First layout

[UPJohn]

I'm considering building the MB&T(april 2001 pages 66-69 model railroader)for my first layout but I'm basing it on modern Union Pacific . It is HO scale and about 8 x 11 and it has many industries. Does anybody have advice for my first layout? Eventually I will expand it and maybe have a club layout.

[Anonymous]

Start small like your doing. Don't rush. Have fun!!!

[Anonymous]

Well, if you can, go DCC. That's what I plan to do on my UP layout. It's a lot better than DC and offers more realism. And........... well, use a good brand of track (flextrack is best), and, by good quality locomotives and rolling stock! You say you're modeling modern diesels, but you didn't say what scale. Kato makes good diesels for HO, walthers has excellent rolling stock. Athearn would be good for both. That's all I've got......... oh yeah, HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[ndbprr]

My gut feel is that might be a little big for a first layout if you ru***hings to get them running. However, If you take your time laying track and trouble shoot as you go so you don't have a mess when finished it could be ok. Nobody enters this hobby and flings down 100's of feet of track without problems so I would start with one of the siwtching areas and get it running being prepared to tear some work out as all of us have. the you can move on to finishing the loop. Do it right the first time no matter how long or how mant times it takes and you will never regret the decision.

[nfmisso]

QUOTE: Originally posted by 4884bigboy

walthers has excellent rolling stock. Athearn would be good for both.

Walther's makes good rolling stock, it certainly is not excellent. The in rtr, excellent is reserved for Kadee, InterMountain, Red Caboose and P2K. In kits, the same plus Westerfield, F&C...and minus Kadee (no kits).

[CBQ_Guy]

Dougal summed it up extremely well. I could only add, Ask LOTS of questions!