Model Train Scale

With so many choices in model train scale, I still favor G scale. I like the idea of an outdoor track and enjoy seeing a good basement replication. I’m always impressed with the creativity long-term enthusiasts bring to the table. There’s not too much they can’t figure out after a couple of different model train layouts.

While buying a set or kit is a good idea for baby enthusiasts, mainly because of source information close at hand, the ones who have been at it a while know how to pinch a penny and still achieve the “grande design.”

Join A Model Train Club

Many listings are available on Craig’s List and Ebay, not to mention simply Googling G scale. You can purchase used engines, tracks, cars, and even controls and audio for a fraction of the cost these new items would cost. When you first start looking, you don’t realize how many of these cars can be purchased separately. You want to use the same scale, ideally, but some modelers know how to modify to make slightly different scales work together. Hobby associations and clubs are a great place to meet others who share your craft and most are willing to show you the ropes.

When the engine won’t pull, an experienced model train enthusiast won’t throw it out. He’ll take it apart and grease it up. They shim things that are rubbing together, and worn wheels aren’t a sign of neglect, but use! These larger trains are actually capable of hauling materials from one end of the model train layout to the other, and that’s important because the tracks have to cover a pretty large area to accommodate a fully mobile G scale train with several cars.

I really enjoy reading the blogs from creative G scalers. I learn that mountains and landscaping have a lot more to do with the practicality of concealing the controls than random, creative thought. Rails have to be sturdy enough to turn on a grade and still allow the larger train maneuverability, and sometimes that requires deceptive landscape.

Educational Hobby For The Whole Family

I grew up down the street from a smaller scale modeler who had a layout in the basement. It was always getting worked on, and I watched the metamorphosis from the framework to the paper-mache hills and valleys. It never occurred to me then that model trains are an educational hobby smart parents get their kids involved in early. An obsession like that will sure keep ‘em outta trouble!

Trainfest 2008 was everything we thought it would be, and more. How fun to see so many model train scale variations! From HO, to G, and Z, all vendors and manufacturers were on hand with displays and information for the beginner and enthusiast alike. The latest technology in audio cast a realistic light on mini-fantastical scenery, delighting model train hobbyists of every generation.

One of the first decisions you must make in regards to a model train scale layout is dependent upon the space you have available to create a layout. In my situation I have a couple of choices regarding the space I can allocate or surrender to my passion.

This space is appoximately 4' x 20' not including the extention at the far end. It also has a height of anywhere from 3' to 4' depending on surface height.

The space available also helps me decide not only what model train scale I prefer to use, but also the design or theme of my layout. The larger the space available the larger scale one can use, however space doesn’t necessarily mean you can have every function included in your layout design. For example, here’s an area of my basement that I am considering to use as my layout area.

This area has a couple of things going for it. One it is along an inside wall that provides access (though limited) behind the layout. This access can give me an area to partially hide loops, turns or helix that will leave more real estate free for other purposes…again depending on the model train scale I choose. I definitely can’t go as large as “G” gauge but could do something spectacular with “Z” or “N”, yet because of their small size I am leaning towards my preference of “O” but I’m not ruling “HO” totally out either.

Two, I can build storage space under the layout for books, kits and other items needing a cubby for storage purposes. Plus create (crawl under) access for pop up entry (under a building) to reach hard to reach areas on the layout. Three, the layout itself can be designed to totally enclosed because of the low ceiling above the layouts surface…this will keep our grandkids and cats from accessing the delicate layout when unsupervised.

I also have the ability to extend a layout to travel throughout the rest of the lower level. I could build shelving to support the tracks to run along the various walls and create smaller vignette layouts in corners of the rooms it passes along/through. My workshop is at one end of my proposed layout area. I could create pass throughs in the walls, run a line past my workbench and out through the library and around in a big loop to the living area. Sure it is all a dream at the moment, but as with most projects like this they soon take on a life all their own. After all model railroading can be a perpetual hobby lasting a lifetime.

So, I have a rough idea as to one possible location where my layout can go. Now I need to find out which model train scale will give me the best bang for my buck. Time to take some rough measurements of my proposed “layout” area and see which will work best. In next segment we’ll do some model train scale layout designs to compare and see if we’re talking a simple figure eight, a working yard or several small vinettes on a “big” layout.

You either love trains or you don’t. Having grown up and lived for many years in a community with an active railroad system, I have a love hate relationship with them.

I love to sit and watch those big locomotives push and pull rail cars in the yard or down the main line. But in years past, before the railroad and the city built overpasses to replace rail crossings, you couldn’t travel from one side of town to the other without getting caught by a train. Forget getting from point A to point B in a timely manner - we always got caught by the train!

You have many choices when building a model train to scale. The size of the model train and its layout can be adjusted to best suit your environment. Here is a list of some of the more popular gauges and their corresponding scale.

Z = 1:220 N = 1:160 HO =1:87 S = 1:64 O = 1:48 G = 1:24

There are more gauges and scales, but we’ll start with these.

The model train scale you choose is primarily dependent on what your interests are, your manual dexterity to handle the items and the environment that you plan on setting up your layout.

Apartment and small house dwellers might find that anything ranging from HO to G requires too large a space conducive with their environment. Where as Z to HO might be just the ticket. Z offers the ability to model a layout in the space of an average coffee table.

One thing to consider is the more popular scales offer the more selection of resources. HO being the most popular followed by O and N depending on which size you prefer to work with.

For those with minimal indoor space and ample outdoor space who also love gardening and landscaping, you might consider O to G scale. Garden railways are very popular and can be functional too. Grain cars can deliver food to the vicinity of a feeder. Or flat cars can be modified to deliver glasses of wine to awaiting guest on your patio or flower garden. Your imagination is your only limitation. One of the most expansive G scale layouts I ever saw was the LGB display at Disney’s Epcot in Florida. It was part of the German village.

I myself prefer O because it ties directly into my plastic scale modeling of aircraft an equipment in 1:48 scale. This model train scale though not as popular as HO does afford me to match my two favorite subjects together into one hobby.

Part of my life was spent on United States Air Force bases both as a kid and active duty. My career field involved railroading, operating the switch engine that brought in coal and fuel cars. The fuel tankers delivered jet fuel to our base tank farm. The coal was used to provide fuel for our steam plant. Though one of these bases only had seven miles of rail, it was still exciting to me.

Today, I have a HO model of a USAF 44 ton GE locomotive that we used at most of the bases I was stationed. Not exactly the right scale for my dream layout but a nice piece of memorabilia. Part of the fun is searching for the model railroad scale items you want for your collection and layout. I’ve started to plan my first layout are you ready to begin yours?

In subsequent articles I’ll discuss space, planning, budget, materials and acquisitions to make creating a model train scale layout a reality. In the process we’ll both learn something. Stay tuned for more!