hello

[willo84]

Hello all im totally new to this i have been given a Hornby Caledonian Belle set that i think i want to make a nice set out of

[RogerB]

Hi willo84 - welcome to the forum. Let us know how we can help. R-

[footplate1947]

Hello and welcome. Are you going for large layout or something small. I would say to start with keep things simple till you feel your feet. Take your time and get something running before bothering with scenic stuff. Take care with track-laying as that is the most important thing with a layout. Carefully laid track and points fixed down properly and flat will make things much more reliable in the long run.
Welcome Willo

[Mountain Goat]

Welcome to the site. Nice little trainsets those are. I use locos like that to convert to 7mm narrow gauge.
There's lots to see in here. Enjoy!
Something which may help at the beginner stage. If you break anything don't panic. Spares are usually available. For example, most of us will be buying packs of railjoiners. I also buy track cleaning rubbers to make sure the track doesn't get too grimy or tarnished. Hornby and Peco make them. Go easy if cleaning around pointwork though. Many use electrical cleaning alcohol instead, but one does need to be careful one does not use it near a spark or a flame.
Even with the loco and the carriages it pulls... Spares are usually available. This hobby is great like that. Ok, not everything is available when you need it, but generally it is.

Peco code 100 and Hornby track can be used together as long as they are both in 00 gauge. A few other makes will mix as well, as long as they are 00 gauge and have the same code 100 rail height. You can use other railheights but there will be a step up or down if joined. Converter track is sold between code 100 and code 75 if needed. Best to stick to the same height for now. Hornby track is code 100.
H0 and 00 track is the same in that the trains will run on either.
Peco settrack is the one that is the most similar to Hornby track. I hope this helps if you want to expand your little railway empire in the future!

[willo84]

thanks yes that helps a lot as i had seen the different makes of track etc so that is very informative

i will be going fairly small for now to see weather it is something that i really enjoy need to rearrange my shed so that i can make a good base to start on. i will then build on that i have more tracks and stuff in the loft of the house i moved into.i brought it off my in laws after my father in law passed away so i will go and forage up there and see what is up there he never said it was up there and i found it when i moved in

[Mountain Goat]

If you decide to build a larger layout, then consider Peco streamline flexible track as it works out a lot cheaper then sectional track in the long run. If you are happy with just a nice little layout for fun they the sectional track from Hornby and Peco are ideal. Flexible track needs to be cut to length and new railjoiners pushed onto every joint as by nature, flexible track comes without railjoiners. Flexible track and sectional track can be freely mixed, but the angles of the pointwork are different. (Of corse the code height needs to be the same to mix the track though this can be overcome if needed). Peco streamline points are normally available in both electrofrog (Live frog) and insulfrog (Dead frog) types. Insulfrog points are what Hornby sell. They are easier to use for beginners as in general, they don't need any extra wiring. While electrofrog points do need extra wiring, they do have a slight advantage in that they provide electrical contact at the frog itself so it is less likely a loco will stall while crossing the pointwork. Mind you. These days insulates points ha e improves so the dead part of the point is actually very small compared to how they used to be. It is probably easier to begin with to learn using sectional track (Which can be used for sidings and secondary routes if you expand) and go from there.
Something else of interest if you find old track. Some older track used to be made from steel. Yes it certainly can be used, but the modern nickel silver track is better. Nickel silver track has actually been around for a long time but as steel track used to be cheaper, steel tended to be the most popular. Steel is a littlw prone to rust in damp areas. Nickel silver can be used outside. Nickel silver track has a slightly goldy colour to it. Steel track is silver. Nickel silver does eventually turn brown outside but as long as the top surface is kept clean (Which will look yellow) and the point electrical contacts are maintained (Along with railjoiners being maintained.. many modellers will solder wire bridge pieces to ensure electrical contact between joints outside)) running 00 gauge outdoors is possible, but never use mains current outdoors (Keep controllers dry in a shed). It is much easier to keep a layout indoors though as outdoor layouts do require a lot of work to build and maintain.
I just thought I would mention it out of interest.

[Mr Bones]

Welcome to the forum. Friendly helpful bunch on here.

[glencairn]

Welcome on board willo84.

Glencairn

[Bandit Mick]

Welcome to the friendly forum. There is loads of help here for beginners - I was a beginner over 3 years ago and still am compared with the vast knowledge and experience of others but I've learnt loads so far. Lots of books are available to help you and exhibitions give further info and inspiration. HOWEVER, BE WARNED - THIS HOBBY IS HIGHLY ADDICTIVE!

[footplate1947]

Welcome to the forum. Friendly helpful bunch on here.

Hey Bones I have been meaning to ask you..........Wheres that toaster it never arrived................John