Good evening everyone. I'm hoping to get in to Model Railroading and have a few very novice questions. I am wanting a small layout to start with and I'm leaning towards HO because of the detail and it would seem more availability of HO supplies. What is the smallest I can go and still have proper curves, etc? I would like to have a 2'X4' layout. Nothing elaborate, maybe just a basic oval or figure 8. Is it possible in that small of a space? Suggestions? At age 50 I'm a little old to be starting but I've had the interest forever but have never acted on it. I figure N gauge is more suited for the size of layout I'm wanting but would really like to use HO. Thanks for any guidance and input anyone can offer. dc
So new to Model Railroading I don't know where to start
- Thread starter DCinMO
- Start date
ModelRailroadForums.com is a free Model Railroad Discussion Forum and photo gallery. We cover all scales and sizes of model railroads. Online since 2002, it's one of the oldest and largest model railroad forums on the web. Whether you're a master model railroader or just getting started, you'll find something of interest here.
It depends on what you consider midwestern. To me Midwest implies things like Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. But many people consider the Granger states like Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. to be Midwest, which definitely implies CB&Q. Western Illinois and North West Missouri could be CB&Q or Santa Fe. Kansas (yeah I know now we are getting into the deep west) is definitely Santa Fe territory but the Frisco reached about 1/2 way through the state with branch lines.
From the other point of view. Big modern BNSF equipment is not going to like the tight curves that are possible on a 4' wide layout space.
I dont have room for a layout right now but I have plenty of rolling stock and several structure kits. Joining a modular RR club was the perfect choice for me.
things like "huge layout" , "bang for buck" can be quite subjective a thing.
IMHO start with 4x8 keeping options open for expansion possibilities if you so desideor 2x~10 shelf, same on the expansion
Yeah, but what do you do when the significant other suggests pink tankcars?
Must be a prototype for it somewhere...
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)
I wouldn't go below a 18" radius with HO which won't fit in a 2x4 foot area. If that is all the room you have to work with I would go with N scale as you will be able to have a much more usable layout. I am an Ho scaler but to me it doesn't seem like N scale is hard to get at all, but then again I don't really shop for it.
stationmaster
Crusty Old Geezer
With a 2x4 layout your best bet would be N-scale.
The first thing you must decide, of course is the size, which you've already taken into consideration. Second, is the era, the time frame you wish to model. Third is the area. And fourth, the flag you wish to fly, the railroad you choose to model. It's all uphill from there.
Oh, I forgot one item, how much do you want to spend.
Bob
The first thing you must decide, of course is the size, which you've already taken into consideration. Second, is the era, the time frame you wish to model. Third is the area. And fourth, the flag you wish to fly, the railroad you choose to model. It's all uphill from there.
Oh, I forgot one item, how much do you want to spend.
Bob
I have an abundance of room I'm just wanting to start small. What's the smallest I can go layout wise and model HO?
I've decided pretty much on the late 60's early 70's era and want to model a small midwestern farming community with the BNSF as the railroad line. The expense isn't a huge concern, I've learnt long ago that all my hobbies eat money so I'm prepared to spend within reason. Thanks for the input. DC
I've decided pretty much on the late 60's early 70's era and want to model a small midwestern farming community with the BNSF as the railroad line. The expense isn't a huge concern, I've learnt long ago that all my hobbies eat money so I'm prepared to spend within reason. Thanks for the input. DC
Last edited by a moderator:
If you are looking for continuous running 4'x8' seems to be a good place to start if you want to keep it small. If continuous running isn't a requirement you could have a nice smaller switching layout in something like 2'x10' that could easily be expanded into a larger layout later on.
BTW in the 70's BNSF did not exist yet, instead BN and SF were separate class 1 railroads. You could still model a BNSF of that area but I figured I would give you some food for thought.
BTW in the 70's BNSF did not exist yet, instead BN and SF were separate class 1 railroads. You could still model a BNSF of that area but I figured I would give you some food for thought.
Last edited by a moderator:
stationmaster
Crusty Old Geezer
lmackattack
old school
I model HO scale and chose to do so after using G and N scales in past.
for the size you want you you wont even get a 18" raduis circle in HO not even a 15" logging railroad with real tight curves. you would have to go to N scale if you want a loop. N scale is good but Im still not a fan of it.
One thing I would advise is to think about a shelf layout. this is nothing more that what it sounds. the layout is about 2 1/2 wide along a wall. It can be a small switching point to point or you can add loops at each end to turn it into a "dog bone" if space permits.
If this still sounds like too much and you need to see one in action look for a local train club and get some ideas from them before you start a layout at home. Most of them are large shelf layouts with return loops at each end
for the size you want you you wont even get a 18" raduis circle in HO not even a 15" logging railroad with real tight curves. you would have to go to N scale if you want a loop. N scale is good but Im still not a fan of it.
One thing I would advise is to think about a shelf layout. this is nothing more that what it sounds. the layout is about 2 1/2 wide along a wall. It can be a small switching point to point or you can add loops at each end to turn it into a "dog bone" if space permits.
If this still sounds like too much and you need to see one in action look for a local train club and get some ideas from them before you start a layout at home. Most of them are large shelf layouts with return loops at each end
Hi DCinMO, welcome to the forums. I haven't noticed Chip posting in awhile buthis site is still online. Perhaps before making a decision you might like to read the information on this site http://www.chipengelmann.com/trains/Beginner/BeginnersGuide01.html
Give it a try it might answer a lot of your questions, or at least give you some ideas you might wish to pursue further ere on the forms.
Cheers
Willis
Give it a try it might answer a lot of your questions, or at least give you some ideas you might wish to pursue further ere on the forms.
Cheers
Willis
GandyDancer
Member
In High school I had a 4'x4' with a loop on it. I would not recommend that. A 4'x5' allows a bit of straight track, but one is still mostly in a curve. Practically a 4'x6' would be the minimum allowing a continuous run loop. The ubiquitous 4'x8' sheet of plywood size opens a lot more possibilities. 4.5'x12' has some moderately nice options for both running and scenery.
The BNSF did not exist in that time period. In fact the Burlington Northern (BN) didn't exist before 1970. Before that it was the Great Northern, Northern Pacific, and Chicago Burlington & Quincy (Burlington). They picked up the Saint Louis San Fransisco (Frisco) in 1980. The Santa Fe (previously AT&SF) joined forming the Burlington Northern Santa Fe in 1996, and then the BNSF came into being in 2005.
It depends on what you consider midwestern. To me Midwest implies things like Ohio, Indiana and Illinois. But many people consider the Granger states like Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. to be Midwest, which definitely implies CB&Q. Western Illinois and North West Missouri could be CB&Q or Santa Fe. Kansas (yeah I know now we are getting into the deep west) is definitely Santa Fe territory but the Frisco reached about 1/2 way through the state with branch lines.
From the other point of view. Big modern BNSF equipment is not going to like the tight curves that are possible on a 4' wide layout space.
Beachbum
Member
If you don't want to do an N-scale oval (about the only thing that would fit in 2X4 feet with continuous running), may I suggest you look into building modules?
Basically, you build multiple 2X4 sections, one at a time, and then put them together like dominoes. They're nice because you don't get overwhelmed with huge amounts of tracklaying or scenery building or whatever. I think many beginners either shoot for the moon or start with something so small that they soon get bored with it. Modules / dominoes / doorminoes can eliminate that.
Plus, you can easily replace / rebuild a section without having to demolish the rest of the layout.
Look for articles by David Barrow, Linda Sand, and a few others. Check back issues of Model Railroader magazine at your library or order back issues of Model Railroad Planning.
Also, Google the HOG (Heart of Georgia) beginners layout for an adaptable plan that you could build in pieces - there's a Yahoo discussion group dedicated to it.
Good luck and remember to enjoy yourself!
Oh, I'm an ATSF freak from way back, so forget BNSF - go Santa Fe! LOL!
Basically, you build multiple 2X4 sections, one at a time, and then put them together like dominoes. They're nice because you don't get overwhelmed with huge amounts of tracklaying or scenery building or whatever. I think many beginners either shoot for the moon or start with something so small that they soon get bored with it. Modules / dominoes / doorminoes can eliminate that.
Plus, you can easily replace / rebuild a section without having to demolish the rest of the layout.
