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Model trains which scale is best?

When it comes to model trains which scale is best?

Of course, there isn’t an answer because everyone has different likes, and different amounts of space.

Mike jumped back into the hobby after decades and it was a sharp learning curve when it came to finding the best scale for him.

And his missive below just goes to show that creating a layout is a learning process from start to finish.

Everybody has different budgets, spaces and available time – they all have a bearing on what is possible.

Mike’s post below is a good example of this.

It will make more sense if you remind yourself of his earlier post, which is here.

“My friend AL:

It has been a while since I checked in on progress with latest n-scale layout.

After a minor stroke and five days in hospital back in November, I am finally ready to continue my model train adventure.

First, I must say, we never stop learning from our mistakes. A few years ago, I thought a train layout would be a great way to engage my grandson into the hobby.

It worked at first, but I soon realized these video game kids today need to be active in real time.

My poor decision of choosing old style DC motivated trains where all trains were either moving or stopped was the wrong decision.

My grandson most enjoyed the brief time we had Lionel LionChief trains that could be run individually by remote controllers from an iPad.

But those trains occupied too much space inspiring a move to HO-scale and then finally n-scale.

Instead of going with DCC, I took the cheap way out and settled for a nice large layout powered by one control source.

So, with that mistake made, I am going to start over again, but I have a lot of research to do with regard the best, yet economical way to create a DCC layout. Advice is welcome.

Meanwhile, here in photographs is what I managed to accomplish before coming to this point.

Some may recognize what I tried to accomplish with the Western village from Old Tucson, AZ. and the backlot location from “Back to the Future.”

It was fun building it, but now it is time to move up.

Cheers, and thanks for all the inspiration gained from all the train fans who post on your site.

Mike
Michigan, USA”

A big thanks to Mike. It just goes to show that when it comes to model trains which scale is best, only you will know.

And do you know what I like most about Mike’s layout? Simply that he made a start. That’s what this hobby is all about.

He just rolled his sleeves up and had a go.

I think some are put off by the mess making a start creates – but as the saying goes, you can’t make an omlette without breaking eggs.

Pete’s a good example of this – have a look below.

He’s not new to this, and as you can see, he’s not scared of the choas his new layout will bring:

“Hello,

just sending a few pics of my dismantling of my 10’x26’ HO scale layout to begin a new one

I will keep you posted as I go along but still not sure of my theme yet but one thing I am doing is splitting the table to work from the middle out

I want to run more steam engines they are my favorites I have some beauties in brass as well

All the best I will keep in touch

Peter
Happy railroad to you all 🇺🇸😃”

So there you go – roll your sleeves up and make a mess. Of course, I’m biased, but I think you’ll be glad you did.

That’s all for today folks – a big thanks to Mike for sharing his journey so far.

Please do leave a comment below if you can add / help / encourage about making a start. I’d really like to hear your thoughts.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Please do keep ’em coming.

Best

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS Please do leave a comment below on ‘model trains which scale is best’ because I’d really love to hear your thoughts on this one.

Santa Fe model railroad layouts

There are quite a few Santa Fe model railroad layouts about.

But Jim’s really caught my attention – it’s quite a project.

Here’s his last post on his 11×22 HO scale.

His pics below really do give you an idea of how big his layout is.

“I really enjoy watching trains run.

It all started many years ago when on Christmas morning I woke up to find a Marx train running on a loop of track under our Christmas tree.

Like many other guys guys on this forum I was hooked on trains at an early age.

I am now in my 70’s and still get a great deal of pleasure just watching ‘em run.

I choose PMD of Romeoville, Illinois to build my layout. I consider myself very lucky to have this crew just 25 miles from my house.

I had been in contact with PMD for 7 month before the actual build started.

They were in the final stages of a HO layout for a client on the west coast and I needed that project to wrap up before they could start mine. That was fine, as I got to view that layout with 95% of the scenery in place. Seeing this helped me make up my mind that PMD was right for me.

My build started on December and I expected delivery at the end of September / early October. I have taken several pictures of the process and will start posting them below.

For now, I will list some facts about the build and post a reasonable facsimile of the track plan.

Yes, my layout is a loop. Actually two loops. This allows me to sit back, relax and let them run in opposite directions if I choose or in the same direction depending on my mood.

Layout Facts:

1. The layout is HO.

2. Outside dimensions 22’ x 11’

3. ALL track is Peco code 83

4. ALL turnouts are Peco #8’s – none are manual.

5. Each main line is divided 10 blocks.

6. Each yard track is divided into 2 blocks.

7. My plan is to use TrainController to automate the entire layout, with the option of each main line manually when my train buddies are over.

8. Every mainline curve has easements into and out of the curve and is super elevated.

9. Every elevation change also uses an easement at the base and summit.

10. Signaling, while not prototypical will be installed along each main to provide “eye candy”.

11.A lift gate on the left side (with a gas piston installed) will allow easy access into the layout for operators.

