Resources
Over the next few months I will add content to the "Resources" page: Useful information, Commonly asked questions, Model Railway terminology, hints and tips.
Feel free to comment or add info for this via the enquiry form.
Whether you are a newcomer to Model Railways, or returning to the hobby, it helps to understand Scale & Gauge.
Scale refers to the size of the model, compared to the real item. It is expressed as a ratio or measurement scale. For example OO scale is 1:76 This means that 1" on the model represents 76" in real life.
Useful dimensions for objects when scaled down.
N Scale: Figures stand approx 10mm tall
TT Scale: Figures stand approx 14mm tall
HO Scale: Figures are approx 18mm tall
OO Scale: Figures are approx 20mm tall.
Gauge is the distance between the inner edges of the two rails on the track. The gauge determines how much railway can fit in a chosen space.
There are however discrepancies between a gauge and the corresponding scale. ie they don't always align perfectly in Model railways because of historical and practical differences between early manufacturers. The incorrect sizing stuck, and now are the norm for most people.
Common Model Railway Scales & Track Gauges:
N Gauge: Scale is 1:148 British and 1.160 for US & Europe. Track gauge is 9mm
TT Gauge: Scale is 1:120 Track gauge is 12mm (same standard worldwide)
HO Gauge: Scale is 1:87 Track gauge is 16.5mm
OO Gauge: Scale is 1.76 Track gauge is 16.5mm
O Gauge: Scale is 1.43.5 Track gauge is 32mm
Note that HO Gauge is the most common gauge globally, measuring 16.5mm, but OO Gauge is slightly larger, and uses the same 16.5 mm track! It is not normal to run both HO and OO Gauge rolling stock on the same layout, as the two sizes would be noticeable. However it is common to mix HO and OO Scale buildings, structures, vehicles etc, particularly if grouped together. Some people use a smaller scale building & trees at the rear of their layout to simulate distance. This is called forced perspective.
A common question is "which gauge should I go for" ? The answer depends on how much space you have available, and what size looks good to you.
For very small spaces the tiny N gauge is popular. Its small size allows you to run longer and more realistic trains in a given area.
TT (Table Top) referred in Europe to as the middle gauge, is becoming more popular with the modern space conscious modeller because it only requires 60% of the space of an OO gauge layout. Like N gauge, the smaller size of TT allows you to pack more into a given space and to run longer more realistic Trains. The detailing of modern TT rolling stock is now of a similar quality to the larger OO Gauge, TT is less fiddly to handle than N Gauge and has better stability.
HO gauge is most popular in USA and Europe
OO is the gauge many of us used in the 1970 & 80s as this was sourced from Britian and was mostly all that was available at that time.
O gauge is less common, and is often used in Garden railways.
To assist in your Gauge selection, the following suggested 2nd Radius of the track (from the centre of a circle of track to the outside) may help. Most manufacturers recommend using R2 (2nd Radius) as the minimum radius on high speed main lines for reliable operation of a model railway.
N Gauge 305mm
TT Gauge 365mm
OO Gauge 533mm
O Gauge 1220mm
Planning your Model Railway.
There are many excellent Track Plan booklets available, or you may wish to draw your own plan, or investigate Model railway track planning Software such as Anyrail and Scarm. These programs allow you to enter your preferred baseboard size and then select Track components in your desired Gauge from a list of many different track suppliers.
Suggested Minimum planning Dimensions:
Min track centres: N 25mm, TT 44mm, HO/OO 50mm
Min radius curves: N 229mm, TT 321mm, HO/OO 457mm
Min overhead clearance: N 38mm, TT 50mm, HO/OO 76mm
Typical platform width: N 30mm, TT40mm, HO/OO 68mm
Typical coach length: N 140mm, TT 204mm, HO/OO 270mm
Set track or Flexi Track?
Many people start by buying a Train set. Most train sets are supplied with an oval of Set track curves and a few straights. Most Set track is robust and often used where a train set is disassembled regularly. Once you have a base board and are ready to construct a permanent layout, you have the option of using further Set track or Flexi track. Flexi track allows for a more realistic appearance, in particular the modelling of gentler flowing curves. It results in fewer joins, so requires fewer power feeds, and is also cheaper than multiple pieces of set track!
When you bend flexi track the inside rail will be longer and will need to be cut off. You can either use Track cutters such as Xuron or a fine blade hacksaw (see our Track page) A little filing to remove any burs will ensure the rail joiners slip on securely.
A useful, but not esential tool for laying Flexi track is Tracksetta templates which fit inside the rails and can be slid around to ensure you are not exceeding the recommended minimum radius. It saves you time, makes your curves smoother and more professional looking and results in smooth running and less likelihood of frustrating derailments.
Terminology: The same components are often called different names by various manufacturers. E.g.
Turnouts = Points = Switches (US & Canada)
Fishplates = Rail joiners
Turnout/Point Motor = Solonoid or Drive
Control - Traditional Analogue (DC control) or DCC (Digital command control)
The traditional method of controlling a model railway uses a variable 12V DC speed controller. The control box is usually fixed in place and has a Knob which increases to voltage from 0 to 12 Volts to the track which alters the speed of the loco. This system can be more cost effective than DCC. However, at lower speeds loco lights will be dim, and to operate 2 or more Locos simultaneously, a separate controller is required for each Loco, and separate isolated sections of the track will be required, which can mean extensive wiring systems.
DCC control system exploit the benefits of modern digital technology. Different DCC systems & products are offered by a number of Manufacturers, but the principle of the technology is the same to all; the track on the layout is permanenty live with a continuous 14.5 - 16V (depending on the manufacturer). Each Loco is independently controlled by an onboard electronic chip which receives its instructions via digital signals sent along the track from the hand control unit. Points and Signals can also be controlled by the same system if desired. With most systems there is a large range of digital functions available to the operator, such as switching loco lights - including directional lighting, in-cab & engine room lights and sound including horns & whistles.
The hand controllers are supplied with a cable, which is useful as you can take the controller to the other end of the layout. Deluxe systems are wireless (no cable) and some can be operated Via a smart phone or tablet.
Wiring is simple - on a small layout simply run 2 wires to the track !
Most locos sold today are either Analogue (DCC ready) or DCC & Sound fitted. It may be possible to fit DCC decoders to older Locos, it depends on the brand and the age.