I am thinking about getting in to model railroading. I only have a 10 X 10 spear bedroom to build this set. Need information on any tips, tricks and/or books that would be good to get started. I am not looking for a weekend project, but serious modeling and detail work. The big question is which scale to use for the size room? I want something realistic, but able to buy buildings and scenery. I know HO has tons of items to build these sets, but room maybe problems. I was also thinking about N & Z scales. Please give me some of your wisdom to get started. Thanks for any information you can provide
Personally, I model in HO, and I have a small room.
However, in your situation, I would go with n scale if yout want realism and detail in a room of that size.
You might be interested in looking at Dave Vollmer’s website.
http://www.thevollmerfamily.com/Pennsy/
What area are you planning on modeling? If you like the PRR, look no further. Either way, its a great website for building in n scale.
I model in N scale, and I chose it because I have a limited space, such as yours. The magazine that this forum is for, Model Railroader, is a great place to start, as is Railroad Model Craftsman. Also, a trip to your local hobby shop (not neccessarily the local Hobby Lobby though, as it isn’t so much oriented to hobbies as to hobbies, crafts, and such and doesn’t specialize in model railroading, R/C, etc.) will provide some insight. If you’re a subscriber to MR, their track plan database is a great place to get started looking at trackplans. Also, just browse forums such as this (I’ll send you an email with a link to another great forum). Ultimately, just have fun, it’s your layout!
10 by 10 is large enough for a good HO around the wall layout. Or you can go with N and pack more railroad into the same space. For myself, I enjoy building and modifying rolling stock. N scale rolling stock is so small as to make this a real test of eyesight. HO is large enough to see and to work on. On the other hand if you enjoy running trains as opposed to building trains, N gives you more railroad for the space. Modern N equipment runs and stays on the track as well as the larger scales.
I know nothing about Z scale, but the extremely small size would give me pause.
Welcome to model railroading and the forums.
My first suggestion is READ. The monthly magazines are excellent and there are many specific books on planning, benchwork, track laying, scenery and many other topics. If you have a local hobby shop look at their Walther’s catalog and choose some of them from it to start with. There are some concidered beginners books and others more advanced. One book that many people recommend is “Track Planning for Realistic Operation,” by John Armstrong, very helpful in planning.
As for scale, I’m in HO, but understand that N is growing in popularity. It is small and if you want to scratchbuild or do a lot of kit building, age and eyesight come into play, but there is an increasing number of ready to roll locomotives, rolling stock and ready built structures.
Go to the top of this page to Resources, scroll down to Coming Events to find shows and other events near you, where you can see examples and talk to folks in the hobby. Also, scroll down to Model Railroad Groups to find some model rr folks near you. Your local hobby shop may be able to direct you to some folks in the hobby.
After you’ve done some reading, looking and then put it together, this is a great place to ask more questions from folks that have been there.
Have fun,
Welcome!
First thing you should do, as posted above, is read and do some research before jumping in prematurely. The more you read, you will find out that you know even less about even more subjects! Don’t be discouraged, though, we can all learn new things from each other. It’s part of the fun.
If at all possible, visit hobby shops, clubs, shows, or open house layout shows to get a good idea of what each scale offers and how it will feel in your hands, and whether you find is the best size for you (and your eyesight!).
I’m in HO largely due to having been into this scale since the 1970s with train sets.
If I were to start fresh I’d seriously consider N scale. You can pack almost double the layout compared to HO in the same space, and variety and availability is pretty good in both scales.
Best of luck in your journey!
And another welcome.
I would suggest HO for the availability of models, kits, parts, etc. 10 x 10 is plenty of room. I have all mine stuffed into a 6 x 9 playhouse that I built for my daughter years ago, not that I ever thought about putting a train in it. [;)]
[:-^]
WELCOME EL. We are happy to have you on board.
This is a great HOBBY and this is a great place to come and learn. The Forum members here are TOP NOTCH GENTLEMEN and LADIES and are always willing to give pointers, friendly critisism and kudos.
Before you start asking a number of particular questions, here is a jumpstart for you…
Most new folks to the Forum here and lots of us for reference sake keep this site handy… One of our members by the name of Chuck Engelmann has written this outline or overview for us and it is a dandy.
So Read and enjoy and then bring on the questions.
Space Mouse’s Beginner’s Guide to Layout Design
Johnboy out…
… and a big [#welcome] from the other side of the big pond.
A 10´ by 10´ room is sufficient space to go into HO scale, which, IMHO is better suited for “real” railroad operation than N scale. The choice of scale finally depends on available space and the type of operation you would like to model. N scale is a little more than half the size of HO scale, so you can have a lot more track in the same space or a more “generous” layout with those sweeping curves and rolling hills that we all like so much… [:D] If you want too see your trains run through that gorgeous scenery, then N scale might be the choice. If you want prototype operation, HO scale seems to be better suited for that.
You mentioned Z scale - Z scale is about 30 % smaller than N scale. There are not many manufacturers for Z scale equipment, basically it´s three for locos and rolling stock. It is quite pricey as well. For me, it is too small to generate that railroad feeling in me…
Here is some reading with helpful hints an tips for the beginner:
[#welcome] I know you have already received a few of these. In my opinion you can never receive too many welcomes on here.
