GETTING STARTED

Some advise for a painless start in Model Railroading

This article is designed to help those new to the hobby of Railroad (Railway) modelling get started in the hobby.

There are all kinds of ways to get started in model railroading, but perhaps the most common is with a train set. Before we look at train sets however, let us review the different scales that you can model in.

Modelling Scales

Model railroading scales are described by letters such as N, HO, S and O. This alphabet soup may seem confusing at first, but the letters are simply a shorthans method of describing the ratio of the model’s size to its prototype, which is what model railroaders call the real thing a model is based on.

The table below shows several indoor modelling scales

By far the most popular scale is ‘HO’ (pronounced aitch-oh) in America and Europe and ‘OO’ in the UK. ‘HO’ scale models are 1:87 proportioned, meaning that one foot on the model represents 87 actual feet. An ‘HO’ scale 40 foot box car is about six actual inches long. It will be noted that in all the popular scales the UK models are built to a slightly larger proportion, although they share the same track gauge as their American or European counterpart. The reason for this goes back to when the scale was first introduced. In general the scale was first developed by the Americans or Europeans, and by the time the UK manufacturers started modelling that scale the track gauge was determined. However it was found that because the UK prototypes are a lot smaller in actual size, the motors then available could not fit inside the bodies of models built to that scale. The UK manufacturers therefore used the existing track gauge, but increased the scale proportions to allow the fitting of the motors. Therefore whilst ‘HO’ are 1:87 proportioned, the UK ‘OO’ proportions are 1:76. To differentiate the two scales the Americans called there scale ‘HO’ or Half ‘O’ scale, and the British called there scale ‘OO’ or Double ‘O’ scale.

The second most popular modelling scale is ‘N’ scale. With a ratio of 1:160, (1:148 for UK ‘N" scale) it’s a little more than half the size of ‘HO’ scale. An N Scale 40 foot box car measures just over three actual inches long. It will be noted that as before the UK manufacturers opted for a larger scale, again because of the problems associated with fitting motors into the bodies, they opted to use the same scale reference. The letter N in ‘N’ scale is an abbreviation for the track gauge which is Nine millimeters.

Many model railroaders use the terms ‘scale’ and ‘gauge’ interchangeably, but they really mean different things. Scale, as we already leaned, is the ratio of the model to the prototype. Gauge is the distance between the rails. Standard Gauge on North American railroads is 4’-8 ½", but many railroads especially in the 1800’s, were built to narrower gauges. Three foot between the rails was the most common narrow gauge in the United States. To indicate narrow gauge models we use a small ‘n’ and the gauge of the track prefaced by the scale. For example, an HOn3 layout is one where the buildings, figures, and trains are HO scale, but the rails are spaced three (scale) feet apart. Although narrow gauge is appealing, most modellers start off modelling standard gauge railroading, so that’s what we’ll concentrate on here.

CHOOSING A SCALE

Which scale is best for you?

That’s a personal question that only you can answer. Maybe you were given some old trains or have received a train set as a gift. In that case, you’ll likely want to stick with that scale, at least for now. (Many modellers change scales at some point as their interests develop.) If you’re starting from scratch., visit a hobby shop such as Perth Hobby Centre that specializes in trains and have staff that are themselves railroad modellers, and ask the staff for advise, and to show you trains in each of the scales.

If you look around the store and you’ll quickly notice that the HO/OO scales offer the widest variety of locomotives, cars and accessories, often at the best prices. The minimum recommended radius for an HO scale curve is 18", meaning a complete loop of track can fit on a standard 4 x 8 foot sheet of plywood.

A wide variety of N scale equipment is also available, although the prices may be slightly higher than for a comparable HO model.

The two larger popular indoor scales, S and O aren’t available in every hobby shop, but you may want to consider them, and the store can always get items in for you. For many years the selection of items in these scales was marginal, but that is changing, as S and O scales have seen an influx of new locomotives, cars and structures in recent years.

Each scale offers its own unique advantages. If you want the scenery to dominate the trains, or if you have only very limited space, look closely at N Scale. If product availability is the most important factor, you’ll likely be happiest with HO. And if you want the trains to really be the stars of the show, you’ll likely find larger scales like ‘S’ and ‘O’ are the best choice.

Finally, practical factors will enter into your scale choice. Other matters to consider include how much space you have, just how much you like to build models, and how comfortable the size is for you. For now pick a scale that feels right, with the idea that you can revisit your decision in a few years after you have some practical experience.

SHOULD I START WITH A TRAIN SET

Although a train set is the most traditional way to get started in model railroading, it’s not the only way, and may not necessarily be the best for you. However, lets deal with train sets first.

The most important thing to look for in a train set is reliability. We recommend you pass on the low-priced train sets like those found in discount chains and toy stores. These typically have poor running locomotives, inadequate power packs, and brass or steel track. Some sets make up for the deficiencies in the trains with lots of extras – buildings, trees, telephone poles, and the like – but all these are available separately. Another problem with train sets from discount or toy stores is that if anything goes wrong with the locomotive or power pack, there may be some difficulties in getting it repaired or replaced.

Your first concern should be with locomotive quality. You want the best one you can afford, even if it means a set with fewer cars or no frills. It should come as no surprise that in general the more expensive the set, the better the quality of the locomotive that comes with it.

