Hey guys. Just wanted to introduce myself. My name’s Lorne (but Mavryk also works). I’m living in northern Alberta, Canada. I’ve been collecting model trains and track and whatnot for several years now with every intention of building a layout. Haven’t done this yet. I figure this is a good time now. My oldest son is 11 and showing interest in the hobby, I have the room to build a small layout, and I’ve just found this forum which gives me pretty much unlimited ideas and help. What better time?
Not sure what type of layout this’ll be yet. I think we’re only going to start out with something small and simple that my oldest son (DJ) and I can work on together. I’ve got an old 32" door i was thinking of using to build on. The layout is in HO, so my question to you guys is: How much can I put on this size base in HO and not have it look crowded? In other words, I want a yard, mainline, water, rocks, trees…you name it. Is this size base a good starting point or am I being unrealistic? I have to keep in mind, this plan will be “played with” by at least one kid (no, I don’t mean me).
Another option I was throwing around my head was making it in N scale, but that involves collecting everything all over again.
32" is going to be quite crowded as you’ll be limited to 15" radius curves, barely big enough for a four wheeled switcher. 18" radius is the next step up and would require a minimum of 36". That would allow the use of four axle (8 wheeled) diesels and some small steamers. Your rolling stock would be limited to 60 foot and shorter cars. If you go 45" you could use 22" radius curves. The larger the radius the wider your platform has to be.
Actually that’s not entirely accurate as the radius is measured from the centreline of the track. So that would be a 36" diameter curve [at track centreline] PLUS at least an inch or so on each side for clearance. So an 18" radius curve would need at minimum 38" table width (with 40"+ being better).
18" is what is normally included in sectional track packages in train sets. This is a relatively sharp curve that most standard cars and small to medium sized engines should be able to handle, but modern larger cars and engines may not tolerate it well.
Less than 18" radius would be considered extremely sharp, and will drastically restrict what equipment will be able to operate on it.
That makes sence. So if I want to use HO and have it look and run properly, I’ll need to add on to it at one or both ends. In which case, I’d be better off scrapping the whole door idea and build benchwork.
Welcome to the Forums. The single hollow core door approach is better left to “N” scale and even then a 36" x 80" would be the better choice. Most in HO will use a 4x8 plywood for starters. Some will disagree as the hollow door can be utilized for the base of HO benchwork, but there would be multiple doors run end to end and butted 90 degrees at corners.
Just how much space can you devote to the layout, and how involved do you want to get in the construction of the benchwork itself?
There’s the million dollar question right there. For me personally, I love construction so this isn’t an issue, but I want to keep my son’s interest in the hobby active. I can’t see spending hours a day or several days on the benchwork alone being overly exciting to him at all.
The 4x8 sheet of plywood is also an option, and if we go N scale, it gives us the chance to have quite a detailed layout. If I was to build benchwork for the layout, I’d most likely go module style for the simple fact that they’re easy to move. A 4x8 sheet of plywood is still fairly easy to move in and/or out of my basement.
Are modules used for HO only or are they also used for N?
As every one has said using the door is a compromise. If you are in it for the long haul even if your son’s interest fades as it most likely will when he gets his drivers liscense it would be best to build bench work. Spending more now may save a bunch later.
Of course you will need to select a height that is suitable for him now and raise it later.
As a child my layout was made from 4X8s laid on the carpet. When I “out grew it” it was stored and when my son came of age it was brought out again and we put legs on it and added to it. When he lost interest it was stored again until seven years ago when I my interested returned.
If you buy a 1/2" thick piece of 4’ x 8’ plywood and some 2 x 4’s, you can construct a solid platform for an HO scale layout in an evening.
Then, leaving 2" all around the edges of the plywood, you can lay an oval-shaped track with 22" radius curves. That 2" perimeter around the edges will give you the needed space to prevent locomotives falling to the floor in the event of a derailment.
Welcome. We built a 4’ x 6’ oval layout for my grandson, now 11, when he was 8.
He can certainly run things effectively (for some time now), but I did most of the construction, with him helping a bit, especially painting things. We used the 22" Bachmann EZTrack from his box set, and added a couple of internal spurs with EZTrack switches. We’ve built a hill on one end, with tunnel portals, added a street (Woodland Scenics road kit), a farm with a pond (Woodland Scenics meltable "water), etc. He helped a bit with building kits but I, being retired, put in most of that time. We put lighting in the various buildings, which adds a lot. So, if you can do the 4’ width, you can do a lot. Of course you can do more with 8’ length than 6’ but you can do a lot with a 4’ x 6’ layout.
There are lots of good MR reference books available to supplement the forum info, plus layout plans on the MR site.
Thanks for all the helpful tips guys. Much appreciated. I think I’m going to look into the N scale module idea for myself and go with the 4x8 plywood idea for HO scale for my son. Most likely, the latter will consist of an oval with a small switching yard.
It’ll be a while yet, but I’ll try to post some pics of both of them for you guys to see. (might have to get my 11 y.o. to do that for me, lol)
I would encourage that you go with N scale instead of HO to start, but don’t feel pressured by this. If you want HO, go ahead and model in HO. Don’t let me influence your choice too much, it’s your opinion and your layout.
I started in N scale, and don’t regret it (though I may eventually model in O scale or switch to HO myself), but the point is is that it is a good scale to start in since you don’t need the fine detail that comes with HO models. It will allow you to build your skills without much worry.
Depending on the space you have, you could use the door to start & expand later. Start off with a simple or complex switching layout yet leave it open to expand. This would get your feet wet so to speak & hopefully get your son involved sooner.