just starting

[Anonymous]

I currently model HO and would like to start a G scale outdoor layout, how should I start without spending too much money?

[pbjwilson]

I'm fairly new to the hobby also. I bought a LGB starter set for my kids a couple years ago. Come spring we decided to build a garden railroad. Was able to get some used track from my hobby shop. It's really just a loop of track with a couple switches. What's great about garden railroading is you are moving real dirt and rocks. Planting real plants. Dealing with the elements.
I ballasted my track with pea gravel from the hardware store. This keeps the track in place and makes it easier to level the track. Also lets the rain drain threw. We use everything we find around the garden - big rocks, misc.wood, and of course plants. At your local garden center you can find numorous ground covers that can be used as well as dwarf shrubs. I don't take the hobby to seriously - I just like to take a break from other things and run my trains.

Find a good hobby shop - they can help too.
Use your imagination - in garden railroading the skys the limit, literally!
Good luck, and above all have fun.

Paul the Painter

[spjrr]

Elias, Check to see if there is a local garden rr club in your area. Join and learn from the members. That is what I did and found ways to save and still have fun. Beside I met a great group of folks. I see many folks that just start buying with no direction in mind and end up even more confused. So if you have a local club, start there.

[smcgill]

By all means go with a starter set! You get everthing you need! Then go out and set it up and play! Then start looking were you would like it! Ask the wife if she would help with the plants/planing/playing ! From there who knows!! [}:)]
There was just an article about starter sets in the mag!
Good luck & have fun!!

[vsmith]

elias, there have been several threads previously regarding "getting started" scroll throught the other pages on this forum and read the various replies. there has been alot of very good advice given out over the past year about starting up.

As for a starter set, if you can afford an LGB starter set, do it. That will give you track, power pack and an engine and at least 2 cars. Its a good start and will allow you to get familier with the scale. If you cant afford the LGB set then I would suggest a starter set from Aristocraft or USA Trains, I also recommend Bachmann's starter sets with the caviet that you will have to buy new track for it. Bachmanns track is for indoor use, the rest are for outdoor use. After that its anything goes. As big or as little as you want. My suggestion is get a starter set mes around with it, figure out where you want to lay track outside, i would suggest a simple loop layout out as if it was atlas sectional track . Once you have the track down, and can run trains then plan your empire, its far easier to plan expansion when you already have something down to run trains on.

[Rene Schweitzer]

Elias,

Where do you live? I can post info on a local club if you'd like.

[Anonymous]

Hi Mark & Sue joining a club is good advice that's how we got to know you guys.

See you soon!....Larry & Susie T. OLD DAD