Otis Singleton
Building an electric train set can be a fun hobby, but it's important to plan before diving in. First, you'll need to decide on a space to set up your train set. A spare room, attic, or garage is ideal, as temperature and humidity fluctuations can affect the performance of model trains. Next, consider the size of your train set and whether you want to allow for expansion. The standard size for a first model railroad is a 4x8-foot tabletop, which can be made from plywood with a roadbed of homasote or cork. Once you have your surface, you can start creating your track layout, keeping in mind that you'll need a transformer for power and a locomotive for your trains to work. If you're new to model trains, starting with a train set that includes everything you need, such as trains, track, and a power pack, might be a good idea.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Required items | Locomotive, transformer for power, track |
| Track material | Plywood, styrofoam, homasote, cork |
| Track shape | Oval |
| Space | Dedicated space, not subject to temperature/humidity changes, e.g. spare room, attic, garage |
| Track height | Off the floor, on a sturdy table or benchwork |
| Track size | 4x8-foot tabletop is standard for a first model railroad |
| Track expansion | Start small, then expand with additional track sections and switch tracks |
| Track plan | Try out various track arrangements and operations patterns before committing |
| Locomotive quality | Higher price usually indicates better quality |
| Locomotive recommendation | Kato (Japanese company) for N scale |
| Locomotive price | $150+ for good quality HO |
| Extras | Buildings, scenery, bridges, cars, roads |
| Simple electric train | 20-gauge copper wire, AA battery, neodymium magnets |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing a space: A spare room, attic, or garage is ideal
When it comes to choosing a space for your electric train set, a dedicated space is important. You don't want to have to keep packing and unpacking your setup, as it will become more of a chore than a hobby. An ideal location for your train set would be a spare room, attic, or garage, where it is not subject to extreme changes in temperature or humidity, as these factors can affect the performance of your model trains.
If you are pressed for space, consider a smaller scale train set, such as N scale, which will allow you to fit more into a given space. You can even set up your train set on the floor, but it is best to get it off the ground and onto a sturdy table as soon as possible, as fibres from the floor or carpet can work their way into the small motor of your train and cause it to malfunction. A standard size for a first model railroad is a 4x8-foot tabletop, which can be made from plywood with a roadbed of homasote or cork. You can also use thick foam insulation board, which can be moulded to create small hills and valleys for your train to traverse.
If you are looking to build a half-circle of track with a minimum curve radius of 15 inches, your table will need to be at least 30 inches wide. Consider the radius of the curves in your desired layout when selecting a space. Additionally, rarer scales tend to be more expensive, so your budget may dictate the scale of your train set.
Finally, if you are truly limited by space, you can build your railroad so that it can be stored on its side, under a bed or couch, allowing you to easily access and enjoy your train set without dedicating an entire room to the setup.
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Materials: Plywood and homasote/styrofoam are recommended
When building an electric train set, the materials you use for your train's base will depend on the type of layout you want to create. If you're looking for a simple, flat track, a standard piece of 4 x 8 3/4 inch plywood with a 4 x 8 piece of styrofoam on top is a great option for beginners. This setup allows you to easily expand your layout later on and provides a stable base for your train set.
Plywood is also recommended if your layout includes major grades or if you plan to attach operating accessories, like switch motors or gate mechanisms. It serves as a sturdy foundation and can withstand the weight of additional components.
However, if you're looking to create a more intricate landscape with mountains, hills, and valleys, extruded foam insulation board, like Styrofoam, is a popular choice. This material is easy to work with and can be cut and moulded to create various elevations and scenery. It is also ideal for flat tracks, as it absorbs vibrations and provides a smooth ride for your trains.
For a more superior and detailed layout, combining plywood and homasote is recommended. Homasote, made from recycled egg cartons, can be attached to plywood to create a sturdy and reliable base. This combination may require some framing work but allows for a more intricate and realistic landscape design.
The choice between plywood, homasote, and styrofoam depends on the complexity of your desired train set layout and the level of customisation you wish to achieve. Each material has its advantages, and with careful planning, you can create a functional and aesthetically pleasing electric train set.
