3 years ago I built my first home and in our foyer (open to ceiling of second story, overlooked by upstairs hallway, approx 12’x12’) we have 2 large “L” shaped plant ledges. I just got an idea to build a fairly large scale radio controlled operating model train + landscaping on the ledges. I heard I could even get one that blows smoke out of the engine and everything, this is the type of setup I would like to have with all the bells and whistles (I always wanted to say that and mean it!) I was just diagnosed with cancer 6 weeks ago and I need a hobby. This is a project I plan to continue for years to come and I have my wife’s support. What i do not have is the vaguest idea of where to start, other than I need tracks, a power pack and trains.
My wifes family is 3rd generation railroaders (chessie/csx) and we want to make that type/brand of train. Other than that, I have no idea where to begin. Can anyone help point me in the direction of how big what size classifications are? I know that size “O” is bigger than size “Z” but other than that I have no idea how big each size of train is.
As a brand new “modeler” I feel very lost and I do not even know of a local shop here in Indianapolis who carries model trains.
Any help/information would be greatly appreciated and I thank you in advance for your time.
JD
EDIT AND PS
Here is a VERY rough sketch of an arial view of my “building location”
Saying that “O” scale is bigger than “Z” scale is an understatement,to say the least.Well,I won’t try to give you all the info you’re looking for but I’ll try to help you find it.You could visit these websites for a start,altogether they are a wealth of infos on model railroading.You just type their names as is in your search engine.
-NMRA(National Model Railroader’s Association),covers all the basics.
-Plum Loco of Colorado
-Gateway NMRA(for basics and advanced)
-Loy’s Toys(quite complete,including DCC info)
-Atlas Model Railroading
-Katousa(Kato USA)
-Da Trains(highly researched site,one of the finest I know)
I personally learned a lot on these sites,hope it will be the same to you.
Actually you have answered most, if not all, of your questions. For scale I’d suggest “O”, for its visual appeal in your setting. Likely you want to model the “Chessie”. Its a great old railroading name with considerable history attached to it. You can likely get a large number of pieces of rollingstock in their livery.
Visit your LHS (local hobby shop), a google search indicates there is in fact one, and discuss your intentions with them. Also get a few books on the basics of the hobby. A visit to one or more of your local model railroading clubs is also in order. Ask lots of questions, experienced model railroaders love to discuss methods and options.
Don’t forget to take you wife along, she will enjoy the experience as much or more than you do.
Thanks a lot guys, and good suggestion about taking the wife with me. She is definate the type to agree more if she has a little input into the decision making process. also thanks jack for the leads.
Is there any way someone could give me an estimate of whats size an O size would be? I was reading somewhere that there was a G size that was quite considerable. I’d like to have each car/engine be 12-14" long, anyone know about what scale that would be?
In reading what you want, you probably want a G scale, as that’s the common version used for garden layouts such as what you want to do. G scale equipment can handle odd debree, such as leaves, and limbs falling on the tracks much better than any of the other scales.
Also, G scale is better suited for the live steam and smoke as you also stated you wanted that. As for sounds, most scales can now be sound equipped, so that’s not a problem.
Sorry to hear about the cancer, but based on that (not knowing the exact kind), I’d also recommend G for the ease of use when or if your dexerity should fail due to medicines and such.
To find a hobby store in your area you could try the back pages of Model Railroader. I have the October 2003 issue with me here and in Indianapolis are:
Tom Metzler Hobby Center
Big Four Hobbies
The Train Yard
Train Central
Internet shopping is fine, but I would recommend going to some of these stores where you can see and hold the product and judge what scale would be right for you. Also if the shop staff are worth their salt they should be able to advise you much better than I could.
I pray that your battle with cancer goes well and I know that your faith will help you get through.
you’ve gotten some EXELLENT advice so far; just let me throw in my 2 cents.
Buy some of the model railroading how-to books from KALMBACH. They’re EXELLENT, and will give you a lot of great advice. Also, the ATLAS model railroad company has a GREAT forum, at WWW.ATLASRR.COM It’s for HO,N, & O scale, however, but you can still find some great advice on there.
And, about those books I mentioned, they’re availible at any LHS (Local Hobby Shop), through Kalmbachs site at WWW.KALMBACH.COM or online through a number of dealers.
GOOD LUCK & sorry to hear about the cancer.
As a brand new “modeler” I feel very lost and I do not even know of a local shop here in Indianapolis who carries model trains.
Check http://cid.railfan.net/ for the local NMRA division. There are addresses there for Big Four Hobbies (Plainfield - west side) Hobby Town (Castleton - north side) and Train Central (East Washington street). Additionally, there is Tom Metzer’s on the south side and several others that I can’t recall at the moment.
WoW, I wasnt able to check the post for a few days, this is GREAT thanks so much for all of your help and suggestions, I’m going to get started researching right away!!
