I’m new to model railroading. I would like to purchase a n-scale set to get started. I have a terrible habit of to many hobbies at once therefore I cannot afford to spend alot to get started. I only have room for a n-scale layout. What do you reccomend for a beginner? I would prefer UP equipment since I live in Southern Utah.
Hi SoUR,
I just got back into the hobby after 20 years and am as excited about it as I was when I was ten. I found the following website helpful and informative. You should read all of the beginner’s section before you spend your money. When you’re ready, buy a set from a hobby shop vs. a toy store. Or build it piece by piece. Anyway, welcome to the “greatest” hobby.
Will
Welcome to the hobby and the forum!
Luckily for you UP has the most model choices out there. (Followed closely by rabid PRR fans)
A door size layout is very popular for beginers in n-scale. But you’ll have to decide
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What you want to model (freight/passenger/industry)
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What time period.
I’m not an expert at what’s available in n-scale. So I will let others chime in here.
Get an Atlas set if you like diesels and a Bachmann set if you like steam, get the one with the 2-8-0 engine in it. I have some of them and they’re great little engines.
Mark
would suggest not getting a “set” but going to a hobby shop and getting what you want in pieces. I do n scale and I really like the Atlas and InterMountian engines. One advantage of getting started with pieces is the power pack. Usually what come with a set is not always that good . I like MRC myself , i have had a 2400 for over 25years and it still works as good as the day i got it.
[#welcome] SoUR.
I am in N Scale also and I am with the previous poster who recommended the NMRA Website. Figure out what you want to do first and then go to a Hobby Shop, NOT a toy store. My preference is not to buy a train set, but to buy a decent Loco or two along the lines of Kato and some quality rolling stock like MicroTrains. These manufacturers offer top quality equipment but it comes with a slightly higher price tag. Personally, I would rather get fewer QUALITY items that will last longer and roll more smoothly than to get a larger quantity of INFERIOR quality products that I will have to replace sooner rather than later.
When it comes to track, you have all sorts of choices from sectional track to several brands of Snap Track to my preference, Flex Track. Flex Track has a bit of a learning curve but it goes down in 36" lengths but can be easily cut to facilitate shorter requirements. Your choice. After I put down a bunch of sectional track and having nothing but problems on my 3’ X 6’ layout, I ripped it all up and learned how to put down the Flex Track on top of cork roadbed. After a few beginners mistakes, I followed the instructions that I found on this Forum and have never looked back.
To see what can be done in N Scale on a door, go to the “Search Our Community” box down the right hand side of this page and ent
Also look on-line for locations of model club open houses. This is the season for them and you can get a lot of ideas by visiting them.
Thank you everybody for the suggestions. The nearest hobby store is 120 miles away so that will have to wait. I’m still leaning towards a “set”. I have kids I can always give the less expensive stuff to to play with. I am thinking about a pre 1900 railroad in the west. A scene of the Wild Bunch setting up for a heist is something I really want.