I’ve just completed my first layout, built an L shaped board to accomodate an Atlas Junior Pretzel track plan as suggested in the Atlas Beginner’s Guide to Ho Model RRing…the next step is to buy the track, rail joiners etc…I want to use a Milwaukee Road Hiawatha diesel engine, passenger cars …QUESTION IS; where is the best place on line to purchase the required material, a site that offers support in the form of a person that can answer my numerous questions…looking for a site that has a broad range of inventory, knowledgible personnel, and competitive prices.
.QUESTION IS; where is the best place on line to purchase the required material, a site that offers support in the form of a person that can answer my numerous questions…
on line is not the way to go , the LHS is. You might pay more but you can get the support you are looking for. Sorry , do not know any on-line place that you can talk to about many aspects of the hobby…
If you have a significant list of items often your LHS can give you a good deal and they are there to answer your questions. If you do not have a good model railroad hobby shop, you can shop online. My sugestion would be to make up your list, then go to the web sites of several good name online dealers. Avalibility and price may make it so you do not buy it all from the same shop, don’t forget to figure in shipping as price savings on a couple of small items can be erased by an extra shipping cost.
I have had good luck with MB Kline (Modeltrainstuff), Standard Hobby, Train World, Toy Train Heaven and Walthers. Many other folks have had good luck with others also. I have always called my orders in and talked to a real person rather than ordering online. Just take a couple of model rr magazines and do some shopping. Micro Mark has tools, some scenery and instructional items as well, so you could check them out.
If your LHS or online shop you deal with can’t answer your questions, right here is the best place I know of to ask. You will get a great varity of answers to choose from, but they are all from folks that are doing what you are. Some people have better luck with one way of doing things, others use other methods. As long as it accomplishes what you are after, none are wrong. One may be better for you than another. A little experimenting can lead you down the right path…
If your passenger cars are the kind that measure about 13" long, you will have a Dickens of a time with them on radii near 24", and I do mean some unhappy moments. I suggest you get smaller passenger cars or else figure on radii nearer to 27-28" if you would like them to run well.
Don’t overlook other modelers in your area. If you have a local hobby shop, they can direct you to local clubs. Many clubs have open houses to promote the hobby. If there are swap meets within an easy drive, attend several. You don’t have to spend a sack full of money. Look at different products, handle the models, ask questions. Its better to see things in person than in a catalog, magazine or on line.