Hey guys just picked up my first set in many years this Christmas for the tree, haven’t touched on this hobby since I was 11 years old girlfriend wanted a Christmas tree and I said fine as long as I can run a model train around it big mistake on my part because now I’ve got yet another hobby to obsess over haha. Ended up getting a DCC ready Athearn SD60 the same day I got the Bachmann Durango &Silverton. Then I remembered how I would obsess over the big boy as a kid couldn’t afford it so I got a close 2nd Bachmann Em-1 loooove this train it’s gorgeous. Ended up buying some more track and picked up a NCE power cab off ebay for cheaper than the hobby shop wanted for a bachmann ez command (I love supporting small business but damn you’re gunna charge me $200 for that dinky thing?) Anywho that’s a quick overview of me I’ve sited this forum for a lot of questions I had about DCC set ups and ect and it’s been very useful thought I’d register and say hi instead of lurking in the guest shadows. If you guys had any questions or comments maybe on my purchases I’m here. Obviously looking at my loco choices I have no idea what I’m planning for a layout but I working on it gatta get some space for it first seems to be the difficult part.
Welcom to the form. I own both ho an n scale my self. My present project is building chicago that i plan to take at shows.
Your comment on the price of the of the ez command, its price is based on volume. i see wathers sells it for $190 normal price. So its only $10 above base price. That is not to bad but the internet sites that have little overhead and make most of their money on volume. So they usaly sell with sharp discounts, which means very low profits but they make it up with selling large amounts. Most local hobby shops can not sell that amount of volume. Some like my local hobby shop tries to give some discounts to get people choose them over the internet.
Justin
[#welcome] DrV, I see we have trapped another new one!! [swg]
We are here to help. Do you have an idea of the space you have available and what kind of railroad you awnt to model?
Be careful about impulse buys at this time. A lot of newbies buy a lot of things that catch their eye, and end up with a mish-mash of eras and type of equipment that do not go together. Then, when they really decide what they want to model, they have to sell off a lot of stuff at a big discount from what they bought it.
I agree with George…go easy on the gotta-have-'cuz-it’s-totally-eyecandy purchases. Almost every one of us has some regretful purchases early in our time in the hobby, but the regret comes quite a bit later once we’ve learned more about trains in general and the hobby. I spent money on a DC power pack, but migrated very shortly after to DCC once I learned of the limits with DC…or maybe I should say what were MY limits with DC.
Track can get very expensive, especially the easily connected EZ-Track or Uni-Track from those Christmas kits. You’ll soon want to expand, but if you do it with that type of track, it will come to hundreds of dollars.
I don’t want to throw water on your new passion…by any means. But, I also would hate to see your ardour diminished when you quickly come to realize you made some hasty buying decisions and run out of what disposable/discretionary hobby money you may have hoped would launch you into a solid start.
Welcome to the forum, BTW. Join a self-help group right away…you are about to become addicted.
Hi Doc and Welcome.
Research will be your best friend in this hobby which will save you alot of money and regrets later “down the tracks”. This research into the various railroads and era’s is a fascinating journey not only into the history of the company’s but also in the history of the country and people. This hobby is very addictive for which I am thankful because it keeps you thinking on a broad spectrum. Whether you have a small or large “empire”, enjoy, and never hesitate to ask questions.
All the best.
Reinhard
Welcome to the forums. There is wealth of knowledge, experience, talent and information here at your fingertips. Enjoy! And never be afraid to ask for help and ideas.
Mike.
Dr. Vroom wecome to the hobby and I wanted to extend an invitation to you to join us in Jeffries Trackside diner. Where we discuss on topic and off topic subjects. You are welcome there anytime. Hope you stop in.
TTYL
YGW
Welcome aboard to the forum! Feel free to ask any question or express concerns. Many here do gladly help. I love people willing to jump into the hobby. The challenge is focusing the passion to considering key factors in the hobby: space, time, and money.
Focusing on a specific area and part of the country can help keep costs down. While the temptation to satisfy the must-have habit exist, ask yourself whether the cost and time is worth the effort. Learning from yours (and others’ mistakes) is probably one of the most effective ways of becoming more capable and appreciative of the masters.
Reading is a great way to learn more about the hobby. Recommended books include those about operations, industries, wiring and benchwork.
Welcome!
I’d like to add one little bit of caution. Some of your new purchases will look and operate best on broad curves. Please keep that in mind as you build (and expand) your railroad. You’ll be glad you did.
Tom
Sounds like he has already impulse bought a few things. Thats what HOSwap and HOExchange are for - selling those impulse buys so you can raise cash for a more themed RR. Or Ebay. It might take a few years before that process begins! [:P][;)]
Yeah I for sure did some impulse buys, I will likely sell the sd60 although I’m sure i I wouldn’t get more than $50 for it, the 2-8-0 I may keep as a practice train solder a dcc chip add sound before to hone some skills. And yeah this track is kinda crap no offense to anyone using it I’m sure you can make it work but it is expensive and looks time consuming to make work.
pros on my buys I love this em-1 it’s gorgeous has dcc and easy to get sound out of and I paid $250 so not bad. And this power cab I’m under the impression this thing is capeable for what ever I may need at least in the terms of being able to add on to it and expand.