I have been studying every article I can find online about HO train layouts and am still coming up with design ideas for my first layout. Right now I have been thinking of doing a 10x10 shelf layout like how the benchwork for the Heart of Georgia layout is set up. The steel industry is what really interests me and the Balitmore Bethlehem Steel plant isnt far away so a realistic 1950’s layout based on that will be possible. (I’m really lucky because M.B. Klein -modeltrainstuff.com is nearby).
The problem is I am only 20 years old and do not know anyone that knows about this hobby or is at all interested in learning about it. Most of those around my age are too glued to their phones, computers, video games and all the other stuff so putting those things away and building a layout is a terrifying idea. Before I really get into designing the plans for a layout or anything like that, I believe it would be best to actually see a well-designed layout first-hand, and meet people that will be able to answer a lot of questions. Reading articles and watching youtube videos on this hobby are one thing but actually doing it in-person is very different.
It seems like joining a club will be the only solution but I am not too sure of any that would accept a younger person like me who would not be able to contribute a whole lot to the club besides enthusiasm. What do you guys think is the best way for me to gain experience before I start on a layout? Is joining a club the best way for me to do so?
I would join the nmra at nmra.org They have a host of resources including clubs and clinics. There should be many clubs/orgs in your area. I get emails of events all the time for my area.
I’m guessing you’re somewhere in the DC-Baltimore metro area, based on the not being far from MB Klein and the Baltimore modeling idea. There’s quite a few modular clubs in the area. I’d investigate that angle. It’ll get you connected to people in the area, you’ll see complete-ish modules, and you’ll be learning and honing skills on something small that doesn’t require large financial outlay.
As a fellow 20 year old, I’d reccomend you joining on here as many of the older fellows are full of knowledge and more than happy to help us naive youngin’s. Joining a club is one solution, but being in a club is very different from being a Lone wolf modeler. I know because I’ve joined a club here recently and I’'m having teething troubles with getting a module or even a home layout started.
Building a Layout isn’t at all terrifying once you get going, it sort of comes naturally. With a bit of nurturing and some wisdom from fellow modelers you’ll be good. Had I asked the questions I should’ve before I finished mine, it wouldn’t have been in such rough shape.
I’d reccomend doing the WIIFM approach, Narrow down what you want rank it, and anything that doesn’t make the cut off number is still on the drawing board.
I started on my own in Jr High but also joined a club in HS. The club was a bunch of “older” guys and I was the Jr member. They had me hand laying track, etc. Also some fun outings like chasing the Reading Iron Horse Ramble. If there is one handy, I’d suggest to give it a try.
You are lucky you are near Kleins; I visit them in pereson when I go to the Timonium train show - I also strongly recommend going there too.
As far as track planning and idea’s. Pick up a copy of John Armstrongs "Track Planning for Realistic Operation (published by Kalmbach - same as Model Railroader Magazine) and read it cover to cover - it’s a bit old fashioned but lots of great stuff in there - very pracitcal and I especially love the section on standards for track planning.
Actually Jake, I would guess that most of us started out on our own, learning as we attempted to build something. As others have mentioned, going to a train show or visiting a club will definitely help. However, the only way you’ll gain confidence in your own abilities is to jump right in. Maybe save the “big” layout for the future and try your hand at one of the 4’ by 8’ project layouts that have appeared in Model Railroader. You won’t spend a lot of money but you’ll learn a lot of different techniques and, yes, you’ll make a lot of mistakes. Once you feel that you have taken the 4’ by 8’ layout as far as it will go, you can then move on to the “big” layout knowing what techniques you like (and are good at) and what techniques or pitfalls to avoid. Go for it!
I am 55 now but I was your age when I built my first layout. I made many mistakes on it and more than likely, you will too. Just remember to learn from the mistakes and try your best to not make them again. The first mistakes get most people frustrated and they leave the hobby. If you are as passionate about model trains as most of the people are here in this forum, you will overcome your mistakes and keep trying to build a better railroad.
My suggestion to you is to go to Kalmbach Publications and get some “How To” books on 4 subjects. 1. Benchwork, 2. track work, 3. Layout Wiring and 4. Scenery. The books are not that expensive and will keep your mistakes down to a dull roar if you read them before proceeding with building your layout. Joining a club is also a good thing to do. Talk to the old guys. They have volumes of knowledge in their heads about the hobby.
Finally, Build the layout! You’ll never know what your capable of until you try!..Chuck
Join a club. Every club out there is happy, no overjoyed, to find new members, especially young new members. Clubs are suffering from an aging membership, too many funerals, and they all realize that they need new members if they are to survive. The older members are happy to have some new faces to listen to the war stories and the advice.
must be in the wrong club, only one of our members that I’ve met is over 50 atleast, there’s also a fellow younger than me. N scalers are an odd bunch. [(-D]
Jake, although there are various opinions and advantages/disadvantages to different bench building styles I heartily recommend L Girder benchwork as the easiest to start with. You don’t even need straight cuts (as on a table saw) and can build the whole thing with a saber saw and sheet rock screws. I also like traditional plywood/“cookie cutter” methods with cork roadbed. I’ve never warmed up to foam. The Kalmbach (Model Railroader Magazine) book on bench work originally written by Linn Wescott (now updated by another author) is a great do it yourself book for a beginner. This forum is awesome with some of the best people in the whole world on it. Don’t hesitate to ask any/all questions. Their patience (even with me) is amazing.
There are several steel modeling meets (conventions, shows, contests) around the country and one hobby shop in the south (I think it was called Peach Creek or similar) is steel modeler oriented. I’m in my sixties (going on my 20’s and I’m very glad that young guys n’ gals are interested in this fantastic hobby. Welcome!
P.S. Here’s the link:www.peachcreekshops.com/ They’re in the same region as you are and might be able to help.
and I’m very glad that young guys n’ gals are interested in this fantastic hobby. Welcome!