topped with 1" foam. I built it in 3 sections, and when I make the scenery I will plan on it be able to be broken down into those three sections. All I will have is about 10 small screw holes to patch up when we leave. I could have used legs, and had no screw holes, but I figured I would keep kicking them. I went with "N" becasue it will give me enoght running room to not get board in the Space I have. Who knows someday If I end up with the Space I may go "O", but I'm really starting to like "N" The one thing I can say is to check around and It is better to have one real good engine than three toys. For my "N" I have (2) Atlas and (2) life likes. The Atlas run like a dream, the Life like are noisy and won't pull at slow speeds like the Atlas. You'll get plenty of good advice here. As for Size I wouldn't go bigger than "HO" Dave

[Eriediamond]

Whew, man this type of question is hard to give a straight forward answer to. I would think you have several ways to go here, but first some questions have to asked before we decide what to do in the limited space you have and the situation you are in as far as moving is concerned. If you like "main-line running" and N scale is acceptable to you then N scale is probably the way to go. Costs are about the same as HO. You mentioned a 4X8 layout. Now if you like building kits and scenery, you could have a very impressive switching operation railroad in HO scale in that space and the buildings you build and the rolling stock could be used on your future layout after you move. Also with the right planning, that 4X8 could become part of a larger layout later on. If you model in the steam-diesel transition era, you could lay track with 15" radius curves and use a small switcher or two and get a lot of operation into that small space, that I bet would keep you busy for 16 months. Best to ya, Ken

[tstage]

transamman,

If you decide to go with HO and you are wanting to model the steam-diesel era like Ken was inquiring, then check out the deals on Trainworld.com. I picked up a Proto 2000, NYC S1 switcher (MSRP: $110) for a blowout price of $29.99!!! (Plus $7.95 for S & H) The diesel looks and runs great and I had it in 4 days! For what it's worth...

Tom

[IRONROOSTER]

Since you plan to move soon, I would build a sectional layout. Keep the sections under 28" wide so they will go through doors without having to be turned (measure your door openings to make sure they are not narrower). Length is dependent on how you plan to move it. 4, 6, or 8 foot sections will work as long as they fit in your car, truck etc. 4 2x6 sections arranged in an O shape will give you an 8x8 layout that will likely fit anywhere you move. If you find that this is done before you move, you can expand it with some 2x4 foot sections.

Cost of N and HO tends to be comparable per piece, although HO has some economy lines that N doesn't have. But for a given space you tend to have more of everything in N scale - track, cars, buildings, etc. So N scale will probably wind up costing more than HO. At the other end, G scale costs more per piece, but you use far less pieces for a given space so it may not cost more overall.

I would go with what appeals to you most. If you really like G then do that. You have enough space for a loop of track and some spurs.

Enjoy
Paul