So new I squeak

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Well maybe not quite squeak, but close…

I’m in my pre-planning stages, researching before I start purchasing anything. Doing some research, this seems to be one of the more active forums, so I’m starting here.

I have modeled before, back in school and here and there since I did some plastic modeling, some miniature painting and the such. I also had the typical kids toy sets, but nothing intricate. I also have done, and continue to do some RC car stuff for giggles. As a computer pro, and doing wiring for home theater systems, I’m not completely a dud when it comes to wiring either…

Putting it all together, that’s another thing all together…so here I am.

What I’m looking for is a fairly simple layout, 4x8 or maybe a bit larger (I haven’t found the house just yet, but it will have more than enough room in my home office). I would like to have the ability to run two trains, so some kind of double loop. My plan is to have a way to tie into this scene and expand it in the future if I don’t completely loose my mind (in a bad way that is).

Layout is not my prime initial concern. I’m actively seeking a house and I haven’t quite found it yet. So I may be doing this backwards from alot of folks. My plan is to find one or two large pieces, and work my layout around them. I haven’t picked them out yet, still hunting through websites to find one that fits my time period and grabs me. I will be picking out some smaller ones to start with for me to get back into the modeling mindset.

Era is the Prohibition period, so sometime in the Roaring 20’s. I’m going to be looking for the right engines and cars (for the right price of course), some buildings and individual little bits and pieces for me to build this scene around.

So why am I here? I’m looking for advise on local clubs (Houston, TX area), books, and if it’s not against the forum’s rule

2

Welcome.

My suggestion would be to pick a scene that you like, such as a small town scene or one end of a siding, a small mine, etc. Something about 4-6 ft long and 1.5 to 2 ft wide. If you are going with a 4x8, build that into a loop of track with a siding or two on the other side of the loop. Here’s the critical part, build the scene on a separate piece of foam/plywood/etc.

When you get your own house, you will probably want an around the walls or larger footprint layout as opposed to the 4x8. Figure that eventually everything except the detailed scene on the 4x8 will be junked. Having one good small scene you can put into a layout will be more useful. If you are good, you can squeeze in a scene on each side.

The up side of this is that if you KNOW the rest of the layout won’t be permanent you should feel free to experiment with scenery, etc, on the 4x8, knowing you won’t have to live with it forever.

Visit the Westerfield models web site, filled with 1920’s candidate cars, excellent source of decals. Also Art Griffin is a great source of 1890-1920 decals.

Dave H.

3

[#welcome]

Check out the Atlas web site - they have several 4x8 plans. Also do a search on this forum for “4x8 plans” - there have been many threads with plans. That all said, consider slightly larger if you will. A 5x10 (ping-pong table size) gives you a lot more options for scenery as well as locos/freight/passenger cars. Many lumber yards in my area carry 5x10 sheets - or can order them for you. The advantage is #1 wider curves - passenger cars, even in the ‘20’s & ‘30’s, were 72’ to 85’ long, and look like XX on the 22" max curves for a 4x8. Walthers passenger cars, for instance, won’t run on less than 24" radius - the 5x10 allows for 28" radius curves. How do I know this? I have a 4x8 [banghead] I jumped into it in a rush for the grandkids - I’ve been planning a larger layout for when I move next year, so just rushed ahead with the 4x8. Hindsight is always 20/20!! Read MR, MRC, and cruise the forums - GOOD LUCK!![:)]

4

Hey,

Well this is my 4x8 track plan you may get some ideas, this is HO by the way.

5

Thanks for the info guys…

I should state I’m not looking to setup a layout just yet. I’m likely going to be moving sometime soon, and one of the things I’m really gunning for in the house is either a very large game room or a 5th bedroom that I can turn into an office/trainroom. Until I know what room it will end up in, I don’t want to get to laying out track and cutting up lumber just yet…

At this point I’m not looking to layout track, instead pick up a model or two to start making and get my modeling skills warmed up, and I’m on the lookout for the right engines and cars, and maybe special little pieces here and there…as well as suggestions on books that folks have found useful.

Now I know what MR is what is MRC?

6

While new shoes might squeak, newborns bawl.

Mark

7

[#welcome] to the Forums.

Layouts now days tend to be a 2 foot wide bench or shelf around the walls. It provides for more mainline track run and lets you reach everything from one side, although the 4x8 is still popular with some folks.

I start my layouts just about the way you are thinking of. What I do is look for plans of switching layouts. They are usually self contained in that when you build them, you can run trains and do some switching. Then they can also become part of a larger layout later on. I tend to build several switching layouts and use them for my towns, then when I am ready, I plunk them down on some supports or benchwork and run some track between them and add scenery. Presto- a completed layout! if you subscribe to Model Railroader magazine, there is a data base of layouts on the MR site that you can search through. You can also search for Model railroad switching layouts on the Internet.

8

I guess you won’t be falling into the category of someone looking for a basement with a house over it for protection. Welcome, you don’t need to have an up and running layout to be part of the community.

9

MR= Model Railroader magazine

RMC= Railroad Model Craftsman magazine

MM= Mainline Modeler magazine, now defunkt, but a great resource, especially for steam to transition era, look for back issues at LHS or train shows.

MRC= Model Rectifier Corporation, manufacturer of DC power packs and DCC control systems.

DCC= Digital Command System, Allows for individual control of locomtives and accessories and much more.

10

[%-)]

Golly, you really are new. The date of your membership on this forum isn’t even until tomorrow…unless you’re really in Europe or some point east of there.

[:D]

11

Hoss,

See my reply to Milby.

chicochip

12

First I would buy a good engine, depending on what your intrested on, Atlas is good for diesel locomotives, and frieght cars, as well as athearn, for steam there is many brands like Broadway limited. For rolling stock i like Athearn RTR.

Here is a sample of a Atlas Gold series Engine with sound.

Tjsingle