Before you purchase your set think carefully about where you’re going to display and built it. Select a space where it won’t get damaged… and where you have room to enjoy the set… and work on… and operate the trains with ease. And, if possible, room enough to expand onto your set. Yes, that’s something to consider – is it going to be permanent, or is the layout going to put away after each use?

Locate your layout with care. The amount of available space you have will influence what you end up modeling. There is no point in trying to build a layout with several stations, goods yard, bridges and villages etc., if it needs to be cramped into the corner of the spare bedroom. Not that you can’t be ambitious as long as you are realistic.

A table or a simple raised platform usually works well. You can make a platform by placing some plywood on a pair of saw-horses or some other raised support. The train will run a lot better if it’s secured to a hard surface like plywood. It is also better to be raised to a comfortable height above the floor.

It’s usually best not to display your set on the floor. Carpet and rails don’t mix because being low to the floor your set will attract pet hair, dirt, dust and debris that can stick to the tracks and get into the engine. The floor is not a good location, because pets, or children might damage the set, it may even cause someone to trip and/or injure himself or herself.
Keep in mind that it’s likely the railroading bug will bite you. It is contagious! So, you’ll need to have you room for expansion.

When locating your train set make certain that the site has a good electrical supply for running the trains and lighting your layout. It must be dry and comfortable to work in all year round.