I am New Here I need to know where to start

[Anonymous]

Hello my name is Steve and i am brand new to the hobby. I have in my attic Some old Tyco boxcars etc and 2 engines. I also have some older HO cars that are all metal looks like they were part of a passenger rail set. That aside I am starting from scratch. I will gladly take any input to help me get started i hope to head to the book store to find a guide of some sort, maybe some has a suggestion on which I sould buy. I am a info hound it may take me months to get started because I want to know as much as possible before I started . Thanks again for your time Steve

[Anonymous]

[#welcome] steve. First and foremost, DO NOT buy a train set. Some people say its a good way to get started, but i think it actually deters people from the hobby. The stuff you get in train sets is of terribly low quality. We could help you more if you give us some more information. How much space do you have available? What time periiod do you want to model? Do you like passenger trains, frieght trains or both? Do you like switiching and operations or would you be happy to watch a train go in a circle?

[Anonymous]

[#welcome] Steve, glad to have you aboard. I invite you to the coffee shop, where alot of us hang out. You'll find alot of good advice, and friends there. As for books, Kalmbach publishes books on model railroading. I believe, one is titled "A beginner's guide to model railroading". It should give you a starting point. I hope this helps you. If you have anymore questions just ask, you get the answers you're looking for, and probably some you don't.[:D]

Robert

[Anonymous]

Right off the cuff I highly recommend a copy of Model Railroader and the special edition of MR that's on the newsstands until March called Model Trains. the special edition comes with a free dvd and is a great guide to building layouts. The library is another possible good source. My library has very little in the way of books, but they have computers with dvd roms to assist those who do not have one at home. I'm new to this hobby also and the best advice I have is be inquisitive, do a lot of searching, ask questions. The hobby has evolved and advanced right into the technological world in which we live and there are many, many sources for products and information; most inclusive is this and other forums. Good luck and Happy Holidays.

[ksax73]

Welcome to the hobby Steve!

Although I started with a train set myself, I have to agree. Don't get a train set unless it's from Walthers or something. My following statement is a biassed one because I model primarily Amtrak trains but an example of a decent train set is Walthers' lates Amtrak set. It comes with an Athearn loco which is of reliable quality and Walthers Passenger Cars which are also good.

I'm not familiar with the track and power packs but if you for some reason do decide to go with a train set, stick to a set from Walthesr for sure. At all costs stay away from Life-Like and Only deal with Bachmann's Spectrum line of products.

Good Luck!

[IRONROOSTER]

[#welcome][#welcome]

Hi Steve,
A couple of web places are http://www.nmra.org/beginner/ and explore the Model Railroader site linked above. These have a lot of good information for beginners. You'll probably find more books at your local hobby store than you will at your local bookstore - at least that's true for me. In addition to the books mentioned above a good one is "Track Planning for Realistc Operation" by John Armstrong.

One thing to consider before you commit money is which scale and time period to get involved in. I know that I started out just buying anything that looked neat all of which I still have (pack rat is my other hobby [:D][:D]) but a lot of which I don't use. Try to get to a train show or two that has operating layouts in different scales.

Of course if you're raring to go and willing to make mistakes then just jump in and start trying things out. This forum is a place where you can come ask questions and get multiple opinions.

Again welcome to this the most fascinating of hobbies.
Enjoy
Paul

[Anonymous]

Wow thanks for all the quick responses. Here is a bit more info I was thinking of a 5x9 display to start In my garage that is being finished to become a "man's" area. I lost my den to my 2 girls twoo weeks after we moved in. I enjoy the realness for the scenery I see in a lot of the pictures.

Joe Q: "What time periiod do you want to model? Do you like passenger trains, frieght trains or both? Do you like switiching and operations or would you be happy to watch a train go in a circle?"

I am thinking current i live in southern NH we have the new Downeaster Service that runs through town I would like to include that but freight as well that runs on the same tracks from Boston to Maine. Switiching and operations sounds like fun planning for years of enjoyment.

Robert thanks for the invite i will be by for a cup soon

sirgknight thanks I saw that one at my local drug store $9.95 sounds like its worth the investment. 1 copy left i will stop there after work

Kyle thanks for the info you lead me to my next question Who makes the "best" or better yet "highest quaility" items I think the items that would be most life like would be more expensive but I have a feeling I would not be happy with out that realistic look.

thanks again to all for getting me all revved up. Steve

[Anonymous]

WELCOME ABOARD!

