rookie needs your tips!

[Anonymous]

I have just started model railway layout and need tips on all topics such as, how to choose trains and rollingstock and what type of track to buy. Also i need tips on how to design cool layouts and how to drive trains professionaly. Please help me, thanks.

[Anonymous]

I have just started model railway layout and need tips on all topics such as, how to choose trains and rollingstock and what type of track to buy. Also i need tips on how to design cool layouts and how to drive trains professionaly. Please help me, thanks.

[Anonymous]

Most things have been discussed to death on this forum already. There is a search box above that you can search to see whats already been posted. That's actually the best tip I can give you.

[Anonymous]

Most things have been discussed to death on this forum already. There is a search box above that you can search to see whats already been posted. That's actually the best tip I can give you.

[dknelson]

You need to know everything at once .... that is where books are more helpful than an issue of a magazine, or for that matter more helpful than this forum.
I know that when you begin you want to spend every penny on trains but believe me .. spend some money on introductory Kalmbach books and some on tools and good power sources and solid benchwork and you will be a happier person for it. Trust me on this!
Dave Nelson

[dknelson]

You need to know everything at once .... that is where books are more helpful than an issue of a magazine, or for that matter more helpful than this forum.
I know that when you begin you want to spend every penny on trains but believe me .. spend some money on introductory Kalmbach books and some on tools and good power sources and solid benchwork and you will be a happier person for it. Trust me on this!
Dave Nelson

[ndbprr]

You don't indicate but from your word choice in your message I would interpret that you are younger. Before you rush off and start building the Union Pacific or Norfolk Southern it is best to take a deep breath and think things through. I would suggest you visit some model railroads in your area that others have built and perhaps work one or two as a crew member to decide which facet of the hobby appeals to you most. From there you can decide what type of layout best suits your space, time, budget and ineterests. Visit a hobby shop in your area. if they are discourteous find another one. Spend time there and get to know the regular customers. Most of us don't mind helping someone new and are often asked for advice by both another customer and the shop owner. In regard to some of your questions use nickel silver rail only, study some prototype railroads to find one to model, do some research into what portion appeals to you and most of make lots of mistakes. The mistakes are what help you to get better. Don't by twenty engines of one railroad until you are sure that is the one for you. Build a small (4'x8') railroad to develop skills before starting on one to fill the basement. It also gives you something to run while working on the big one. Going to move someday? Consider small modules bolted together. 8' sections are pretty tought to move. Make any sections half the size you think you can handle by yourself. Friends find lots of other things to do when they know somebody is moving. Never consider anything permanent. Fini***he room BEFORE building the railroad. Ever drop a 4'x8' sheet of drywall on your railroad? Not pretty and very dirty. Definitely do not take short cuts with wiring. Fires do lots of damage to more than railroads. Above all if it isn't fun change what you are doing. Nobody needs a second job.

[ndbprr]

You don't indicate but from your word choice in your message I would interpret that you are younger. Before you rush off and start building the Union Pacific or Norfolk Southern it is best to take a deep breath and think things through. I would suggest you visit some model railroads in your area that others have built and perhaps work one or two as a crew member to decide which facet of the hobby appeals to you most. From there you can decide what type of layout best suits your space, time, budget and ineterests. Visit a hobby shop in your area. if they are discourteous find another one. Spend time there and get to know the regular customers. Most of us don't mind helping someone new and are often asked for advice by both another customer and the shop owner. In regard to some of your questions use nickel silver rail only, study some prototype railroads to find one to model, do some research into what portion appeals to you and most of make lots of mistakes. The mistakes are what help you to get better. Don't by twenty engines of one railroad until you are sure that is the one for you. Build a small (4'x8') railroad to develop skills before starting on one to fill the basement. It also gives you something to run while working on the big one. Going to move someday? Consider small modules bolted together. 8' sections are pretty tought to move. Make any sections half the size you think you can handle by yourself. Friends find lots of other things to do when they know somebody is moving. Never consider anything permanent. Fini***he room BEFORE building the railroad. Ever drop a 4'x8' sheet of drywall on your railroad? Not pretty and very dirty. Definitely do not take short cuts with wiring. Fires do lots of damage to more than railroads. Above all if it isn't fun change what you are doing. Nobody needs a second job.

[goodsptsed]

My best suggestion is don't try to cram your corners too tight. Most people will tell you 18-inch radius curves are fine, but it's better to make them 20-inch or even better 22-inch or higher. There is nothing more frustrating that trains derailing on tight corners. I also second the suggestions to get some good books. Try to build a simple layout which you can expand later. Hope this helps.
Goodsptsed

[goodsptsed]

My best suggestion is don't try to cram your corners too tight. Most people will tell you 18-inch radius curves are fine, but it's better to make them 20-inch or even better 22-inch or higher. There is nothing more frustrating that trains derailing on tight corners. I also second the suggestions to get some good books. Try to build a simple layout which you can expand later. Hope this helps.
Goodsptsed

[Anonymous]

