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roughly about the size of a large dining room table.

Size: 1:87 (one eighty-seventh the size of a real train).
Rough Conversion: 3.5 mm = 1 foot / 1 inch = 7.5 feet
Standard oval layout size: 47"x38"
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N

My dad has an N scale Alaskan Railroad train set, it is a good scale size for small spaces, but if purchased for older or younger railroad enthusiasts they might have some trouble with building scenery or buildings for the layout.

An N scale oval layout can be built in an area the size of a desk, making this an ideal size for small spaces, but it is not as easy to expand as an HO scale layout is and can be a bit more expensive.

Size: 1:148
Rough Conversion: 1 inch = 13 feet 4 inches
Standard oval layout size: 34"x24"

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Z

While it can be very tempting to buy a Z scale train, this is not something for the beginner hobbyist to get into unless you know it is the size that is wanted. Z scale is the smallest commercially available scale of model train and from what I have seen one of the most expensive.

The draw of the Z scale is in its diminutive size, the engine of a Z scale train is only 2" long. You can build elaborate layouts on something as small as a coffee table, which makes this an excellent choice for someone with a steady hand living in a single bedroom apartment. The first Z scale I ever saw was set up in an elaborate layout under the glass top on a coffee table.

While a recognized segment of the model railroading hobby, the Z scale is not as well supplied as the more popular HO and N scales.

Size: 1:220
Conversion: (I'm not going to worry about calculating this out, it's *small*)
Standard circle layout size: 24"
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Bottom line - the best scale for most beginners is going to be HO because of the possibilities for expansion and the inexpensive cost to get started. N scale is good if you know you are going to enjoy the hobby and have limited space. Z scale is probably best for a fully assembled gift from a current enthusiast to someone they know will cherish it.

* TRACK *

Track comes in a few different types. For the beginner, the E-Z Track by Bachmann is the best option because it requires the least work to get it set up.

E-Z Track. This track has the road bed built on it and everything, it is ready to just snap together and start your train rolling. Many of the boxed trains will come with this kind of track in the box. You can also buy this track on its own.

Rigid track

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