I’m 13 and I want to know: what is the best size scale for me?
Oh Boy, this is like asking Chevy vs Ford, Microsoft vs. Apple, etc. as those that model in one scale think it’s the right scale.
I would first ask what space do you have for a layout and does it have to get stuffed under a bed, etc. when not is use? What type of a layout interests you “Loop” or “Point-to-Point” as that too might make a difference in recommendations. What kind of a budget will you have as that too can make a difference.
As a follow-on, I started out with a 3-Rail O set that I could setup on the floor and run my train on using whatever design the floor allowed for. I would later dismantle it and toss it back into a box when done. At first it was my Dad’s set over and Grand Pa’s house and then I got one of my own too
Dad’s
Mine
My first real layout project was HO as I had a 6’ x 12 ’ space my Mom & Dad would let me use in the basement. I was using my HO on the basement floor before that as it was tile (not a rug) and thus would run nicely without being permanent setup either.
I started out with allot of Tyco / AHM stuff that was cheep but it work nicely for me
Welcome to the forums.
You might do well to go to the library or your local hobby shop and find a book on getting started in model railroading. It will tell you about the different scales, their advantages and disadvantages. Also, look at some basic books on layout building and scenery, just to see what is involved.
You are on the right track (pun intended) by asking questions before spending a lot of money, then finding there was a better solution to fill your desires. It is a wonderful hobby, but mistakes can be costly, if you have to start all over again.
Do some reading, come back and ask more questions, then you will have a much better idea of what situation is best for YOU.
Have fun,
Richard
[#welcome]
That question is like when my wife asks if a dress makes her look fat. There’s just no way to answer it properly.
Please tell us a little more about how much space you have, what you intend to do with your layout, what kind of a budget you have, etc. and we’ll be able to give you a little more guidance.
For starters, the largest model railroad distributor in the US is the William K Walthers Co. On their website, they have a section on “Getting Started in Model Railroading”. Go poke around.
Here’s their picture of the various scales:
VERY generally, larger scales are easier to handle, can be more detailed, are usually more expensive, and take up more space; smaller ones enable you to fit more in a smaller space, allowing for greater realism.
Only if we know what your needs and desires are can we tell which might be right for you.
More than likely you will be looking at either HO or N scale. Prices is pretty close to each other from what I have seen. So the big question is how much room do you have for a layout.
HO needs about 38 (only 1 inch from edge of board) to 42 inches to make a U turn if you want a loop. N scale would need about half of that.
Like other have said, do some reading first. You might check out the local library, mine has a lot of model railroading books available.
And [#welcome] to the site as well.
Cuda Ken
I have gotten a book from my school libray. It was called: How To Run a Railroad and it was by Harvey Weiss. I personally think HO is best for me but for some reason I want to have a layout that has HO and N scale on it.
And I thought my tri-focals were giving me trouble again.
My [2c], pick one for now and I agree that HO might be best as a starting point [tup]
HO is the most popular model railroad scale. As a consequence, used HO equipment turns up at yard sales and train shows for very little money. HO is small enough to allow a good sized layout in a reasonable amount of space. The larger scales, S, O , and G, are less common, cost more new, and need more space. N is fairly common, but I have never seen it at yard sales, and it is less common at train shows. Being smaller than HO it allows a “larger” (more track) layout in less space.
Unless you are really short on space, I would go with HO 'cause you can find more used equipment at good prices.
I have a 2 (possibly 3) spots i can use I would like to have continous run and I don’t know what kind of budget i have yet.
I would suggest getting some graph paper and putting each location on a sheet. Include where windows, doors and other obsticles such as posts or appliances are located. Make several copies of each one, then do some layout planning, designing the type of railroad you want, continuous runing, switching, long trains, bridge line, city, rural type design. If you can post something here once you have begun to refine your ideas folks will be able to give you more advice. Be sure to give us your “druthers” including era, location and type of operating you would like to do most.
Good luck,
Richard
Remember this, HO stands for Horribly Oversized and N stands for Normal. [:D]
Just say “Honey, it;s not the dress…”
Yeah, thanks for that, Steamie.
I just celebrated my 20th wedding anniversary, and would like to survive to celebrate a few more.
[:D]
I think graph would help A LOT because I don’t have any 'cause i never thought i would need it.(oh, i’m going to Staples so this is PERFECT timing for me to check this post.)