Beginning a layout

[Anonymous]

I've noticed that there are many newbies to the hobby on this forum, and I think that's great. I've been just sitting around doing nothing, so I decided that I'll make a guide for beginners to the hobby. I'm gonna pick a small 4X8 layout and show how to build benchwork, trackwork, and scenery. I'll go look for a layout. If anyone thinks this is the wrong place to put this or if this is good, please tell me. I haven't posted that much so maybe I'm putting this in the wrong place? I'll let you guys know when I find a good layout. Thanks.

-Dan, a.k.a pennsyperson

[Anonymous]

Dan,

I think that is an excellent idea. You will probably reach a lot of people who like to go online, but hardly ever pickup a book. Just the sort of thing that TurboTim was talking about in his earlier topic (http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=34075).

Go for it![tup]

[Anonymous]

I'm with Ken. Go for it. You may also post this on the layouts forum as well. [tup][tup]

[steveblackledge]

your onto a winner here Dan, [8D] go to it

[bjdukert]

Go for it because as already said some will see it here first before they look at one of the many books that are out there. It wouldn't hurt to include some of the book titles as you go along.

Duke

[Anonymous]

All right, guys. I will try to put together a guide. I found a simple 4X8 layout. I'll try to give newbies beginning advice on the different scales, prices, benchwork, the best manufacturers of track and engines, and other stuff. I'll list techniques for building simple scenery, too. It might be pretty big. Better get to work.

[Anonymous]

Okay! Here goes.

Point 1: SCALES

When you browse at a hobby shop, you might notice the different sizes of locomotives and rolling stock. The sizes of the trains are the different scales. Scale is the size of the locomotive in relation to the prototype locomotive. Like HO scale, which is 1:87 the size of the prototype, which means, every inch of the model equals 87 inches on the actual locomotive. There are 42 different scales, but the most popular scales are HO, N, and O. These scales are the most familiar.

O Scale: This is the biggest of the three scales. It is the third most popular scale. O scale is 1:48 of the real thing. These trains can have 2 or 3 rails. They are very rugged and can be handled very roughly. They are fairly large, and you'll need a bit of space to have a permanent layout. You can set them up on carpet, though. They cost a bit and there isn't a huge number of different engines and rolling stock available. Two popular manufacturers are Lionel and MTH.

N Scale: This is the smallest of the popular scales. It's second best to HO. N is 1:160 of the real thing. There is a large number of manufacturers and tons of different locomotives. You have to have a steady hand and loads of patience, but you can build a large layout in a very small space. If you have no room for the other scales, buy these. They cost the same as HO.

HO scale: This is the most popular scale. There are hundreds of manufacturers of the 1:87 scale locomotives and rolling stock. You can have a pretty big layout in a small space. They cost under $100, most of them.

Next Point: TRACK

[IRONROOSTER]

You have a good idea, but I think you need a more balanced, less judgemental pproach.
Specifically:
1. You say "N Scale: This is the smallest of the popular scales. It's second best to HO." Not every one agrees that HO is the best or that N is second best.
2. You have omitted Z, S, and G scales all of which have a following and enough commercial support to be a good choice.
3. For O scale and S scale there is significant difference between scale and toy train and high rail.
4. Both O and S toy train/high rail layouts can be built on the proverbial 4x8 sheet of plywood.
5. While I haven't made a survey, I don't think that most HO locomotives cost under $100, especially steam.
6. While some of the O and S is made to toy standards, quite a bit of it now is made to scale standards and cannot tolerate rough handling or carpet operation.
7. HO has a very wide cost/quality range, more so than the other scales. Buying comparable quality/detailed models between the scales, has a cost difference proportional to their size, but not that great. What HO has (and N to a lesser extent) that the other scales do not have are low cost economy lines.
8. The selection of a scale is a compromise between several factors including: size of pieces for building, presence of the train on the track, space requirements, scenic treatments, etc. In general many people find that the building is easier as the scale gets larger, that the trains have more presence as the scale gets larger, that longer trains can be run as the scale gets smaller,and that you can have more of a scenic setting as the trains get smaller. HO's wide selection of products may be an advantage if you are looking for very specific items, such as particular engines of the less popular railroads.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

There. That looks good. I'll post a new topic point every day. Keep it on the front page. I hope it helps somebody! If anybody wants to say anything or give tips or advice that I could add, post. Or E-mail me at [e-mail].

[Anonymous]

The World's Greatest Hobby promotion sponsored in part by MR already has an excellent 1 hour video on making a 4 by 8 layout, processing though all of the steps. Might be an idea to see if you can get a look at it to see how the pros do it.

Bob Boudreau

[Train 284]

I think that is a great idea! Go for it!

Matt