I will start by posting a picture from one of my early visits to PMD. This picture is from a layout that they were building for a client on the West Coast.

I will be having a good size passenger station as one of the main scenes on my layout. It will serve the complete 12-car EL Capitan set that Walther’s released about five years ago. I also have a complete Super Chief set which will stop on the other side of the platform.

Seeing the great detail in and around this fine passenger station made my decision to go with PMD a lot easier. For that reason, I call this one the money shot.

The Passenger station from another angle.

The platforms:

After an initial review and agreement of my track plan I made a small deposit to show PMD that I am truly interested in their services. They use their design software to calculate material cost and plot the layout incorporating the easements how best to construct and size each section for transporting and assembling the finished product.

Part of the next phase includes building a small-scale mock-up to aid in visualizing the layout in 3 dimensions. (I got to keep this when the layout was delivered)

In March I went to check the progress on my build and was amazed to find that they were using 13-ply Birch for the sub-roadbed, risers, and cross members, basically EVERYTHING

In addition, I had requested that the front corners be rounded using 24″ radius corners. This would all but eliminate guys banging into the corners. Here is how they did that.

The back of the layout will be fastened to a wall so they will be normal 90-degree corners.

The gap in the foreground is where the lift gate will be installed. The left side of the picture is the back of the layout and it will be attached to my basement wall.

The long stretch on the right is the front of the layout. In the foreground is the gate gap.

From this second-floor balcony, I was able to capture the whole layout.

This is the Central Valley double-track Heavy Duty Truss Bridge. This was built from a kit and will be mildly weathered before final installation. The bridge will cross over the double track main line, just as the lower tracks are crossing over a river. This scene will be one of three major focal points. Many more details (besides the weathering) will be added before delivery

Next is the early stages of a small (Veteran’s Park) scene that will be near the center of a small town shopping and entertainment area.

The lumber yard / building supply business is the only industry with a service spur.

Different angle.

Custom made signage at the entry point.

Jeff is my son, he works for a major lumber supply company in the Chicago area. In later posts, you will see businesses and shops featuring other family names based on their occupation or talents.

That’s it for now. My next post will show you the technics PMD uses to simplify wiring.

For now, I will close with a short video of the test run.

A huge big thanks to Jim. I love a back story.

If you missd his last post, it’s here.

And here’s a Santa Fe layout which is more the usual size: Santa Fe model trains.

These posts made me think of Dan’s too:

Santa Fe train layout.

Santa fe train layout.

That’s all for today folks.

Please do keep ’em coming.

And if today is the day you get started on your layout, the Beginner’s Guide is here.

Best

PS Latest ebay cheat sheet is here.

PPS More HO scale train layouts here if that’s your thing.

HO scale 11×22 Santa Fe layout

Jim’s been in touch.

He sent in some pics and youtubes of his HO scale 11×22 ft.

“I will be 75 next month and I have “played” with model trains all my life.

When I was five years old my father bought me my first train set.

It was an O-gauge CB&Q Zephyer. He bought it used from a friend whose son had grown tired of it.

My dad covered a 4′ x 6′ sheet of plywood with a green Army blanket and tacked down an oval of track with a passing siding.

Together we added some houses, roads, cars and trees. Good times.

About 3-4 years later I got a A-A Santa Fe Marx set for Christmas.

When I got older we passed those sets on to younger kids in our neighborhood and I messed around with HO for a couple of years.

Then life happened. After High School, I enlisted in the Army and served in Vietnam and Washington DC. Got out of the Army in 1969 and went to college.

After graduating landed a good job, got married, bought a house, and raised two great kids.

During that time I was in-and-out of N-scale and 3-rail O-scale.

I build an 18′ x 8′ O-Scale layout in my basement and was a founding member of the Independent Hi-Railers Midwest Division.

We had the LARGEST modular Hi-Rail layout in the world and would travel to major cities (New Brunswick NJ, Cleveland OH, Madison WI, St Louis MO, Minneapolis MN, Chicago IL) to set-up, display and operate our layout.

In addition, we also participated in 4 or 5 local shows each year.

Fast forward, I retired at age 58 with plans of building a large HO layout in my basement.

Many starts and stops, tear-down and rebuilds. I was never satisfied with the results. My carpentry and electrical skills never measured up to my desired standards. I wish would have realized that sooner.

In 2018 I met with the good people at PMD (Professional Model Design) to discuss having them build an HO layout for me.

Yada, yada, yada… 16 months later they delivered a beautiful 11′ x 22′ HO layout.

For now, I will just post these three short videos. In the near future, I will provide more information and include pictures of the build process and MORE videos.

For now, please enjoy these.

Jim”