Bachmann Trains & Accessories

Ho Scale Train Layouts Plans
Best way to make an HO/OO Layout?

Hi, I am beginner to making layouts, the most I’ve done is an oval with some switches,etc. Now I want to expand to an actual table with a nice layout. I use HO Scale engines and OO engines as well, both are relatively the same size. What type of track plans should I use? Here is what I would like to have on my layout:

I have looked at various fabulous model railroads over the decades and seen monsters with yards and yards of track and no scenery and layouts that hug the walls and could never be taken out of that room, and the one that fascinates me the most and almost gets me into the hobby is modular layouts. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Free-mo
I was introduced to these at a regional club show in Ft.Worth. The idea is that each person builds whatever they want on the back part of a module that can be moved through doorways, put in cars, etc., but along the front edge are a set of carefully aligned tracks that provide through service and local connections. Thus a mountain mining/quarry scene might have narrow gauge and merely overlook the through line and a town scene might have trolley service to a station at the edge, while an industrial yard (or most famously to me, a circus and carnival) might have great connections and switching.
The three (or four) tracks along the edge allow a display setup to run trains from section to section and all around, while each module, 2-4 feet wide, can be run by the owner.
For a private owner, the modules would allow separate construction and movement, the ability to show off that a basement does not allow, and to take major parts of the layout to a new house with only the need to build connecting ‘bridges’ that might be shallow scenery and a track, or a real bridge, or a tunnel, or even a hidden connector behind books.

Ho Scale Train Layouts Plans

The hobby of model trains and railroading requires a fair amount of knowledge. First, you have to know where you will be setting up your display. Then from there you have to decide what scale will best fit your designated area. If it’s a large area, then you don’t want too small of a scaled train set. On the other hand, if it is a small space then you will want to purchase the smaller scale versions.

To help you know what you are looking for here are a few tips on determining the scales sizes of model trains.

-Every model train has a scale assigned to it. This is so you can judge the size of it in comparison to a real train. For example 1:100 would equate to the real train being 100 times bigger than the miniature model.

-Every model train has a letter assigned to it. This is so the scale size is easy to determine. The very smallest model you can find is the “Z” scale. This scale is 1:220. Using the example as above then this means the real train would be 220 larger than the scale model. This is ideal if you have limited space. New comers to the hobby always feel more comfortable with this one, until they make up their mind that becoming a model train collector is what they want.

-the “N” is 1:160 scale size. This is slightly larger than the “Z” scale. You are still forfeiting some of the intricate detail of the life size train. It is perfect for the hobbyist who wants to display his collection in a real life setting of laying out the tracks and scenery. The “N” scale is one of the more popular ones.

-Moving up in size takes us into the 1:80 scales. We are now into the HO scale train models. This is probably one of the best because it’s the middle line of the scale system. The train details are much more obvious and the size is comparable for an average location.

As far as looking authentic many train enthusiasts feel that the “O” scale depicts its best. When you are operating trains in this scale its hard not to imagine that you are not right there operating this train. Their scale size is 1:48. To set up a track for this scale you would probably want to plan to allot a 4×4 foot area.

There are many other larger types of scales on the market. As a hobby though, you will most likely be happier with the ones we have just outlined.

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1st EVER DEBUT!! My New HO Scale Layout Update Part 1! Shout Out to Al Mayo!