A Starting Point In Creating Your First Train Layout.

For the sake of keeping this guide simple I will only deal with the use of curves and straight track pieces and when talking about the layout I will only talk about the use of circles and ovals. There is a lot more you can do inside of the circle or oval once you have the outer area of the layout in place by using switches andXshaped crossings. With enough room to work with you can make LorTshaped layouts. Ideas are endless and the list of ideas can go forever but without a good starting point how do you make an idea gee true? Ill try and help you out with the information below.
When an adult in the family already has an interest in model trains it helps when the younger ones find an interest in working with model trains. However what happens when the young one finds his/her interest in model trains first before the adult knows much about model trains? The first thing that people can find is sticker shock when they try and go purchase the required equipment in getting a nice layout started. When getting help at a local train store do not let them talk you into buyingsomething just because it is the thing to buy.They made just be trying to sell what is good for them to sell and not what is good for you and your situation. Also, there is the variety of sizes that model trains gee in and the different types of track that you can use which ultimately can run into buying and returning items as you try and learn as you go. Here is simple but yet effective set of guidelines in getting a train set layout going for your kids to enjoy, and even get some enjoyment out of it yourself.
One of the smarter rules you can use when starting with nothing is that it is easier to upgrade than downgrade. Unless you have already sat down and did your research and you know what type of layout you want and what pieces you want to have the best thing is to start small and work up. Once you have bought the biggest most expensive, lifetime lasting, unbreakable piece of equipment and after a month or two you decide that it does not fit into your plans of the right layout you are sort of stuck with it. There is always trying to resell it or maybe some train stores will buy it from you. Having to resell items either on okay or selling it back to a train store, most of the time but not always, all you are left with is one less train item and less money than you started with. However, there are a few items that will resell at near what you put into it new if the items are well kept, so when buying it is ok to ask about an items resale value.
The first thing you might start wondering once you have found the need to upgrade is not only the additional cost, but then you start collecting items that are just sitting and collecting dust. Thereare a couple of ways to deal with that situation; 1) You can store those items and keep them for backup purposes, it does hurt to have an additional power supply on hand for that bad weather evening when the power supply you are using suddenly stops working whether it be due to wiring or the control handle would happen to lock up or break off. Without power the train just does not go very far. 2) There is always selling them here on okay and take that money you have made and put it towards newer items.
While starting small, dont start too small and only get the bare minimum of what you need to run your beginning layout. That plan will only lead to more costs and more upgrades as your layout progresses. Work on thinking ahead with items like your power pack and get something that will be suitable in handling double of what you are starting with. It does not hurt to invest a little more in the item that will be what controls whether or not your train runs.
First here is a list of the different sizes that model trains gee in and a small description of each;

Z Scale (1:220) while it works for people with limited space these trains are not designed for the young. For an HO scale layout of 4' x 8' that equals just an area of 1'6" x 3'2" for Z scale. For this scale a 30 foot high tree will be approximately only 1