[thomashmaine]

I am new to model railroading. I am looking at setting up my first layout. I am looking at doing O Gauge. I had a few questions that i wanted some imput on.

1) serveral peopel mention they put there layout in there garage or shed. Is there anything to be concerned with when doing that (bugs, dirt, dust) do they need to be fully inclosed?

2) what type of track does everyone use? i was thinking about the MTH or Lionel RealTrax? What are the pros and cons of both?

3) Should i get a DCC? if so what are some recommendations? i dont mind spending a little money up front but i do want to spread out what i buy. i am looking at comeing up with a list of what i need and what i can get later.

Thanks

thomas

 

[tjcruiser]

Hello Thomas,

Welcome to the forum, and to the addictive world of O !!! I'll tackle one and a half questions ...

1. As far as garage / shed layout, I think the biggest concern you face is humidity and dampness. Via your site-name, are you in Maine? Some foggy days along the coast, there. The reason I highlight this is that dampness leads to rust and corrosion, and that can reak havoc on locos, wheel trucks, car shells, tracks, etc. So anything you can do to limit humidity and moisture is a huge step in the right direction. We all content with some level of dust ... no getting around that. Many people drape a soft/light cover over their layout when its not in use to keep dust off. An occasional (and careful) light dusting and/or wipedown helps, too.

2. Old school O guys are likely running on "tubular" track, i.e., traditional 3-rail stuff made from extruded sheet metal. Either true "O" with its beefier sheet metal and higher section-profile, or its little brother "O27" which is thinner metal, and a bit shorter in profile height. Purist don't like the look / feel of the consipicuous middle rail (your hot electrical feed), so will switch to a more modern track with more realistically proportioned / spaced RR ties, and a less conspicuous center rail. There's no right/wrong answer here ... it's personal preference. One important point to consider in choosing track: consider first the expected size of your layout and intended curve radii, along with the size of locos and cars you expect to run. Some locos and cars need large radii to navigate around the track properly.

Best of luck,

TJ

 

[thomashmaine]

Thank you for the quick response.

I am actually in virginia, so I have to deal with a lot of humidity.

The engine I am looking at getting runs a O-42 so that is what I am looking at doing for my layout. I am going to start with a 4x8 layout. I was also looking at going with a 3 rail track. I'm just not sure which brand or type yet.

Thanks

Thomas

 

[imatt88]

Thomas,


Welcome aboard buddy!:thumbsup:

Tj is right, this stuff is addictive. I'm running N, HO and I'm just venturing into O for the first time. Its great! I love the size

I was running mostly diesels, but thanks to T-Man and Tj, I have my first O scale steam engine, with another one on the way:laugh:

T-Man is our resident Marx expert, but pretty much anyone here will give you sound advice

I've got tons of help here and learned a lot.:thumbsup:

All I have is a couple of ovals just to run trains. Nothing fancy yet.

I will, eventually, probably, move my O scale layout to to my garage, but I live in Upper Michigan, and humidity is not a problem up here (only snow), so I can't say how that would affect your track/engine performance..

But we want to see pics of your setup:thumbsup:

Cheers, Ian

 

[thomashmaine]

Ian,

your right this stuff is addictive, i just got my first set this past christmas to put around the tree. i cant stop researching stuff online to start my layout.

I am thinking about going diesel to start with as well. i am looking at a MTH csx-ac4400cw diesel engine. I wanted to have something that was found in the richmond area. I am not really concerned with the rolling stock at the current time i just want to focus on getting the track setup.

As for the actual layout i would like to get 3 things out of it to start with on my 4x8. i am also trying to figure out what type of track i want to use too.

1) have a complete circle
2) have some sort of yard, eventually i would like to do something like the acca yard which is in richmond
3) i would like to have some sort of grade and bridge.

once i get everything setup i will post some pics , im trying to figure out what i need to get started.

 

[imatt88]

Cool:thumbsup: Any questions, ask away

 

[tjcruiser]

Thomas,

There are several website that offer ideas/suggestions for track layouts. ThorTrains has some introductory ideas ... link below. As you conceive your plans further, several members here on the forum have enjoyed using the AnyRail track design software ... you can download and use a basic version for free.

http://www.thortrains.net/new0271a.html
http://www.thortrains.net/

TJ

 

[thomashmaine]

2 questions i still have.

what type of track should i use?
should i start my layout with a dcc?

 

[thomashmaine]

Tj,

thanks for the website, i will definately check that out along with that program.

 

[Big Ed]

Ian,

your right this stuff is addictive, i just got my first set this past christmas to put around the tree. i cant stop researching stuff online to start my layout.

I am thinking about going diesel to start with as well. i am looking at a MTH csx-ac4400cw diesel engine. I wanted to have something that was found in the richmond area. I am not really concerned with the rolling stock at the current time i just want to focus on getting the track setup.

As for the actual layout i would like to get 3 things out of it to start with on my 4x8. i am also trying to figure out what type of track i want to use too.

1) have a complete circle
2) have some sort of yard, eventually i would like to do something like the acca yard which is in richmond
3) i would like to have some sort of grade and bridge.

once i get everything setup i will post some pics , im trying to figure out what i need to get started.

Welcome fellow O gauger.

Something tells me your going to need something bigger then 4' x 8'.

 

[tjcruiser]

Thomas,

Re: track and DC/DCC ...

My own personal opinion ... I suggest taking your very first steps into this in a pretty conventional manner ... basic true-O track (3-rail tubular) and simple DC ... to start. You can always consider / expand to DCC as your knowledge grows.

Others here may likely disagree, with good reason, perhaps. No real right/wrong answers. But my fundamental philosophy is "baby steps" for a new venture.

TJ

 

[thomashmaine]

rome wasnt built in a day, i will try to get as much as i can in my 4x8. i dont think i should start any bigger. I am not really concerned with scenary to start with. i would rather have more track to play with.

 

[tjcruiser]

Maybe use a sheet of MDF ... for some reason, standard size is 49" x 97" ... a whole extra inch to play with in both directions!