Model Railway Newbie.

[crispy1978]

My mission was to get out in to the big wide world, and visit all 2700+ railway stations. That is not going to happen now due to circumstances outside my control.

Then I thought about building a model railway at home, but I haven't the space for a huge oval track. I thought my plans were scuppered.

Then I discovered you actually don't need much space if you build a shelf style model, something which can be 8'x3' or similar. I think I have room for that. Now I'm happy and excited!

So, my question is, not knowing much about model railway construction, but being very interested in the finished product - where do I start? I've found a few websites (http://www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/track.htm and http://www.freetrackplans.com/Layout-Plans.php for example) - any more good ones out there?

Obviously I'll need kit of some sort, what sort of price range am I looking at? Am I better with new or second hand? Is second hand reliable?

Has anyone done any shelf plans they'd be willing to show me photos or videos of?

Very interested in making a start on this, so keen for ideas and tips!

Thanks in advance

 

[Tim R-T-C]

Hello, welcome to the world of modelling!

You have a lot of choices and decisions ahead of you to sit down and think about before you can start planning anything properly.

Just to start with:

- What scale do you want to choose. N gauge and OO are the most popular, N is great for small spaces but there is far more availability of models in OO and the stock is easier to handle.
- Do you want to make an accurate, real-life setting, a fictional but plausible layout or a completely made-up location with freedom to run anything that takes your fancy. While the latter is by far the easier, most people find that a more realistic setting makes things more interesting and enjoyable in the long run as you get to research a project and make something that feels real.
- With this in mind, what period and location interests you the most?

My first recommendation before you do anything else is to get down to a model railway exhibition or two. Most of them are over the winter so you have picked a good time to start thinking. A lot of railways at the shows are quite small and shelf-sized so you can get a chance to see what can be done in a small space. Here is a list of upcoming exhibitions: http://www.ukmodelshops.co.uk/events/exhibitions

The Model Railway magazines are a good source of inspiration too, WHSmiths always has a few in stock and most issues have some big and small layouts with track plans.

When it comes to actually planning, look at the Peco books - they are books of track plans created using their own readily accessible track ranges, so you just need to buy the relevant parts. Internet track plans etc. are limited in that some require custom track parts or hard to get components.

If you have no DIY experience, perhaps consider one of the many companies out there who will build a layout for you - I did this for the layout I had as a teenager, they put together the baseboards and track but no scenery. The cost is obviously more than making it yourself, but if you are limited on time it saves a huge amount of work.

To get started, I used Kato clip-track in N-gauge, it literally pushes together like a toy train set, but with reliable running and automated switches. I am using it to mock up my future layouts and play with trains before I get a chance to actually put together a full working layout.

 

[crispy1978]

Thank you for such a detailed response.

I'll probably start with the OO gauge - seems to be most popular. I've heard the N gauge can be very small and fiddly.

I've also toyed with a replica of a current station and a realistic fictitious station. If something based on reality I'd want somewhere I know. I hadn't thought about period; so I'd probably base it on modern day.

My inspiration for all this has been based on a couple of exhibitions. Saw a couple of great replicas (Goathland on NYMR and Knaresborough) but they were oval shaped designs.

I'll get a couple of magazines - I know the village newsagent stocks a good variety - are there any better than others? Ditto Peco books - I've never heard of them, are they from book shops or online?

I'm OK at simple DIY - particularly flat pack, so should be OK and actually would get more satisfaction from doing my own.

Will have a look at designs and see what I can come up with. In the meantime, I'd better clear the desk!!!
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
One thing I think I have decided is that rather than using historical trains, so whether that be a Northern Rail or a TransPennine Express train I'm not sure, as they are my local trains.........or perhaps both!!

 

[Tim R-T-C]

The peco books are available at Amazon, or any decent modelling shop will have them. Probably worth seeing them in person then you can see which ones have plans to suit your space.

I always used to real Railway Modeller, good traditional design, I read Model Railroader now which is US based so not as relevant.

 

[crispy1978]

The peco books are available at Amazon, or any decent modelling shop will have them. Probably worth seeing them in person then you can see which ones have plans to suit your space.

I always used to real Railway Modeller, good traditional design, I read Model Railroader now which is US based so not as relevant.

Thank you.

We have a model shop in Scarborough so will pop down and have a look.

Will also have a look at my local newsagents later - they have a good selection of rail magazines I've noticed.

Tomorrow's job is to clear my desk and have a measure up of space and go from there I reckon.
--- old post above --- --- new post below ---
Finally cleared my 'canvas'!

I've got 1180mm x 550mm to play with. I'm just hoping this is enough space to play with, ideally to create a loop. I'd like 2 through platforms (minimum - a 3rd 'terminus' would be great) at the front and think I'm going to use 'back boards' to create a depth perspective which I'm hoping will give a look of it being bigger than it actually is.

What do you guys reckon?

 

[birchesgreen]

I also had limited space (125x95cm) but wanted a loop, in the end i went with HOe/009 scale which is HO size stock on N gauge track. I was able to have a loop and plenty of sidings for operational interest.

