Just getting started huh? Well, it’s probably a great tip to start basic to start. There are a few uncomplicated layouts you can use as a starting point that really works and that you would then develop as you move along. Choosing one of them gives you a wonderful starting point from which to expand your model train empire. So how should you go about it? Here are some tips:
Start by choosing the space your model train will occupy:
Try to pick the biggest most open place available for your track. You basically can’t run your model locomotive empire out of a shoe box or closet. Your tracks need their elbow room for turns. Too sharp a turn and you will have constant derailments, so don’t try to do too much in too little of a space.
What are the simple location requirements by size?
Let’s review the minimum requirements real quickly. You can never get too big but you can assuredly get too small. So here they are: If you play with the little guys, N gauge trains, you will need at least a 2’ x 4’ space. 4’ x 8’ is the requirement for HO scale. 8’ x 16’ for Lionel’s O size. Don’t even bother keeping those G sizes inside—they should go out in your back yard with the other wild things. Also, remember these are minimum requirements not suggestion requirements. This is the amount of location you will need to do the absolute least with your locomotives. Think seed, not full grown tree or even sapling.
What are the best track layouts for these limited spaces?
The three simple setups are oval, figure 8, and concentric circles. The initial and most simple of all is the oval shape. The circuit simply goes around the edge of the area leaving the inside for a model city or for a pretend lake perhaps. Think Matterhorn at Disneyland with the Disneyland Monorail circling around it. The version I experienced was pretty successful for what it was attempting to do. The figure 8 makes a different kind of effect. This makes for a more interesting layout but cuts into the internal area giving only four minimal areas for you to work with in terms of topography. But if you’re majorly into watching the locomotives go round this is a great circuit. Finally, there is the concentric circles set up where you have two concentric circles for your locomotive to go around. This works especially well if you make it into a train yard with a round house at the center.
Any other suggestions for beginners?
My giant suggestion would be that you use what are called domino tables. With these tables you can configure your display location to any shape you can imagine. This is a giant help as you start to rethink your circuit design. They are also lightweight enough where they can be easily moved out of the way when not in use so you won’t have to have your circuit layout interfering with the other daily routines of your house. You can let your track summer in the cool dim basement and winter in the warmth of the attic.
Just remember the usual cliché; a journey of a thousand miles starts with one step. A lot of the sorts of dificulties that you might anticipate are easily solved as you get into the process of creating your model railroad. But figuring out a solution to a seemingly untenable difficulty can be half the fun of model locomotives. So why are you still here? Get going!
Here is more information on Model Train Track. Here is a website with a free mini-course dedicated to Model Trains.
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