Wodland Scenics layots and modules

[Anonymous]

Hi!
I am getting back into the hobby after several yeas absence. I was looking at the Woodland Scenics layouts and modules. I thought I would build one of the 4X8 layouts to sort of re-establish some of my limited skills and then add modules to that using my own track plan ideas. I know this is not the traditional hardcore approach (bench work and all that), but is the route I think I want to take. But i have a few questions:
1. What experience or what opinions does anyone have about the Woodland Scenics layouts and modules.
2. Where is the best place to buy these items (best price and service online).
3. Any thoughts good or bad on this approach to re-entering the hobby.

Thanks for any thoughts or replies,
Ken

[nickl02]

Ken,
The Woodland Scenics layouts/modules are a great way to get back into the hobby. However, you must purchase all the required items individually. You must by the kit from Woodland Scenics. Then you must buy the track pack from Atlas for that specific woodland scenincs kit. After you buy the scenery kit and track pack you must purchase the set of D.P.M. buildings designed for that kit. You don't have to buy the buildings unless you really care about the layout looking just like it does on the box.

In terms of puchasing these Items, I believe they are available through walthers. You will probally get a better deal through them that buying the items at your local hobby shop.

In my opinion, You should buy a 4'x8' piece of plywood, plop it on two saw horses and design a track plan to fit on the board. The woodland scenics kits in HO scale are for a 4'x8' layout. However, planning on your own gives you more creative control.
nickl02

[Anonymous]

Ken,

Welcome back!

I belong to a modular club (www.hotrak.ca) that has posted some pics and info on how we build our modules. See also www.railwaybob.com - obne of our member's site for more info, but be prepared for lots of pics! Bear in mind that you do not need to follow any particular standard if you are constructing a home layout, rather than a true "modular" approach.

As far as your questions:

1) I think they are great. The hobby is model railroading, not carpentry right?! ;) However, I do think that they are expensive. With basic carpentry skills, you can easily build 2x4 foot modules for a fraction of the cost using 3/4" paint-grade plywood and 2" extruded (pink or blue) foam. Having said that, the only thing that I really don't like from WS are the plastic trees and the ballast.

2) I would start with Walthers or Woodland Scenics own site to get part numbers etc, but then search on-line retailers for the best price. I think that WS was offering a buy X get 1 free for a while, so that may be the best bet.

3) I think this is a good approach to (re)entering the hobby. It lets you get (almost) straight to modelling, which is the interesting part (IMHO ;) ). If you like running trains, well it helps get there quicker too.

I would skip the 4x8 table. When I got back into it a few years ago, I started with a 4x8. Then I started building dioramas, and then found the modular group. My 4x8 is still not finished, and now will probably never get done. Some nice things about the modules include: they afford a degree of learning, accomplishment, and they don't take forever to finish. We have guys at the club who turn out sets of modules on a regular basis.

If you really want to see the trains run immediately, then set something up temporarily on a table, but don't make it permanent.

Hope that helps. If you want some more modular railroading resources, let me know.

Andrew

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the comments. I will look at the site. I do plan for the layout to be modular. I like the WS layouts because it gets you going fast. The 4x8 section was to more or less build my skill level up again. I plan to add modules off of the 4x8 and make a shelf type urban switching section 8' to 10'long. Your site no doubt, will be very helpful and may save me some bucks.
All of the comments and suggestions have been very helpful and I appreciate the input.
Thanks,
Ken

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[ARTHILL]

I use WS products but because I am around the room, I started with plywood and put the foam road bed on that. Just built Matt's Mountain this morning with help of Grandson Matt. Used WS products. Pics later.

I buy my stuff at a Local Hoobby Shop, I enjoy his advice and he beats Walthers Price if you pay in cash and figure in the shipping. It is nice to walk in and talk, if there is a hooby shop close by.

Welcome back and have fun.

Art

[Anonymous]

Yes, supporting your local hobby shop is always the best thing to do. You save on shipping and can (sometimes) get good advice.

However, sometimes this cannot be done. This is when internet dealers come in. I have been using Internettrains.com for my purchasing needs, and they seems to work the best. Discounts on all MSRPs (One I looked up happened to be even lower than that in a Walthers' sale catalog), free products on some purchases (currently over $25, I believe), and several shipping options make Internettrains.com a good choice for me.

[Anonymous]

Hobby Lobby also sells WS products at a discount price.
Last time I stopped in they had several of them.
It's a lot cheaper to build you own modules with lumber you can buy pre-cut at Home Depot and assemble it yourself. This is what I'm going to start with real soon.
"You can do it, we can help!"
Good luck,
gtr