Some thoughts for new modeler railroaders.

[Anonymous]

Lets think of some really important things for new people to consider when entering this wonderful hobby...

My first thought is to take your time! The single most difficult thing any beginning model railroader will do, is build the model railroad empire. You will ask yourself to do this at a moment in time, when you are absolutly the least capable of doing so. Worse than this, what you do when you are a beginner at designing and building a railroad, will effect what you will be doing later when you are much more capable. Therefore it will be natural for you to will look at what you designed way back at the beginning and say "What the H___ was I thinking"? This is likely one of the reasons so many give up, or start over again. This is also one of the reasons the 4 X 8 layout is such a good idea! Most the time the typical 4 X 8 can be incorporated into the next phase of layout building, look to most of us older guy's Guru, John Allen, he incorporated his original 5 X 7 layout into one of the most famous basement empires of all time, the Gorre & Daphited.

The possibility exists you have an entire basement you can fill. That's wonderful! However, don't do it............................................., YET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You also need to know one of the most enjoyable aspects of this hobby takes place in an arm chair with your feet up. Read! Read what you've already read, once again! At the last, I suggest building from a plan in one of any of the great books available for beginners. Build a plan that might be designed for eventually incorporating into a larger layout or can be easily changed to do so.

Most of all, enjoy the process and put you feet up and set-a-spell!!

[Anonymous]

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.

[Fergmiester]

Fergie's 1st Law of Mathmatical Miscalculations. The size of your problems is exponentialy proportional top the size of your layout. In Laymen's terms a 8 x 24 is not a 4x8 x6tables No, No, Nooooo it's a 4x8 x 60!

Fergie's 2nd law of model railroading mythology: It won't work until you've bled on it and made the ultimate sacrifice to the MR gods.

Fergie's 3rd Law of MR FundeMENTALS: It won't work because it was never meant to be. So give up now and come up with a new game plan.

Are you scared now!!!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

Fergie's 2nd law of model railroading mythology: It won't work until you've bled on it and made the ultimate sacrifice to the MR gods.

Are you scared now!!!

Not quite...but I suspect a few restless nights are in order![(-D]

[Fergmiester]

QUOTE: Originally posted by SuperChiefFan

QUOTE: Originally posted by Fergmiester

Fergie's 2nd law of model railroading mythology: It won't work until you've bled on it and made the ultimate sacrifice to the MR gods.

Are you scared now!!!

Not quite...but I suspect a few restless nights are in order![(-D]

Oh ye who have little faith!
I have new new scar to show for it!!

[Anonymous]

Nope, no restless nights!! Only evenings spent in peaceful contemplation!!

[Anonymous]

On the topic of fundamental laws of model railroading: A smaller dedicated work surface results in fewer unfinished projects. Have Fergie do the math for you.

Randy