You're on the right track. Nice thing about the 5 ' wide is you will be able to accomodate 22" to 24" radius curves.

[Anonymous]

[#welcome]

I went the route you did and tried to bring to life my old Tycos, etc. Don't waste your time. I was of the thinking that I could save all kinds of cash and get the old antiques working...mistake. The quality of today is amazing. Go out and buy at least metal wheelsets for your rolling stock if not that pick up at least some athearn kits and put them together. You spend $3-$8 and will be much happier.

Ditto on the trainset as most have already said. Pick up some athearn, walthers or atlas to start. Youll spend some cash but will be glad you did. Then dod what I did and use the tyco stuff for display on a shelf. [:)]

Good luck with your project!

[Texas Zepher]

QUOTE: Originally posted by macy
I have in my attic Some old Tyco boxcars etc and 2 engines. I also have some older HO cars that are all metal looks like they were part of a passenger rail set. That aside I am starting from scratch. I will gladly take any input to help me get started i hope to head to the book store to find a guide of some sort, maybe some has a suggestion on which I sould buy. I am a info hound it may take me months to get started because I want to know as much as possible before I started.

The model railroad industry has changed so much from the Tyco days, you will probably be better off starting totally from scratch. The first thing is that those cars are going to have a "horn hook" type coupler. Almost all, but the ver y cheapest, manufacturers have switched to Kadee compatible format. So to use the Tyco would require conversions.

Track is going to be another issue. There are several brands now which come with plastic roadbed. They are, of course, incompatible with one another. I recommend staying away from all those and sticking with plain track that requires cork or other roadbed. Don't plan on nailing track dirctly to a board, as it will be noisy.

All the "beginning" books that I started with and loved so much are obsolete these days so I cannot recommend them. There have to be some good ones out there. Seems like there was another thread in this form recommending one. You might even be able to find some at your local library.

Hah! found it:
http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=26105

[Anonymous]

[#welcome] to the forum!! You can find answers to just about anything here, all you've got to do is ask. One of the first things you need to do is pick a scale (size of models) to work with. You can get a lot of scales, but the best known are G,O,HO,N,and Z. Those are in size range from biggest to smallest. I have to differ with some of the other guys on here, and say that it depends on what train set you start with. Anything from Proto 1000, Athearn, or Atlas is going to be a high quality set to help you get interested.

If there is a good hobby shop in your area, drop by, and you will probably be amazed at how helpful the staff there can be.

Good Luck,
Greg

[john lea]

Everyone has good info. Say with the good quality stuff even if you have to budget yourself, it will be less expensive in the long run. Just rember, don't be in a hurry, think it out, lay it out then if it looks good nail it down,or what ever. This is a hobby that is never completed because you are always building, ripping, tearing, cussing, and some times starting all over again. The rolling stock that is avaible these days is totaly amazing. the realizim is very close to the proto type, including sound.

[trolleyboy]

Hi welcome to the best darn hobby in the world.This forum is a great repository of knowledge, but besides the local library and magasines the next time your in your local hobby shop ask around and see if you have a train club in town or near by its the way I started even if the scale is different some hands on experience with other modelers is an excellant way to learn enjoy. Trolleyboy

[Paul W. Beverung]

Hello Steve; Welcome to the wounderfull world of model railroading. I agree with what the guys have said. I'm modeling the early 50s ore hauling in the upper penisula of Michigan. You'er on the right track by gathering information. Find out all you can about the different scales and what they each offer. I'm in HO myself since I was 11yrs old a long time ago. HO has the largest selection of products and for my tired eyes is easyer to work with. N scale can get more rail road into a given area. If you have a room to yourself you should consider an around the wall arrangement or a walk in of some sort. Check out Track Planning For Realistic Operation for some good ideas. A subscription to one of the magazines is a good idea. That way you get the latest news on the hobby and alot of good ideas and information. I've been getting Model Railroader since tha 50s and have been very happy with it. Above all plan on having fun. After all that's what it's all about.

If you want you can E-mail me direst and we'll chat. feel free to ask any question on the forum. The only dumb question is the one that doesn't get asked. I'll be looking for your posts in the furture.

Paul

the Duluth, Superior, & Southeastern

" The Superior Route "

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by macy

Wow thanks for all the quick responses. Here is a bit more info I was thinking of a 5x9 display to start In my garage that is being finished to become a "man's" area. I lost my den to my 2 girls twoo weeks after we moved in. I enjoy the realness for the scenery I see in a lot of the pictures.

