A beginning modeler's 2 cents worth...

[Roadtrp]

I really appreciate (and frequently seek) the advice of the more experienced people on this board. At the same time, I think it is worthwhile to remember that it may not be best for beginners to take the same approach that experienced, skilled modelers take.

I started my N-scale layout with the goal of getting SOMETHING up and running fairly quickly and inexpensively. That meant I started with Life Like and Bachmann RTR, E-Z track, built-up plastic buildings, Woodland Scenics trees and Life Like grass paper. Now I know all you experienced folks are probably chuckling (or gagging), but I think that it was the perfect way for me to start.

After less than three months in the hobby, I have a layout that I enjoy operating. I have a passenger train, a freight train, and extra cars for my modest yard. I've got about ten buildings and scenery that looks decent if not entirely realistic. I've got a good enough track layout that I can have fun with operations. Certainly not ADVANCED operations, but fine for where I am right now.

In this short time I've grown a lot, and already have plans to upgrade some of the things I've done. First on the list is to use ground foam to replace the grass paper. Next on the list is to paint and weather the built-up buildings I've bought. It will all come in time, and I think by taking this on in small steps I will never get discouraged by attempting something that I'm just not ready for.

I know that some will say I'm wasting money; that I'm doing things that I will clearly want to do over in a pretty short period of time. But I think that is fine. I'm crawling before I walk, and that's OK. I don't expect to go into this hobby with the skills or expectations of someone who has been in it for years. You could tell a 1st grader to forget the "See ***. See *** run. Run ***, run" garbage and go straight to War and Peace. But I think that it is pretty clear that the kid needs to progress through "Run ***, run" before War and Peace is comprehensible.

I think the same is true for Model Railroading. We need to progress through stages by initially creating layouts that an experienced modeler would want no part of. That way we can enjoy our trains while we are still developing our skills.

I've rambled on here far longer than I should have. I want all the experienced modelers to know that I GREATLY value their experience and advice. It gives me something to shoot for as I advance to the next level. I just hope that folks don't look down on me because I am doing things, at this time, in a rather amateur way. I'll get there... I just need to get there my own way in my own time. [:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

Roadtrp, I think you have a great handle on how to start in the hobby!! After all, The V&O, Utah Belt, or any other great layout wasn't built overnight. Having fun is the most important aspect of this hobby. Every layout goes thru upgrades. Many people in this hobby get discouraged when their first attempt at a layout doesn't look like what they see in MR. But you've got the right idea!!! Good luck to you and have fun!!!

[Anonymous]

Your on the right track Roadtrp. I've seen a lot of modelers get discouraged and give up or others who don't even consider the hobby because they are lead to believe that you need the best of the best for your first attempt.
My first layouts were crude compared to yours as you described it, but in time I learned to do things I never dreamed of. Like super detailing and scratch-building locomotives, who would of thought. One step at a time.

[Anonymous]

Hi
I want to buy my first starter set. I have decided to go for HO scale. What are the factors I should consider while buying the set? . Above all I have to import this set, as they are not readily available in India. I have this hobby and want to pass this hobby to my son. Can you please guide me?
ashutosh

[Anonymous]

Welcome!! I don't know a lot about HO but if there is a set available with EZ track--simulated ballast incorporated with the ties and track that could be a good start. I model n scale. Once again, welcome aboard and I hope you and your son enjoy the hobby!

[Anonymous]

yes this is one of the greatest hobbies. my son is only 4 years old. he loves trains. usually i take him to railway station on weekends to watch live trains. when you have started modeling trains? i have to start from scratch. i dont have even good tools[;)] are these models compatible with different manufacturers? can i use Roco loco with Bachmann

[Anonymous]

by the way go to

http://www.lighthousepubl.com/enpg2.html

here Weathering Solution Recipe is given. you can make this solution to give aged weathered look for your wood models. i havent tried but i think it will work

[Anonymous]

I to have had the feeling of being over whelmed. I started just over a year ago back to the hobby. Remember HOBBY. This is yours not theirs not mine YOURS. Depending on your abilities and willingness to try new things you will progress. Sometings are hard and somethings are easy to understand how they are done. Most of all take your time and enjoy the time with your layout at your pace. Read mags they tend to have pictures that help. Internet great source of info. Don't be discourageby some of the advanced modellers they tend to show how much they know and forget laymen's terms. I now have been building my own bridges and structures, mybe not to an advanced modelers specs, but to mine. your hobby, your time, your fun. Keep up the great work......

[bcammack]

A very cogent perspective, Roadtrp. I agree completely. I wish I'd been a little less ambitious myself getting started. I know I'd be much farther along now.

As far as buying a trainset to get started, someone else asked? I'd say "don't", for the simple reason that most of the equipment in a train set is of lesser quality than what you would buy individually and you will (trust me) end up replacing most of it over a short period of time. It doesn't cost any more, over the long run, to buy a good MRC power pack (even a RailPower is vastly superior to a trainset power pack), a good locomotive, and some good track. Even rolling stock can be had cheaply when you are getting started as it's quality is no where near as critical as that of the power pack, locomotive, and track.

Additionally, you will have a better first-time experience with higher quality equipment and will more likely remain a railroad modeler as a result.

[Anonymous]

Well said and I agree whole heartedly. I to have followed this same path, and I try to set anyone wanting to get into the hobby down a similar one. Though since I abhore Ready to Run, (It has been my expereince that every piece of RTR I have purchased has been JUNK!!!!) I generally send them down the road with easy to assemble kits by Model Die Casting, Accurail, and until recently Athearn. I also get them hooked up with buildings by Life-Like, IHC, Model Power, and Bachmann as these buildings are easy to assemble and are molded in colored plastic so painting isn't neccissary if they do not want to get into painting.

Thanks for your two cents worth, thanks for letting me add mine, and I wish all of you happy model railroading.

[Roadtrp]

Thanks for your kind comments. It is good to know that others share my opinions on what it takes to 'get started'. I also hope anyone out there who is thinking about giving the hobby a try might find encouragement in this thread. You CAN have a layout you will enjoy in a reasonable amount of time and with reasonable expense. It won't look like a MR layout, but you have plenty of time to do that later.

Grayhound...

You are 100% right about the MDC/Roundhouse products. Although I started out with Life Like locomotives and Bachmann rolling stock, I've bought nothing other than MDC/Roundhouse rolling stock since I first tried them. They are an excellent value!

[:)][:)]

[Anonymous]

Cool. I'm working on my 10th layout but i consider this my first layout becuase it is accutlay gonna make it to the scenery stage

[Anonymous]

I try to tell beginners to start small and go slow and ask questions.
For example, I'm helping a beginner via e-mail. When he has a question I try to give him a simple answer or options. I'll give both pros and cons to whatever. Most often I'll just be a sounding board so he can figure out what he wants to do. It may not be what I would want or choose to do but that's OK . He knows his skill level so why push something too advanced?