Need advice on getting back in hobby after 40+ years.. Controls, track, you name it. HELP!!!
back and to the forum. Your posts will be delayed in moderation for a short while.
A lot of us came back after a few decades.
Your question is too open ended. What era do you want to model, how big is your space? Do you want sound? Have you built a real layout before? What is important to you watching the trains run or switching?
Henry
COB Potomac & Northern
Shenandoah Valley
I agree; narrow it down a bit for us. Lots of options to choose from.
I first began modeling in N scale back in '74, went to HO in '92 after 10 years off for school, cars, girls, etc.
I'm currently building a small N layout on two hollow core doors in an L configuration. I'm using Atlas code 55 track with a Digitrax DCC system.
Chuck - Modeling in HO scale and anything narrow gauge
Over in the Layout and Layout Building section we have a thread started by someone getting back after 30 eyars away. Already lots of good advice there - might want to check it out.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Modeled in HO before . Built several layouts, last occupied half a double garage. Era I plan on modeling is 1920-1940's in the Trans Pecos area of West Texas. Specifically the area around the Big Bend. Loosley based on the KCM&O between Alpine and Presidio. Had started to collect n stuff a few years ago. When making next to last move discovered it had been stolen from my storage barn along with a color TV.
Lastspikemike Get started. Build a loop. Buy a locomotive you like and rolling stock to haul. Run it while you plan the big layout to add onto your loop. Biggest mistake you can make is to fail to begin running a train. Asap. PS buy DCC. You will want that, eventually, no matter what.
Get started.
Build a loop.
Buy a locomotive you like and rolling stock to haul.
Run it while you plan the big layout to add onto your loop.
Biggest mistake you can make is to fail to begin running a train.
Asap.
PS buy DCC. You will want that, eventually, no matter what.
I agree with this. Getting a train running, even if it is a single locomotive, is the best encouragement to keep working and building.
York1 John
I'll second the advice to start fresh with DCC. DCC is SOOOoooo much better than old school DC that once you try it, you'll never go back. Lots of modelers may tell you that DC is cheaper which can be true if you're not a smart shopper (check out Model Train Stuff and Trainworld on-line).
You can save a lot of money by purchasing one full feature starter set from NCE, Digitrax or MRC, then adding WiFi capability so that you can use multiple smart devices as wireless throttles (you already have a smart phone in your pocket so why buy another throttle).
DCC wiring is ridiculously simple as it is basically two wires between the DCC system and the track. Yes, depending on the size of your layout, you may need multiple connections between those two wires and the track (power bus and feeders) but it is still two wires supplying power to the layout. There are several good books explaining DCC as well as multiple YouTube videos. Depending on what advanced features you may eventually want (power districts, reversing loops, block detection, etc.), DCC can get a little involved but the wiring is certainly no more complicated than a DC Cab Control system, and you would need to compare DCC wiring to at least an eight throttle cab control system as most full feature DCC systems can handle at least 32 throttles.
Many will tell you that DCC doesn't offer much on a small layout but I have personally found that it makes a HUGE difference on a small layout, especially if you want to run more than one train. Running multiple trains on a small layout using DC cab control typically means paying more attention to the toggle switch tango than to the trains! No more with DCC.
Features like constant brightness, directional and specialized lighting, sound, and multiple loco consists are just a few more advantages of DCC. With DCC, you can run your trains in any direction, at any speed, and anywhere on your layout at any time! Check out the local hobby shop as they often have a layout set up and may be able to demonstrate DCC for you. There may also be members of this forum in your area that may be willing to do the same. Another good place to get a DCC demonstration is at train shows should we ever get to attend one of those again!
Good luck and enjoy the hobby!
Hornblower
Welcome!
Let's just say that you are already starting off well by asking questions. I might suggest also getting Kalmbach Books, "Getting Started in Model Railroading" by Jeff Wilson. You can get this at your local hobby shop or purchase it from Model Railroader. It has some of the more up to date information.
Also there are some really good YouTube channels such as: N Scale Model Trains How To Channel, Ron's Trains N Things and N scale Union Pacific Evanston Subdivision which are great free sources of information.
Also if you are just starting out, you might consider a Kato complete starter set that comes with a locomotive, freight cars, power pack and track all of the highest quality and everything in it can be used later on. Kato locomotives are some of the easiest to DCC later if you don't want the added expense right now, but you may really enjoy having it later. Last time I checked ModelTrainStuff had them for $199 but I am sure you can find them elsewhere. Please stay away from the cheaper starter sets as they are mostly cheaper quality.
If you want to start out buying everything separately, then Kato and Atlas make both high quality track. As for as locomotives and cars, freight and passenger, there almost too many to list here but I have Micro-Trains, Atlas, Fox Valley, Kato, Intermountain, Athearn, Broadway Limited, Exactrail and Wheels of Time mostly.
I really hope this helps, Ralph
popeye Need advice on getting back in hobby after 40+ years.. Controls, track, you name it. HELP!!!
The models are more expensive but way more detailed. They mostly (but don't always) run better. DCC can seem intimidating but is really quite wonderful. Lets you operate in a way more realistic manner than you can with DC blocks. Sound is expensive but very addictive and really adds a nice dimension to the hobby.
I'm in HO but I'm finding the older freight cars work nicely (especially at a club where stuff gets handled). Hard to beat the detail of new locos, though, and passenger cars with interiors are a nice upgrade. I'm on a tight budget and have managed to acquire a good collection on a shoestring, it's just a matter of lookign and being patient.
Aaron
Failed to mention earlier that the layout will be 4x8. One (iron) horse, nearly bankrupt line. I have a NIB Model Power 2-6-0. After looking at prices I'm wondering if it wouldn't make more finanicial sense to go buy another 20-22' sailboat (at least I can sleep on it).