| #ffffff;" /> | | | | layouts" for a great listing of sites with |
| To develop your model train layout there are four | | | | information about model train layouts. |
| major steps to take before you begin | | | | Re-visit hobby shops you visited for information |
| construction: | | | | when deciding on the scale of your model train |
| 1: Select the size of your model train, that is the | | | | set and ask questions about layout. The good |
| scale or gauge. Scales range from micro-sized Z | | | | ones can provide helpful advice and they sell |
| scale for tiny layouts to giant G-scale used mostly | | | | how-to books on wiring, scenery, detailing and |
| for outdoor garden layouts. | | | | other subjects. |
| Visit hobby shops or model train websites and | | | | 3: You then need to decide on how you start. Do |
| see the various scales available. Staff at a hobby | | | | you want to start with a little layout that can |
| shop will usually be happy to point out the | | | | later be extended? Do you want to set up a |
| advantages and/or disadvantages of each scale. | | | | permanent layout right from the start? Do you |
| Your decision about scale/size will be partly based | | | | want to develop a 'theme' layout – say a |
| on the space available for your layout. The most | | | | layout depicting California logging railroads in the |
| popular scales are O scale – which is 1 | | | | 1920s? The major decisions are to determine |
| 48th actual size and the smaller HO scale which is | | | | your objective and set the size parameters for |
| 1/87th actual size. As a result of being the two | | | | your layout. Don't forget that the size parameters |
| most popular scales these have the greatest | | | | for your layout will be determined largely by the |
| variety of locomotives, cars and accessories | | | | space you have available – a basement? |
| available. | | | | the corner of a lounge room? portion of your |
| 2: Learn about layouts for the scale you have | | | | garage? etc. |
| chosen by reading magazines such as O Gauge | | | | 4: Begin making sketches and drawings on plain |
| Railroading and Classic Toy Trains (these two are | | | | paper – it's easier to make changes to |
| for O scale). Model Railroading provides detailed | | | | your drawing than to have to physically pry up a |
| information about HO and N scale. All are full of | | | | section of track that 'went wrong'. Refer back to |
| information - all the good train hobby stores carry | | | | magazines and websites during this planning stage |
| them or you can pick them up at places like | | | | – just to see what others have done. |
| Barnes & Noble or Amazon. | | | | Many magazines and websites will have photos of |
| Also visit websites related to your scale choice | | | | layouts appropriate to the scale you have chosen. |
| – Google the term –"model train | | | | |