Im brand brand new to this. I got an HO scale set with a jillion feet of brass rail, 2 engines and 8 cars, and some useless powerbox that says life like and is blue. I| like the brass rail, its kinda cool, and Im keeping it. Im more interested in scenery and layout than sounds and lots of cars.
Question: What should I do first? Im presently cleaning the brass, should I get a good power supply next? And and all suggestions are very welcome
thanks
Welcome to the forums.
Putting together a layout has a few steps that are recommended to be taken. Most are obvious, but will outline the basics.
Firstly, I would do as Louis has suggested, build your benchwork - what your layout will sit on, hope this isn't being too basic but better to be basic and cover everything than leave something out or say something you might not be familiar with.
Bench work is generally constructed from 2 X 4', (the legs) and 1 X 4's for the frame work.
Next is the top of the bench work which is generally 1/2" ply or similar
That will give you the space for your layout, a work bench and something to sit your goodies on
Once you have the base bench work done, you would be advised to then glue 2" insulation foam (Lowes, Home Depot) on top of that. The foam absorbs noise and provides a base for your track and scenery.
As you have a lot of track, cleaning that will be needed, but I wouldn't rush into it as it will probably need another darn good cleaning once you have it laid and ready to run trains on.
You are going to need a power supply, that is a given. I don't know about anyone else but before buying a power supply I would decide if you wanted a straight DC System or a DCC System and then buy a suitable power supply. If you go with DCC then you can buy starter systems that come with everything needed to be up and running in terms of power and control.
Some where during all of this you will need to put together a Track Plan, what your layout is going to look like. Your track plan will be determined, to an extent, by the amount of room you have to play with and will dictate the largest radius you can use. By radius I am referring to the sharpness of your curves. Radii comes in various sizes from 15" upwards for sectional track, most likely what you will have. Now, the radii will then dictate what trains you can run. Most commercial trains require a minimum radius of 18" and more than a few recommend a 22" radius.
Are you confused yet? If you are, don't worry, it isn't as complex as it may sound
So in brief, Step One: Build your Bench work; Step Two: Work out a track plan and Step Three: decide if you want DC or DCC then buy a power supply or Starter Kit applicable.
A couple of tips though for designing your track plan. Make sure you can reach all of your track work when it is on the bench work. The general maximum distance is 4' for reach. Your bench work can be as large as you want, it is only imperative that, regardless of the size of your bench work, you can reach all of your track work.
For designing your track plan there is a very good free and easy to use program called SCARM, written by one of our members Mixy, that lets you "build your layout" on a computer. Well worth while getting in my opinion.
Hope this helps and gives you a starting point at least. Any questions, just ask and someone will have the answer
