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[quote]QUOTE: Originally posted by omahanian Hi everyone, I'm brand spanking new to this hobby and am currently trying to gather the basic information that most of you already know. I've been searching trains.com's website for a couple of days now and have answered many of my questions. One question stands out in my mind still... What does the three numbers on an engine mean? Example, 0-6-0. I have no clue how to even ask the question other than that so anyone that knows what I'm talking about please help. Also, if there are any sites out there that have a wealth of information (other than trains.com) for beginners I'd appreciate knowing their addresses. Thanks! P.S. I don't know if this information is needed to answer my questions but I am looking at a small on30 layout for my wifes X-mas village, a "G" scale train and track only which will run the border of my "train room", and a full HO layout. Thanks in advance for any help! [/quote] To you I reccomend the following Books. HO Railroad from Set to Scenery. Ho Railroad from Start to Finish. Detailing Tips and Techniques. Locomotive Detailing Projects. and every track plan book you can get your hands on. The first four books will give you a good handle on the basics of the hobby. Then the Trackplan books will help you generate Ideas. Also the trackplan books dont have to be just for your scale. Track Plan books for other scales other than the one your modeling can be helpful to. In regards to your second question. A steam locomotive like an 0-6-0 or a 4-6-2 and so on and so forth. That is known as the Whyte system for identifying steam locomotives. (Named after some guy names Whyte) The First number is the number of Pilot wheels a locomotive has. (Pilot wheels help guid or "pilot" the front of the locomotive into a curve.) the second number is the number of Drive wheels. and the last number is the number of trailing wheels. (Trailing wheels support the firebox) I reccomend for your wifes Christmas Villiage, an On30" set from Bachmann will suit your needs Nicely. For your G scale "wall track" set up, I would use a Bachmann Big Hauler. Set as they have lots of character and funky charm. And if you would like to start with a Set in HO, I would get one from Walthers, Athearn, or Bachmann. As they offer everything you need to get things going. I hope this has been helpful. James
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