 

[EM2]

550mm is too tight for a loop in OO gauge. The tightest radius in standard track (known as 1st radius) is 371mm, so a loop needs a minimum of 742mm plus a bit, so 800mm at least. You'll also find that bigger engines will not be able to get around that either, although small tank engines and shunters would be OK.
Definitely have a chat with your local model shop, they should be able to answer pretty much any beginner's questions.
Have a look at www.carendt.com for examples of many plans that would fit your space, although my favourite for this kind of size is 'Portwey' built by Julian Andrews.

 

[crispy1978]

What about N gauge? Do I have space for a loop there? What space do I need for that?

 

[birchesgreen]

With PECO settrack the tightest radius (according the modelling software i've got) is 22.8cm so you would be able to get a fairly tight loop in 550mm.

 

[crispy1978]

With PECO settrack the tightest radius (according the modelling software i've got) is 22.8cm so you would be able to get a fairly tight loop in 550mm.

Excellent - thank you! N gauge it is then!

 

[Bevan Price]

I would suggest getting new locos. If you buy second hand coaches or wagons, check that all the axles rotate freely.

Secondhand locos can be pot luck - ask to see them run before buying - the best model shops often have short test tracks. Avoid anything that is too noisy or that does not run smoothly.

 

[crispy1978]

I would suggest getting new locos. If you buy second hand coaches or wagons, check that all the axles rotate freely.

Secondhand locos can be pot luck - ask to see them
run before buying - the best model shops often have short test tracks. Avoid anything that is too noisy or that does not run smoothly.

Thank you. That's something I was thinking, I'm guessing that the whole system can be fairly fragile, and not every defect will be visible or detectable to the naked eye.

 

[bangor-toad]

Hi Crispy1978,
Can I offer another idea for you?

I've been looking to build a model railway for ages and I've spent lots of time thinking about what I want. I considered "N" gauge but didn't want to do that as the scale was just too small for me. I prefer the larger "OO" stuff as it's big enough for me to make a lot more scenery and even the trains themselves.

For the layout I don't have a lot of space. What I decided to do is to build a station and yard on the baseboard. But to get the roundy-roundy effect I'm going to put really narrow shelf all around the room. That way I can have a big(ish) station and a train can leave the station on the single track that leaves the main board, goes around the room and comes back on the other end of the board.

The shelf isn't wide - about 6cm will do. All you've got to do is to make sure it's got an edge in case of derailment!
Oh, the door to the room is always a bit of a challenge. I've seen others who developed a "drop in" section that you clip in place only when you need it in the space where the room door is.

It's a lot more engineering work to build the shelf round the room and the drop in section but it really seems to make a difference in what you can build as a layout.

Have fun!
Mr Toad

 

[crispy1978]

Hi Crispy1978,
Can I offer another idea for you?

I've been looking to build a model railway for ages and I've spent lots of time thinking about what I want. I considered "N" gauge but didn't want to do that as the scale was just too small for me. I prefer the larger "OO" stuff as it's big enough for me to make a lot more scenery and even the trains themselves.

For the layout I don't have a lot of space. What I decided to do is to build a station and yard on the baseboard. But to get the roundy-roundy effect I'm going to put really narrow shelf all around the room. That way I can have a big(ish) station and a train can leave the station on the single track that leaves the main board, goes around the room and comes back on the other end of the board.

The shelf isn't wide - about 6cm will do. All you've got to do is to make sure it's got an edge in case of derailment!
Oh, the door to the room is always a bit of a challenge. I've seen others who developed a "drop in" section that you clip in place only when you need it in the space where the room door is.

It's a lot more engineering work to build the shelf round the room and the drop in section but it really seems to make a difference in what you can build as a layout.

Have fun!
Mr Toad

Thank you.

I love the idea, but that won't work for me - it's a spare room and would almost certainly get damaged. I'd have three doors and two cupboards to work around too!

I'm already going to have to put a lid of some form on top of my setup to stop stuff getting chucked on it when we have visitors (little fingers, etc!)

I do appreciate the thought though.

 

[birchesgreen]

Have you considered HOe/009 narrow gauge?

 

[crispy1978]

Have you considered HOe/009 narrow gauge?

I hadn't, as I thought OO and N gauge were by far the most common and therefore easiest (and perhaps cheaper!) to purchase and source.

 

[birchesgreen]

Yes they are cheaper and more available but narrow gauge might allow you to fit more layout into your available space (if you see what i mean?) however it is easier to stay with the mainstream gauges.

My HOe layout is pretty small but i can have a loop and sidings aplenty, in 00 i wouldn't be able to do it. I recorded a video earlier, as you can see the whole layout is no biogger than an average desk (which in fact it does sit on)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGgiqAwYwTE

 

[crispy1978]

Yes they are cheaper and more available but narrow gauge might allow you to fit more layout into your available space (if you see what i mean?) however it is easier to stay with the mainstream gauges.

My HOe layout is pretty small but i can have a loop and sidings aplenty, in 00 i wouldn't be able to do it. I recorded a video earlier, as you can see the whole layout is no biogger than an average desk (which in fact it does sit on)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGgiqAwYwTE

Looks good - plenty of scenery, looks to be plenty of space too.

Looks significantly bigger than the space I have - what size is your layout?

 

[birchesgreen]

124x95cm, slightly too big for the room to be honest but hey ho :P

 

[crispy1978]

124x95cm, slightly too big for the room to be honest but hey ho :P

Yeah about twice the width I have (55cm) but the length is similar (118cm).