Considering returning to hobby...

[Anonymous]

Welcome back. Lots of great advice out there to learn from. As you can see there is a lot out there to consider. One other thing to consider, long term , is the size you want to model in. As you're only 25, eyesight isn't a problem yet but I find, at almost 50 yrs. that HO or larger is best to work in as far as handling or seeing things goes. I still need magnifying lenses to see tiny details but for the most part this size is one of the best in my opinion. Again, you've got a long way to go so N scale might be good too. It wasn't available when I got into the hobby. Good luck and again welcome back! Dale

[n2mopac]

Welcome back. I would have to say that yes, N scale is showing some great progress over the past 10 years. I am a little biased, but I can't imagine doing anything else.

Ron

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by PennsyHoosier

[#welcome] returning. Go to the show and see what happens. I've had my ebbs and flows over the years. But going to a train show always gets me fired up. Is there one in Grand Rapids or Kzoo this weekend?

Downtown Holland at the Civic Center. November 21st, its a Sunday.

Info is in link: http://www.rmrrc.org/tulipcity.html

[krump]

Welcome back Michigan !!!

I lived in GR for 2 yrs while in Calvin College. I was away from the hobby at that time. Still wondering if being from MI makes you a Michiginian, or a Michigander.

This forum is a great place to learn, to learn about the hobby, and to laugh... come on out for a coffee when you get the chance.

[brothaslide]

I had to laugh when you said that you got out of the hobby in your teen years and now decided at 25 to get back into the hobby.

I thouhgt you were going to say you were in your mid 30s or 40s.

Now that college is over, you'll have some more time for trains. You'll still get this sinking feeling Sunday evenings that a report or other homework is due. It wears off after a few years.

[PennsyHoosier]

[#welcome] returning. Go to the show and see what happens. I've had my ebbs and flows over the years. But going to a train show always gets me fired up. Is there one in Grand Rapids or Kzoo this weekend?

[Anonymous]

If you are into the modern era's of today's trains, N scale interestingly enough is your best choice. An SD90 in HO looks almost like a G scale engine whereas in N scale it has a nice presence about it. Many will disagree but HO is the best scale for the transition era, S is great for narrow gauge, N for modern equipment (and I can hear the moans already... lol) and if you want an empire in a coffee table, z scale.

If space is going to be a challenge, I would go N (as I have, selling off most of my HO equipment). If I had lots of space, I would model in S. Space and era should be the greatest determining factor, followed by availability of stock in chosing a scale.

[Anonymous]

Welcome back, as you see from the above responses, these guys are dedicated to the fun side of Model Rail Roading, Just read the "The Seedy Side of Town" for some good laughs...Dan[#welcome]

[Anonymous]

To answer the questions posed to me:

How much space do you have for a layout or what size would you like it to be?
I Will probabally make a small layout. But I want it to be expandable. Prob start out with the traditional 4x8, then expand. I would be in a small corner of my basement.

Is there a particular railroad you like? Not at the moment, still looking into my options. When I was in the hobby previously, I was leaning towards Union Pacific.

In modeling, do you prefer freight? Passenger? Or both? Perhaps a combination of both.

What types of locomotives do you like the most or would like to run on a layout?
Disel/Modern day

Is there a particular time period you like? 40s? 50s? 60s and 70s? Current day

On a layout, would you like to run long freight trains with multiple locomotives, or do you prefer a scene where you can do plenty of switching of freight cars at industries? Or do you like a mix of both? still undecided on this one.

Are you interested in passenger service? If so, long distance? Commuter? Local, or a combo? Probabally long distance.

Pre-Amtrak (before 1971) or Amtrak (after 1971)
after 1971

Are you interested in having a locomotive servicing facility? I could be a possiblity, but probabally not right away.

[

[AntonioFP45]

Welcome Back!

Most of the guys here are used to me doing the following. So here goes:

How much space do you have for a layout or what size would you like it to be?

Is there a particular railroad you like?

In modeling, do you prefer freight? Passenger? Or both?

What types of locomotives do you like the most or would like to run on a layout?

Is there a particular time period you like? 40s? 50s? 60s and 70s?

On a layout, would you like to run long freight trains with multiple locomotives, or do you prefer a scene where you can do plenty of switching of freight cars at industries? Or do you like a mix of both?

Are you interested in passenger service? If so, long distance? Commuter? Local, or a combo?

Pre-Amtrak (before 1971) or Amtrak (after 1971)

Are you interested in having a locomotive servicing facility?

O.K, I've hammered you enough? Just trying to help your imagination "leave the station and make a good run!"

Looking forward to your replies!

Peace, High Greens and Cheers with an E7 in Run 8![4:-)][tup]

[Anonymous]

Welcome back!! Don't just consider going to the show - go to it! It's amazing how many new products have hit the market since you were last involved. While HO is still the majority scale, I am impressed by the growth of N - I'm sure you will be too.

Of course, you do know that if you attend the show - you'll be infected by the bug like all of us are!

[Anonymous]

Yeah, ive been to the Science and industry museam many times since I was a child. From what I understand the layout was recenlty redone/renovated.

I was in the NMRA for a total of one year when I was a teenager. 1993-94. Had a youth membership if I recall correctly.

I have picked up a few issues of MR and other RR magazines here and there to try to catch back up on the hobby.

Where in MI are you from? Im from Allegan (Grand Rapids/Kalamazoo area)

[Anonymous]

WELCOME ABOARD! You're on the right train.
Here's a couple of ideas that will bring you up to speed. Take a trip to Chgo.
www.msichicago.org/exhibit/great_train_story/index.html

www.nmra.org and click on beginner's page

Take a look at the 2005 www.walthers.com 1,050 pages of HO stuff.

SURPRISE!

There's a few of us Michigan guys on board.

[Anonymous]

Hello, thought I would sign up.

I am considring a return to the model RR hobby. I was into the hobby heavily during my teen years. However as I got older, the intrest waned off (as well as lack of time to commit to it) and I ended up doing "Bigger and Better" things, as the old saying goes. I ended up selling off all my RR stuff when I was in high school.

I am now 25 and recently got out of college. I am considering attending a train show near me this weekend to rekindle memories and to catch back up on a nearly 10 year absense from the hobby.

I was into HO when I was in the hobby before. And am considering HO again since I know stuff for this scale is readily avalible and is still from what I understand the most popular scale in model RR'ing. I also hear N scale is an up and coming scale.

I am from MI, so I thought I would introduce myself and get feedback.