Part 1: When choosing what scale train to go into there are many factors to consider. Here are a few:

1) What space do you have to work with?

2) Where is the space?

3) What type of locomotives and train cars are you considering to run?

4) Are you wanting to build a town?

5) Who will be running the trains?

Secondly, are you wanting to do an outdoor layout, an indoor layout, a layout around the room, or a train running near the ceiling? These factors go into choosing what train scale best suite the space or location. If you are doing an outdoor layout the G Scale which is known as Garden Scale is the best route to go. It is made for outdoors and shows up great in a garden. Now if you are doing a layout near the ceiling it depends on what visually works for you. I personally would do at least O Scale. You also might want to put a train in a coffee table. Generally, smaller scales like N and Z are the best for doing layouts like these.

The third thing to consider is what will you be running on the tracks? If you are running short switcher engines and small freight cars you might be able to get away with the smallest radius track in your scale of choice. However, you might be looking to run the famous Big Boy engine. When running larger/longer engines like the Big Boy and long passenger cars, a wider radius must be considered which takes up more space. If planning an inner loop one must consider the swing and overhang of these engines and cars. The overhang or swing can clip the train on the other track.

**Image above is out of Kalmbach's Intro to Model Railroading Pamphlet. Available in our store while supplies last.**

Next thing to consider is if you are wanting to build a town. How are you wanting your track in the town? Are you wanting to have a train station? Are you wanting a train yard? All these items take space. If you only have a 4' by 8' table then HO or even N Scale are the most suitable for such space. If you are generally looking to just run trains on a 4' by 8' table with a small amount of buildings or features then a larger scale like S or up to O can fit. Also if you are using the Snow Village ceramic buildings or similar ones, On30 Scale is one of the best choices to run with these.

Finally, who will be running the trains? You might be wondering why this matters. However, it has a great deal to choosing the perfect train. Some scales or even engines can be more fragile than others. Some due to size can be difficult to get on tracks. However, they do make rerailers to help in getting the trains on the tracks as well as help direct them back on if they derail near one. If you have excellent site and steady hands Z Scale and N Scale are great for miniature layouts. If you have a little one in the house we definitely would recommend G Scale or O Scale as they are a little less fragile. However, the little ones should be shown the importance of keeping the train tracks. HO can be fragile however, we do sell the My World product that is made for 3 years and up and can run on HO Track. Then you have S Gauge which is between HO and O. The older S Gauge metal engines are sturdy like the O Gauge. When operating any of these trains in a household with a little one please look at the recommended starting age. Also always monitor an little hands to ensure there are no unwanted repairs.

If you already have a layout or display, here are some items to help upgrade your layout in this New Year!

Presented by Karen with K Peas Place

Pinellas Park Train Station

5851 Park Blvd.

Pinellas Park, FL 33781

To book your Little Engineer(s) spot for the lessons at the Train Station or for pricing contact Karen at [email protected] or (813) 814-4193.

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