Getting Started?

[MOJAX]

I'm totally new to this. I don't know Jack!

 I want to create early steam trains (wild west) in HO scale. I don't know what locos were available, and what freight and passenger cars to make these realistic. How do I go about finding this out? I know a little about Americans and Pacifics and Northerns, but that's about it. I don't know what dates these were invented.

 Also, what all do I need to get started? I need track and train. Thats about all I know. WHat else is needed?

 What does CCC sound mean? What is DCC? What are these terms?

What brands of locos are good quality (not just toys?) For cars (both freight and passengers), can I just buy the wheels to make my own cars to attach to them?

I am a modeler. I work with paper mache mostly, but work with other mediums too (wood, acetate, and plexiglass). Am I gonna need to learn to work with resin?

Re: turning radii. I've seen info that says 'must keep 30" curve radius, but then I find track that is as low as 15". How do I know what the limitations are, and not waste money?

Are there engines and cars that aren't stamped with a company logo, like Union Pacific, So. Pacific? Can I paint my engines myself and buy decals separately?

 Ack! As you can tell, I don't know anything! BUt it seems that model trains are the next step. I've made civil war and wild west dioramas in 1:32 scale, and have located 1:72 figures and buildings for HO, so model railroading seems to be the next step.  Please advise on what I REALLY need, what I MIGHT need, and where to find this stuff.

Thanks!

 

 

 

You will have better luck with your question over at the Model Railroader forum. Just click on the MR icon at the top of the page. Classic Trains forum is all about 1:1 scale railroading.

 

[Anonymous]

I'm totally new to this. I don't know Jack!

 I want to create early steam trains (wild west) in HO scale. I don't know what locos were available, and what freight and passenger cars to make these realistic. How do I go about finding this out? I know a little about Americans and Pacifics and Northerns, but that's about it. I don't know what dates these were invented.

 Also, what all do I need to get started? I need track and train. Thats about all I know. WHat else is needed?

 What does CCC sound mean? What is DCC? What are these terms?

What brands of locos are good quality (not just toys?) For cars (both freight and passengers), can I just buy the wheels to make my own cars to attach to them?

I am a modeler. I work with paper mache mostly, but work with other mediums too (wood, acetate, and plexiglass). Am I gonna need to learn to work with resin?

Re: turning radii. I've seen info that says 'must keep 30" curve radius, but then I find track that is as low as 15". How do I know what the limitations are, and not waste money?

Are there engines and cars that aren't stamped with a company logo, like Union Pacific, So. Pacific? Can I paint my engines myself and buy decals separately?

 Ack! As you can tell, I don't know anything! BUt it seems that model trains are the next step. I've made civil war and wild west dioramas in 1:32 scale, and have located 1:72 figures and buildings for HO, so model railroading seems to be the next step.  Please advise on what I REALLY need, what I MIGHT need, and where to find this stuff.

Thanks!