Ho Scale Model Railroading by Jeff Wilson (2003, Paperback)

As far as I know, there are 6 different scales of model railroading. The difference is the size of the train and the tracks. The HO model is 1/87th to the real thing. The initials, HO, come from “half O” because HO scale is roughly half of the O scale which was the dominant scale among modelers up to the 1940s. However today, HO is one of the most popular, if not the MOST popular scale. And consequently, the variety of models and accessories available in the HO scale is much larger than in other scale.

What are the benefits? Well this book points to the size, which makes it easy to add detail parts to the model trains. Also you can fit more “railroading” into a given area than you can with larger models. In short, you can fit more “fun” into a set layout.

You can get started with a train set, which usually consists of tracks, a locomotive, freight cars, power pack and structure/detail kit. There IS a difference between an inexpensive train set from a more expensive, high-quality set. The major differences is usually the locomotive. The better locomotive has more details, a better motor and picks up electricity from all eight wheels.

There are 7 tips for beginners. Read good books, start small, visit a hobby store, get trains off the carpet, be active, start with published track plans and most importantly – have fun!

Note: Setting your layout on the carpet might seem cost effective but will create problems. Carpet fibers and dust can cause havoc with your engine and it is almost a sure thing that someone is going to step on it. Just get it off the floor!

You will find out which tools you will want in your basic tool set that is essential for modeling. There is a special chapter devoted to coupling. Find out how to choose, install and maintain them for trouble-free operations. Another chapter focuses on the wheels and trucks of the train. This is an important detail because wheels are vital to the smooth operation of rolling stock.

Other chapters deals with building and upgrading freight cars, benchwork – suggestions and hints how to build a sturdy table for your layout, creating a road bed, picking out the track and installing it on your roadbed, wiring – the basic of electricity to help you figure out how to get the trains moving, how to assemble and create realistic structures from kits, how to build the basic scenery – don’t worry, it is easier than you think!

And finally, how to take good trackside photos that your friends will swear looks like the real thing!