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I totally agree. For years I just purchased equipment that I saw and liked. I figured one day I'd have sufficient room to honestly contemplate building my first layout, and I wanted to be ready. I stocked up on numerous how-to magazines and kept my subscription to MR renewed year after year. Sitting in my favorite chair (or sitting up in bed), I learned much about a hobby that I think beats all else (my humble opinion!). Even when my interest waned for awhile, I still found moments where I'd 'doddle' track plans on paper, or I'd just set up track on the carpet and be content to run the trains, if only for a short time. My first serious effort at building a small layout wasn't the best, but it was fun. Now disassembled, I'm planning a larger layout and I'm filled with excitement, largely because I've a chance to right many wrongs from my first attempt. Recognizing my limitations and the fact that I don't have to strive for perfection ('cuz it ain't happenin'!) is helpful. I have peace in knowing I'm creating a world to my liking. This is but one of many aspects about the hobby that I think is so cool--the creative process. I would encourage newcomers to think of all the possibilities first, then be honest about what you can and can't do right away. There's no rush. Setting up a sheet of plywood, laying tracks and connecting power pack(s) just to see that first train or two run can be a springboard to something bigger and possibly better in the future. Do whatever you can to sustain interest. Read, read, and read some more. Visit those hobby shops--and often! Dream of everything you want and purchase whatever you can. Sign onto to forums (such as this) and revel in the wealth of information available to you. You might even make a friend or two along the way which enhances the experience. Above all else, remember to ENJOY what you're doing.
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