Common Mistakes Made With O Scale Model Train Layouts

by William Clark

There is no doubt that choosing model trains as a hobby can be a great pastime. There are very few things that can bring the joy that model trains can. Creating your own train tracks layout, deciding how many trains to run on them, and the scenery that will accompany the trains are all great fun. However, as much as you put your heart into your hobby, you're going to make some mistakes.
To help you avoid the most common mistakes that many O scale model train enthusiasts make, just go through this guide and start your education.

Keep proportion in mind at all times
Before you run to the store to grab an O scale train for your train tracks, you have to note down a few important details about your model train layout. You have to first make sure that your scenery has the right scale in comparison to your model trains. The last thing you would want is to have a giant train running through a mini miniature city. Since O scale trains are larger than the majority of other train scales (they usually have a scale of 1:43 or 1:48), you should make sure that your scenery is proportionate.
Several amateur model train enthusiasts make the common mistake of making their buildings or trees disproportionate to the trains. You have to ensure that everything ranging from the size of your trains to the height of the trees is all proportional. Only then will your layout create an amazing sense of depth. Nothing is more exciting than watching your O scale train "choo-chooing" past the mountains and through the trees.
Don't make the turns too tight
You might have realized that the turns on your track are too tight. Therefore, they might be causing a problem when the train turns. O scale trains are considerably larger than other scale model trains, so they need sufficient track space in order to turn properly. If you had an N scale train, you probably didn't face this headache before since they are relatively smaller and can turn easily.
With O scale trains, you have to make sure that the turns are not at too acute of an angle, or else your train will derail! You also have to keep in mind that the dimensions of all O scale trains aren't EXACTLY the same, so just because your first train made it through the corner doesn't mean that the next one will. Would you really want for your poor mini passengers to suffer when the train derails?
Sufficient amount of track for steepness
You are the proud owner of O scale trains; therefore, you have to plan accordingly. Give your trains enough room to breathe and run properly. O scale trains are large and heavy compared to HO or N scale, so you need additional tracks to ensure they make it up that hill and other inclines. You have to make sure that you have enough space to accommodate for such steep or inclined areas. If you don't think you have enough space, then avoid adding steep areas in your model train layout.





About the Author

By taking note of these common mistakes, you will prevent yourself from having problems, such as derailments, with your model train in the future. With O scale model trains being a popular scale to model in, avoiding these mistakes will continue to keep your layout a joy to run.


Keywords:
Hobby, hobbies, model train, common mistakes with o scale model trains