Before building that Model Railroad Layout

So you are interested in building a model train layout. Well, there is more to it than just putting track and buildings on a chunk of plywood. Before you even decide to buy any train equipment there are several things to consider first. Are you going to build an indoor layout or an outdoor layout(also known as a garden railroad) If you decide on an indoor layout, how much space do you have to dedicate to the layout? You have many options for the size or 'scale' of trains to use. Those are from 'Z' to 'G'. Basically, the more room you have the larger the scale can be. But if you want tomodel a large area, then the smaller scales are better suited. For example, 'O' scale trains are pretty good size. It is 1:48 scale, which means the size is 1/48th the size of a real train. So you wouldn't be able to model as much as say in 'N' scale which is 1:160 scale. If you decide to go outside, there are different 'scales' in the 'G' scale family. They all run on the same scale track, but the cars and engines are a little different in size. 'G' scale runs from 1:20 to 1:32. 1/20th being the larger and 1/32nd being the smallest in 'G' scale. If you are not particular in the differences, then you can find good train equipment in all these scales.
So now you have decided on indoor or outdoor. The next step is to 'investigate' on what scale you want to model. There are many, many ways to do your 'homework'. There are model railroad magazines, hobby shops in your town and on line. Also one of the best ways to learn and decide what scale you want to model is to look up a local model railroad club. The members of these clubs are very receptive of new people and many are more than happy to give you pointers or answer any of your questions. They will even give you ideas on the best type of benchwork to build for your indoorlayout. When you have learned what you need to know on getting started, then you need to decide what scale you want to model. Check out the hobby shops locally and on line to see what is available in what you want to model. Check out the auctions on okay. Sometimes you will find a real bargain. But be sure to read all the discriptions, and if you aren't sure, e-mail the seller and ask questions. Check out the best brands for the best quality for your budget and for what you want to model. Also when building your layout, use good quality materials. It may cost a little more, but in the long run you will have fewer problems. Before starting construction you need to decide on a track plan. That is,where your track will run. Two of the best sources for track plans is at your hobby shop or people at the railroad club. At the hobby shop you will find magazines on track plans. They usually have them in the different scales such as 'N' scale or 'HO' scale. This is fairly important butnot totally necessary if ther is a plan you like in another scale. It can be adapted to your scale. If you have an idea on a track plan, seek out a club member that is good with curves and angles and have him helpyou with your track planning. The best way is to draw it out toscale to make sure that the curves and turnouts will work in those places on the layout you want to build. Once you have gotten all this planned out, you are ready to start your layout. As a model railroader, you will begee a carpenter, electrition, scenery maker, painter a model builder and everything inbetween..Good luck with your project!!