Rather than complain about some of the negative aspects of the forum (which I have a tendency to do), I’m going to cite (in no particular order) some specific nuggets of wisdom/knowledge I have gained by participating. These are all things I did not know and have not had to learn the hard way. I’m not going to cite the authors although many will probably recognize themselves. Consider this an attaboy in that case.
although I have had negative experiences with cork roadbed after some years of using it, many others have not. It is quite possible that ballasting seals the cork roadbed, and prevents the drying out and crumbling I have experienced.
brass locomotives do not necessarily run well “out of the box”. Tweaking to major work may be required
many of my questions have been addressed before - and a judicious use of search and Google can reveal many of those answers
eBay is a market where new, used, and out-of-production train stuff can be bought and sold. Prices can/will be all over the place, and there are a few less than ethical buyers and sellers. Nevertheless, it is an important marketplace in the hobby.
the minimum radius “rule of thumb”
there are actually others that model the same era and/or region I do
foam construction isn’t all that light if you coat it with plaster scenery. And only a few appear to have the skill to make foam scenery look good with just paint and foam carving.
smooth vertical transitions are very important, especially if one uses a construction method that doesn’t produce them automatically
any obstruction to layout access - liftouts, duckunders, gates, modular layout setups, portable sections, etc - will reduce the frequency of use of the layout
at the same time, an around-the-walls layout will often produce a better layout - larger radius, longer run, longer trains, and better scenery possibilities than my us
-I am not the only model railroader on a budget. There are actually lots of us.
-Nor am I the only model railroader who doesn’t hate the 4 x 8.
-The Gleam track-polishing method works great, even to make brass and steel work better.
-I am not the only model railroader who uses mechanical remote control of switches cobbled up from various household goods. This one really surprised me, but see no. 1.
-There is a company called Scale Scenes that sells printable brick papers. I am currently trying it out.
Finally, the layout contests have revealed that people have a wide variety of cool design ideas, and it makes me wonder why the spectrum is narrower in the stuff we read about.
That is a great list of “golden” nuggets you have accumulated, thanks for sharing them with us.
I try to learn at least one new idea or technique a day from this an other online and print sources. Your list is a sure fire way to help me sharpen the saw in areas I did not catch.
An awesome list, and a good topic. Ive been a “lurker” on this forum for a couple years. The things i have learned in that length of time, as well as from a couple of very helpful and encouraging individuals, have made this hobby infinitely more enjoyable for me than my previous time (money) sink, classic cars.
Big thumbs up from me, and i can even add;
-Im not the only one working for “realism” in N scale steam!
No matter how much I learn, there’s always someone that knows more than me.
Actually. I have learned a few things from MR and the Books–but,and this is a big but (look don’t take offense I’m not talking about your butt)–the majority of things I’ve learned about Model Railroading has been on this site and a few others like it.
Not the least of which is what can be obtained and the attitude it takes to achieve it.
Very good, Fred. A good solid list. I would add, if I were permitted, that whenever I offer an opinion, that is about all it is and about all it’s worth. We all got 'em.
I hope you have enjoyed some considerable and pleasant benefit from all the discoveries you have posted.
A couple of philosophical points, and one very practical one.
Just because one method works for Modeler X, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t many other techniques that will achieve the same result - or that the original method might be totally inappropriate for Modeler Y’s conditions.
A, “This is what I suggest,” attitude will be more favorably received than a, “My way, or the highway,” pronouncement.
Good honest people WILL have different experiences and opinions.
As for the practical - I had never considered using latex caulk until I read some enthusiastic posts on this forum. Now I consider it indispensable.