There are numerous resources for HO model train layouts, from books, and free internet instruction, to real-life sceneries based on historical railroads. You just need to know what type of theme you would like to use. The most important part of the layout, however, begins with knowing what you are working with, and the type of train you have.
What is an HO Model Train?
The O scale or gauge is commonly used to describe the size of model railroading. The O scale was introduced by Marklin, a toy manufacturer, in the 1900′s and was the most common size or scale of model train until the 1950′s. Many people looked for more affordable train sets, or ones that would not take up quite as much room, and in the 1950′s and 1960′s, the HO model overtook the market.
The HO scale is smaller, approximately half the size of the original O model, but is still large enough to feature intricate detail. HO models, therefore, are half (H) the size of the O models, giving it the name HO models. HO models represent a 1:87 scale, meaning that .1378 inches represents approximately 1 foot.
Foundations First
Before planning a model train layout, you need to assess how much money you are able to spend, how much available space you have, and the time, energy, and dedication you want to put into the model train layout. You first need to think about the theme that will hold your interest, and continue to grow along with your model train. You could choose industrial rails, the wild west, circus trains, scenic, invent your own theme, or even pattern it after historical prototypes.
Most model train beginners use a 4′ x 8′ plywood board to plan their layouts. It is important to plan the track, before adding scenery, as your visuals will be added around your train, not vice versa. Once you decide how you want your track to run whether it is a loop, figure 8, point-to-point, or multi-level, try it out on your board, before tacking down. The important thing to remember about laying track is the minimum radius of the sharpest curve. This measurement will dictate the room needed to build a return loop for the track.
If you build your track layout with sharp curves, only the smallest cars and locomotives will be able to travel around it, without being derailed. It is suggested that 22î curves are usually the best to plan around. Once you have configured your track layout, you can then tack down a cork or rubber bed to elevate the track, making it more realistic, and to absorb the sound. You will need to add any terminals and joiners before tacking down the track, and you can drill holes in the plywood base, to run wires from terminals, switches, and any lighted accessories. When your track is tacked down, and wires are situated, you can then move on to the scenery, making it as detailed as you like. It is recommended that you have the following materials to work with, when planning and executing your model train layout:
A good quality (Direct Current) DC transformer.
The better the power pack, the better your train will run.
Digital Command is a better power pack but is usually expensive.
6-10 wheel sets
6 or more couplers
Packs of rail joiners
Insulated joiners
Collection of straight track pieces
Re-railers, or straight track that looks like road crossings
Roll of three-strand wire from electronics store
Needle-nose pliers
Wire cutters
Screwdrivers- slot and phillips
Most model train sets come with an examples of track layouts, and possible sceneries, but there is a wealth of information on the internet. William K Walthers is one of the largest model railroad supply companies and has resources for HO models and purchasing sets or parts. Their site can direct help in choosing a train, which scale to buy (Z, N, HO, S, O, or G) from smallest to largest. They list model train organizations and experts, and they also supply the biggest names in model trains such as Marklin, Trix, and Lehmann Gross Bahn (LGB) products.
Other online resources are thortrains.net, which illustrates some of the basic scale layouts for HO and N tracks, and provides other resources, as well. Two other sites, which may be of help, are modelrailroadlayoutsandscenery.com and railusa.com, which are rail site directories. There are also free model train layouts on the internet, to provide ideas from people who have had experience with model train kits.
The HO model train is a great size to handle, but it is not too small to show off detail. It is the most economical scale to build with, and because it has such huge demand and is mass produced, prices are becoming lower, and there are more accessories to choose from. You can create elaborate layouts in a relatively small space, and it does not cost thousands to create. However, if you become a real model train enthusiast, it might just be that easy to spend that much! It is a fun, and educational hobby in which the entire family can contribute and enjoy.
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