| Before you start building a model train layout you | | | | half of O. This scale has a ratio of 1:87. The O |
| will need a lot of information. You have a lot of | | | | scale has a ratio of 1:48 and is twice the size of |
| decision to make about your layout. Model train | | | | HO. The next scale is a very popular scale for |
| information can be found several different ways. | | | | outdoor modeling. This scale is the G scale also |
| You can subscribe to magazines on train modeling, | | | | known as the Garden scale. There are many |
| or go to the library. Most libraries have model | | | | scale smaller, larger, or in between theses scale |
| magazines you can read for free. Also you can | | | | but, these are the most popular. |
| find model train books on any type or gauge of | | | | Now that you have your scale, you will need to |
| model train you may want to model. One of the | | | | find a track plan and decide what type of terrain |
| most popular model magazines is the Model | | | | your train will be running through. You can find a |
| Railroader. This magazine began publication in 1910. | | | | ton of books with track plans. Also you can even |
| Get as much information as you can, before | | | | find free track plans from many track |
| beginning your layout. All of these books and | | | | manufacturers. Atlas model train manufacturer |
| magazines just give ideas of what you can model. | | | | even offer free software to design you own |
| It will be left up to you to decide what you are | | | | layout. This software is designed for you to use |
| going to model. | | | | Atlas track. Once you get you track planned, you |
| The first thing you need to decide is what scale | | | | will need to model the surrounding area of your |
| you are going to model in. This may be decided | | | | layout. You can model forest, fields, meadows, |
| by the amount of space you have for your | | | | rivers, mountains, farms, towns, and even city |
| layout, or it could be decided by maybe a train | | | | landscapes. When building your layout, remember |
| set that you may already have. Also this could be | | | | that a railroad needs a reason to exist. For |
| decided just because you like a certain size train. | | | | example you might want to model a coal mining |
| This is for you to figure out. You are the one in | | | | operation. Your train would be hauling coal to a |
| control. Once you decide what scale you need | | | | coal processing plant. Another thing you could |
| you can narrow you information down to this | | | | model would be a passenger train hauling people |
| scale. You can find books on just the scale you | | | | from one town to another. You would need |
| are modeling or you can buy books that cover all | | | | passenger stations where you passengers could |
| scales. Model trains come in many different scales. | | | | get on and off of the train. These are things you |
| The smallest is Z scale. This scale has a ratio of | | | | need to consider when you start modeling your |
| 1:220. The N scale is next with a ratio of 1:160. | | | | layout. The most important information is to |
| The most popular scale is HO which stands for | | | | always have fun. |