Thanks for the pics. I noticed the Layout Kit box in the 1st picture. Was that layout designed using one of those Woodland Scenic kits I see for sale everywhere? I’ve been debating possibly using one of those depending on how complex they are. I figured it would be an easy way to learn and achieve a nice end result at the same time.
Yes, that first 4x8 was a Woodland Scenics Kit. I used what I learned building it to build the rest of the layout. I also learned that the Bachmann EZCommand you also see in the picture was a mistake. It has been replaced with a Digitrax Super Chief.
I have an HO Passenger Train (GO Transit) - with 4 Bombardier cars that can only run on the very perimeter of my 4x8 layout. I will need to expand that table. I also have the same train running on my N layout which is on a door. Any six axle loco will have issues on a 4x8 running in an oval.
I started out with HO then I thought N scale was cool. While I work on one layout I can play (Model, Engineer, whatever) on the other.
I have the NCE PowerCab with SB3a Booster on the HO and MRC Advance 2 on my N. I initially had the Bachmann system but it was really limited.
Might I suggest a few things that come to mind?
First, don’t be afraid to make a mistake. That is what they make sawzall’s for! Also, don’t let the benchwork part scare you either. I am a property manager by day and we use relatively cheap saws to do pretty tough jobs and they last a long time. You can probably buy a good circular saw for less than $ 50. I would NOT recommend taking wood to the home store to get every cut made for you. You will find that you waste a ton of time driving and my guess is you will give up long before you get anywhere.
Instead, why don’t you ask the customer service desk at the local home store if they offer any “beginner” classes for working with power tools. My guess is that you are more intimidated by the tools and losing fingers than you are by building the benchwork. If that is the case, don’t be embarrassed to ask for a little education! We all started out as rookies! The 2 big box home improvement stores that come to mind regularly offer different clinics on Saturday mornings in my area (I think they are free, too). That is a great opportunity to get introduced to power tools while being taught to cut/measure. Lesson one - count your fingers before you start and learn to keep them all! Lesson two - measure twice and cut once.
Final thought for now - it sounds like you are getting analysis paralysis. About a year ago, I took the hobby back up after a couple decades after my son expressed some interest in model railroading. We joined a local club a year ago and just started building a home layout. The club is a GREAT resource on so many levels, with the first being the opportunity to talk to more experienced members about the topic of the day. Second, you gain use of a large layout as well as an opportunity to work on different parts of the layout to gain some skills. Jump back in and enjoy the hobby!
Dave;
Did you ever finish your River Pass layout? - I would love to see more photos.
Thanks,
Brian