Joe Q: "What time periiod do you want to model? Do you like passenger trains, frieght trains or both? Do you like switiching and operations or would you be happy to watch a train go in a circle?"

I am thinking current i live in southern NH we have the new Downeaster Service
that runs through town I would like to include that but freight as well that runs on the same tracks from Boston to Maine. Switiching and operations sounds like fun planning for years of enjoyment.

I am like you, i enjoy both switching and scenery. You have to make a compromise. I have seen layouts with just track on plywood, but lots and lots of switching. I have also seen layouts with amazing scenery but the trains just run around. Basically, yards waste scenery space and scenery wastes yard space if that makes any sense[xx(]. Anyway. my current layout will have 2 large yards. A mining industry, a grain elevator and various spurs. The rest will be devoted to scenery. I figure its enough to keep me busy for years to come and look nice too. If you are running both passenger and freight trains you should consider a double track mainline. Some people have single mains with lots of trains ( haha that rhymes[:D]) and they like the challenge of passing the trains going different directions. A 5x9 seems to small to do that though. As for engines, it depends how much you want to spend. I would personally suggest starting with an athearn blue box diesel that would retail for $40-$50. But if you are willing to spend more you can get higher quality models. One thing i think you should go with from the begginning is DCC. It costs more initially but will simplify wiring and make running trains more fun.

[Jetrock]

Athearn's "Genesis", Bachmann's "Spectrum" and Life-Like's "Proto 2000" lines are all good brand names without being too expensive--Atlas locomotives are very nice too but cost a bit more.

Take a look at different track plans before deciding on a final plan: in many cases, people are abandoning the "4x8 sheet of plywood" style for around-the-room shelf-style plans that allow for wider curves, longer runs and better access to the layout, while still allowing the middle of the room to be used for other things.

[Anonymous]

[#welcome]

The only I want to add is have fun. to many how we get there is as much fun as having completed the whole project. Enjoy the journey.

[Anonymous]

Steve, I also am from the S. NH area. I have been modeling off and on for most of my life. My current layout is base on the Maine Central up in Portand, Me. This and the Atlas boards are increadable places to get valuable information and everyone is always willing to help.


Send me an e-mail sometime and I can try to give you a few more pointers.
Here is some pic's from my newist layout.

http://community.webshots.com/user/nhguy21

Josh

[cefinkjr]

Steve:

[#welcome]

You've already done one of the best things you could to start learning about model railroading -- you joined this forum. There is a lot of good advice in previous replies but let me add one piece and dispute another.

1. Buy, beg, borrow, or steal -- well, maybe you'd better not steal -- as many back issues of Model Railroader as you can find. Read them from cover to cover including the ads.

2. Don't toss out that old equipment just yet. When you've got a little experience behind you, you might want to trot it out again and upgrade it. I'm in the process right now of refurbishing some Mantua and Varney cars that are about 40 years old. With the addition of Kadee couplers and good trucks with metal wheels and axles, they'll be ready several years of service.

And while I'm on the subject of old freight cars, if anyone has any Model Die Casting all metal box cars, I'd be interested in taking them off your hands. I'll give you the opportunity to make room for more plastic on your railroad [}:)].

Chuck

[john lea]

Steve.. Forgot to tell you that I also am working in a small area, 5x9, with an addition of a 5x12.. I first measured an measured and measured, an drew track plans until I was blue in the face, not to scale, Then I started drawing lines, to scale, very litely on the plywood, then sanding them out and redrawing, sanding and redrawing. Then when I thought I had what I might want I started laying the track and switches, roughly, then moving and fitting. Then was the cork, making sure that the switches fit for the taking off for the proper route. After you glue or nail the cork, I suggest you tack it first making sure everything fits, first, then go back and glue the cork. Then lay the rail back down and tack it down. Please keep in mind that you will need space for what ever industries you may want. Go into the Walthers, or campbels(sp) web sit and you can get the measurements of the buildings or any other thing you may want. Hope this will help a little. I do have pitcures of the bare room with up dates every so often, it helps to take these pitcures to help keep you on track, of course there will be changes! If you would like to see some of these pictures just e-maile me and I'll send you some of them. I,ve been on this for about a year and am not anywhere near done, never will be!