What to buy first

[Anonymous]

Ok my platform (table top is done) 3'X10'and a 3'X5' its an L shape. What should be the first thing i need to purchase going with the HO scale.

[Anonymous]

A plan. The Atlas plan books have some really good ideas. The narrowness of your platform will limit you to point to point but you can still have quite a few spurs and a passing track or two. I'd install a round table at least at one end so you can have the option of turning an engine. Your point to point can be single or multi cab. I'd use flex track where possible as less joints mean less places for problems.

[PennsyHoosier]

A plan book is right. And then some graph paper to work out your modifications of the plans to suit your needs.

[Anonymous]

well depends, what are your Goals? do you want to do more artisic work on the layout, or are you interested in just running trains, or are you more interested in prototypical work?

We can't really reccommend what to do till we know somewhat what your plans are for your layout.

PS, ignore the track plan books idea, you can get free track plans online and besides, you'll end up severly modifing any you find to fit your needs anyways.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: A plan.

Yes dont rush in to it you'll be happier if everything is well thought out!
My first layout was torn apart 6-7 times before I had what I wanted

[Anonymous]

Thanks all for the replies. I believe that i am going to go with a the just running train style. Including a lot of buildings and things like that. I will be receiving some magazines, books and dvd on thursday.

[Anonymous]

When it comes time to lay track, I suggest 1 quality engine and a box car. Once the track is laid, use the engine and box car to test your track laying skills as you go. Any problems with the track will be revealed before you go to far. Its easier to fix problems with the track at this point before scenery and buildings are installed.

[Anonymous]

What is consider a quality engine (brand and model) and also where can i get info on power supply i beleive saw something out a pc style power supply???

[egmurphy]

Brian

If you stay with your 3' wide plan in HO, you will have to use very tight curves if you want to have continuous running. When deciding on a diesel model keep in mind that the smaller ones (4 axle as opposed to 6 axle) will probably look and operate better on those tight curves than the big diesels.

MRC is a very well respected brand of power packs. Here is a link to their website:
http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/trainSound/index.asp

Regards

Ed

[CP5415]

Brian, welcome to the group!

For a power pack, I'd go with MRC. I have several including one from the 60's that still works.
As for locomotives
You can't go wrong with Athearn either the Blue Box, Ready to Roll or Genesis, Proto 1000 or 2000, Atlas or Kato.
Athearn Blue Box are great as they allow you learn how to handle a locomotive properly
as the other manufacturers tend to have more detail (ie small pieces) that can break off if improperly handled.

Feel free to ask questions.
The only stupid questiions are the ones you don't ask.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

ordon what is your recommendation is there a unit to buy that you could add on to it or do you recommend to go ahead and get the pc type right from the start?

[CP5415]

Brian
Personlly. I have over 30 Athearn "Blue Box" locomotives.
I also have locomotives from Proto 1000 & 2000, AHM, Rivarossi, IHC (steam only) & ConCor.
There has been many a question asked & even more opinions given on what locomotive is good.


When I got back into the hobby in 1997, I was told by a member of a Model RR Club I used to be involved with that I couldn't go wrong with Athearn.
They're cheap & durable.
As what others have stated, due to the size on layout you have, stay with a 4 axle unit.
They're about an inch or 2 shorter than a 6 axle unit which is especially good when space is at a premium.
If you haven't bought anything yet, Athearn does offer a Train Set using their Blue Box locomotives & rolling stock. The locomotive is usually a 4 axle unit.
It comes with a decent power pack made by MRC with a small amount of track.

I hope this helps. Feel free to ask about anything.
Someone should be able to answer it.

Gordon

[Anonymous]

Hello Brian

If I was you then I would purchase a Hornby Starter Set. I have been told that Hornby Sets come with the most proffesional HO Scale Track. I would also reccomend buying one because I have one and it is a very smooth Train.I bought the Hornby Flying Scotsman.It may not fit on your track because it has a 4-6-2 Locomotive. The 2 following Sets have 0-4-0 Locomotives that would fit on your track.

-Hornby Set "The Rambler"
-Hornby Set "Smokey Joe"

I asume that you are aware that the Starter Sets come with absolutely EVERYTHING you need.

Both the Sets I listed are Very Affordable!

Kristian

[Anonymous]

I would advise buying some "SCALE TRACK PLANNING SYMBOLS" They are VERY inexpensive and are well worth the money. I STRONGLY RECCOMMEND that you look at this link and see more about them.Most hobby stores will have them but i suggest calling first because they may have to order them in.

http://www.collectiques.net/shop/catalogue/hornby/track/miniaturetrackplan.html

I am going to buy some.

They represent 1/4 scale HO scale track. They have over 100 pieces in the pack and they are commonly used ones.Please have a look.

Hope this Helps

Kristian