Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
[quote user="tinplatacis"]When it comes to locomotives, 70's-80's TYCO is no good. Ditto on Life-Like, MDC, and another brand I have had issues with but I cannot remember.[/quote] Life-like Proto 2000s are some of the best performers I own (2 SD60s, SD9, BL2, GP9, 3  E7s).  They may require tune-up out of the box but on the whole they are well detailed and the above absolutely knock the socks off of anything else I own (for a comparable price. Back to the OPs topic, getting into the hobby.  The most important part in my opinion is determining what is most important to you.  Everyone is different.  Some are builders (build many layouts/modules in their life time) they enjoy the getting to the final product part.  Some are operators, they enjoy running a layout prototypically according to the real railroad rules.   Others enjoy watching a train run throught an excellently detailed scene.  There are many other types, and you cant really put us all into neatly defined boxes.  The most important part is deciding what you want from the hobby.  I personally enjoy running wayfreights or locals.  They switch out cars at industries along the railroad line.  I built several layouts that had a continous circle before I understood that.  My best advice to you is to think outside of the 4x8 box.  Look at the track plans on this website and others to get an idea.  Do your homework first.  Others suggested figuring out what your interests are, what appeals to you.  Maybe right now you cant afford to build your dream layout (in time, money or space) but you could build a component section of your dream layout.   Leave connections in your track plan for expansion.  Make your layout semi portable (you're young like me, dont build a layout you cant take out your front door).  In my case my benchwork and legs are recyclable into a new layout incase I have to move.  I will definitely have to remove some track to move the layout, but most should be salvageable.    Additionally, my layout is around the walls: my television, book cases, dvd racks, magazine racks and my computer desk are all under my layout.  A model train layout makes great use of blank space for storage.  I am in the fortunate few who have a significant other who also enjoys the hobby.  A note about that ebay 300pcs of nickel siver track you found.   In addition to the shipping cost bit, check to see what is actually included in the track.  If it is a bunch of short pieces you might want to identify if the total linear length of track.  If you are paying more than $2 a foot you are not getting a deal. (Atlas code 100 flex track runs between $5.50-6.25 for a 3ft piece of track).  The majority of my model railroad is flextrack and turnouts, with the occaisional piece of sectional track where I needed absolute rigidity in a very short distance.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community