New to RR modeling

[Anonymous]

HI I have two HO scale trian sets, iI have limited room. Ive done alot of reserch on the web and have learned alot about the differnt scales. I like the HO scale models, but I think that a modle of a HO scale would do no justice on a 4x8 model. 4x8 is all the room I have for a model. So my ? is would a Nscale or Z scale be better. I dont have a theme of a prototype, my model is going to have a town,a coal mine, a power plant,and a lummer industry, running 1-3 trains. This way I have plenty of room to add whatever I like to the model, i Figure it will go from a town with a small industry serving the power plant and saw mill, to serving a small city and many different indutries and passengers. My other ? is Where to start, Not so much in Planning my lay out but with the steps in starting with nothing, Sub terrain, sceenry, to building the RR lines, Ect. any advice is welcome and greatful. thanks

[Anonymous]

well depends on how good your eyes are. Z scale is way to small, no detail really. N Scale is good, but working those small parts can get tiring.

HO looks fine on a 4x8, Woodland scenics (http://www.woodlandscenics.com/) makes several 4x8 layouts for both N and HO, so you can look at them and hget an idea of what can be done in both sclaes on a 4x8.

that should help you decide on a size. I'd say since you've already got 2 HO set's stick with it. but it's your preference.

Jay.

[Anonymous]

A 4 by 8 in N is like a 7 by 15 in HO; you'll definitely be able to fit more in. If you go with N with a 4 by 8, I would suggest a water wings type shape with your 4 by 8 so you could access the back and sides of the layout a bit better.

If you model contemporary (today's) rolling stock and engines, N scale definitely has a presence I like. So look at some SD90's, centre beam cars and the new auto Max's that are out or coming out.

I think you will be happier with the "operations" you can have with a second person in N scale.

Also a radius of 18 inches is sort of minimum on a 4 by 8 HO layout which means you can only run smaller engines, but you can get buy with 16 inch curves quite nicely and run all the big stuff in N scale. In terms of interest, more to do and look at, in that size space you can have a very nice N layout.

An excellent kit to buy that will give you everything you will need for scenery and is designed for a 4 by 8 is the Woodland Scenics Mountain Valley Scenery kit. It is value for money, and once you have your benchwork up and your track in, with purchasing this kit, all you will need is structures. By the way, don't feel beholden to following the track plan that comes with the kit (it is terrible) and you can place the mountain where you want. The only thing bad about the kit is the picture on the front of the box. The kit is far superior to the picture. The instructions that comes with the kit is 45 pages long and is very thorough. This is a kit that can't "get no respect" but I consider it a sleeper of a kit - great stuff at a good price that no one has heard of.

Have Fun.

[preceng]

A 4x8 HO layout is tuff for running multiple trains. You are basically limited to two loops. One using 22" radii, and an internal 18" radii. With that said, you can do some interesting things with sidings. A few on the inside of the loops, a coupe on the outside. I have a basic HO two looper. I started with the 4x8, wich is now 4x11. At the one end, I added a 30"x 3' "L". I use the "L" for a wye and switching yard. On the inside loop I have three sidings that service a coal mine that occupies 1/2 of the internal loop. The other half is a little farm and town with another small siding. On the outside lop sidins I have a steel mill and power plant. I run two trains. I'll have a continuous running outside train, while I switch coal cars at the mine. Then a continuous inside train while I deliver the coal on te outside loop. I am adding a third train in the new switching area (which runs between the steel mil and power plant (on either end).

I have no complaints other than I am somewhat limited as to the length of the trains (my longest is usually 10-12 cars), size of the equipment (smaller cars-4-axle loco's), etc. Some day I may consider N scale for no other reason than to be able to play with much longer trains and equipment, but I have not regreted my scale choice. Have fun

[Hawks05]

i'm just starting to. i'm going to build a 4x8 layout with HO scale cars. i'm going to have 2 loops with some sidings and a little yard hopefully. have 3 industries and a little town.

start buying books and reading magazines. i've bought 3 books and started buying MR and Trains magazine now. the books are very useful to read. i was also given 2 books on wiring and the basics. i've read part of the wiring one.

just start reading and looking at stuff. you'll learn a lot that way. i'm fortunate to have a friend who has been in the hobby for 35 years or so and he is so excited to help. if i have any questions he'll be glad to answer them for me. find some people in your area and start talking. thats the best way to go.

good luck.