Just a few years ago track was the main problem with any ‘N’ or ‘HO’ scale train set. The sections would easily come apart. Dirt and carpet fuzz would get into the locomotive mechanism, [although we recommend that you never set up a train set on the carpet], and electrical conductivity between individual track pieces was sporadic at best. That’s all changed. Newer sectional track from Atlas, Bachman, Kato and Life Like includes track sections mounted on plastic or vinyl roadbed which locks the sections firmly together, ensuring mechanical and electrical contact. If you do decide to go for a train set then we would recommend that you go for this type of track until you’re ready for a permanent layout.

If you decide not to go with a train set then we would recommend that you use track that is Nickel Silver, as opposed to steel or Brass. Nickel Silver corrodes and oxidises, but the oxidisation on Nickel Silver is more conductive than that on Brass, and does not corrode as much a steel, so the trains run better. We would also recommend that you use the better quality turnouts (In the UK and Europe these are called points) such as those produced by PECO, and would recommend the use of Flexible track which comes in longer lengths than the sectional track. However this form of trackwork requires to be permanently fastened down, and because of that we would always recommend that you build baseboards for the layout to go on.

If however you do decide to go for a train set we would recommend that you purchase several additional turnouts and more straight and curved sections. These allow you to vary the train’s route, which will hold your interest longer than if it just chases its tail.

IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO HAVE A TRAIN SET, WHAT IS AVAILABLE

You don’t need to start with a train set. In any cases it’s just as easy to ask the staff at Perth Hobby Centre to recommend a locomotive and several cars, along with a decent power pack. If cost is a concern, put the money into a good locomotive and power pack and purchase fewer cars and accessories.

At Perth Hobby Centre you can see a large range of HO / OO model railroad products from which you can pick out items to make up your own train set. The Range of manufacturers in American HO are Kato, Atlas, Life Like, Bachman, Walthers Athern, Roundhouse, Rivarossi and Con Cor. British OO manufacturers include Bachman, Hornby, Dapol and Branchline, whilst the European HO is covered by Fleishman.

Perth Hobby Centre recommends, and carries a large selection of Athern Locomotives and rolling stock, as they have proved over the last 40 years to be the best, value for money wise, and have proved to have the worlds most reliable running locomotives. Most American Locomotives are all wheel driven and have all wheel pick up, with no traction tyres.

The Kadee company produce a wide range of Automatic delayed action magnetic knuckle couplers, and the majority of the current range of American Locomotives and wagons come ready to fit these couplers. A number of manufacturers are in fact supplying Kadee couplers as the standard coupler.

British Locomotives are more difficult to change over the Kadee couplers, however the staff at Perth Hobby Centre will be only too pleased to show you how you can do it.

Perth Hobby Centre carries a range of American outline ‘N’ scale locomotives. This range is dominated by three main manufacturers Kato, Atlas and Life Like. There locomotives are all of excellent quality, they all run quietly and smoothly and have good pulling power. Kato are made in Japan, whilst Atlas and Life Like are made in China, with Kato and Atlas being the most expensive. All now have split frame metal chassis, all wheel drive and all wheels pick up power from the track, and in general are all easily converted to the Magna Matic automatic uncoupling system. Other Locomotive manufacturers carried by Perth Hobby Centre are Bachman, Con-Cor, Minitrix and Model Power, but these are sometimes of poor quality, have poor pulling power and do not run very well. American Outline rolling stock manufacturers are many, but generally the better quality ones carried by Perth Hobby Centre are from Micro Trains, Atlas, Roundhouse, Walthers, and now Kato. Micro Trains are by far the best, but are priced accordingly. Micro Trains models are all fitted with the Micro Trains Magna Matic automatic couplers, which allows hands free prototypical uncoupling and shunting operations. Perth Hobby Centre also carry a range of Micro Trains bogies with Magna Matic couplers which fit the other manufacturers wagons, but by the time you add the cost of the new bogies to the original purchase price, the total is approaching the cost of a Micro Trains wagon.

British outline N scale Locomotives are now dominated by one manufacturer Graham Farish. In the past these have tended to be of inferior quality and performance, however they have improved in recent times, and the current range of locomotives carried by Perth Hobby Centre are smoother, quieter and are of better quality. They are however expensive to purchase. As with the locomotives, British outline rolling stock is predominantly Graham Farish, with some wagons manufactured by PECO, and some coaches by Minitrix. However the range is limited and in general are not up to the quality standards of their American counterparts.

GETTING ROLLING

At we carry a large range of ‘How to do it’ Books, which cover topics such as Modelling in HO, Modelling in N, Making building, Constructing scenery, Building bridges, Maintaining locomotives, to Painting and Weathering. We recommend that you purchase at least one of the How to books that cover your chosen scale, as they will prove to be invaluable over the year. As you build up your layout, and your model you will find yourself referring back to these books constantly.

At you will also find a wide range of scenery materials, vehicles, people, building kits and all the things you will need to bring your layout to life. We also carry a range of scratch building materials for those of you who like to make buildings which may not be available in kit form, or who may wish to modify a building kit.

So break open that train set box, or round up those cars, locomotives and track and set it up. Before long you’ll be visualising a whole world, just like the ones you see on the pages of Railroad Modelling magazines every month.

Congratulations on joining the world of Railroad Modelling, and remember the expert staff at Perth Hobby Centre are available to assist you if you get into trouble.

THE INFORMATION IN THIS SHEET IS BASED ON A BACK TO BASICS ARTICLE WRITTEN BY MARTY McGUIRK WHICH APPEARED IN THE JANUARY 1999 ISSUE OF MODEL RAILROADER.