Introduction
If you are new to model railroading and are thinking about building your first model railroad, we have provided some tips and pointers before you start to get you off on the right track (sorry, no pun intended).
Power to your Model Railroad
Although there are variations, generally, model railroad locomotives of various scales run on two-rail track, which is powered by direct current (varying the voltage applied to the rails to change the speed, and polarity to change direction), or by Digital Command Control (sending digital commands to a digital decoder installed into each locomotive). Some trains, most notably by Märklin of Germany, run on alternating current, supplied by a "third rail" consisting of small bumps on each tie down the centre of the track.
On simple, usually portable layouts, power is supplied by a power pack consisting of a transformer and rectifier, a rheostat or potentiometer for regulating voltage supplied to the track (and thus train speed), and a switch to control train direction — a double pole, double throw slide or toggle switch wired to reverse the polarity on the rails.
On permanent layouts, multiple power supplies are traditionally used, with the trackage divided into electrically isolated sections called blocks; toggle or rotary switches (sometimes relays) are used to select which power supply controlled the train in a particular block. With the advent of digital command control, block divisions are largely eliminated, as the computerised controllers can control any train anywhere on the track at any time, with minor limitations.
Select a Model Railroad Scale
A model train's scale is its size compared to the size of a real train. For example, an N scale locomotive is approximately 1/160 the size of a real railroad locomotive. The most popular scale choices are O scale (1/48), HO scale (1/87), N (1/160), and Z (1/220). There are numerous additional scales, including narrow gauge models.
HO is the largest selling scale worldwide, with N scale in second place. Great Britain's most popular scale is OO - 1/76, but this scale is available, but not as popular as American or european HO scale. There are a number of factors that will influence your scale selection; among them are your eyesight, your ability to work with your hands and small objects, your access to club layouts in your area, your budget, and your available space.
Types of layout
A model railroad takes up space. If you're not planning on building a permanent layout, then a 6 x 4 foot table is great for portable layouts, provided its not too flimsy. Some people use cables and pulleys to lower model railroad tables from the ceiling and raise them for storage. There are numerous methods for storing a model railroad, providing that it is not too large.
Portable Layout
If portable layouts are what you have in mind you'll probably want to start out with a train set, and buy additional track and accessories as the mood takes you. Even if you're not building a permanent layout, keep reading. There's still more in this article that will be useful to know.
Permanent Layouts
Permanent layouts require space planning. O scale layouts take lots of space. HO and N scale outsell other scales because the average modeller can make space for an HO or N scale layout in their den, basement, or garage. Some apartment dwellers do remarkable things on small tables or shelves with Z scale. Some people build modular layouts. There are clubs devoted to modular layouts, where each member builds their own modules, but all the modules can be connected to make large layouts at shows and events.
Planning Your New Layout
Once you've selected your scale and identified your available space, you can start planning your layout. First you need to decide what kind of model railroad track you'll be using. There are a number of track planning software packages available to help you design your layout; but you need to select the program's template set for the kind of track you will be using. It's also helpful to look at layout plans on club and manufacturer web sites. Bear in mind that these plans specify the use of a specific brand of track. If you find a layout that you like on a web site, don't choose your track simply because the design calls for it; with a little work you can implement any track plan using any brand of track.
Building Benchwork
If you're planning on constructing a landscaped layout complete with trees, hills, cities, and roads, you'll first have to build the bench work to support it.
Power Supplies for your Railroad
A packaged train set will usually come with a transformer or power-pack. None the less, a fit for purpose power supply will be required to run an electric model locomotive at the very least. In recent years more and more serious model railroaders are turning to computer controlled trains, so many transformers and power packs are gathering dust. Digital Command Control (DCC), a new industry standard for powering and controlling model railroad trains using computer technology, is widely available in HO and N scale. Digital control is available in O scale, however the biggest selling O scale manufacturers tend to have their own proprietary digital control systems instead of using DCC.
Getting Serious with DCC
If you are serious about model railroading, you should consider starting out with Digital Command Control. If you've selected O as your scale, check out the other digital control options available to you. At the very least make sure that the locomotives you buy are "DCC Ready". I've heard a number of long-time modellers say they're not converting to DCC because of the expense of upgrading all their locomotives. But these same modellers will admit they've never heard of anyone who tried DCC and went back to non-digital control.
What Railroad will you Model?
Today many historic railroads have been acquired by, or merged into larger railroad concerns. Class 1 railroads in North America like the Union Pacific (UP), Burlington Northern & Santa Fe (BNSF), Norfolk Southern (NS), Canadian Pacific (CP) and the Canadian National Railways (CNR) are popular among model railroaders, but they aren't your only choices. Lots of modellers choose to model a "fallen flag"; a railroad that has been taken over by a larger company. Many modellers choose the railroad whose trains they watched passing by as a child.
Can I Buy My Trains Now?
Now that you've picked your railroad and you have your tack, power, and era worked out you can start shopping for your trains. You might find a train set with your railroad and a track you like. If not, you'll be buying separate locomotives, railroad car sets, and individual railroad cars.
When buying locomotives and cars from different manufacturers, make sure that the couplers are compatible. Couplers are the "hooks" that connect your locomotives and cars. Couplers from different manufacturers may not be compatible. And within each scale there are often multiple coupler styles. Dealers can change couplers on locomotives and cars for you, but it does increase the cost of the item a little.
