Frist Model railroad

[Anonymous]

I would like to get some ideas for a layout for a ho scale. I also would like to know all the how to do stuff. And is there a free downloadable layout program.

[philnrunt]

[#welcome]You've came to the right place, in kid. These people are the best group for rail information around!
There are quite a few books with HO plans, check the MR homepage for info on how to get them.
Atlas had a free trackplan download, but they might not be online at this time, I know their forum was shut down for "remodeling". You might try Atlas Model Railroad in your search engine and see what they have to offer.

[Anonymous]

Welcome! Glad you found your way to this forum. I wish you many posts and knoweledge and freindships formed.

I would also suggest a trip to your local hobby store. They will have a rack of books so you can look them over before you buy them. A book I would suggest is "Track Planning for Realistic operation" by John Amrstrong. A great book that has much useful information. I find I go back to that book almost weekly. Feel free to post any questions here. The people on the board are knowlegable and freindly. As long as there's an answer out there we'll be happy to answer it.
Andrew Miller

[Anonymous]

feel'in the love already. I'l try Atlas. Thanks

[Anonymous]

Ideas come a dime a dozen and this is a great place to get some. But I find that that the "How To" stuff is best done via a visual medium like video or in a magazine where the steps can be laid out step by step. I know the fellow by the username "jfugate" has been posting the links to the "How to" section on his website here for the past several months, but I find them quite advanced and maybe a bit confusing for the beginning modeler. (Though if patient and if you take your time, I am sure a beginning modeler can obtain good results following them) For Books, I reccomend that you brows the large selection offered by Kalmbach. I know this is kind of free advertising for them, But it has been my expereince that they make the best model railroading books that can be had. I would also reccomend that you pick up every track plan book you can find. It doesn't have to be just for HO scale to. I have found some Ideas in some N scale plans that I want to incorporate into my HO layout when get more room to expand mine. (Currently in storage due to an abortive attempt to move) If you find that you are more of a audio visual person and want a video to go off of, I reccomend Green Frog Production's "Building a Model Railraod" series. It is avialable on VHS and DVD. I own this series and I feel that it is an invaluble tool for the begginning modeler and still a handy reference for an advanced modeler like me.

Hopefully I have been of assistance.

James

[EL PARRo]

Welcome to the World's Greatest Hobby, in kid. You can get free layout software from atlasrr.com.

I have one piece of advice for you. Since this is your first layout, I assume that you'll probably starting out with a standard beginner-size 4'x8' layout, or maybe something slightly larger. Unless your already 100% sure that you'll only want to run small steam and 4-axle diesel locomotives and 40'-50' freight cars, I suggest using 22" minimum radius curves, maybe even larger if you're comfortable with it. Not only does it broaden the selection of locomotives and rolling stock that you can use, larger curves also make for smoother operation, and your locos and cars will look better on larger curves.

[Anonymous]

I'd suggest getting a look at the books offered by Kalmbach publishings. They have a lot of books on how to (how to build benchwork, wiring, scenery, track plans...) A good thing is also to come here regularly and just read. I have not the space nor the money to start building my first own layout, but all of the knowledge I gather now will serve me in the long run.

Move slow but in the right direction, there's no rush and getting knowledgeable in the basics before jumping into a project will pay in the long run.

[Anonymous]

Amen Neerie. Good advice on starting slow and in the right direction. I wish I wish I would have heeded that advice when I started.
Andrew Miller

[rogerhensley]

Don't forget the NMRA web site with its 'Introduction to Model Railroading' section at http://www.nmra.org/beginner/

Lots of good beginner info there.

[Anonymous]

Welcome aboard. the best advise I can give you is to first educate yourself and this is the site to do that. make sure that when you begin to model that you will be happy with the finished product. Go with a theme that makes you happy.Dont cut conners. If you want a big layout make it big. Go with you gut instinct. Perhaps a sectional layout might work for you. these are able to be moved some what easliy. paitents is the key to avoid costly mistakes and exsessive frustrations. there is a vast amount of resourses avalible on the interernet. One site that inspired me to pay attention to detail is www.fin-art-models.com check it out Its really neat . Best of luck to you in the worlds greatest hobbie

[Anonymous]

Pour over back editions of Model Railroader & other magazines. Check your local library to see if they have subscriptions.

Wayne