Looking for as much info as posible

[SNOWSHOE]

I am new to Garden RR.  I have always ejoyed RR.  I grew up to having Lionel running around my X-mas tree.  I have always wanted to make a RR set but never had the space or money.  I used mostly N scale.  I have always wanted a G scale set since I was a kid but never could afford one. (No good hobby shops close and no internet back then).  Anyway I just got my first Bachmann Big hauler set (Tweetsie RR) I bought this style because I enjoy the old timer logging type trains and the set came with more than a cirlce and a decent number of rolling stock.  I looked at the LGB I read they make good quality locos but I was not crazy how the sets looked and not much in rolling stock .  It is funny but I never knew you could use the trains outside until I ordered the set and reading other forums. 

I plan on starting my garden RR this Spring (ground is frozen and snow covered now). As of now I started to order track 6.5ft rad curve track, aristo craft brass.  I know a lot of people mention 8 ft but I dont plan on running big trains plus the 6.5ft was a little more affordable.  I am also going with track power.  I have a garden pond now that I built a few years ago.  I plan on running the trains around this, nothing real big for now.  I have to deal with a hill but that should not be a problem though. Anyway just wanted to introduce myself and any advise is welcome.  Anyone from North NJ specifically the Sussex County area.  I have no good hobby shops close.  Have to go an hour+ for anything good.   

[Capt Bob Johnson]

The main thing is to get some track down and have something running!  Don't use the Bachmann track, it'll rust out in less than a season!   Once you have something running the opportunities for expansion and improvement will naturally flow.   As one ages, raising the trackage, even a bit, is quite helpful.  It's better than trying to get up and down with bad knees or back.  Also you won't have to lie on ground to get stuff on the track!

[hoofe116]

Welcome aboard, SnowShoe:

This is a really good board. If you ask a dumb question, they get answered politely. (There is no such thing as a dumb question, incidentally). If you ask the same question that's appeared fifty times, it still gets answered politely.

Whatever you choose to do, get some track down somewhere and start running stuff. You'll learn a whole bunch all on your own--though folks here will be more'n glad to help you out.

I too live far from a G dealer. The closest one is a part-timer and seldom open. The next closest one is about an hour or so away. Seriously consider online stores. Money spent for catalogs, in my experience, is not money thrown away. Surf, surf, and surf some more.

Hoofe

[altterrain]

Look above in the section -  Announcements and FAQs

Rene has posted - Beginners: start here and  Research links to useful sites

-Brian 

[two tone]

Hi Snowshoe Always nice to see a new commer on the forum. As you can see from my name where I live as your message says you are NJ if you put that with your name it helps people to know where in the world you are and some one close to you may be able to help. Maybe drop by and offer advice. I use LGB track and turnouts I know it costs but a little track laid for running can always be added to in the over the next few months i`ve had my layout for 5 years now and still adding to it each year. I control my layout with the train engineer and all my turnouts are electric controlled by the T/E saves running round the garden to change turnouts.     Hope this helps enjoy your layout and running trains