What's my next step?

[Anonymous]

Hi

Today i went to the hobby shop and i bought a Bachmann Spectrum Magnum for $89.99.I hope it's worth it!

I also just won an item of ebay. It is a used Sante Fe with warbonnet and light. I paid au$32.52 for it.

What is my next step?

At the end if the week i will call a hobby shop and buy those Pre-Wired rail joiners.

I will be getting my board next weekend.

What do i do next?

Many thanks

Pavariangoo

[Anonymous]

well track of course!!! and cars!!! but dont get as excited as i sound, haha, you better make a good track plan before you go out and blow money on track before you know what you're doing. I like XtrkCad. It's free and works great. Cant remember the website right now, just search XtrkCad. Good luck and have fun. The magnum power pack is a good one, It was the first one I got as well and I still have it. It really only powers switch motors now because im DCC, but there is nothing wrong with it.

[Anonymous]

Like JPM335 said make sure you have a track plan first, And also how big of a layout are you looking to build?? is a standard 4X8??? I will admit I goofed up on my first layout I bought all this track and Had NO idea on what I wanted to do with it. I wish you luck and remeber just have FUN. Time spent modal railroading can not be deducted from ones life

[selector]

Just as my colleagues have stated, stop, take a few deep breaths, and do some serious thinking.

Make a list of things you'd like to accomplish with your layout. Then make another list that describes, or outlines, what you need in order to do what is on the first list. From there, the tools, parts and accessories you'll need can be computed to keep you from spending money needlessly.

Go slow! Take your time, and do what I found myself doing; reading up on what I planned to do the next day the night before, including here on-line. I saved myself from a lot of grief, for example, by reading about using beach sand for ballast. Someone warned us to check it with a magnet first to see if any of it would be drawn to electric motors. Mine had magnetic material in it!

I'll say it again. Take a breath, read, plan, review plans, and go slow. You'll make fewer mistakes.

Good luck!