Scale Railway Layout
Ho Model Trains - Popular Scale For Authentic Detail
The model railway engineer who lives on a large suburban or rural property may want a large-scale (O, G, or larger) train setup that meanders through his acreage. The largest scale trains can even carry passengers. Another hobbyist must deal with space restrictions, so he opts for a smaller scale indoor layout. This is why the Model Train manufacturers make trains in several sizes.
Today the most popular large size model train is the O scale. The scale for O is 1:48, which means that the model is 1/48 of the size of a real-world, prototype train. The track gauge for O is 1 ¼ inches.
For many model railroaders, especially those who want large layouts with impressive scenery, towns, vehicles, people, and other features, the O scale is too large for indoor use. For them, the HO model train is the best.
The HO scale is half the size of O. Think of HO meaning "half of O". The HO scale is 1:87. HO trains use the standard size track gauge of 16.5 mm. The HO scale is a very popular size for use in layouts because it is small enough to accommodate the use of a large amount of scenery, along with a well-designed track plan, in a reasonable amount of space.
At the same time, the HO scale is large enough to allow a high degree of detail in finer models. HO models are big enough for children to handle without the risk of damage.
The HO scale achieves a balance between the detail of larger scales and the lower space requirements of smaller scales; it is very popular railroad line with train hobbyists compared to other scales.
HO model trains first appeared in the UK during the 1930s and were introduced as an alternative to the OO scale. But the OO scale was already well established and therefore the HO scale had difficulty making any real commercial headway there. Luckily, during the late 1950s realistic toys were in high demand with hobbyists in the United States. This high demand allowed the HO Scale Model trains to succeed throughout the 1960s and their popularity continues up to today. More than two-thirds of model railroaders rank HO as their favorite scale.
Due to the growing popularity of the HO scale, many companies produce a great many locomotives, train sets, accessories, and rolling stock in that scale. Hobbyists can find HO scale sets with ready-to-run trains and modular track, high grade kits, supplies for building models from scratch, and even limited-edition locomotive models.
Whoever wants to own a landscape with rolling hills or a small town with all the details, then HO scale model trains are for you.
About the Author
C.W. Crawford is a model train enthusiast. For more great tips on HO model train, visit http://www.modeltrainupdate.com.
Scale Railway Layout
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Are N Scale Model Trains Right for You?
Many people think that the N Scale Train is not as good as some other more popular scales, like HO. These same people are older folk who may not see as well, or may have arthritic hands.
It is true that these trains are small, only 1:160 scale, but the N scale trains are ideal for people who don't have a lot of space, but still want a really decent layout. You can do a lot with a simple 8'x4' space.
Many say that there aren't as many resources for spare parts and accessories, but that really isn't true. You may not find everything you're looking for at your local hobby shop, but you will find many basic sets available.
For all of your scenery, and miniatures, just go online and look on any search engine. You will not only find just as much products and the HO model trains, but some products you just can't find in larger scales.
Now the first thing you should know right away, N scale model trains, being 1:160 scale, are going to have a large amount of small parts, as well as being an electrical hobby. You will have to make sure you are working away from children under ten, and then only with supervision.
For these sets and layouts, it would be a good idea to put together the layout first, and then show it to the kids. First thing is to get a good basic train set. You have a bunch of choices to choose from, including passenger trains, and freight.
This is also an ideal scale for trains with many cars, because the cars are lightweight, yet highly detailed. You can choose a variety of engine and car designs and styles, including special holiday additions.
The holidays are a good time to pick up more unique sets. You can find holiday accessories, and even complete layouts, with festive engines and cars, carolers, snow capped buildings and much more.
Some of the have mechanisms that actually work, like miniature clock towers, and buildings that play music. Many of these are battery operated, and require no extra power, another really good feature about the N scale trains.
Now if you want a good basic layout, assuming you had all the right tracks and materials on hand, here is a good layout for a 32"x40" area. You will need a total of 63 pieces of track with 24 Atlas-N R-11 30 degree curved tracks, 17Atlas-N R-9.75 30 degree Curve Track, 4 Atlas-N 0.63inch straight track, 8 Atlas-R 5inch track, and on Atlas-N 2.5 inch straight track.
You will also need 6 Atlas-N #2701 standard #4 right hand turnouts and 3 Atlas-N #2700 #4 left hand turnouts. It is basically four ovals inside of each other, with the third center oval actually a double oval, There is only a one way switch back from the outside, with two sets of switchbacks on the central ones.
You can get this and many more design plans online, that have basic layouts, with just a few decorative ideas, like river crossings and a few suggested plants and buildings. Any of these you would of course have either on hand, or on order.
About the Author
Clint Spille is a model trains enthusiast who enjoys blogging about the World's Greatest Hobby. Stop by his blog where you can read his many articles on the model railroading hobby or watch the videos he provides on topics such as a beginners guide to model trains, model train layouts and much more!