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projects as the modeler gains more confidence. As opposed to the Bachmann of the bad old days these have an excellent can motor mounted on the frame, and drive to all wheels via plastic cardan shafts. Choosing HO will also open up the ranges of Trix, Fleischmann, Roco et al for those seeking European models, and the track gauge is identical to that used for British OO scale trains. One word of warning, OO models are slightly larger scale, a problem dating from the days when electric motors would not fit into British trains modeled to HO scale. HO is suitable for most modelers, but does require rather more room for a layout. The "Worlds Greatest Hobby" layout for example which is intended for absolute beginners requires an 8ft by 4ft space.

The next size up would be O Scale. This can be found in both coarse and fine scale, coarse scale covering the old favorites such as Lionel and MTH. These sets are ideal for young modelers and can be developed into a sizable fixed layout or simply used to play with. While smaller scales do not respond well to being run on carpet due to the fluff they will inevitably gather, O scale tends to be large enough to shrug this off. The snag is that coarse scale O does not have much of a following outside North America. Fine scale O is not really suitable for younger modelers as much of the rolling stock will need to be constructed from kits. While these kits are enjoyable to build, they will require some modeling skills. That said, American manufacturers such as Weaver and Atlas are beginning to offer fine scale O models in ready to run form, and Lenz have a rapidly expanding range of German stock.

Moving up again, we have G scale. This term is used to describe a selection of different scales operating on 45mm gauge track. There are 1:29 scale standard gauge models by Aristo-Craft and USA Trains, along with 1:20.3 scale narrow gauge models by Bachmann and Accucraft. Finally, LGB offer both 1:29 scale standard gauge models and 1:22.5 scale narrow gauge models. While this may be confusing, it need not be so. Your best bet is to find a model that you particularly like and build your collection from there. LGB have offered excellent starter sets, those with their narrow gauge "Stainz" 0-4-0 being superb value as the contents would cost roughly double the price of the set if bought separately. Aristo-Craft and Bachmann offer various sets too, however beware the cheap plastic sets sold around December each year. These will not last long

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