hello i have not had a train layout in 35 or so yrs, thinking of making a comeback.
i have 8 local shops to buy from and in checking them over i made note thatat least in these places there is not much in the way of real modern accessories ie; autos, trucks,real modern blds. etc. is it just that the places here don’t carry it or is it that not that much is out there?
oh btw i am into HO size stuff
Welcome to the forum and back to the hobby. There are many of us back after years of hiatus. I was away 21 years. I too am in HO. Though everything is the same, it has all changed. DCC radio was the biggest surprise. Sound is a close second.
As to accessories, there is a lot. If you have not discovered Wather’s catalogue, that is a good place to start. I have discovered that the Hobby shops around have very little, but we are blessed with a great HO shop (Becker’s) and a couple of good train stores that have HO.
I resubscribed to Modelrailroader and find that useful. I also joined the local NMRA divison and met some good people.
You will also find that this group likes to give advice and some of it it really useful.
Keep us posted, we are all learning together.
Hi.
It’s some of both, but dependent on the location/clientèle and the personal preferences and biases of the proprietor. The hobby still has a strong anchor in the sentimental and dated side of the hobby, thus explaining the prevalence of steam and its era’s rolling stock. This is also reflected in much of the craft wooden and plastic kits. As for modern buildings and vehicles, I read of threads titled “1/87 autos at Walmart” and others who are doing modern modeling suggesting that they have access to designs or manufactured items that suit their purposes. Walther’s makes modern structure kits, particularly industrial and street-side ones for facades when a bench must be shallow.
You should get lots of feedback before long from folks who are doing this type of modeling.
Welcome back to the hobby. I’ll just reiterate what ArtHill said…check out the Walthers catalogue for HO…it’s our version of the candy store. You’re sure to find lots of modern accessories in there that you can order online or through your local shops.
Cheers.
[#welcome]
Hello oldtrainman; been there done that! After 25 years of scouts (boy & girl), band boosters, and coaching girl’s softball my daughter moved out for college and I finally have a train room again (well it is still full of her stuff but my wife says that I can think it is mine if I want to). Can’t second Art Hill’s comment on the NMRA enough. Joined two years ago and got active in Div 8 in Louisville and it has been a blast. Made lots of great friends and seen many fine layouts including John Bowling’s featured in the August MR. The monthly bring & brags, clinics and people who can answer your questions make it worth while, and hey the FUN is just a bonus.
Welcome back Dale.