Info to get started in the hobby

[Kiwi Down Under]

Getting started

Being financially and by location challenged I dreamt of having an outside train around the garden, one day.
I originally had a hard job finding any information, and found there is a lot of “theory” out there but a lot have read the books but “one day” but have never taken that first step.
There are plenty of “experts” that have a loop around the Christmas tree, but not in the garden.
It would have also been helpful if I knew about the GR Magazine, specially the October 1999 edition. ( The Sandstone & Termite Railway.) I was not aware of this article until November last year

On this basis there must be thousands in the same category ( will do it one day) but its hard to find out anything, where to start etc, and just require a little nudge to start.

I finally did something about it, learnt a lot, made some mistakes, but at least I now have a reasonable layout.

So, without any advertising, no sponsorship and no hype, just the plain honest truth as to what I did, how I did it and how it’s turning out. the web site
www.gscalechuffchuff.com
has been updated.

If your not financially challenged, you reside in an area where there is plenty of train shops that have what you want, and you would rather have everything shop brought, then perhaps you will not be interested in that web site.
Don’t get me wrong, if 4 years ago I had access to a model shop with G scale stuff at reasonable prices, and information was readily available I probably would not have started building my own.
.
Same goes if you’re a perfectionist ( rivet counter), and everything has to be exactly to scale, stay away…., it could be bad for your health.

But, on the other hand, if your like I was, reluctant to take the first step, did not really know where to start then perhaps my web site may assist you to get started.

If your still thinking of where to begin, Give it a go, you might surprise yourself..

The reason its called “noware” is a mixture of languages and words. Basically I have 3 stations , noware, sumware, anyware. ( Ware is pronounced where ) so you go no where to buy a ticket to somewhere and end up anywhere. Other persons take the word as no worry, so the same word game applies.

If after you look at my web site, it gets you motivated and you decide to give it a go, what will you call your stations?.

www.gscalechuffchuff.com
Tony

[TurboOne]

Awesome website Tony. The trains sounds also add to the whole experience. Sorry you didn't come across the magazine until recently. I have found the computer to be fantastic for information. I use the search engines to find websites, manufacturers, and more.

Your website is truly enjoyable, and well done. In the picture of yourself, what building are you putting together ?

Your plant life is terrific, did you do that or Bev ?

Thanks for sharing Tony, hope many more get to enjoy as well.

Tim

[Tom The Brat]

Gesundheit!

Great web site, not to mention the railroad. Wow. All scratch built!

I love your notices[:D]

[Kiwi Down Under]

Thanks for the compliments.

In the Host page I am putting together the framework for the "sumware" station which is shown on the model making page.
Gardens, well, getting there, weeds look good in photos, but still got a lot to do. Most "recommended " plants failed to survive so now mainly using natives that survive the odd frost.
Had 101 tadpoles, but now got none, no frogs left but the neighbours cats seem to look well fed. ( We dont have poisonous frogs, mores the pity)
Reaon for site, many here I have spoken to give up in frustration of trying to get info, products etc. But if I can get anyone to actually start then they will find it is not so bad as they may think.
Even when you go to model train shows you have the ones around the tree or very, very expensive ones.
Its a pity I did not know about the GR magazine when I started, and also did not know about this forum.
Many ideas have been obtained from others comments, but I do drool a little when I see what you can get, and how cheap it is.
Still, one day, I will have to visit with an empty suitcase. Until then
Have fun.
Tony

[TurboOne]

Tony, I just returned to model trains in December. I hear the Long Beach show is the show for G scale. On the West Coast, its the biggest of the year. Bring a big suitcase.

Tim

[Anonymous]

Tony,

You may be interested to know the Sandstone & Termite Railway has a web site with lots of other tips you could use.
http://www.users.bigpond.com/huntergpmj/gregs/SaTR.htm

I have been lucky enough to see it in real life. Photos never do it justice .

Glen.

[Kiwi Down Under]

Thanks Glen.
Rather impresive layout he has got.
I was surprised when i found the article in the GR Mag how simular but different our process to achieve the same results are.

It proves that nothing is really new, but more so to all the ones that told me it would never work and I must be mad, I am not the only one that can play trains while wearing the straightjacket.

Until the men with white coats arriive I can keep playing with my train.

Tony.,