I need hints

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi, I’m new here and I was wondering if anyone could give me hints on how to start my own track.

Thanks, Spatter[:D]

2

1, find a plan.
2. follow it
3… use ‘sectional’ track

Get ir up and running.
HINT:Have fun and learn.

a local hobby shop is your friend.

3

[#welcome] spatter

Look around on the forums, read alot, get some MR magazines track plans etc. Model trains step by step is a good one to read comes with a DVD.

Have some fun and don’t rush into anything!!

I rushed in and i’ve made many changes to make the track plan fit.

Ken.

4

Hi spatter [#welcome] try and grab some of the track plan books that kalmbach has published by john armstrong and the basic wiring book from atlas is also a good starter help shoes you how to wire and use their switch and control systems. most of all have fun and don’t forget to ask questions. TB

5

[#welcome]You’ve just joined the worlds most creative hobby. I agree with all of the above, do some reading, some planning and take it easy and don’t rush. I rushed my first layout and spent years trying to correct it, finally just said @%$^ it and started over. There’s a lot to learn as you go, and darn near ALL of it’s fascinating (well, maybe not the under-table wiring, LOL), and the guys here on the forum are always willing to help. They’ve helped ME, and I’ve been doing this since 1965 or so. Again, welcome and have fun!
Tom

6

P.S–have you given any thought to exactly WHAT you’d like to model, as in locale, era or type of layout (mainline, switching, etc.). If so, I’d suggest you get some books on whatever prototype railroad that fascinates you, see what kind of locomotives they used (for instance, if you’re modeling Kansas in the 1990’s, you don’t need a Cab-Forward steam articulated). Or if you’re going to free-lance, create your own railroad name and locale, explore the articles in Model Railroader or Railroad Model Craftsman, they usually have some pretty good ideas for freelance layouts. Again, there’s a lot of help out there, and as Don said, become good friends with your local hobby shop.
Tom