Modelers on Active-Duty serving overseas

[RedSkin]

I was just wondering if there where any Folks that have tried to build a layout while they where stationed overseas. I am stationed in Germany at this time and other than Mail order, I have a LHS in town with a limited supply of things, which helps with those time that I need that instant gratification, and to keep my momentuem going forward. I have started a 4X8 layout..I just wondered if anyone had some tips or tricks for doing things over here. I think my biggest hurdle is getting the building materials due to the fact that I don't speak german. Thanks For your Time.
Brad

[SP4449]

First, [bow] , thank you for your service to our country, RedSkin. [^]

I tried the same thing when I was in Germany and found the LHS supplies were fantastic if I wanted to model european rr. So I bought a lot of Fleischmann stuff and used it, then sold it to a collector for a handsome sum when I returned stateside. You never know, the european style bug may bite you and . . . . .

There is a lot to be said for quality of european manufacturing standards.

Good luck and God speed.

[cwclark]

I was aboard a U.S. Navy ship for almost 4 years of my enlistment, so building a model railroad was pretty much out of the question..what i did do was keep dreaming about that layout i would build one day and read a lot of the current issues of model railroader magazine that i picked up at the Exchange, i also stock piled stuff from the LHS in the cities we docked at for "liberty" until the day I could build my layout...Chuck

[Anonymous]

I'm stationed in Guam.. same kind of delemna... no LHS and little building materials to choose from. So you learn to be flexible with your building methods... and use on-line ordering!

Barry

[Anonymous]

Brad-
I'm in Baumholder, Germany.
Been using Walthers mostly. Bought a small oval of Fleishman profi track just to run a few steam engines in circles. Haven't started a layout yet, but am amassing rolling stock and buildings. I'm leaning towards some sort of modular set up so I can move it easier.
Where are you at?
Joe

[RedSkin]

Well Joe,
I'm stationed in Hanau, Germany. I work for the 130th here, in the S3 shop. I found that I just had to bit the bullet and jump into it. I picked a simple track plan from an older MR guide book. I posted a picture of it with my reply to your other topic. I plan on Building Boxes that will latch down onto the section that way they will be easy to move.
Brad

[Anonymous]

I would say that you are in the perfect country for this hobby. The highest quality pieces that I ever saw were German or Austrian (I am thinking mostly about Roco and Tillig). My layout is 100% Roco and I couldn't me more happy than I am now. I have no problems like the ones described in this forum. My trains are not jumping of the track, the turnouts are full metal with isolated frog that you could power if you want , locomotives are great.. what can I say more?. And everything is DCC enabled. Even the turnout engines (which are hidden in the default roadbed of the track and do not require holes in the table or any other tricks). I even control my layout with the computer, using only free software, with no special computer interface, just a simple cable.

I would say go for it :-)