WHAT SCALE SHOULD I USE?

"Scale" refers to the size of a model. For example, HO Scale (half of O Scale) is built where 3.5 mm represents 1 foot of the real thing, a ratio of 1:87. The track width, or Gauge, spans 0.65 inches (16.5 mm) to represent Standard Gauge in real railroading, or 4 ft. 8.5 in. (1,435 mm).

• G Scale, or Garden Scale, are models meant for large outdoor spaces, with some being water-resistant. These are good for people who have lots of outdoor space and want to combine a love for landscaping and trains, being the largest model train scale available.
• O Scale/O Gauge trains are a classic of the model railroading world, home to iconic manufacturers like Lionel with plenty more providing a wide selection of models. Parts are large and models are built tough and heavy. Modelers who have a very large indoor room for a full-size layout, or are looking for a classic train-set to put around the Christmas tree will find these models perfect!
• S Scale is a niche category with limited model availability, fitting between O and HO. If you're looking for something large and rugged like O Scale/O Gauge but have limited space, these trains are for you.
• On30 Scale uses the same track as O Scale/O Gauge but is built to a smaller scale than O and S to represent narrow gauge railroading. Fans of rugged mountain, logging, and mining railroads will find a unique, but limited selection of models for their layout here.
• HO Scale is the most popular scale across the US and Canada! Offering the largest variety of models, this is a highly adaptable scale fit for small and large rooms alike. Parts are much smaller but detail is just as intricate, and its a great scale to start with.
• HOn3 Scale is built to the same scale ratio as HO, but uses a thinner track width to represent narrow gauge trains. It has a limited pool of models but is great for small spaces.
• N Scale is great for people with very limited amounts of space, or wish to create an even more expansive layout in a larger room.
• Z Scale is the smallest readily available model train scale. Model variety is far more limited than HO or N, but offers great flexibility if you have a tiny space to create a novelty or highly detailed layout.

GETTING STARTED

Goal: Is your goal to 1- build an annual holiday display, 2- experiment with something new, or 3- formulate a long-term plan for a complete model railroad system? With those thoughts in mind, the following considerations will guide you to some specific channels to satisfy levels 1, 2 and 3:

Space: Much could be written about space planning since it influences track design, selection of locomotives and cars and power supply. In terms of operating footprint, the scales from the smallest to largest are as follows: Z, N, HO, S, O and G scale and within that mix, N, HO and O are the most popular and have the broadest selection of railroad equipment for all eras, accessories and electrical supplies available. Those three scales also fully satisfy levels 1 and 2. In general terms, if space is limited, N and HO scale are the best option.

Touch Points: The dexterity of the primary individual(s) also factors into the decision of scale. N scale and HO can be challenging for some of the youngest model railroaders but increasingly HO is advancing due to some manufacturing enhancements that make trouble-free handing more attainable. O scale has been a traditional favorite, especially for holiday displays since the larger size has greater visual impact and is much easier to handle.

Theme: This subject is the most popular since it fuels the personal creativity of the model railroader and is the most rewarding part of this hobby. Theme sets the stage for your model railroad empire whether that be large or small. Do you prefer the vintage trains of the 1880-1900 period? Mid-range era spanning from 1900 to 1940? Transition era from steam locomotives to diesel-electric locomotives 1940 to 1965 or contemporary diesel-electric and electric locomotives? Ask yourself the question: What do I want my railroad to do? Capture a specific era? Be a mainline railroad with passenger and freight trains? Replicate a mid-city switching railroad serving industries? Reflect railroading in wide open spaces? That personal analysis will help govern the product selection to help you reach that important goal.

Railroad Sounds: The scope of sound has greatly expanded beyond locomotives to cars and accessories that feature general railroad and sound along the right of way as well. In general terms, starter sets for levels 1 and 2 are a mix of sound and non-sound products. Both can be fulfilling but if you desire sound from the start, taking an advanced look at the subjects of Analog and DCC-related products. A deep-dive with DCC is essential, in terms of knowledge of requirements, products needed for expansion and number of options to program and control sounds. A basic understanding of AC and DC power systems is also helpful. Track selection is also critical since nickel silver track structures are required for DCC-Sound; the less costly steel track systems do not support sound.

Future: If you are planning for the long-haul – to expand gradually or to build a more complete railroad larger in scope and purpose - take time to research the broadest line of products. This describes level 3 and accordingly the scales Z, S and G enter the picture. Z being the smallest, lends its self to the specific tastes of the model builder, S has a space advantage to some and fits the size niche between HO and O scales and G scale is most suitable for outdoor or garden railroading. But the product selection is much greater with N, HO and O scales.

Welcome Aboard!

From here, your journey advances to some specific terms to further assist you with making the best decisions for your model railroad journey.

BASIC TERMINOLOGY

DC - Direct Current:

Model trains get their power through an electrical circuit created between the wheels, rails, and controller via DC. Through this basic system, all locomotives will move at the same time when power is applied. DC models are cheaper, lacking a DCC decoder and sound, but are equipped with working lights.

DCC - Digital Command Control:

Using a DCC controller, this advanced system allows you to control individual models and their speed, sounds, and lights. This is possible through the included decoder seen within DCC-equipped locomotives. A decoder is an electronic circuit board that receives instructions from the controller to activate the model's included functions. Some models are simply DCC-equipped, meaning they have a decoder but no sound (but often have the option of adding sound), while others are DCC and Sound Equipped, meaning they have a decoder with included sound effects (whistle/horn, bell, chuffing/ diesel engine sounds, braking, crew chatter, etc.) proving to be the more premium option.

Configuration Variable (CV):

A CV is the unique number assigned to a DCC-equipped locomotive. This allows you to control each model individually by selecting the CV on your controller of choice (for example, you could control an F40PH through CV 1, a GP38-2 through CV 2, or a 4-8-4 steam locomotive through CV 3). You can reprogram a model's CV through each controller's respective setup options.

Track Code:

Code refers to the height of the rail, reflecting the different types of rail weights used in real life. In HO Scale, the most common choices are Code 83 (a rail height of 0.083 inches) and Code 100 (a rail height of 0.100 inches). Code 83 and 100 are good for depicting heavier rails used for mainlines, while Code 70 (0.070 inches) and Code 55 (0.055 inches) would be used for branchlines and sidings. Track Codes can be used together, but you'll need a transition joiner. Contemporary models can run on any of their respective track codes, but older models with thicker wheels may ride poorly.

Weathering:

This is a practice of making a model look rusty, dusty, grimy, or covered in graffiti as they'd appear in real life when exposed to the elements and harsh working environment. Freight cars rolling through urban environments are prone to being tagged by graffiti artists and are typically more weathered than locomotives. Locomotives accumulate plenty of dust, rust, paint chips, stains, grease, oil, or in the case of steam locomotives, coal dust and smoke. This can be done through paints, chalks, pencils, airbrushes, and more!