I am going to be starting a new layout next month after returning from a beach vacation. I just wanted to say thanks so much to all the staff at Model Railroader. I can say without a shadow of doubt that I am much better able to design and construct this layout as a result of the work that all of you at MR do on behalf of this great hobby. In particular I need to say thanks to David Popp and Pelle Soeborg. David's book Building a Model Railroand step by step and Pelle's Building a Sectional Layout have both been inspirational to me in getting started and also invaluable informational resources. So thanks very much!!
Bradd Williamson
I have been a long time subscriber of Model Railroader. They deserve your praise.
If you participate in this forum, you can ask for advice and get friendly ideas from forum memebrs.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
I am a LION.
LION builds trains differently. All found materials, stations all scratch build, mostly from corrigated cardboard.
But Him make big layout.
See what LION builded on website of LION.
BTW, How old is you?
ROAR
The Route of the Broadway Lion The Largest Subway Layout in North Dakota.
Here there be cats. LIONS with CAMERAS
Hey Bradd!
Welcome to the forums!!
You are right! The MR staff do great things and justly deserve to be recognized.
We encourage you to post your progress here, and of course ask questions.
Cheers!!
Dave
P.S.
Don't mind the Lion. Brother Elias (yes, he is a monk who lives in a Monestary) is a bit eccentric but he is also a very talented modeller. His subway layout is a marvel of innovation. If anyone can find a way to build something for low or no cost, he is the one.
I'm just a dude with a bad back having a lot of fun with model trains, and finally building a layout!
Hello and welcome.
.
Yes, the guys at Model Railroader certainly deserve thank yous from me as well. They do a great job keeping the hobby interesting for me.
I hope you post in here often. Don't be a stranger. Your first few posts are moderated, after that it will become much more quick.
-Kevin
Living the dream.
I too welcome you Bradd! You have recognized what probably most of us take for granted. If it wasn't for MR and all the "popular model railroad press" we would likely all (or most) of us be stuck within our own creativity. But, as I, and many others of us have found is that creativity begets greater creativity; better ideas shared with others grow into even better ideas. I believe that you will find that out too as you embark on this fine hobby.
Hop on board and join the fun!
You can't find a nicer bunch of guys and gals than here. 7+ years ago I too was a newbie/rookie (mostly) and this forum's members have been very giving and helpful every step of the way. Of course the magazine itself and it's staff deserve every bit of praise. I've been reading it since 1964. Glad you're getting a good start!
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
Welcome Bradd. Take your time planning your new layout.
Planning is everything. Just like prep work is everything to the end result of a good job.
I got to say you have great access to a lot of knowledge and experience here. A lot of these guys have been doing this hobby their whole life.
I read these formus for three years before I started my layout after a 35 year break from this Hobby.
The most important thing I can tell you to commit to in your planning is............
Appropriate Grades, Radius, Easements, and nothing less than a number 6 turnout on your main lines.
This I learned from the members of these forums and stuck with it like religion.
Good luck with your planning and don't be afraid to ask questions before you make your plan concrete.
Thanks once again for the replies and advice. YOu can NEVER get too much of that. I am actually not a complete rookie at this. I have built several small (4X8) nscale layouts over the past 20 or so years. I have learned a lot about what to do and what not to do as a result of building and running those. We recently built a 20 X 20 foot addition on our house and I made sure that there was a basement underneath and that entire area is now my layout room. This will be the first permanent around the walls type layout I have built, and I'm sure I will need help and advice as I embark on this endeavor. I do have a track plan made out. I am using all #6 turnouts and have decided on a minimum radius of 15 inches. The setting of my layout will be Nebraska so there will not be many significant grades to worry about. My main question at this point is what do you guys think of Kato unitrack? I am really leaning toward using the concrete tie double track for this layout. I have experimented with just about every kind of nscale track on the market and have found that in my experience unitrack is the most trouble free track as far as positive electrical connections are concerned. I can and have soldered flex track and other sectional track to establish good continuity, but as I pointed out, I have had absolutely ZERO problems with any unitrack I have ever used. I know it is not as realistic looking, and you are limited as far as types of curves and there are other disadvantages to it. I have found though through weathering and proper scenic techniques that it can be made to look good enough. Just curious as to other's opinions on this stuff. Thanks again and it's great to be here!!!
Hi Lion,
To answer your question, I am 48 years old. I am going right now to check out you layout. Thanks for sharing.
Bradd