Introducing the latest in my long list of hobbies
Now here’s something that I can drive spike into, on those cold winter nights, or the exceedingly long, hot and humid Central Florida days. This should keep my mind off of what’s going on outside, at the same time, allowing me to escape reality and journey to lands end, in the same way generations past explored our great continent.
Living where I do puts a significant limitation as to the type of train layout that I can create. More specifically, the SIZE of the layout is the limiting factor. The space that I have available to me for this venture limits me to a 4′ x 8′ train table as being the largest, rectangular table that I can comfortably fit. Others have suggested that I consider creating a narrower layout that butts-up against two, or three of the wall(s), but the layout of the room, what with the windows and doors, this just wouldn’t work as well for me. So, rectangular it is!
With the size of the layout nailed down, pun intended, I can now choose the scale of the trains that I’ll use. Note that I said scale and NOT GAUGE. In model trains, scale is the size ratio of the model to a real train (e.g., 1:87 for HO, or 1:160 for N), while gauge is the distance between the rails, representing real-world track width scaled down (e.g., 16.5mm for HO, and 9mm for N scale).
Using N-Scale as an example, 1:160 means it would take 160 model trains, stacked one-on-top of another, to equal the height of the real life version. Or, 160 N-Scale locomotives, lined-up, end-to-end, to equal the length of a real locomotive.
A common misconception is that a specific scale uses a specific gauge, but multiple scales (like different narrow gauges) can run on the same physical track gauge, and some scales (like G scale) use various ratios, making compatibility crucial for a functional layout.
I really want to get the most railroading action that I can out of the somewhat limited space that I’ve got. After considerable consideration, I’ve settled on N scale. HO was my initial choice, but it just felt like it would look too “toy-like” for me to truly enjoy. Although, with my aging eyes, HO MAY be the better choice
See what I mean?
- Bench Construction BeginsAfter much debate with myself, which led to many arguments, some rather physical (I’ve lost some teeth and suffered a… Read more: Bench Construction Begins
- First LayoutGDT (Getting Things Done) I’ve spent a majority of my life working as a Mechanical Engineering Designer at one of… Read more: First Layout
- The-Continuing Chronicles of KATOSorry. I really couldn’t resist. It should read, “The layout’s getting larger”, but as I was typing it, THAT popped… Read more: The-Continuing Chronicles of KATO
- Rolling Stockor Time to Get a Train! I really hadn’t considered what kind of layout I wanted. Choosing an “industry” to… Read more: Rolling Stock
- Adding Foam BoardMany “things” have happened during the past number of months that necessitated putting this hobby on the back burner. Most,… Read more: Adding Foam Board