Thanks for the information. I’ll spend some time here soon checking the resources you recommended. I think DCC is what I’m after, as I hope to have two or three trains in my layout, and I love the idea of having sound along with them. Just more realistic and that’s what I’m after.
I’m hoping to find a local club here in Cincinnati that I can hook up with, so I can get with some folks in the know who would be willing to mentor me a bit…I learn best by actually seeing and doing.
On a another note, how many posts do I have to have before I no longer need a moderators review? Just curious, that’s all.
you’re welcome Darryl. Most of us here are rather helpful, some here are a bit mischievious, and a few whose posts you should just ignore…
As to how many posts? Until the moderators realize your posts are: CLEAN {enough for minors to read} , ON TOPIC OF MRRING OR TRAINS RELATED {except the DINER thread}, NON-INFLAMATORY TOPICS {politics or religion, etc.}, NON THREATENING OR CYBER-BULLYING, and OF “GOOD QUALITY” {their discretion}
Have funn with the hobby and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Others have mentioned a number of very useful tips/hints/directions to start you off, so check out any and all of those (in your copious spare time…)[;)]
One thing that could be useful in some initial doodling for a track plan would be a track planning program. I believe Atlas may still have their (free) RTE program for Windows systems, and if you are a Mac user, I’d suggest take a look at the (not free, but not very expensive) RailModeller program. Depending on your computer flavor, either one can help you try and re-try idea without using a bunch of graph paper (though I know of some guys who are excellent in the ‘freehand’ layout design area).
Keep in mind that:
You can never have too much layout space (you can have not enough funds to fill a very large space, however…)
Look up the LDSIG website, which has some excellent articles and suggestions on recommended (and even absolute) minimum radius for various cars/locos (i.e., if you are going to have 18" radius curves at the sharpest, you may not be able to use that BigBoy steamer that you’ve had your eye on - double axle diesels, or older steam locos more to the 2-6-0, 4-6-0 range probably can fit). What we want vs. what space we have to fit it into (John Armstrong’s book - mentioned earlier - talks about your “Givens and Druthers”, which covers much of the same territory) is a MRR’er’s ongoing struggle when designing a layout.
The style you mentioned can be called by various names, including “Around the walls”, shelf, etc. Advantages might include less surface for scenicking, but also everything is closer to the viewer, so you may find yourself needing/wanting to put more details into scenes along the way.
Hope those, with everyone else’s great ideas, helps you get started on your dream. [tup]
Jim - Thanks for the additional suggestions…I’m not the most computer savvy guy, but I’ll give it a go, just to see if I can figure it out, as it sounds like it could save me some time at the very least. I’m estimating my layout space to be around 10X12. I can get a more accurate figure when I free the future “train room” of all the fish tanks I now have in there (my hobby since '96). I think I’ll have a bit more room than I envision…just have to leave room so I can get to the fridge at the end of the room [:)]
Galaxy - I have no problem with that, so I’m hoping it won’t be long then…of course I may be doomed with the “Good Quality” standard [;)] Thanks for the feedback! [Y]
I checked out Atlas’s website for their free layout design software and they are no longer offering it. Seems like a step backwards to me but who am I to say…
All they suggest is that you search for freeware on your own.
No really big loss because their program was rather limited. I guess times are tight.
Maybe somebody with up to date information on available free layout design software could chime in here.