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Starting an HO layout

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  • Member since
    October 2020
  • 3,604 posts
Posted by NorthBrit on Monday, March 22, 2021 11:18 AM

Welcome  Welcome on board.

As I live in the UK  others can point you to the types of track.

With a space of 8ft x 4ft  I hope you have access to all sides in case  of any derailments and for track cleaning.  4ft  is a long stretch.

Have a track plan that is easy to operate  (by one person).  Don't complicate things. It is an easy mistake.

Keep it fun.  It is a hobby.  There is no race  --  just a winner;   you.

Look forward to seeing you progress.

 

David

To the world you are someone.    To someone you are the world

I cannot afford the luxury of a negative thought

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 2,360 posts
Posted by kasskaboose on Monday, March 22, 2021 10:57 AM

Welcome,

We've all been in your place.  I suggest you start slow and not get over-whelmed.  Avail yourself to a good library of starting MR layout books.  Jeff Wilson write a great many on layouts.  Start slow.

  • Member since
    September 2004
  • From: Dearborn Station
  • 24,281 posts
Posted by richhotrain on Monday, March 22, 2021 10:57 AM

From the look of your avatar, you are much too old to start a layout. Smile, Wink & Grin

But, nevertheless, welcome aboard! Welcome

Rich

 

Alton Junction

  • Member since
    February 2018
  • From: Flyover Country
  • 5,557 posts
Posted by York1 on Monday, March 22, 2021 10:45 AM

samjames
Hello all, I am new here, and new to the hobby.

 

Welcome to the forums!  Your first posts are moderated, so your posts may not appear immediately.  However, that will straighten out after you post several times.

I'm glad you've checked this forum.  We have some very helpful modelers here who can help with just about any problems.

I use N Scale, so I can't help with your HO scale questions, but I'm sure there are others who will help.

Be sure to keep us up-to-date with your layout's progress!

York1 John       

  • Member since
    March 2011
  • 1,950 posts
Posted by NVSRR on Monday, March 22, 2021 10:39 AM

Some track plans are designed with specific track sets in mind.  Making it easy to get all the pieces.   

shane

A pessimist sees a dark tunnel

An optimist sees the light at the end of the tunnel

A realist sees a frieght train

An engineer sees three idiots standing on the tracks stairing blankly in space

  • Member since
    July 2006
  • From: west coast
  • 7,667 posts
Posted by rrebell on Monday, March 22, 2021 10:29 AM

One of the snap together tracks with roadbed attached is proubly best for a beginer. Bachmann and Kato and others make them.

  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 1 posts
Starting an HO layout
Posted by samjames on Friday, March 19, 2021 10:31 PM

Hello all,

I am new here, and new to the hobby. I would like to start an HO layout (4X8?) without anything complicated as scenery. First I am interested in finding out what sort of tracks to purchase. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

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