I am very new at this hobby and I’m getting ready to buy a DCC train set (HO) and I wanted to purchase a good book on the subject.
I really know nothing about model trains but though my life I always had a facination about it and I have 3800 square feet of unused space in my basement that I would like to use (well I plan on building a platform that is 4" wide and 30 feet long that is in a “U” shape)
Can anyone suggest a good (noob) book for me?
Thanks
Paul
A few suggestions…
stroll thru the forum here looking for a post by SPACEMOUSE (best bet is the thread called 10’x12’ layout contest), under his signature click on his link for newbies.
stroll thru the forum in general…this will help you to narrow down your interests so that when you invest in learning material you can invest wiser.
[#welcome]
Thanks Ken
I will do that[;)]
Check out Tony’s Train Exchange for his DCC information articles. They are very good and will help you to figure out if it is the way to go for your layout. It certainly adds to the realism of scale model trains. I don’t know it Space Mouse mentions this work, I think he does, but the late John Armstrong was pretty much the dean of planning track layouts from the point of view of getting a varied and realistic operating scheme that will keep the hobbiest interested and involved. His book, highly recommended, and available through Kalmbach Publishing, Inc, our hosts here, is Track Planning for Realistic Operation. It is wonderful, if a bit tough on the brain the first time around.
You’ll find many answers to your questions if you type them into the search function below the “Forum Jump” facility at lower right of this page. Most questions get asked 10-20 times per year, some that many times a month. There’s a lot of richness in the archives.
Good hunting.
Thanks
I am really new at this and I really want to have fun and learn how it suppose to work, a lot of this stuff I am reading is way over my head but I will keep reading and asking questions…I did find a model train store near where I live and they have been very helpful as well[:)]
3800 square feet! Lucky![8D]
I know…We just bought it…It is 80 years old and has a wide open basement[swg]
Although I was reading about the increased likelyhood of dust as the ceiling is unfinished, so I will have to keep that under consideration when building takes place.
This book is a bible. It should be used as a reference for beginners and experts alike. Every time I read it I learn something new. He is also great since he has a great philosophy on model railroading.
Magnus
There is a book called the Complete Book of Model Railroading, probably in your local public library, not new, but a good read and experience.
Welcome to the wonderful realm of model trains. In planning your layout be sure to allow for access to the far reaches and keep your curves as wide as possible.
3800 square feet, WOW we should be so lucky. The layout here is in a room 13 feet square and is a shelf 16 inches deep around all four walls.
Keep us posted on your progress.
FOCUS ON THAT AND you should be fine.
I will…thanks for all the help.
I have decided on a Boston & Maine theme, so this should help a lot…I just have to find some B&M layouts and then research the heritage and then let the madness begin[;)]
As for the dust issue, you may need to do some research on the construction of the house before developing a plan of attack. My initial thoughts were to stretch plastic across the rafters/joists BUT this may cause/amplify any moisture issues by preventing evaporation.
Either way, have fun. As soon as it becomes a drag it is not a hobby.
Is it the book from David Sutton 1974?
Tony Train Exchange has a free download book (at least they did I don’t know if they still have it) called DCC for begginers.
they still do and thanks it does help [:)]