OK, read, read read, everyhting you can get your hands on. I picked up old back issues of MR and it really helped. THen i got MR How to build Scenery DVD and that really helped out. MOstly i found that after two years, i have made a lot of mistakes, but have learned from them. I find that when i recognize a mistake, i may not correct it right away, till i have a better plan of action. This is supposed to be FUN after all. Right now i am building my second custome trestle bridge, this is a bridge based on accurate plans, and fully detailed. It took me two years to get this far, have to think what i’ll be doing in 2 more years. Just keep positive, and have fun.
Plus i love sculpamold, this stuff just is the most fun, easy to work with scenery material i have ever seen.
Bill
I have been into modelrailroading for 16 years. The Advice I can give you is read, read , read, Your local Libray shoud have tonz of books. And also the Mag Model railroader. as far as weathering . I like using Chalk, Try your local craft store. Also the only down side to cork is it can dry out in the long run… Also try to stick with a flat layout first. to get the basics down then move to a change in grade. Good luck and one other thing try to attend train shows. there cheap and lots of info the people there love to talk. and also your local train shop
My advice is to find a good hobby shop! In my experience, most hobby shops have some sort of specialty (like the one a few blocks from me is really heavily into RC cars and has only a token rail section.)
A good way to find a train-centric hobby shop near you is to use the store locator on the Walthers website. www.walthers.com if it’s listed there, they’ll usually have a good selection and anything they don’t have you can get ordered through Walthers.
~METRO
Ok thanks All
Always use cork for the road bed. I tried the black foam, but the glue I used created ridges that were not noticed until after the track was spiked down.
When I go to Lowes or Home depot, they look at me like I’m crazy when I ask for homasote, and then describe it. I live near Dallas. Any Ideas where I can find it?
Thanks!
[:D]Hi! I’m twelve and model the Pittsburgh and Shawmut in Pennsylvania. For laying track I use these guidelines:
-always use roadbed. I use cork from Woodland Scenics. You can buy it in rolls at your local hobby shop. It greatly deadens noise and vibration. It also provides a good base for ballasting the track.
-To ballast, I use Woodland Scenics products. Mix them in a tub to your liking, and then spoon it over the track. Smooth it out with a brush until you like it. Then glue it down with an eyedropper.
-NEVER get glue around switch points! After ballasting check the track using a freight car.[:)]