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Track layout: Start with an oval, then experiment with shapes
If you've purchased a train set, it likely has enough track to make an oval configuration. This is a great starting point for your model railroad. As your railroad grows, you can expand your track with additional sections and switch tracks.
It's important to note that you shouldn't commit to a permanent track plan at this stage. Try out various track arrangements and operations patterns to find out what you like and don't like about the hobby. You can start with an oval and then experiment with different shapes and designs as you add more track sections.
The standard size for a modest first model railroad is a 4x8-foot tabletop. You can cut it smaller if you don't have much space, and you can always expand it later. It's recommended to use a sturdy table to keep your trains off the floor or carpet, which can cause fibres to get into the small motor that powers your train and affect its performance.
The tabletop surface is typically made of plywood with framing members or thick foam insulation board. You can also use homasote (made of recycled egg cartons) or cork for a more superior finish, although it may require framing.
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Scenery: Add buildings, trees, and scenery for detail
Scenery is an important part of any electric train set, as it brings your miniature world to life. It includes the basic landform, its colour and texture, as well as natural elements like rocks, grass, bushes, streams, trees, and other aspects of nature. It also includes man-made structures like buildings, roads, and so on.
There are many easy-to-learn techniques to make your model train scenery look realistic. You can start by adding a foam framework to your layout. A 4'x8' sheet of 2" or 3" thick pink or blue extruded foam insulation board is lightweight and can support the weight of your train layout. You can use full-strength white glue or adhesives like Liquid Nails for Projects and PL300 to stick the framework together.
Next, you can add texture and colour by sprinkling ground foam onto the framework. You can also paint the foam base to make it look like earth, but be sure to use foam-compatible paint to avoid dissolving the foam. You can then add larger scenery details, starting with smaller elements like grass and dirt and moving on to larger elements like trees and bushes. You can also add water features to your scenery by using gloss medium gel, gloss medium, and white latex caulk.
To add buildings and other man-made structures, you can use pre-built model kits or build your own using plaster-impregnated gauze moulded over cardboard strips or wadded-up paper. You can also add miniature figures to populate your world. Remember to consider the perspective and locale of your layout, ensuring that everything makes sense in context.
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Power: Use a transformer to power your electric train set
To power an electric train set, you will need a power supply and a transformer. Most starter sets come with a power supply, but as your layout grows, so will its power demand. Therefore, it is recommended to use a larger transformer of fixed voltage as your needs increase.
When choosing a power supply, ensure that it is rated by the appropriate body for your country, such as UL. It is also important to have a built-in circuit breaker to prevent short circuits from damaging the power supply or the trains. Additionally, make sure to keep the power supply in a well-ventilated area to prevent overheating.
The transformer is responsible for converting the input voltage from your power supply to the appropriate voltage for your train set. Most command systems use a constant AC power supply, and trains are controlled by impulses sent through the rails. Digital command control systems (DCC) use digital information to control the electrical power, but they are less common in starter sets.
As your train set expands, you may need additional power supplies to handle the increased demand. Don't discard your starter set pack, as it can be used as a secondary power supply for lighted buildings, signals, and other accessories. This will ensure a constant voltage for these devices and free up your main power supply to handle the load of the train.
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Frequently asked questions
You need three things for a working layout: a track, a transformer for power, and a locomotive. You'll also need a source of light and electricity.
Most model railroads are built on tabletops made of plywood supported by framing members. You could also use thick foam insulation board. A standard size for a first model railroad tabletop is 4x8 feet.
With just three everyday items, you can make a simple electric train: 20-gauge copper wire (non-insulated), an AA battery, and two 5/8" x 3/8" neodymium magnets. Make sure the magnets are repelling, with the south poles of each magnet facing out, or the north.
It's best to work in an area that isn't subject to extreme changes in temperature or humidity, as they will affect the performance of your model trains. If you're pressed for space, you could build your railroad so it can be stored on its side, under a bed or couch. It's best to start small and expand.