I'm about at the same stage as you are. I decided to model the EJ&E railroad, a line that went thru my hometown. There are many websites out there where you can download pictures of locos and rolling stock of whatever line you choose to model. I've purchased undecorated locos, boxcars, etc. and have been painting, modifying, and decaling my locos and cars to match my prototype photos as closely as possible. I really enjoy doing detail work, so this as been lots of fun. As far as planning my layout, I've been reading, reading, and reading. Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman are two good magazines to look in for help, plus there are lots of informative books to read also. I've almost got my benchwork completed; I got my plans for my benchwork from one of Kalmbach Publishing's introductory books. What with work and 2 kids, it's been slow-going, but learning about all these new things has been lots of fun. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

I'm about at the same stage as you are. I decided to model the EJ&E railroad, a line that went thru my hometown. There are many websites out there where you can download pictures of locos and rolling stock of whatever line you choose to model. I've purchased undecorated locos, boxcars, etc. and have been painting, modifying, and decaling my locos and cars to match my prototype photos as closely as possible. I really enjoy doing detail work, so this as been lots of fun. As far as planning my layout, I've been reading, reading, and reading. Model Railroader and Railroad Model Craftsman are two good magazines to look in for help, plus there are lots of informative books to read also. I've almost got my benchwork completed; I got my plans for my benchwork from one of Kalmbach Publishing's introductory books. What with work and 2 kids, it's been slow-going, but learning about all these new things has been lots of fun. Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Just to throw in my 2 cents - read as much as you can. Buy a couple of layout plan books at your hobby shop. Go to train shows and see what works. Buy a layout template tool so you can draw some plans. Take your time with the planning and you'll be much happier with the result. Measure twice and cut once is good advice and redrawing a plan until you are happy with it is the same thing.

[Anonymous]

Just to throw in my 2 cents - read as much as you can. Buy a couple of layout plan books at your hobby shop. Go to train shows and see what works. Buy a layout template tool so you can draw some plans. Take your time with the planning and you'll be much happier with the result. Measure twice and cut once is good advice and redrawing a plan until you are happy with it is the same thing.

[Anonymous]

I would try and find a Railroad club or a group that operates a large layout. Or even a hobby store with a working layout will inspire you to understand what you like and dont like.

Years ago there was a store that had 80 foot auto box cars traveling on 18 inch radius track. It was a monsterous appartion and a sight to see with that overhang in the middle. That was a long time ago. A short time ago, I had finally understood why I never bought a single foot-long auto box. However, if you can get mainline of 24 inches radius or better the better off you are going to be.

For example, the Spectrum C and O Heavy Mountain requires 22" radius to run and will not take #4 switches. There is much to learn and enjoy and alot of fun to be had. One of the best fun is to go to a "good" train show. prepare to spend an entire day in one. (Or two)

[Anonymous]

I would try and find a Railroad club or a group that operates a large layout. Or even a hobby store with a working layout will inspire you to understand what you like and dont like.

Years ago there was a store that had 80 foot auto box cars traveling on 18 inch radius track. It was a monsterous appartion and a sight to see with that overhang in the middle. That was a long time ago. A short time ago, I had finally understood why I never bought a single foot-long auto box. However, if you can get mainline of 24 inches radius or better the better off you are going to be.

For example, the Spectrum C and O Heavy Mountain requires 22" radius to run and will not take #4 switches. There is much to learn and enjoy and alot of fun to be had. One of the best fun is to go to a "good" train show. prepare to spend an entire day in one. (Or two)

[Javern]

buy old issues of MR off Ebay, I find them the best resource out there

[Javern]

buy old issues of MR off Ebay, I find them the best resource out there

[Anonymous]

Lots of good advice so far. If you're using a 4' X 8' you obviously are confined to 18" to 22" radius curves. If you're running along a wall and around a corner you can use a larger radii but may not be able to turn your train around but switching cars is great fun also. Just draw your curves accurately and you should be okay. With smaller curves you need to use smaller ( shorter ) equipment . Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Lots of good advice so far. If you're using a 4' X 8' you obviously are confined to 18" to 22" radius curves. If you're running along a wall and around a corner you can use a larger radii but may not be able to turn your train around but switching cars is great fun also. Just draw your curves accurately and you should be okay. With smaller curves you need to use smaller ( shorter ) equipment . Good Luck!

[Anonymous]

Lots of good suggestions; mine is that you be more specific in your request for help. Draw up a rough plan of what you want and what space you have. The space for most of us is the limiting part, next to a wallet we wish were fatter. So ask your questions on the net in sequence of what you are working on.

Lets say you decide to go the book route as suggested above, you might post the following question:

"I'm in HO scale and am looking at a couple of books that can really get me started in the hobby and help plan my layout."

And my and many other's answer to this question would be to purchase John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operations - Third Edition.

Or you could say:

"I have a space that is 10 by 6, does anyone have a good idea of how to use this space or are there some plans on the net I could access for a space this big."

I would reply that if you can try and find some track planning books from England as they have space problems over there (not enough of it) and have better track plans for small spaces than you find in your average North American LHS.

