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Getting Started in Model Railroading - part 1
Let me start out by saying that these are only my opinions. Opinions vary greatly in this hobby. And a lot has to do with whether you're talking about a first train set for the kids or whether you're planning on getting into modeling on a more serious level. The important thing is to do what you think is best for you, and most of all to have fun.
One of your biggest considerations is space. It takes a good deal of space to set up a layout on a more or less permanent basis, less of course if you are talking about something for the kids to set up only when they are playing with them. With that in mind, you have to make several choices, do you want to model a prototype railroad or are you more interested in a freelance or fictional road. How much room is available ? Do you want something that "loops" and can be left running unattended or would you prefer a "point to point" layout where you can set up a more prototypical operation of switching, picking up and setting out cars.
What scale or gauge should you use? There are many to choose from and many reasons why or why not to choose a scale. One of the first things you should do before making any decision is to go to the hobby shop and pick up a copy of one or more of the most popular model railroad magazines. Model Railroader is certainly one of the more popular and you won't go wrong with it. As well, there's Railroad Model Craftsman, another popular magazine, and there are many that specialize in one area such as N Scale magazine and Garden Railways (coverying the larger scales such as "G"). Be sure to read the advertisements as well to see what is available. The December issues are generally geared more to the novice because of Christmas.
After having digested the magazines and if you still want to go ahead, your best bet would be to find a model railroad hobby shop. Not just any hobby shop but one that specializes in model railroading. Talk to the sales people, get some opinions, but you're still not ready to buy anything other than books. A good hobby shop should have several good books for beginners. The ABC's of Model Railroading, Track Planning for Realistic Operations and other books of this type are your best bet.
For the moment we'll take on the choice of a scale. And to get off on a tangent for a minute, the term scale and gauge are often misused, especially by the novice. We all do it to a point, but the proper meaning for the word -scale- is the true relationship in size to the prototype (real) world. The word -gauge- properly refers to the distance between the rails. I'll stop trying to confuse you with the facts and get back on topic.
The most common scales are N, HO, S, O, and G. However there are many others.
"N" scale: 1:160 - This is a great choice for those who like to run long trains, or have limited room, or prefer to build modules that can connect with others in the N-Track groups. But it is a poor choice for the youngster as it is difficult for them to get them on the rails, never mind keep them there. And this is certainly not recommended as something that can be set up every time you want to use them. (other than as modules)
"HO" scale: 1:87 - This is also a good choice. A very popular scale. This scale has probably the largest selection of equipment. Very popular with modelers but again a bit small for the smaller youngsters. But even at this size it requires a minimum of 36 inches to make a very tight loop so it will require some space. And again it is a scale that I wouldn't recommend for youngsters who will be -setting- them up to run them then knocking them down again to put them away. Although some do it that way.
"S" scale: 1:64 - Now we're up to a size that the younger crowd can really get a hand on. You won't find the selection of equipment that you will in "N" or "HO" and the prices can be a bit higher. However, this can be a rewarding scale to model and does have its followers, especially in the collectable areas.
"O" scale: 1:48 - This was probably everybody's (at my age this is) first train set. And being that Lionel Lines seems to have been around forever, it is probably the first one that comes to mind when buying your child's first train. Though today certainly there are others besides Lionel building quality equipment in this scale/gauge. These can be easily handled by the younger crowd. This scale is also one of the most popular in the area of the collectable Classic Toy Trains.
"G" scale: 1:24 to 1:22 1/2 - Actually this is one scale/gauge that can get a bit confusing as to true scale and it varies with Manufacturers. The track gauge (width between the rails) stays the same, but various manufacturers build trains that are models of meter gauge, 3 foot gauge and standard gauge trains. This means the scale varies from one manufacturer to the next. However all the trains will operate on the same track, even if they sometimes don't look right together since they are a different scale.
These are the largest of the indoor trains as well as being popular with the outdoor, garden railroad crowd. It is also the only scale where you buy a variety of model steam locomotives that are actually powered by steam, along with the more traditional electric powered ones. For indoor use you will certainly need a good deal of room to set up a permanent layout. But, as is true with the "S", and "O" scale, these can be relatively easily set up for use and then knocked down later for storage.
Whatever your choice, I'm sure you'll enjoy the hobby and as I said in the beginning, these are only my thoughts and opinions, let's hear yours. Please join in on our discussions in the model railroading forum and tell us your views.
Author: Dave Cremins
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