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.
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
Look above in the section - Announcements and FAQs
Rene has posted - Beginners: start here and Research links to useful sites
-Brian
Age is only a state of mind, keep the mind active and enjoy life
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