I just have a few questions: I am trying to build a EITHER 4X8 OR 6X8 HO layout sometime in the near future. The thing is that im only 13 and i need some advice.
What kind of track should I use? How does the wiring work? What kind os switch machines should I get? What kind of table? General advice?
I have a friend who is 16 who will be helping me and he is experienced. Since we both have jobs at the North Shore Scenic Railroad and The Lake Superior Railroad Museum, we want motive power to be either a NW5 GN, a SD18 DMIR or GP30 Soo Line becasue those are in the museums collection.
Thanks,
Max
Rather than ask the basic questions like you have. Each will generate volumes of responses and possibly leave you more confused that when you started. Either buy or check out from your library, Model Railroading, Getting Started in the Hobby by Model Railroader magazine. IT will give you far more detail than we can give you and has pictures so you can see what is being talked about. After that you will be able to ask more specific questions.
I started at 16 with the same question, though now the answers are different. Space mouse is right, do some reading. Old MRs are also useful. There are a few HOers in the north, get to meet some of them. Then the answers will also depend on budget. Tortus switch machines are nice, but cost $11.00 and old choke cables are free at the local junk yard. And so goes the story. If you can afford it, Woodland Scenics system makes a nice table layout, but is pricey. For around the room, L-girders are better and cost less.
Good luck, hope to hear from you again.
Art
I’d also suggest getting a book to look at before asking to many questions. I luckily have a good friend who has been in this hobby for 30+ years to help me if I need it.
I was up at that museum about a year and a half ago now. It was pretty cool looking at some of the stuff. It was winter so we couldn’t see the outside stuff at all. Still a good time just walking around inside.
I built my first layout when i was 9. I didnt really have any help and this forum wasnt around yet. Pick up some books with basic info and techniques and then just dive right in. A few books will tell you almost everything you need to know to build a basic layout.
Dude, I came in the hobby last November with zero idea on what does how. I overdosed on the hobby via the internet and by December ordered up a scratch layout with engines and stuff. You have the advantage of being part of the train society, so most prolly help will jump onto your lap if you’d just ask about. I live on a small island with zero train culture. Allow me to suggest that you get some layout software - try the freebie from the ATLAS site, with it you get the tools to build a software layout, and you’ll pick up from there pretty fast. I know, cos thats what I did. BTW, I’m 46
Yes, you hafta go to ‘school’, just like all the rest of us did. We asked your questions, those of us who joined this forum a while back, and we got the same answer as you are getting: read in! Spend about 20 minutes a day on this forum, and learn what sorts of issues are discussed most often. These topics will serve to educate you about the advantages and disadvantages of various methods and devices.
This will take no longer than your keenness and time permit. Once you have a good grounding in the various components of a decent layout, you will have more pointed questions that the rest of us can nail for you.
To illustrate my point, we can’t TELL you which track is best because each has its limits and advantages. But the user is the one to define the parameters for use and servicability, not the fellows on this forum. YOU have to decide what capabilities your layout must have, so you will have to learn what those are.
I hope this line of response has not been a turn-off for you. It is the best approach. Nothing good ever comes easily. That would probably be my best response to anyone looking at breaking in to a fun, but complex hobby without having to do any ground work.
I built my first layout with my dad when I was 6. I now am 13 too and building an around-the-walls layout. Everyone is right, books are an invaluable resource when you start. I would not know anything if not for books. Check some out at your local library or buy some at your local hobby shop.
But, I’ll try to answer some of your questions.
- What kind of track should I use?
It depends on what you prefer. There’s two types of track, traditional and all-in-one. Traditional track has rails mounted on molded ties. All-in-one track has plastic roadbed that isn’t incredibly realistic, but eliminates the chore of track ballasting right away. You can always go back later and ballast it so it looks more realistic. There are many manufacturers of track, but Atlas is the best-known. I prefer Atlas over the rest, because it looks realistic and there’s a wide selection of track. In HO there are mainly two codes of track to choose from: Code 100 and Code 83. The term “code” means the rail height in thousandsth of an inch. Code 83 is more realistic, with more prototypical rail and ties. Remember get nickel silver track, not brass.
- How does the wiring work?
There are two types of control- DC and DCC. DC is the kind that comes with train sets. You will be disappointed with these sets. A cheap train-set power pack usually produces just enough power to the train and the loop of track that came with it. Add more track or locomotives and the power pack is usually in trouble. Also the control knobs can hardly turn and the control range can be little more than on and off.
If you are building a bigger layout you would need a better DC control. MRC produces the best, in my opinion. You connect the wires , turn the throttle, and your train should run. If it doesn’t run a understanding of how the train runs should help you find the problem.
First off, and pretty obviou
For a 1st. layout, I’d avoid 6x8. You are young and short, you will have trouble reaching 3’ for working on the laout. A lot of track plans are available in 4x8. Check out 101 trackplans by L. Westcott, published by Kalmbach. Or get it at a swap mee if necessary.
WELCOME TO THE HOBBY!![^]
Ditto to what everyone else has said. I continually go back to the:
“Atlas Custom-Line Layouts HO Scale Railroads” by John Armstrong and
“101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders” by Linn Westcott.
I’m on my second and third copy of each because I’ve worn them out through the last 40 years. I almost wish I could build every one of them.
For a first layout go for the 4x8. You will learn a lot and will probably end up deciding to do it all over later anyway. It took me 6 weeks just to decide on a track plan for my son’s birthday layout.
For a first layout it is hard to beat Atlas code 100 track. Rugged, readily available, and cheap especially if you hunt at swap meets.
For one train and a nice plan track plan (where the locomotive can’t reverse itself), it is simple, connect one track to each rail and go.
Depends on the track you choose, but for a first layout with Atlas track use their switch machines.
COBORN35, go to Carr’s Hobby Shop in West Duluth they have all the info books you would need and I have found that they are helpful and will answer
any questions that you have. Good Luck and welcome aboard.
“The Harven”