Don’t know where to start. I think i was in my teens the last time I had a model train set. Now in my mid 50s…ish, and disabled I gonna get back into it again. Not sure of what scale, layout or how far model rr has come since the 70s. I’m sure the electronics are alot different. Anyway wanted to introduce myself and see where I go from here. By the way, I’m in Tn. close to Ft. Campbell.
I was sort of in the same position. I last worked on a layout in the 1960’s. So, I am a newbie/oldbie, sort of. One thing though, I have been subscribing to Model Railroader magazine for about fifty years and pretty much stayed up with the hobby. I finally spent about six months engineering and designing my 10’ x 20’ HO layout last year. Mine is multi tiered and rather complicated. So, here’s my point, I purchased a number of Kalmbach specialty books and read them all cover to cover several times. So when I started designing and now building, I was “in the loop” again. I recommend the following three books that can be found on MR’s website, your local train oriented hobby shop and even on eBay. “Practical Guide to HO Model Railroading” (assuming you are an HO fan - of course I am not discriminating against other scales), “How To Build Model Railroad Benchwork” and “Easy Model Railroad Wiring.” Of course there are several other great books out there. But you need to start with a sound basic set of guidelines and habits to build a layout that is fun, prototypical (maybe) and operationally viable for whatever your particular intentions are for YOUR railroad dream. Planning correctly will definitely save you both time and money and not the least, a layout that operates well.
Mike Stubbs in Yucaipa, California
Thanks for the advice. Looks like I’m off to a good start signing on here. Al
Welcome Back to the hobby, and yes lots has changed, but I still run my AHM 4-4-0 loco with an MRC power pack, on a circle of brass track that I had when I was a young teen about your same time period (1966 or so). So while everything has changed, the old stuff still works.
If I were starting over today I would constantly remind myself of one thing - “focus”. Focus on a specific railroad (real or freelance), focus on a specific time, and focus on a specific geographic location. I believe I would be a much happier modeler had I done that. As it happened for me, being all over the board through the last 40 years is that all my stuff doesn’t match and make a nice coherent model railroad pike.
[:-^]
Hi SouthernGlide,
You do have a lots of choices available to you.
I fully agree with what Texas Zephyr has stated. Find your interest and focus there. There is just too much stuff available to start buying piece meal when you think you like something. Thats a bad move.
For example, I have been in the racket a long time (60) years. I know and understand DC Block sysytems, but I am in no way an electronics person. So I made a conscience descion to stay with DC on my last (retirement) layout. I only operate by myself and I don’t need the cost of all the DCC gadgetry, decoders etc, etc.
I chose the Western Pacific RR. in the late seventies which allows me a bit of flexibility on running anything from F7s to GP-40s In that area it also gave me the opportunity to run some other foreign equipment that used to pool with the WP. This has worked well for me and has saved a few dollars (quite a few ) for other things that are needed. I do have a couple of steamers that I run on excursion trains.
Off of Ebay, I bought 3 MRC controlmaster 20s, powerpacks for less that I could have bought one locally. You have to know what you want study on line what is a fair price for such items and don’t get sucked into a bidding war. Just wait there are others that will come up.
Those are just a few on my thoughts at this time. Now for the hard part for you, all the descions.
Happy Rails to you and welcome back.
Johnboy out…
Hi, and [#welcome]
I would echo the idea of READ read,and read it again BEFORE you send one thin dime!
I came back from my old kid/teen years too about 2006-07. That “fifty-ish-ness” has hit me too!
I started back with DC, and found out about that NEWFANGLED THING called “DCC”, and decided to go with it for SIMPLE wiring. I can, effectively, have JUST 2 wires connected to my trackwork {I have NO reversing loops} and I can make up to 3 Locos go forward/backward/and operate speed/lights independent of each other with JUST ONE SIMPLE CONTROLLER and NO “blocks”. I got in with a basic system, and found it does me so well, i got another one for the under-th-Xmas-tree layout as well. But that is me. There are hardschool DC guys and hardschool DCC characters with a few “converts” in the mix!
I also wanted to buy “2 of every “cute” thing i saw” hence the reason to keep your wallet in your pocket until you KNOW what you want.
I found my old N scale wasn’t good enough, and I always wnated HO so I went to HO for a mini layout {lacking lots of space}. I probably should have gone to N scale.
Some stuff is relatviely expensive if you are on a budget, and Atlas track is in short supply now due to problems with CHinaand manufacturing.
you will have fun though, if you enjoy it.
I recommend again to READ READ READ before you do much!
Its a hobby not gov’t work! Enjoy it YOUR way!
[8-|]
[#welcome]
Personally I have HO scale. Great size, not so big that you have to have a ton of room, and not so small it is hard to work with. I have settled on the modern era, tons of pics online, or just go to your favorite rail fanning spot for prototypical information, plus there is a wide variety of products for modern times.
What’s new, DCC, which is great if you have the extra money. If allows you to have sound and control several locomotives independently at once with out blocks.
Fellow newbie here, to the site and to the hobby, somewhat. Have four boys who I’m trying to keep interested in model railroading … so far, their favorite thing is to build the models and run the trains. The detail stuff? Not so much. Looking forward to reading and learning from some of the more experienced folks on here.
I was involved in the hobby off and on since the mid 1950s, heavily involved since the late 1980s.
I am facinated with the new layout project build starting in the January 2014 issue of Model Railroader, The Rice Harbor Project. Although basically a 4 X 8 layout, the fact that it can be reconfigured into an around the wall point to point, makes this layout particularly interesting. I like this idea, as the layout could then be added to as the mood strikes. You finish a small layout and can move on if you like. This layout is flexible and easily expandable. Then top it off with a car float and what’s not to like. I think a layout such as this is the exactly right project to get a start with.
Welcome to the forums!
Yes, read. As you read think about your “givens” and “druthers”. Givens are things you can’t really change: shape of your layout space, windows, doors, posts, etc. Druthers are what you would like if you can manage it: era (modern is difficult if you are limited to tight curves), location, industries to be served and the like.
DCC ( for HO or N, there are other systems for larger scales) does cost a bit more to get started as the control equipment and locos with decoders cost more. However, wiring is easier and you can operate several locos at the same time. Sound is also a drawing point.
Have fun,
Richard
Welcome aboard! [#welcome]!
Hello Southern
Welcome to the forum ! I want to invite you over to Elliots trackside diner where you will find a good cup of Joe and friends
TTYL
YGW