Realistic looking trouble free track.
I am torn between having good track work and an ability to reach what ain’t.
Maybe there are others who have learned how important it is to be able to get to where the trouble lies.
Had you have ask, “What is most important on your layout” - (PICKY!!; PICKY!!; PICKY!! but shouldn’t there have been a question mark there somewhere?) - I would have had absolutely no trouble at all with an answer: my cat. At least currently she is the only thing on my layout and is likely to enjoy that distinction into the indefinite future if I can’t figure out how to put twenty-five thousand volts (AC of course) on my (model) power lines.
Sign me Son of Pugsly Addams
Locomotives.
Looks like you missed the boat by not having trouble free track work as an option. That is the one ingredient paramount to me being able to relax and enjoy myself, which is what it is about for me.
Interesting
I’d say that some missed the context of the question and survey, which is about what you model, not how you do it.
Certainly I agree that solid, reliable trackwork is very important, but it you think about it, trackwork in and of itself is at least 50-75% reliant upon the craftsmanship of the benchwork and roadbed system as well as the subroadbed.
These responses do bring up an idea for a different poll.
What things must be done very well to achieve your Railroading Goals?
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Track laying
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Benchwork construction
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Roadbed construction
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Wiring
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Painting
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Plastering
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Foam shaping
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Nailing
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Hammering
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Drilling
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Screwing
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Soldering
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Drawing
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Measuring
Thanks, and with all respect, I don’t think it was me who missed the point of the Poll.
I do thank all of you who voted or looked at the results, the data is interesting. Not to late to put in your 2 cents by voting.
Joe Daddy
For me it’s highly detailed rolling stock, structures, scenes, and trackwork. What takes precedence over the details is that the trackwork, rolling stock, locos etc must function absolutely perfectly.
Joe
Looking at and reading your opinions on various aspects of model railroading (code 83 track, foam scenery, track planning software, etc) a pattern begins to emerge - that of limited patience for techniques and methods that do not produce good results for you rather quickly. You then procede to criticize those who advocate these methods and techniques by claiming your experience is typical of nearly all beginners.
I don’t claim my experience is typical for anybody else, but is certainly not the same as yours. In my workday life (my wife would claim it carries over to family life as well), I tend toward the Type A, very rententive, impatient, and driven. But model railroading is my chosen hobby where I can get away from that, immersed in my own little world. When I’m hand laying a turnout I can spend a couple of hours working towards getting it just right without the slightest frustration with my lack of hand-eye coordination. Same applies to getting the quarter, or valve gear, or gear mesh right on a steam loco kit.
None of these modeling skills did I possess (and I’m still not that great with my hands) when I entered the hobby. The skills were developed by reading the techniques of others that intrigued me, and then trying them myself. I modified methods and technigues to suit my fancy, the materials available to me, and my concept of how things ought to be.
Take for instance your objections to code 83 flex track as unsuitable for beginners. Did you seek help on how to overcome your difficulties in laying code 83 track that would run smoothly? Were you aware that different brands of code 83 flex track have very different flex characteristics? Did you understand that Atlas code 83 track has thicker than normal ties to better match up with Atlas code 100 track rather than competitor’s code 83 track? Did you realize that except for their US code 83 line, Peco track is made to Brit
Fred,
Your comments on the variety and complexity of code 83 is priceless! Well written! Yes, I am now aware of some of the issues you mention on the manufactured differences, but it has taken me a long and painful time to learn it. That is exactly my point, a newbie like me needs and wants success. I think the detail comes along.
Perhaps we read in different places, but I see so many places where Code 83(or smaller) is the only way to go, the best way to go, it is not model railroading but toy train like if you use 100. I push back on that because there are a good number of situations where Code 100 could be a better choice for the requirements. IF these people who push 83 so hard included your little warning, it would be different but they don’t. So a new person is sent to the hobby shop or the web store to buy some 83 (at the lowest cost). Who knows what home brew they cookup as they buy the code 83 pieces they were told to get.
By the way, I work hard at separating my opinions, observations and fact on my website. Do I mix them up, you bet, but you gotta know I try!
Great response, thanks!
Joe
ELECTRICITY, I guess…? [D)]