HO Train Scale Fun

HO Train Scale Fun

Train HO scale are great for your personal enjoyment. There are many different layout designs to choose from, as well as the ability to create your own. There are many different websites that can help you pick one, with photos, and videos submitted from real hobbyists. You can also find E books and other books you can order to help you design a layout that is just right for your setting. There is also software available, with many different layout designs. The nice thing about software is that you can customize the layouts to fit your own desires, and when you are finished with a layout, the software extrapolates a list of required materials you need to build it.

Now, no matter what kind of layout you choose, the most important thing about a train HO layout is a firm and sturdy base. These are called benchworks, and they are what holds the entire weight of the layout, train, cars, as well as all the power needs for your hobby. Without a sturdy benchwork you are going to be in trouble. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your base.

There are generally two different kinds of benchwork. One can be purchased already made, and these have some advantages. One is that they can fit together nicely, so you can expand your layout if needed. Because they are easily taken apart from one another, they are ideal for hobbyists who like to set up their Trains HO at shows. They can be set up in different configurations, and secured together. The other way to go is by building and creating your own. These are constructed on a more permanent basis, whether in a spare room, unused area of you garage, or wherever else you are planning to have your model train hobby.

Usually train HO scale benchwork is made from 3/8"-1/2" plywood, and 2"x4" wood materials. You really need to sit down and think about the size your layout is going to be, and how it will be set up. A decent layout is going to take up two full size sheets of plywood, and these can be set up in a square, or end to end, in an L or T shape. Once you figure out how many pieces you will need, and how it will be set up, you need to frame it out, and include support braces so the middle won't begin to sag. Then you want to set up the legs, with cross supports to add stability. Now the height of the benchwork can be up to you, but you want to consider back strain when you are setting up your layout, and how high it will be when you are sitting. You can even add storage shelves underneath, for extra train related items.

Once you have this all put together, it is important that you set up your layout without securing it first. You need to be able to move pieces around for drilling holes for wiring, and also be able to run your train on the track a few times to check to make sure it will run smoothly. You need to secure your layout in layers, including special features like waterfalls, river scenes, etc, so that any pumps can be concealed. You also need to make sure that if you are including any tunnel features that you have some kind of access in case something happens and your train gets stuck.