I would like to know if anyone on this forum lived near by me. I am just getting into this hobby and need to have someone help me out.
I live in IL, you can PM if you are interestested,
Hey, mattman, didn’t want you to get discouraged. If you need help getting started with toy trains, just fire away here. [8D]
Ok so i am trying to decide what lionel set to start with… I want to first do a 4x8 layout and see how cool i can make it. Then move up. So baby steps is where i am at. I also am confused with if you want two trains running do you need two different power sources?
I am just getting started
Everybody has their favorite starter set. It was the Polar Express set that got me back into trains several years ago.
As far as running two trains at once, the simpelest, and least expensive way is two seperate loops of track and two power supplies.
There are more advanced methods to control two (or more) trains on tracks that are mechanically connected, but electrically separated (the block system), and the recent electronic control systems that allow seperate control of locomotives on the same track.
There are so many options available, you should do a little research first. This post is a good start, as there are many, many knowlageable people here willing to give advice and share expieriences.
Another source are a series of books published by Classic Toy Trains Books. Building a Better Toy Train Layout and Wiring your Toy train Layout will both help you with building a layout and understanding how to operate mutiple trains. No, I’m not putting a plug in for the sponsors of this forum, I’m reccomending books that I have in my own collection.
Your local hobby shop might also be a resource.
Good luck and build something that makes you happy.
[#welcome] Go for it. As Fifey says, fire away. Lots of good “helpers” on this forum.
Any of the newer LIONEL starter sets will have plenty to get you started. Lots of add on track available now as well. On the thrifty side, get to your local Michael’s, JoAnn’s, and Kmart for pre-lit buildings and trees.
Two trains is always nice, but a bit “busy” on a 4x8. Perhaps a passing siding (or holding track). This will allow for having two trains on the layout, but only one running at a time.
Will the layout be just for the holidays, or permanently set up?
It will be a permanent layout. This will be my starting point. I guess the next question would be is how did you decide on what your layout would look like? Did you layout your train then just starting adding or did you plain it all out before hand?
Since you said you will be buying a lionel starter set. And it will come with fasttrack. Check out thor trains for some layout ideas. http://www.thortrains.net/ Here is a link to some fasttrack layouts on the thor site. http://www.thortrains.net/marx/47fastrack1.html This is the link to the 4X8 fasttrack http://www.thortrains.net/marx/48fastrack1.html
Jason
Hi mattman,
Check out the Local Hobby Shops nearby**.** I would also google/yahoo for clubs and train shows in your area. I am fortunate, I have thos forum and a local train store. Usually every Friday we gather for conversation.
Matt, where in Illinois are you? If your in the Chicago area you may want to check out the Great Midwest Train Show in Wheaton this Sunday. It’s a monthly show with vendors in 5 buildings.
Don
Even on a 4 x 8 two trains running is a nice goal. The biggest challenge is that 4 feet is just 48 inches, so with fastrack, the minimum curve is 36 inches, so that just leaves 12 inches to put the outer curve. If you want to be able to move the trains between the loops, you would need at least 2 switches (four would be best to allow the engines to easily switch back). Its relatively easy to phase two lower watt transformers together to be able to run both trains on the same layout. The wiring to control both trains can get complex to avoid crashes, etc.
You could build a second level and have an independent loop that way as well. Both loops would need independent transformers, assuming you are not going to use some type of command contol. The other option is to use 027 track like CTT did in their recent Retro railroad series. In that layout, they could have easily adjusted the track plan to get two trains running at the same time. Again, the wiring can get complex. Having build a number of railroads, start simple (like two independent loops not wired together) and get it running. Then go to phase two after you learn a bit more about wiring, command control, etc.
all the best, dave
…what the layout would look like?
In my case, the first building I purchased for the then under-the-tree layout was the Village Station (very close to the B&O Point of Rocks) from the Snow Village (Dept 56) collection. Snow on the roof dictated snow on the ground. My prototype interest is the Chessie System in the region surrounding Cumberland, MD, hence the “flavor” of my current layout.
If you need more of Lionel Fastrac go to a Target superstore to buy, cheaper than most hobby shops for the expansion pack of track. The expansion pack has four 036 curves and four 10inch straights.
It depends on what you like but I use Life Like grass matts for my layout, for touch ups I use Squadron Green Putty and leftover matt droppings to repair holes with, I put the green putty in place then put the matt droppings over the green putty and press it into shape with my finger. Unless you are right on top of the repaired area you won’t notice it, also use green putty to attach trees to my grass mat.
Lee F.
So i guess the more i hear all of you talk i get a little nervous about starting a O gauge layout. I really want to have a lionel setup and have really looked into this and maybe you can suggest some good books that will give me some options to start with.
another question would be if after i get this track going and step up to the legacy controler, will it run MTH engines? Will it make all of the sounds that you should have?