If you’re new to the hobby, welcome! This is one of the best hobbies in the world. No. Seriously. You’ll never go back.
You get to build tiny railroads, watch trains run (for hours), and learn a bit about real trains and history along the way.
In this post, we just want to break it down simply and get you started on choosing a good scale (like N scale or HO scale), and show you some great sets you can buy to start your first layout.
In fact, this is what we all did. Easiest way to start and very cost effective!
So, What is Model Railroading?
Model railroading is like having a tiny working railroad in your home. You use scale trains that look real, but, obviously, smaller. You lay the track out for them to run on, add scenery (I’ve done a Roswell 1947 UFO crash site - see below for that photo!), and control them with a power pack or digital system.
Step 1: Choose Your Scale - N vs. HO
When starting out, your most important decision is scale.
A “scale” tells you how big the trains are compared to the real life thing.
The two most popular beginner scales are:
- N Scale (1:160)
- HO Scale (1:87)
Here’s how these break down.
N Scale - Small. But Powerful!
- Size: 1:160
- Track Width: 9mm
N scale trains are small - about half the size of the alternative HO scale. But because they’re small, they open up options with fitting into tighter spaces.
Why is This a Good Option For Beginners?
- Great for small rooms or apartments (I did a Christmas layout on a TV tray once!)
- You can build longer tracks in less space
- Easy to create realistic landscapes
- More train per square foot
How much space do you need for N Scale?
Here’s a realistic breakdown:
Minimum Space for a Simple Oval
- 2 feet x 4 feet table
- Fits a basic starter oval
- Good for kids and very tight spaces
Comfortable Beginner Layout
- 3 feet x 5 feet
- Allows wider curves
- Room for a small town and sidings
Ideal Small Room Layout
- 4 feet x 6 feet
- Trains look more realistic
- You can add switching tracks and scenery
- Typically a smoother operation
For my current main layout, I have a 3x5 I built with some cheap wood from Home Depot and attached some table legs to.
Because N scale trains can handle tighter curves, they work well on smaller tables. If you live in an apartment, condo, or want something in a bedroom or office even, N scale is a great choice!
Best Beginner N Scale Start Sets
I'm a sucker for anything Kato. So take this with a grain of salt. BUT, they're the best in the business in my opinion.
Kata N Scale Starter Set
Why this set rocks:
- Includes locomotive and rolling stock
- Comes with Unitrack (easy to assemble and my favorite)
- Reliable power pack
- Smooth, quiet operation
- Expandable later
Check it out here: https://www.trainworld.com/train-set/n-scale-train-set/kato-n-scale-train-set.html
Kato track snaps together easily and works extremely well for beginners. Heck, my 7 year old has a blast and is capable of snapping them together. With that said, a ton of experienced hobbyists still use it.
HO Scale (1:87) - The Classic Choice
- Size: 1:87
- Track Width: 16.5 mm
HO scale is the most popular in the game within the United States.
it's bigger than N scale, which makes it:
- Easier to handle
- Easier to detail
- Great for scenery
- Good for people who want more visual presence
Why Beginners Choose HO
- Larger trains are easier to put on track
- More product options
- Easier to work with realistically
- Strong resale and community support
How Much Space Do You Need for HO?
This is where things get important.
HO trains need wider curves than N scale.
Absolute Minimum Space
- 4 feet x 8 feet table
- Classic plywood layout size
- Basic oval with a siding
- Tight curves (18" radius)
This is considered the traditional layout for beginners in HO.
Comfortable Beginner Layout
- 5 feet x 9 feet
- Smoother curves
- Better appearance
- More reliable operation
Ideal Small Room Layout
- Around the walls shelf layout
- 10 feet x 10 feet room works great
- 18-24 inch deep shelves
HO scale takes about twice the space of N scale for the same type of layout.
If you have a spare bedroom, garage, or basement, this may be the attractive option here.
But if you only have a desk or corner space? N scale is probably the route to go.
Best Beginner HO Scale Starter Set
Bachman makes a handful of very popular options. Their Pacific Flyer HO Starter Set gets great reviews.
It's affordable, includes track and a power pack, and is easy to set up.
Check it some options here: https://www.trainworld.com/train-set/ho-scale-train-set.html
Quick Rule:
- Less than 4x6 feet? Choose N Scale
- More than 4x8 feet? HO works great!
So.... What Should You Budget?
Starter Sets: $150-$350
Extra Track: $50-$150
Basic Scenery: $50-$200
Total Beginner Budget: $300-$700
You do not need to spend thousands to enjoy this hobby. Start small. Grow slowly.
Analog vs. DCC
Most starter sets are DC (analog).
This means one train moves at a time and it's controlled by a simple power pack.
Later, you may hear some rumblings about DCC (Digital Command Control). This allows multiple trains to run at once with sound effects and ultimately a more realistic approach.
Let's not worry about that just yet. Learn the basics.
Final Advice
Here are things I wish I realized from day 1.
- Start simple.
- Buy a quality starter set like the ones mentioned above.
- Measure your space!
- Avoid buying random used trains at first. This can get complicated and open up some pretty wild nuances.
But beyond all this. Have fun. My favorite elements of this hobby have stemmed from the mistakes I've made along the way. You will make mistakes. But you'll learn how to fix them. And you'll learn some rad history and engineering.
And there's nothing better than watching some trains roll around at the end of a long day.
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