I will give you a few pointers. First of all do as much research as you can about this hobby. There are numerous websites out there, so make Google your best friend [swg] Second, you might want to consider purchasing of Kalmbach Publishing (the parent company of Model Railroader) books. They are worth every penny. I have ten of them and use them regularly. And last but definitely not least, feel free to do a search on these forums for various topics you may have questions with. However, if the search doesn’t turn up any result, you can always post a question and many of these fine folks will help you.
Again welcome.
A little ‘hands on’ experience won’t hurt. Maybe pick up an HO and an N scale kit - a simple building for example. See how you like it, how easy it is to work with (and see if you’re in bifocal land like me) etc. A few pieces of rolling stock in various scales will give you a good idea of size and feel of the scales.
[:D] … I am, and that´s why HO is the smallest I can have it…
Welcome to railroad modeling!!! All of the advice offered in this thread is good, and read the forum often and submit specific questions when needed.
Have fun, Hal
You’ve received some good suggestions. The most important of which is to READ some books on the subject. The one place I haven’t seen mentioned is going to your local library. They will probably many books on how to build a layout, lay track, scenery etc. Check a few out and read them thoroughly to understand what’s involved in building a layout and what style will fit your desires.
Contrary to the one suggestion - I would skip the Spacemouse guide. Frankly, there’s not that much substance there and you’ll do better with some of the Kalmbach books such as the following
http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/model-railroading-books-home-layout-ideas.html
or some slightly more specific topics
http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/model-railroading-books-track-plans-and-layout-planning.html
You may not end up building a specific trackplan or layout that’s in one of these books but it will give you a good idea as to what is involved in building a layout and how to plan it along with giving some examples of what could be done in the space at hand.
[#welcome] to world’s greatest hobby.
Any of the scales can work in a 10x10 room from G down to Z. An around the walls layout with duckunder/gate at the door can have any scale.
All of the popular scales - Z, N, HO, S, O, and G have sufficient parts, kits, track, engines, cars, etc. to be viable.
So the question is what do you want to do? If you want to build detailed structures/cars/engines and the layout is to display these, then you should consider larger scales such as O and G. You can have more detail with these. If you want to have prototype operations or run long trains then consider N or Z. If you want some of both then look to HO or S with S getting the nod for building and HO for having more railroad.
You can also do narrow gauge which gives the benefits of building in a larger scale while having track and trains sized like a smaller scale. Some to consider are On3, On30, Sn3, HOn3 and with lesser support Sn2, HOn30, and Nn3. Again larger scales to emphasize building, smaller for operating, middle for a little of both.
If you’re modeling a specific road, then look to see which scales have models for that road. While HO has the most, other scales may have quite a bit for your road as well - enough to get started while you scratch/parts build the rest.
One tip is the smaller the scale, the higher the layout. N doesn’t look quite so small when the train is eye level.
Enjoy
Paul
Thats an excellent point.
…the Conemaugh Road & Traction is coming together as an N Scale multi-level layout in a usable space of apx. 9’ x 9’ and includes a helix.
…for the same operations plus allowing for curve radius needs – an HO Scale equivalent layout needs a 13’ x 13’ room.
N Scale (160:1) requires 55% of an HO Scale (87:1) space, or; HO Scale requires 45% more layout space N Scale. The math: 87 / 160 = 54.4%.
John Armstrong popularized the Doctrine of Givens & Druthers: Your key Given is a 10’ x 10’ room. Your Druthers will differ with N Scale or HO Scale.
Start by listing advantages of each scale (Givens) and compromises (Druthers) of each scale, and; then you do what is most important for you regardless of what anyone else prefers for their layout scale.
The Best Information I have to offer you that will do you good if you do not build a 4X8
I’m an N scaler, have been all my life. It’s a good time to be an N scaler! I’d start with a quality set, like the new Atlas Trainman set. The engine is good quality, and they include their “Tru-Track” which looks good and is easy to use.
I would start with a door layout, similar to Dave Vollmer’s referenced previously. For a nominal investment, you can build a good starter layout. It’s important to take that step, as it will give you the opportunity to sharpen your skills in everything from track laying to wiring to building structure kits to scenery, and it won’t be so large or complex that you get discouraged and go back to collecting stamps.
There are plenty of websites out there that provide good information for beginners. There’s also a lot of good forums where more experienced guys gather to share tips and tricks, and to offer critiques as you go along.
This is a genuinely rewarding hobby, with many facets to explore. Just learning about railroading in general can be a hobby unto itself. You’ll also find yourself dabbling in history, geology, electronics, photography, and a myriad of other sub-interests. It’s one of those cases where you’ll find that the more you learn, the more you’ll realize you don’t know!
The important thing to remember is that when criticism is offered, it’s not meant to be personal, just an effort to help you develop your skills.
Keep up the enthusiasm.
Lee
My advice… get out now!! [:D] [:D] [:D]
This is how it starts… a small 10x10 - the “spare room”. Then you take over the kids bigger room… before you know it your main reason for buying that new home is the large open basement…
Hello, My name is Loco and I’m a Trainaholic.
hehehe, hey, good to have ya aboard!
I’m HO as I was given that starter set one Xmass long, long ago and have stuck with it.
If I had to choose today, N scale would certainly be a solid consideration with all the available options. But I do love my HO scale now that I have some room. (yes I bought a new home with a train room in mind)