Need advice!!

[cacole]

If you want actual military models and not just box cars, etc. that were used during WWII, Model Power makes U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marines rail guns, flat cars with tanks, box cars, etc.

[cacole]

If you want actual military models and not just box cars, etc. that were used during WWII, Model Power makes U.S. Army, Air Force, and Marines rail guns, flat cars with tanks, box cars, etc.

[snowey]

you've gotten some EXELLENT advice so far, but let me throw in my 2 cents now. Since you're a newcomer, the first thing I would advise is to get ssome of the exellent model railroading books from Kalmbach publishing. They're availible online through a number of dealers, at your L.H.S. (Local Hobby Shop-the "train store") or through this site-go to "Model Railroader" or from the Kalmbach site at WWW.KALMBACH.COM/BOOKS Also, the ATLAS MODEL RAILROADING company has a GREAT forum on their site at WWW.ATLASRR.COM I know there's tons of questions going through your mind right now-that happens to us all-and you'll have even more the more you get into it-but we've all been beginners at some time, and had-and still have-a lot of questions. ut, you're already off to a good start!!

[snowey]

you've gotten some EXELLENT advice so far, but let me throw in my 2 cents now. Since you're a newcomer, the first thing I would advise is to get ssome of the exellent model railroading books from Kalmbach publishing. They're availible online through a number of dealers, at your L.H.S. (Local Hobby Shop-the "train store") or through this site-go to "Model Railroader" or from the Kalmbach site at WWW.KALMBACH.COM/BOOKS Also, the ATLAS MODEL RAILROADING company has a GREAT forum on their site at WWW.ATLASRR.COM I know there's tons of questions going through your mind right now-that happens to us all-and you'll have even more the more you get into it-but we've all been beginners at some time, and had-and still have-a lot of questions. ut, you're already off to a good start!!

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone! As a true greenhorn I need a bit (read "a lot") of help.
My first hurdle is to sort out whether to go AC (e.g. Marklin) or DC. Generally, I want to start modelling on a Swiss/German layout so it probably isn't too much of an issue missing out on all the other fabulous prototypes from Australia, US & UK for example (later on though, I could change my mind!).

I was told by a Marklin fan that AC attracts less dust than DC systems and AC 3 rail systems have better contact so dust is not the issue it is with DC systems. Is this true?

I was also told that DCC systems need to be kept very clean to work happily (does that make AC digital systems more robust?

I'm keen on the digital stuff but realise that it might be too expensive (want to run up to 4-5 trains at a time) - especially if I could save a bob by perhaps setting up with secondhand equipment using the old block system.

If you're game, I'd be grateful for some advice. Thanks guys.

[Anonymous]

Hi everyone! As a true greenhorn I need a bit (read "a lot") of help.
My first hurdle is to sort out whether to go AC (e.g. Marklin) or DC. Generally, I want to start modelling on a Swiss/German layout so it probably isn't too much of an issue missing out on all the other fabulous prototypes from Australia, US & UK for example (later on though, I could change my mind!).

I was told by a Marklin fan that AC attracts less dust than DC systems and AC 3 rail systems have better contact so dust is not the issue it is with DC systems. Is this true?

I was also told that DCC systems need to be kept very clean to work happily (does that make AC digital systems more robust?

I'm keen on the digital stuff but realise that it might be too expensive (want to run up to 4-5 trains at a time) - especially if I could save a bob by perhaps setting up with secondhand equipment using the old block system.

If you're game, I'd be grateful for some advice. Thanks guys.

[Anonymous]

You've already recieved a lot of good advice but you will have a hard time finding brass track anymore which is a good thing. Nickel- silver track can be had at a very reasonable price and you can still use the brass track for spurs/sidings where your loco doesn't have to run much or at all. If and when you paint it you won't notice the difference. 40' boxcars were far and away the most common piece of rolling stock in WW II. They can be wood or steel and I wouldn't worry if you ran something in a WWII train that actually wasn't built until 1954. The main thing to remember always is that model railroading is FUN. Another gift to ask for is a Walther's Catalog. If you've never seen one it will just blow you away. Promise! You can find one at a discount in the ads in Model Railroader or Railroad Model Craftsman or other model railroading venues. You can even order one from Walthers and I believe if you order by the end of Sept. shipping is free. If your parents are helping you financially you can do some of these things right away and if they are not that's okay, too. It will just take a little more time-- This is such a great (World's Greatest) hobby...you can go at your own speed and follow your own interests for the rest of your life. The skills you acquire, the friends you meet, the fun you have are priceless! And Hey! You're 12 years old...welcome to the Hobby!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

