New to model railroading

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Does anyone know of any model railroading clubs in the Northern Virginia area? Specifically near Fairfax?

I’m very interested in eventually building my own layout, unfortunately, right now, I don’t have very much room in my small apartment. But I would like to meet someone who’s been modeling for a while and learn from them until I have a better place to do my own layout.

Thanks.

2

Welcome to the hobby! There should be a club or two in your area around DC and Maryland. You might try the listings in Model RailRoader , and MRC magazines. Lots of good clubs out there, and you can learn a wealth of experience from the members, here and in clubs.

3

Welcome ! You dont need much space to do a layout . just a imagination . View my web , my layout is 6feet long 4feet high and wide Ialso live in a appartment ,make it so you can take it apart . there’s so many opptions GOOD LUCK
SBR

4

I believe the NMRA (www.nmra.org) has a list of clubs in the US and Canada.

You could try making a modular layout, or even a small switching layout to begin. One of the local clubs here has a switching layout based on John Allen’s “Timesaver”, which is a great little puzzle layout. It takes up about 2x6 feet.

Try these sites -
http://www.naisp.net/users/mfischer/m_train2.htm
http://www.wymann.info/ShuntingPuzzles/small-layouts.html
http://www.carendt.com/ (This was not working as of this morning, but is usually up, so try again…)

Here is a link to making lightweight benchwork that is easy to move:
http://www.railwaybob.com/Modules/MRIndex.htm → follow the “modules” link. Bob has advised that you would be better off with the 2" extruded (pink or blue) foam than the 1.5" he recommends in his “how-to”. Warning - a bit photo intesive for dial-up users.

Good luck…!

Andrew

5

Northern Virginia NTRAK is a very active club

http://www.nvntrak.org/

6

I live near Baltimore so I don’t exactly know of any clubs, but a great place to ask - if you haven’t been there already - is Grandad’s Hobby Shop (http://granddadshobbyshop.com) in Springfield. Those guys would know, if anybody would, where the active clubs are in NoVA.

7

Thanks for your input everyone. I’m hoping to find someone that I can sort of ride shotgun with to learn more about the modeling aspect. I don’t know anything short of some experience with building model ships and a few airplanes.

I’m still sort of torn between building a N scale layout or an HO scale. I also want to try and build my layout with structures similar to ones in my area of upstate NY. (That’s where I’m originally from, I still live in VA. LOL)

8

This page http://www.cwrr.com/nmra/Cluba-SZ.html#VA lists some Virginia clubs.
Enjoy
Paul

9

hoydense [#welcome] aboard the forum!

In the back of each Model Railroader (MR) issue is a “Retail Directory”. Look in there for a local hobby shop (LHS), go talk with them they may know of a club in your area.

I know this isn’t someone you can shake hands with or sit next to and watch but the folks on this forum are some of the best when it comes to answering questions.