Just wanted to say hi ,I am just getting started in this hobby . I had purchased a Bachmann Ho Smokey mountian set before Christmas to go with wife’s Christmas village. I have since caught the bug and planning a layout winter scene , space is limited would like a 4x8 but might have to 4x6 or 5 going to pick up some plywood and pink foam today .With the cold weather headed in this weekend it will be a good time to plan and start a layout. Thanks in advance for the help i know this forum will provide.
Bruce
Meridianville, Al.
Bruce.
[#welcome] to the Model Railroader Forums.
Although I model in N Scale, I can tell you that you are going to be hard pressed to model HO scale on a 4’ X 8’ board if you want to model the present era. Please don’t take me the wrong way, it CAN be done. If you wanted to model the earlier part of the 1900’s where most of the Loco’s and cars were short wheelbase type you would probably be OK. If you go with a 4’ X 5’ or 6’, anything but a short 2 to 4 car train would look like it was chasing its tail.
Do yourself a favour and get a few books or magazines and do a little reading if you haven’t already done so. A good place to start is your local hobby shop or click on “OUR STORE” at the top of this page and then click on “KALMBACH PUBLISHING”. There are a number of fine informative books listed.
If you have questions, do not be afraid to ask. We have ALL asked about something at one time or another. You can also go to the “SEARCH COMMUNITY” box on the right hand side of this page just above the advertisements and type in a few key words of what you require.
I am sure that some of the more knowlegeable H O’ers will check in and give you much better info on your requirements.
Good luck and again [#welcome]
Blue Flamer.
Bruce,
a hearty [#welcome] to this forum and the wonderful world of model railroading from snowy northern Germany. Don´t be afraid to ask your questions - you will get your answers!
Welcome to the hobby and the forum. I like your enthusiasm. I got a Military train set for my son for xmas and have been building a small layout to accommodate it. Built on a 44" x 80" tri-fold door, I have an oval with 2 sidings and a passing siding on a curve. I’m using the Bachmann EZ track.
In a small space you need to be creative, but a lot can be accomplished in a reasonable amount of time, and the more small details the more interesting the layout. At the annual train show in Palatine IL, my favorite layouts are simple ovals with sidings. Both measure under 4X8. The interest comes in the scenery and buildings. Have fun.
Bruce, welcome too a Great Hobby. One thing You should do as soon as possible is attend a Train Show/Sale. You can find some bargans there, Plus Ideas, And You can meet other modelers. Sometimes they will have clinics to give quick lessons on scenery ect.
Things You want to stay away from are old Tyco trains…Not Reliable and far from looking like real trains.Also Brass track, If You use brass You will be cleaning it all the time,And Your trains will run rough.Nickle silver track is good.Use good turnouts {switches}.Peco, Kato, Are great. Ask Your local hobby shop about quality. Better to pay a bit more then put up with problems later.
Anyway, Welcome Aboard!!
Bruce, welcome from myself as well.
This hobby like all hobbies has it learning curve and pitfalls. One of the many pitfalls we molders have fallen into is the 4 X 8 plywood bench. Nothing wrong with a 4 X 8 if it is not against a wall! If it is against a wall it is very hard to work on the wall side. To do any real modeling the bench should not be wider than 30 inch if you cannot get to the other side of the bench.
If all you have is room for is 4X 8 you might think about this option.
If bench is free standing, try 5 X 9. You can run bigger turns which helps fight off pitfalls of 18 inch turns.
Here is how I built my new section.
Tip on buying foam, Home Depot will give you