New to the World of Model Rail Roading!!!

[Anonymous]

[Hey All,

Just wanted to say that I have learned a great deal from this forum, and I have one question. Im pretty new to this and I have just started my layout. I really didnt follow any books or plans just kinda went out on a limb, and so far so good. So far I have my track (Not permanently attached) and my plaster Moutain with tunnel. I woudl like to look into using DCC. Im currently using Kato Unitrak. Heres the question(s).

1. SHould I hold out on the continuation of my layout until I have all the DCC plans and equipment ready for wiring, before I go any further?

2. Using Kato unitrac, what is the best way to make my rail bed look realistic?

[pcarrell]

marcgabaldon,

It is generally easier to go with DCC right off if you know thats the direction you are going to head. The wiring is a little easier and you don't have to install decoders is 27 loco's at once (trust me on this one, it's hits the wallet hard if you have to buy all the decoders at once). By going with it right off you can convert your loco's as you get them. It costs about the same either way, but this way you get to spread the cost out.

As for the Kato track, I'm not going to be mush help as I use Atlas code 80 for hidden, Atlas code 55 for branchlines, and Micro Engineering code 70 for the mains.

Maybe someone else will have some ideas!

[selector]

If Kato Unitrac is like Flex-track, you will get a realistic 'look' by using a shaped roadbed, such as that made by Woodland Scenics (foam), or the strips of 1/2" thick cork that comes in a three foot length, scored down the length in the middle. Once laid, you can cover it all with sand or ballast material as the real roads do.

Now would be a VERY GOOD time to hold off on any further development until you have talked to some modelers, maybe posted more ideas here for us to help with, and done a lot of reading. We are not holding you back so much as we treat all those who join the forum with your question exactly the same way; we tell them to please...PUHLEEEEESSE!...take some time and read up on all the aspects of ...successful...model railroading.

Welcome, and have a great ride![#welcome]

[Anonymous]

If you dont mind Id like to post a picture and let you guys see what I have so far just as a guidance..is there a way to do that and would you mind being a blunt critic?

[selector]

Yes, but it will take time to get the pictures posted here.

Step one: Go to a webhost for images (I use www.railimages.com). Most are free for a limited number of photos. They gladly accept donations.

Step two: When you are accepted (you have to register, a process that may take a couple of days), you can upload your digitized images per the webhost's admin instructions.

Step three: Decide which image(s) you wi***o post. Right click on the full-screen version, scroll down to 'properties', and click. Hi-lite the URL, near the middle. Put your cursor on 'Edit", at the top left of your page, and click, then click 'copy'. Minimize your webhost's page, and open trains.com, find your page and open a post. Click in the box for the new post, and then click up on 'Edit', again. Click 'paste'.

Step four: Your URL for the image you selected should appear in the box for the new post. At the left of that URL, no spaces, type a bracket (not parenthesis) of the [ type. Follow with 'img' and then the ]. At the right end of the URL, another [, plus a / ( or a foward slash), another 'img', and the ]. Nothing will happen, but when you submit that post, with text or commentary, others will see that the trains.com server has accepted direction to go get your image at the URL. It will display it in your post, as you will see.

Note: when I say type 'img', omit the hyphens. Just type img

Whew!

[ereimer]

best advice i can offer is to read read read . start by going back through the last few weeks of messages here , reading anything that has to do with DCC , layout design , scenery , etc. you'll find tons of great info and links to websites all about DCC and wiring etc . also be sure to read Joe Fugate's message thread http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=36389
it's a great DCC clinic

[Anonymous]

About the Kato Unitrack: It is a roadbed track similar to that offered by Bachmann and LifeLike, but of seemingly higher quality (it is sturdy and well made). That is currently what I have available as my "layout." I set it up on my floor, run my trains for a while, then put it all away. For this type of use, it is indispensible (at least in my book). When I finally get around to building my permanent layout (if there really is such a thing), I will use cork roadbed and flex track. With the Unitrack, as well as the cork/flex track, the one thing that can make them appear more realistic is the use of ballast over the roadbed. With ballast, the Unitrack looks very realistic, at least from the pictures I've seen. One advantage to the Kato Unitrack is that on the electrically operated turnouts, the motor can be placed under the roadbed. This works well for concealment. The biggest disadvantages to the Unitrack are that the selection of available track (by shape, etc.) is limited and the higher overall cost.

Hope this helps.