Ok. Im a begginer in model railroading,and i want to make a 4by8 HO layout.I want to do it write and use the best, buldings, cars and engines. Can somebody tell me some of the best model railroad supplie makers?
Amtrak,
First off: [#welcome] to the forum! Good to have you aboard! [:)]
What you posed is sorta a loaded question and you are going to get a plethora of answers from everyone. Assuming by your name that you are into the modern era, I would steer towards the following:
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Locomotives - Atlas, Athearn, Broadway Limited (BLI), Kato, and Proto 2000
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Buildings (older) - American Model Builders, Branchline, Walthers “Cornerstone”, DMP
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Buildings (newer) - Pike Stuff
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Cars (RTR) - Athearn, Atlas, Broadway Limited (BLI), Kadee, Proto 2000, Walthers
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Cars (kits) - Athearn, Accurail, Branchline, Intermountain, Proto 2000
Course, the “best” is more than likely going to cost you more, but you can still find some terrific deals on the above from places like Trainworld.com, M.B. Klein, Internet Trains, and the like.
Hope that helps…
Tom
Here is my opinion:
Modern Diesels – Kato has plenty of adherents. Mechanically they are excellent. I haven’t heard too much about the new Tower 55 brand but for the price they’d better be good.
First and Second Generation Diesels (1945 – 1970’s) – Atlas is my favorite. But Athearn Genesis and Proto 2000 are also excellent. If you want a diesel with sound try Broadway Limited.
Steam – Outside of brass the best are Broadway Limited and Trix. If money is no object consider brass. They appreciate in value.
Buildings – I like Walthers Cornerstone series. But quality of the buildings depends more on the person putting the model together than the manufacturer.
Cars – Atlas, Athearn, Proto 2000 for the ones already built. For kits I like Accurail, Branchline and Bethlehem Car Works.
It depends on your skill level.
Welcome aboard. You will get a lot of good advice from these guys. When they give conflicting advice, choose which ever one you like.
Almost everbody has their own idea of whats best start out with the best you can aford You will soon make your own “best” list…Cox 47
uugggghhhhhhhhhh
i cant belive im about to open up this can of crap, but here goes nothing(vetran fourm members know where this is going)
concider something other than a 4x8. its a good statring point, the classic 4x8 in an 11x10 or so spare bedroom, but think about an around the walls approach, like a dogbone shape. looking back, i kind of wish i did that, then i could reach the stuff on the side shoved against the wall. pick up a copy of great model railroads 2006, and look at the los angeleas and san frenando valley RR. the builder made one section at a time, only a few feet long and and about 18 inches at the widest, just to be able to build a little at a time. mabey join youre local club and make a module just to expirement before making some huge overwhelming thing. DONT BE SCARED TO TEAR IT DOWN AND START OVER.
most important, just have fun with it. find or make a trackplan with plenty of switching, but still leave room for scenery. invite a friend once the trackwork is done to operate.
look into athearn locomotives. theyre realatavily cheap, but there simple and with some work, there great. its fun when someone asks if its a kato or atlas, when really you only spent about $80, then mabey another $15 tops for detail parts.
GEARHEAD426
[8]
14 year old MRR’er
have fun!
A dogbone is really a good idea. It gives the appearance of two main lines and a point to point rr. But for guest that just want to see trains run, you can turn it on and let them run. You can add sidings as you go.
Have FUN
Walter
Oops I forgot to say:
Cut the 4x8 into two 4x4 and add a small shelf to connect them.
The best - you cannot afford it, so go with some of the suggestion above.
Or do you have a Maybach and a Rolls Royce in your garage?