The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Model Train Layout even with Barely Any Space!
The larger the scale the more room it takes for an extensive layout.
- Building a layout in HO scale will be almost half the size of the identical layout in O scale. Turning radius’s in HO scale will be tighter; tunnels will be smaller and, most importantly, it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale.
- Larger scales need more detail and it can often be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale. HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic.
- An HO scale switching layout can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table, while a continuous loop railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 feet table. A layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop.
- Still don’t have that much room available? Then consider an N scale railroad which can be built in 30% of the area required by a similar model train layout in HO scale.
So which scale should you choose? This comes down to three deciding factors. The first one is “how much space do you have available for your model train layout?”
How Much Space Do You Have Available?
Building a layout in HO scale will be almost half the size of the identical layout in O scale. Turning radius’s in HO scale will be tighter; tunnels will be smaller and, most importantly, it is easier to hide mistakes in a smaller scale.
Larger scales need more detail and it can often be very hard to create a realistic looking layout in a large scale. HO scale has become very popular because it is a “middle-of-the-road” scale and easier to make look realistic.
An HO scale switching layout can be created on a 4 x 1 foot table, while a continuous loop railroad will need a 3 feet 6 inch x 4 feet table. A layout space of 6 feet x 4 feet would be enough to have an interesting HO scale layout with a continuous loop.
After gaining a clear understanding of the type of layout you desire, including the turn radius of your tracks along with the amount of detail needed to ensure your model train layout looks realistic, the next question to answer is “Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?”
Which Scale Do You Prefer Working With?
Fat finger syndrome or bad eyesight can sometimes force us to consider the larger scales. It can be very frustrating trying to airbrush a Z scale carriage or manipulating N scale rolling stock. They can be very fiddly!
Children will find it easier operating and manipulating the bigger scales, from HO scale upwards. Bigger scale rolling stock tends to be heavier and less likely to derail.
The ladies seem to prefer the intricate smaller scales, while the men tend to go with the HO scale and larger scales.
What Accessories Are Available?
Over the years the HO scale has become the most popular model train scale and the manufacturers have responded to the demand by producing more accessories and rolling stock for HO scale. HO scale is just the right size for most people to appreciate the detail and running performance without being too cramped.
If you decide to run digital controllers and have lots of switching operations then HO scale is usually the preferred choice. Check with your local hobby shop to see which scale they have the most accessories for. It is often easier to buy from your local hobby shop initially… or at least until you know exactly what you want.
If you’re struggling to find space to build your model railroad then this can be super beneficial.
Do you have a spare door in your house? One technique that I’ve used when I did not have enough space to keep my layout set up in a room would be to use a wooden or plywood door as my base.
I would take the door down and after working on my model train layout using the door as the base, I would then put the door back on and my workstation would have room again. Pretty neat?
Also, if you first add sheets of plywood on the door first, you can then transfer the layout off the door completely when you’ve gotten enough space to build a proper work bench.
The most important part to enjoying a fully functional model railroad is to plan out space and development ahead of time. To avoid endless frustration due to choosing the wrong scale, building curve to tight causing derailments and a non realistic looking layout, understanding how to plan for space issues is highly important. The best feeling in the world as a model railroader is enjoying a fully operation layout with all the bells and whistles!
To master building a model railroad with less space will take countless hours trying to figure out the exact process for a fully satisfying model railroad.
You must know each point mentioned above so your locomotives do not have erratic stops, derailments or lack of speed on gradients because of space problems.
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Sincerely,
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Model Train Expert