This is my first post to the forum. I’m new to the hobby. I started out with almost accidental purchase of a train set from a German manufacturer. I believe it is HO scale (1:87) and I would like to learn more about how to start building my own layout. My space is very limited (an apartment), so I need something that can be put away when not in use. I plan to read more online in pages like this forum to put down a list of things I would like to have on the layout before starting to build anything.
Is your train AC or DC, blackened centers studs in the track or just two-rail?
If the former, it’s Marklin. If the latter, it’s something else. Marklin needs Marklin track, AC power packs or the Marklin digital system, etc.
If the latter, then you can use standard HO track and power, DC or DCC.
If you have a bed or someplace else with enough clearance (6" is enough) you can mount your track to plywood or extruded foam and slide it in out of the way if space is a consideration as it usually is in an apartment.
Although I don’t model German RRs, I do appreciate the interest in them. My dad was in the Air Force and my family spent my high school years in Germany back during the Cold War. I don’t have many RR pics, but here’s one, taken along the Rhein north of Mainz.
You can see small layouts of every size imaginable. I’d look under the “Small Layout Scrapbook” for ideas. You can get ideas from almost every layout shown. As you’ll see, the layouts are from all over the world and the postings go back a number of years, so there is a LOT to look through.
Since space is a problem, a small switching layout might be of interest to you. If you Google “Timesaver Layout,” you’ll find several different articles on “timesaver” switching layouts. These small layouts can be built bare, with no scenery, or fully developed with scenery like a regular layout. If you go the fully developed route, you will learn much of what you need to know about track planning, track laying, wiring, structure building, terrain construction and lots more. The entire layout could be small enough to occupy a shelf on one wall of a room. Best of all, you can involve your family and friends (even those not interested in trains) as the “timesaver” doubles as an animated board game.
Use this forum as a resource as all of us were new to the hobby at one point. Most have us have suffered through numerous mistakes and enjoyed various “Eureka” moments when we finally figured out a great way to do something. Most everyone on this forum would be happy to share their experiences and give advice regarding cost effective ways to get started. Good luck!
Welcome to model railroading and to the Forum. Hope you stay and enjoy the hobby ! We also have a thread here Jeffries diner. All are welcome. We talk on and off topic with in certain guidelines and you are welcome to come sit a spell and enjoy a cup of joe on the diner.
Here is a link to a current thread that discusses an apartment sized layout. You would have to handle the table legs a bit differently if you want to be able to put the layout away between uses. The big box home improvement stores sell folding legs that would do a great job:
