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.
Can you have multiple scales of trains in a single layout?
I am envisioning a layout where there is an 027 Lionel and HO gauge ovals. In the center is N scale portrayed as a live steam ride on train for the people in my layout.
My concern is that this layout won’t be realistic. Is this okay?
I haven't seen anything in the NMRA guidelines or laws prohibiting it.
I haven't seen anything in the NMRA guidelines or laws prohibiting it.
Thanks. I am aiming for a toy train layout theme that has multiple scales. It may not be realistic but will incorporate the three scales of trains.
My concern is that this layout won’t be realistic. Is this okay?
As long as your happy with the layout you build, Go for it!
Can you have multiple scales of trains in a single layout?
Absolutely! As long as you have the space to do it.
I am envisioning a layout where there is an 027 Lionel and HO gauge ovals. In the center is N scale portrayed as a live steam ride on train for the people in my layout.
I hope you will post some photos. I am looking forward to seeing it!
My concern is that this layout won’t be realistic. Is this okay?
Realism is not the goal of every toy train enthusiast.
I built this for Christmas in 2014. It's mostly O and one oval of HO (center left) I enjoyed it so much I kept using it year-round until I moved in 2017. I loved it and I still miss it.
I think the only thing we all have in common is we enjoy our trains.
There is a single unyielding principle: your trains, your rules.
Think of it this way, that would be the best way to show forced perspective. Run the N scale at the furthest distance from you. HO would be closer and then the O. Let’s say you’re looking down a valley that the tracks cross 3 times before reaching you. The trick is find the exact same train in each scale.
It falls under forced perspective. But it is quite often used. Mostly to portray distance
You can, except in California where it may cause cancer.
To answer OPs question --
RULE 1.
A friend of mine here in the U.K. has locomotives and rolling stock of various scales and gauges in his garden -- from Z upwards to Roundhouse steam locomotives.
Think of it this way, that would be the best way to show forced perspective. Run the N scale at the furthest distance from you. HO would be closer and then the O. Let’s say you’re looking down a valley that the tracks cross 3 times before reaching you. The trick is find the exact same train in each scale.
OP isn’t doing this to force perspective, he’s portraying a small scale live steam system set on his layout. Now texhnically, the N is too big, 1/12 of 1/48 would be 1:576. But it would be close to an amusement park train, aren’t those around 1/8 scale?
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a commision from some of the links and ads shown on this website
(Learn More Here)