Just wanted to introduce myself to the forum. Just getting back into the Hobby. I’ve been away from it for 40 yrs. Mostly it was my fathers HO setup and i inherited it, track and rolling stock anyway. I’ve got a 12’ X 16’ area in the basement that i am currently building benchwork in for an E clip type of setup based loosly on the Midland and if it would have survived into the transition era. I plan to keep the minimum radius to 22.5" in the yard and the main line at 24. I know bigger is better!! Most of the track that i have i wont use as it is mostly brass and steel, and a lot of 18" radius curves. I’ve read that most people are using mostly flex track nowadays instead of the sectional pieces anyway. DCC is still totally Greek to me…i know DC and have an over abundance of transformers. Most all of my Rolling stock was originally purchased in the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s.
There’s quite a bit out there, both on and off line; quite a lot more than when you’ve been last exposed to the hobby. This forum is a great place to get your questions answered as well as to get advice from some great modelers. Have fun, that’s the main thing!
Welcome back to the hobby and welcome to the forums! [#welcome]
The only piece of advice I might offer for now (if you haven’t done it already) is to clean and re-lubricate your locomotives before trying to run them. The grease will likely be pretty close to rock solid by now so they won’t run very well, if at all. If you are not familiar with how to disassemble the locomotives and the trucks just ask and somebody here will help you out.
Hi Jim, Welcome back to the World’s Greatest Hobby.[#welcome]
Just a couple of pointers, there is a bunch of us here that are still using DC. The only thing is, that you should take a look at is that the current lot of MRC DC. transformers or power packs, they are so much better than the old ones. You might want to go that route if DCC doesn’t spin your crank. You wouldn’t be disappointed.
Flex track is definatly the way to go unless you are in to laying your own ties and track and building your turnouts. I just don’t have the have the interest in that aspect, but to each their own.
The suggestion to lube and insect your locomotives before trying to run them is a good one and should be heeded before something burns up or some damage occurs.
Good luck to you, be sure you’re having fun because that is what it is all about.
Keep posting here and letting us know how you are making out , and any questions you have will be answered to the best we can or you will be directed to where the answer is.
Thanks for the Welcome all!! I will clean and lube all my rolling stock before they get used again. I am really looking forward to getting them into action again.