[johnv6]

Hello I am building an HO layout 96"x170". Ho is new to me. I have an O scale layout and I have done a G scale Guarden layout as well. I guess to start out I want to keep the scale as real as possable. I understand that 83 scale track is the closest to the real thing. I am looking for a good manufacture? same with Engins and rolling stock? I noticed some Ho's have different couplers. Can you equip one kind of coupler on any brand of car? I am not real familiar with Ho Products yet. Any input will be very helpful, also If you know of any web sites please let me know. Thank you for your time.
John

 

[Lester Perry]

Hello John, welcome to the world of HO. You ask about couplers, I say go with kaDee brand they are the best knuckle couplers out there in most modelers opinion (some will differ). The old hook horn couplers are obsolete. I don't think they come with any cars now. Most knuckle couplers will work together. Kadee makes couplers for about any application you can find. As far as manufacturers go there are several good ones. I would suggest Proto 2000 for power and rolling stock. I doubt any one would find fault with that. Have fun you will be amazed at what is available in HO.
Les

 

[MacDaddy55]

Ho all the way!

Hi John,
Welcome to the wonderful world of HO trains. Les is right about the Kadee Knuckle couplers on new or present Locomotives and rolling stock. The old horn hooks are being phased out on Higher quality RTR Trains. One of the first things that was suggested to me many years ago was to grab a Walthers HO reference guide and some Kalmbach publications(Model Railroader magazine) and do a bit of research into what your layout,locomotives,rolling stock,track(code 83), buildings,figures,vehicles and scenery might consist or look like. Blend in a little imagination and start from there. Do you have kids? They just love being included in the process. Just on shear scale alone your layout in HO will have more space, detail, etc. then you would have with O or G scale. You have certainly found a good group of guys to help you with any questions. Good luck!:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[johnv6]

Thanks for the great feedback. I will be looking up to you guys for a while.
I have 3 children 8,6, and 3. and they love the o-scale trains, but the room is tight. That is one of the reasions I am going ho, that and the detail. I look foward to building this layout with them. any outher susgestions please let me know.
Thanks
John

 

[smallcaboose]

.... kaDee brand they are the best knuckle couplers out there in most modelers opinion (some will differ). The old hook horn couplers are obsolete. I don't think they come with any cars now....
Les

Wrong Lester... I just bought out of internet two brand new Model Power wagons... and, at my surprise, they are Hook Horn ! So I would guess that "TOY" train are with Hook Horn and real hobby train are with Knuckles. You have guess right if you think most brand today are more hobby oriented !

Huuum, went I say Toy train, I ment those barely ressemblant of what should be a close that look like a wagon. :thumbsdown: BUT, you can easily let them in the hands of a 3 years old witout fear because there ain't nothing to break on it.:thumbsup:

Oh, yes... Kadee Rules !!
Mart.

 

[Lester Perry]

Wrong Lester... I just bought out of internet two brand new Model Power wagons... and, at my surprise, they are Hook Horn ! So I would guess that "TOY" train are with Hook Horn and real hobby train are with Knuckles. You have guess right if you think most brand today are more hobby oriented !

Huuum, went I say Toy train, I ment those barely ressemblant of what should be a close that look like a wagon. :thumbsdown: BUT, you can easily let them in the hands of a 3 years old witout fear because there ain't nothing to break on it.:thumbsup:

Oh, yes... Kadee Rules !!
Mart.

Just make sure you notice I tried to stress that it was my opinion and probably the opinion of most modelers I know.
Les