50% of all starter kits for the model railroader are HO model train sets. The scale HO represents the middle ground in terms of actual size and volume use. Some of the most creative and spectacular layouts are in HO scale and many of the shortcuts and secrets gained in years of experience are hidden in the minds and layouts of experienced modellers. There is one layout that gained so many accolades that is now an exhibit in a museum..
The Internet is full of videos of HO layouts as is YouTube and the reason is that there is so many locomotives, so much rolling stock, scenery, control systems, and all manner of accessories. The railroad modeller has such a vast choice of products that it is actually difficult to decide which maker or style or even shape of layout to use. It is here where most of the secrets about choices reside. There are some decisions that must be made before building any layout.
Decision tip 1. Before even buying a locomotive or small layout set, decide on two key elements. How much space there is available for your layout. If this is not done all sorts of issues arise later on when you realise the track doesn