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process compared with HO/OO.

I would recommend HO/OO or N gauge, HO/OO has the widest range of models and accessories available from numerous manufacturers across the globe. HO/OO models will in general run on any truck, although the coupling systems do vary so you may find that coaches and trucks may not link up with some locomotives. HO/OO also has the benefit of being generally the cheapest because of economy of scales relating to production runs and material used.

N gauge also has benefits. There are a reasonable number of manufacturers around, producing high quality models. The size of the models is another benefit allowing for more to be done in a limited space. One added benefit is also the compatibility between manufacturers with a universal coupling system allowing all models to link up perfectly.

The other questions relate to the theme you want your layout to represent. Over time railways have evolved from steam, to diesel, to electric trains. If you want your layout to be realistic then it is important to ensure that models, accessories and scenery are compatible with the timeframe.

So if you have decided on scale and theme then you need to decide how to get started modelling. Train sets are the easiest way of getting some matching models together and getting a running railway immediately. If you are looking to buy a set then I would always recommend a well known name, in the United Kingdom this means Hornby, Peco, Bachmann etc. These companies give the buyer confidence that the set will work properly, always remember though that it is the quality of the locomotive that is going to be key to any set.

My personal recommendation would be a Hornby set for HO/OO scale. In particular there is a very nice Flying Scotman set on the market at the moment. In LNER livery it is depicting the Flying Scotsman from the 1930s and in addition to 4-6-2 locomotive, comes with two LNER composite coaches and two LNER brake composite coaches.

In addition the set also contains a Starter Oval track and additional track for two sidings to the oval circuit. There is a wall plug transformer, train controller, power connecting clip and TrakMat, thus providing everything needed to get your layout up and running within an hour. All this doesn't come cheap current prices are around GBP130 (USD260) but you do get a lot for your money for once.

My other personal recommendation would be a Graham Farish set The Granite City; Express Set which includes a steam locomotive and 4 coaches.

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