HO scale trains are most popular in the world of train modeling, but the next most popular ones are N scale trains. N scale trains are smaller than HO scale trains, the first ones´ ratio is 1:160, which basically means that the model train is 160 times smaller than the real one, and HO scale´s ratio is 1:87. That´s why collectors with some issues to get available space in their houses prefer the N scale, the same reason has made this scale very popular among people in Japan, where the available space tends to be very limited, compared to the United States. N scale trains were introduced by a company named Arnold from Germany, in 1960.
Some scale trains enthusiasts visit the Model Railroad Museum in San Diego, where N scale trains run on one of the largest train layouts ever built. The whole layout is 1200 square feet. It is very common for the visitors to go back home with the desire of building their own scale train layout. No matter how complicated it seems it´s always possible to design and build your own model railroad. Whether you´re a beginner or an enthusiast with previous knowledge on railroad modeling, it´s always helpful to follow a sort of order to build your new layout. Your very first decision should be what would be the space you will dedicate to the task, once you have an idea of this you can choose the place where the new project is going to reside. Do you want to build a large layout, or just a small railroad to place one scale train? Keep in mind that the place you choose for this will be dedicated only for your train layout. Nobody wants to spend money and several hours building an amazing scale train layout that has to be removed in a few months to put something in that place.
Once you have the space figured out, it´s time to think about the theme for the layout. Will your scale trains be set in the city? If you choose that as the theme for your project, you can consider putting some buildings in the middle of the layout, some cars in parking lots and miniature people walking on the streets. If you live in a big city you may want to create a pacific environment with some mountains and tunnels for your trains to go through. Whatever you choose, there are many accessories you can add to your layout, most of them you can buy them but if you really want to add your personal touch to it you may want to create your own accessories. Now it´s time to have fun designing the actual layout for your scale trains. It´s just a matter of visualizing the miniature train track and considering all the elements you want to add around the layout. Most people enjoy having several trains running at the same time; consider that when designing your layout.