Look for articles by David Barrow, Linda Sand, and a few others. Check back issues of Model Railroader magazine at your library or order back issues of Model Railroad Planning.
Also, Google the HOG (Heart of Georgia) beginners layout for an adaptable plan that you could build in pieces - there's a Yahoo discussion group dedicated to it.
Good luck and remember to enjoy yourself!
Oh, I'm an ATSF freak from way back, so forget BNSF - go Santa Fe! LOL!
GWT&P
Member
I started model railroading 4 years ago at age 49. I'm glad I chose HO over N because of the size. Yes, size matters! Even with HO, some of the parts on rolling stock are tiny, and with my eyesight not like it was 20 years ago, I can't imagine working with parts that small!
I started with a 5' x 9' layout, but before I got too very far, I added an extension 'cause my wife said it didn't go anywhere. lol
I started with a 5' x 9' layout, but before I got too very far, I added an extension 'cause my wife said it didn't go anywhere. lol
hamltnblue
Active Member
I love when the wife comments on what would look good on the layout. I see it as a reason to visit an LHS. 
I really appreciate all the input so far. Another newbie question. I did some measuring tonight and a table I have has a 3'X6' top. I could get along with a space that size. Is 3'X6' large enough to make turns on a HO layout? I really am sorry about the questions being so basic but we all start somewhere. The reason I'm asking so many questions about it is I do want the most bang for my buck without the layout being huge. The room where I plan to put it isn't a large room and I just don't want to eat up a bunch of floor space.
I've checked out the recommend website. Good stuff. Maybe I should back off the idea for awhile and just do a butt load of reading. And for me the midwest means Missouri. Once again thanks for the advice and history lessons. Kinda sucks being so fresh. dc
I've checked out the recommend website. Good stuff. Maybe I should back off the idea for awhile and just do a butt load of reading. And for me the midwest means Missouri. Once again thanks for the advice and history lessons. Kinda sucks being so fresh. dc
ChevelleSSguy
Member
I dont have room for a layout right now but I have plenty of rolling stock and several structure kits. Joining a modular RR club was the perfect choice for me.
tankist
Active Member
3x6 is doable but will demand VERY sharp curves R15" to make into 30" across and 3" to spare from each side. that pretty much rules out any kind of modern equipment. so i'd say no 3x6 is not enough, but its up to you.
things like "huge layout" , "bang for buck" can be quite subjective a thing.
IMHO start with 4x8 keeping options open for expansion possibilities if you so desideor 2x~10 shelf, same on the expansion
Beachbum
Member
I love when the wife comments on what would look good on the layout. I see it as a reason to visit an LHS.
Yeah, but what do you do when the significant other suggests pink tankcars?
Must be a prototype for it somewhere...
Dominion Atlantic
New Member
Don't put yourself down because you're new. I've been at this for 10 years and I'm no expert, but I've tracked a few layouts. Build your 3x6 with 15R curves. Keep it small and manageable. You won't be able to run long flatcars or long coaches, you need a bigger radius (18") to do that. Start with the small layout 3'x6' and you can always go bigger later on. I think it's wise to start small. There are very many aspects to this hobby. Scenery, etc. You can spend hours of time at it even on a small layout. I tried to go big with my first layout, and I was just overwhelmed with the amount of work that was required to complete the layout. The track-work had to be almost perfect too. So I didn't complete it. I have an 8x4 HO since about 2 years ago and I'm still trying to get that finished. But at least I can manage it. What kind of track are you going to use? The Bachman EZ track is really good for a beginner. One tip. Once you put the track together, leave it together. If you take it up and relay it often, your connections will get worse and cause you more trouble.
Hope this helps a little.
Hope this helps a little.
Lost
Go to your local hobby shop and check out the reading material on model railroading. Pick up a couple of magazines and read. I've been in model railroading for over half century and still find digging for info is a greatr part to this hobby and give me new idears. Rome was not built in a day, nor are good layouts. Bayouman
Go to your local hobby shop and check out the reading material on model railroading. Pick up a couple of magazines and read. I've been in model railroading for over half century and still find digging for info is a greatr part to this hobby and give me new idears. Rome was not built in a day, nor are good layouts. Bayouman
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website (Learn More Here)