So tighten up your questions to the forum and we can be more helpful.

[Anonymous]

Lots of good suggestions; mine is that you be more specific in your request for help. Draw up a rough plan of what you want and what space you have. The space for most of us is the limiting part, next to a wallet we wish were fatter. So ask your questions on the net in sequence of what you are working on.

Lets say you decide to go the book route as suggested above, you might post the following question:

"I'm in HO scale and am looking at a couple of books that can really get me started in the hobby and help plan my layout."

And my and many other's answer to this question would be to purchase John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operations - Third Edition.

Or you could say:

"I have a space that is 10 by 6, does anyone have a good idea of how to use this space or are there some plans on the net I could access for a space this big."

I would reply that if you can try and find some track planning books from England as they have space problems over there (not enough of it) and have better track plans for small spaces than you find in your average North American LHS.

So tighten up your questions to the forum and we can be more helpful.

[ShaunCN]

I started with an HO scale layout on only a 4x4 sheet of plywood to get started. Then i moved up to a 4x8. Start small and you won't regret it later. Trying to build your dream layout for the first time is a bit unreal, you could end up giving up this wonderful hobby altogether.

[ShaunCN]

I started with an HO scale layout on only a 4x4 sheet of plywood to get started. Then i moved up to a 4x8. Start small and you won't regret it later. Trying to build your dream layout for the first time is a bit unreal, you could end up giving up this wonderful hobby altogether.

[Kent]

QUOTE: Originally posted by goodsptsed


My best suggestion is don't try to cram your corners too tight. Most people will tell you 18-inch radius curves are fine, but it's better to make them 20-inch or even better 22-inch or higher. There is nothing more frustrating that trains derailing on tight corners. I also second the suggestions to get some good books. Try to build a simple layout which you can expand later. Hope this helps.
Goodsptsed

This is really true for longer locos like the SD90MAC. I when through a lot of trouble tracking one down in CP and ended up paying a lot for it. BUt it derails stuff in the smaller curves. It's even cross my mind to sell it and get some more riendly to my layout.

[Kent]

QUOTE: Originally posted by goodsptsed


My best suggestion is don't try to cram your corners too tight. Most people will tell you 18-inch radius curves are fine, but it's better to make them 20-inch or even better 22-inch or higher. There is nothing more frustrating that trains derailing on tight corners. I also second the suggestions to get some good books. Try to build a simple layout which you can expand later. Hope this helps.
Goodsptsed

This is really true for longer locos like the SD90MAC. I when through a lot of trouble tracking one down in CP and ended up paying a lot for it. BUt it derails stuff in the smaller curves. It's even cross my mind to sell it and get some more riendly to my layout.

[der5997]

We know you want to build build build and run trains ASAP. However, read first. Here's a valuable resource.
"Track Planning for Realistic Operation". It's by John Armstrong, who, you will find out if you don't already know, built legendary layouts. One reason they were so awesome was that he knew how trains run, and built acordingly. It's a Klambach book, and may still be in print. My copy is from the 5th printing in 1973 [:D]

[der5997]

We know you want to build build build and run trains ASAP. However, read first. Here's a valuable resource.
"Track Planning for Realistic Operation". It's by John Armstrong, who, you will find out if you don't already know, built legendary layouts. One reason they were so awesome was that he knew how trains run, and built acordingly. It's a Klambach book, and may still be in print. My copy is from the 5th printing in 1973 [:D]

[Anonymous]

kentsoftware.com

Hi, I want to encourage you to hold on to that engine. Maufacters these days are limiting production runs to batches. You indicated alot of trouble and expense to acquire one. Try and hold on to it.

I have had several engines that were "Big" for the layout and got frusterated with them. Mine is a small 2 x 8 switching plan and I use a 0-6-0 for it. There is a small stable of big steam that will be used in the future. It is harder to find good engines after a production run.

Linn Wescott's Track Plans 101 gives good almost timeless advice. A little bit at a time does it. If you jest gotta have a big road right this minute, there are a number of builders who have started a new market of prebuilt layouts. It will cost plenty. I believe the 4 x 8 is a good start. afterwards you can venture out into the rest of the basement or room with solid ideas of what to do.

Good Luck,

Lee

[Anonymous]

kentsoftware.com

Hi, I want to encourage you to hold on to that engine. Maufacters these days are limiting production runs to batches. You indicated alot of trouble and expense to acquire one. Try and hold on to it.

I have had several engines that were "Big" for the layout and got frusterated with them. Mine is a small 2 x 8 switching plan and I use a 0-6-0 for it. There is a small stable of big steam that will be used in the future. It is harder to find good engines after a production run.

Linn Wescott's Track Plans 101 gives good almost timeless advice. A little bit at a time does it. If you jest gotta have a big road right this minute, there are a number of builders who have started a new market of prebuilt layouts. It will cost plenty. I believe the 4 x 8 is a good start. afterwards you can venture out into the rest of the basement or room with solid ideas of what to do.

Good Luck,

Lee