Wipe the scales from my eyes

[Anonymous]

I love to take train vacations but I haven't done any modelling since I was a kid. I read all the posts under "Is N scale finally scale?" and came away totally confused.

Where can I go to see a primer on model scales? I need to understand the difference between N scale, S scale, O scale, HO scale, Z scale, G scale, and all the others. What are the pros and cons for each of these scales?

[Anonymous]

I love to take train vacations but I haven't done any modelling since I was a kid. I read all the posts under "Is N scale finally scale?" and came away totally confused.

Where can I go to see a primer on model scales? I need to understand the difference between N scale, S scale, O scale, HO scale, Z scale, G scale, and all the others. What are the pros and cons for each of these scales?

[IRONROOSTER]

Check out NMRA's site, www.nmra.org as they have beginners section. Also, read the comments in several of the topics on this forum related to scale. In general the small scales, Z and N allow more railroad in a given space and are a good choice for small areas or running long trains. The downside is they are smaller and building cars, structures etc can be frustrating although some like the challenge The large scales O and G are good if you want the big close up feel of trains and building things is easier with bigger parts. Downside is it takes a lot of room for a layout and it's hard to model more than tracks and trackside buildings HO and S are in the middle and represent a compromise between the others. HO has the largest selection and is a good choice if you want to model a particular railroad or era that may not be well supported in other scales. S gets the nod if you want some of the advantages of O without its size problems. Try to get to some train shows that feature layouts such as Greenberg's and Great Scale Train show here in the mid Altlantic region. Other shows in other parts of the country.
Enjoy
Paul

[IRONROOSTER]

Check out NMRA's site, www.nmra.org as they have beginners section. Also, read the comments in several of the topics on this forum related to scale. In general the small scales, Z and N allow more railroad in a given space and are a good choice for small areas or running long trains. The downside is they are smaller and building cars, structures etc can be frustrating although some like the challenge The large scales O and G are good if you want the big close up feel of trains and building things is easier with bigger parts. Downside is it takes a lot of room for a layout and it's hard to model more than tracks and trackside buildings HO and S are in the middle and represent a compromise between the others. HO has the largest selection and is a good choice if you want to model a particular railroad or era that may not be well supported in other scales. S gets the nod if you want some of the advantages of O without its size problems. Try to get to some train shows that feature layouts such as Greenberg's and Great Scale Train show here in the mid Altlantic region. Other shows in other parts of the country.
Enjoy
Paul