Hey guys,i live in texas and am interested in building a layout and am trying to build the 4x8 stoney creek layout from the model railroader magazine. I would like to know what I need to get started and where i should start. Also I would like any advice that you modelers might have. Thanks!!
What do you need to get started? Hmm, let me see, inspiration, creativity, encouragement, thirst for knowledge…yup… looks like you’re set!
As far as what you need to make the layout from MR, I need more info. What scale do you wi***o model it in? Do you want to exactly duplicate what is in the mag, or modify to make it your own? Do you already have any rolling stock/track/power etc?
My advice, use MR mag for inspiration and information, but always build your own “thing” whether it’s an entire layout or just one structure, never think you can duplicate somebody else’s work. Take what others have done and use the techniques to create your own unique style. Doing is more important that talking, plan, but don’t over plan and never build. The beginning is the most difficult part of the work. [:D]
Welcome aboard!
Go find a Local Hobby Shop, or LHS as we call them. There are a number of books on model railroading, many published by Kalmbach. These have a lot of good information for beginning modellers.
The important thing at first is not to rush. Plan your space, plan your benchwork, and plan your track. Buy in small increments at first, or you may end up with too many things that you really don’t need. Your plans will change as you go along - that’s normal.
There are a few free layout planning software packages available. I used the Atlas one, from http://www.atlasrr.com and it worked fine for me. It’s pretty basic, but I didn’t need to do anything complicated. But, don’t get caught in “planning paralysis.” Sooner or later, you need to cut some lumber and glue down some track. It seems intimidating at first, but it won’t be long before you’ll be posting pictures of your layout on Weekend Photo Fun.
Also, for some tips on beginning Model Railroading, you might want to check out the NMRA Introduction to Model Railroading pages at: http://www.nmra.org/beginner/
I wi***o model in HO, I do want to modify it, and I only have Power and the engines. Thanks.
Try scaring up the back issues that shows how Model Railroader mag made it.
Hello fellow 4x8 newbie!
I’ve been reading a lot of different books. The one that is helping me understand many of the basic building techniques is Kalmbach books “HO Railroad From Start to Finish By Jim Kelly”. Similar to the Stoney Creek that you’re reading about in MR, this book has all the articles that went into the start to finish building of the “Cripple Creek” project railroad.
Jeff Wilson in his “10 tips for beginners - getting from a train set to a model railroad” also refers to the above book as a good general source of info. (Jeffs article is on this website under downloadable articles/hobby basics/model railroading.)
Keep learning and having fun every day. I’m having a blast.
Well,
I was going to say get some books from the LHS, but everyone already said that so…Get some books from the LHS [:D] READ READ READ. You’ll be surprised at what can be learned.
hey Railroader08,
ive only been at this about 3-4 months so i’m new also, mine is in HO , just a starter layout to practice everything so hopefully later i can build a bigger and better one. Anyways , i’ve learned so far what would be i think in my opinion the best advice is to plan, and plan good. Leave room for expansion if you are going to look to do that ? Plan everything, from the (what you might think is the smallest thing) all the way to the largest. I’ve made this mistake and luckly i can talk myself into saying “this is just a practice layout no worries” [;)] but, can kick myself for not thinking ahead.
Thre are alot of great guys on here that are really helpful , great ideas ,and full of knowledge , just have fun with it. i havent alot of experience ( mine being a 4x8 layout that i just made up) but i still like it and am having fun. [:D] that is the name of the game.If i can help in anyway ( finding info etc. ) let me know.
Hope the rail gods shine on your layout
Chris
Okay Chris, fess up. How about a short list of things we should look out for. Let’s learn from your efforts (note I didn’t say mistakes - we all gotta learn!).
Derek
I chronicle building my 4x8 at:
http://www.pacificcoastairlinerr.com/4x8/
Hope that helps and thank you if you visit
Harold
I’ve got a web site that shows how I got from there to here. There might be something that will help. Just click on the link below.
You’re near Houston. There are probably some members close by.
Also keep asking questions.
Hey i need help on how to talk my parents into giving me some space to build the 4 x 8 river pass layout any ideas
Hi, railroader08. Welcome to the most interesting part of the world’s most interesting hobby.
The others have pretty well covered the beginnings of a good reference library, so I’m going to reach 'way back and try to remember what helped me through the steep part of my learning curve.
I believe that the single most important thing to realize is that no model railroad is ever finished. Try to get some track down and powered as early as possible, even if it’s only two lengths of flex or a couple of pieces of train set snap-together. Then, run your train (“A locomotive or locomotives, with or without cars, carrying markers.” Peter Josserand.)
That will: 1. Give an early sense of accomplishment. 2. Provide incentive to make the running track longer.
Don’t worry about having everything perfect the first time. If that could be done, nobody would need the eraser on a wood pencil. (My erasers are all well worn!) As your skills improve you can come back and redo your earlier work.
The nice part about building a layout is that if one activity starts getting boring or frustrating, you can put it aside and do something different for a while.
Above all, this is a hobby, not a business. Just have fun!
Just point out to them that if you’re working on your model railroad you’re not out getting into trouble, getting drunk, or making them worry. As a fairly recent teen, I think that argument should do the trick. 
- Tim