Trains and Gauge?

[andyb28]

I have always wanted to build a trainset in my loft, but to take my time and do it properly. It's something I have been waiting on until I am a bit older to do and after some work gets complete on the loft, I will be ready to start.

Looking around, I can see there are different gauge sets, so far I have seen 00 and N. Which one is the one to go for?

Any tips on how to get started? Perhaps some websites or youtube accounts to look at?

Many Thanks
Andy

[meb90]

I’m not sure there is a clear cut answer to which scale to go for. I’m assuming you’d go with the most common gauge with whichever scale you choose. Both 00 and N have big manufacturers producing rolling stock, as I am sure you have seen. However for me the biggest difference is want you want to model and how much space you have. I think N is great for trains running through a landscape, as it is smaller so you can get more into a given space. With 00 the trains are bigger, and you can get less into a space, but I prefer them. With a loft it may not be an issue as you may have lots of space to play with.

Have you looked at any of the magazines published? There are plenty of people with Youtube channels, but it isn’t something I’ve spent a lot of time doing. Do you know of any model railway exhibitions locally?

I’d spend some time working out what you want to model (i.e. rural/urban/station), designing the layout almost which may give an idea on what will work in your space.

Matt

[mac96]

If you have plenty of space- 00 every time for me. But it is totally a matter of taste depending on how much you want to fit in, how much you want to build yourself or buy fully built, size of your budget, modelling skills etc.

There is loads of material on the web.

Suggest you start with:

www.rmweb.co.uk

www.newrailwaymodellers.co.uk/Forums

[mattyn1]

Andy

I hope you don't mind but I am going to jump in on this thread as I want to do exactly the same.

I want to create the scenic set up - buildings, roads etc - I would have liked to combine with a Scalextric set up but the scales are just far apart. I too have no idea where to start - well those links ^^^ are probably a good start.

I want something I can grow as and when I want to - something maybe my grand kids (assuming my kids have kids) will enjoy!

[sjabrown]

I've just recently started building a 00 gauge layout in my loft. If you have the space then that's the one to go for, I'd say. Rolling stock is easier to work on, potential for more detail in the landscaping.

[andyb28]

I will have quite a bit of space once its boarded out.

Sounds like 00 is the one for me.

I mentioned it to my wife, thinking she would laugh at me, but she thinks its really cool. She did say that I am not allowed to wear a hat and blow a whistle though.

[mattyn1]

andyb28 said:

I will have quite a bit of space once its boarded out.

Sounds like 00 is the one for me.

I mentioned it to my wife, thinking she would laugh at me, but she thinks its really cool. She did say that I am not allowed to wear a hat and blow a whistle though.

Funny - my Mrs said she will buy me the hat and whistle as long as I spend as much time as possible in the loft!!

[K50 DEL]

Chalk me up as another 00 man... I'm just putting the finishing touches to the loft before starting to plan the train set

I know I have an area of 3.6m wide by around 3m deep to work with so hopefully I can get a half decent layout.