You've already recieved a lot of good advice but you will have a hard time finding brass track anymore which is a good thing. Nickel- silver track can be had at a very reasonable price and you can still use the brass track for spurs/sidings where your loco doesn't have to run much or at all. If and when you paint it you won't notice the difference. 40' boxcars were far and away the most common piece of rolling stock in WW II. They can be wood or steel and I wouldn't worry if you ran something in a WWII train that actually wasn't built until 1954. The main thing to remember always is that model railroading is FUN. Another gift to ask for is a Walther's Catalog. If you've never seen one it will just blow you away. Promise! You can find one at a discount in the ads in Model Railroader or Railroad Model Craftsman or other model railroading venues. You can even order one from Walthers and I believe if you order by the end of Sept. shipping is free. If your parents are helping you financially you can do some of these things right away and if they are not that's okay, too. It will just take a little more time-- This is such a great (World's Greatest) hobby...you can go at your own speed and follow your own interests for the rest of your life. The skills you acquire, the friends you meet, the fun you have are priceless! And Hey! You're 12 years old...welcome to the Hobby!!!!!!!

[Anonymous]

The best thing now is to start your refererence library. But some books on trackplans, building scenery, electrical hook-ups, etc. When you get an idea what you want, then start buying what you need. Also, sit down and write out exactly what period of time you want, the location of your scene (deep south, northwest, etc), and type of scenery. Then go to the store and buy what you need. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

The best thing now is to start your refererence library. But some books on trackplans, building scenery, electrical hook-ups, etc. When you get an idea what you want, then start buying what you need. Also, sit down and write out exactly what period of time you want, the location of your scene (deep south, northwest, etc), and type of scenery. Then go to the store and buy what you need. Good luck.

[Anonymous]

sorry to ask but could you tell me what kinds of trains ran in ww2 cargo trains to be exact. thanks guys!

[Anonymous]

sorry to ask but could you tell me what kinds of trains ran in ww2 cargo trains to be exact. thanks guys!

[Anonymous]

thanks you guys this really helps I think i'm going for a world war two theme so it needs to be simple and this really helps but could you guys give me a list of tools for a new scenery maker?

[Anonymous]

thanks you guys this really helps I think i'm going for a world war two theme so it needs to be simple and this really helps but could you guys give me a list of tools for a new scenery maker?

[Anonymous]

Two web sites for you:

http://www.atlasrr.com/products/fanlayout/hoflintro.html

http://www.thortrains.net/4holayx.html

[Anonymous]

Two web sites for you:

http://www.atlasrr.com/products/fanlayout/hoflintro.html

http://www.thortrains.net/4holayx.html

[Anonymous]

One thing to buy for sure is a copy of Model Railroader. If you don't have a subscription, ask for that as a Christmas present. Some of the recent copies have some nice track plans which are more than an oval and should give you some ideas.

[Anonymous]

One thing to buy for sure is a copy of Model Railroader. If you don't have a subscription, ask for that as a Christmas present. Some of the recent copies have some nice track plans which are more than an oval and should give you some ideas.

[Anonymous]

Ok thanks for the tips and they are brass rails all the stuff I have is a good 7-10 years old so I was just wondering oh and since you guys are really nice can I ask you another question? well here it is i'm going to a model train store in a couple of days I haven't got anything really no table,scenery etc. And all I really have for a track is an oval with one turnoff and other junk usless bits I was wanting to build a very simple HO scale track thats just a bit above the oval difficulty so if there is anything you guys think I should buy tell me ok thanks.[:D]

[Anonymous]

Ok thanks for the tips and they are brass rails all the stuff I have is a good 7-10 years old so I was just wondering oh and since you guys are really nice can I ask you another question? well here it is i'm going to a model train store in a couple of days I haven't got anything really no table,scenery etc. And all I really have for a track is an oval with one turnoff and other junk usless bits I was wanting to build a very simple HO scale track thats just a bit above the oval difficulty so if there is anything you guys think I should buy tell me ok thanks.[:D]

[GerFust]

Model Railroader recently had some articles (posted somewhere here, as well) about polishing your rails with silver polish after cleaning to slow down oxidation, allowing for longer usage between cleanings. I'm not sure which rail materials you can use that on. Look in MR for that.

[GerFust]

Model Railroader recently had some articles (posted somewhere here, as well) about polishing your rails with silver polish after cleaning to slow down oxidation, allowing for longer usage between cleanings. I'm not sure which rail materials you can use that on. Look in MR for that.

[Anonymous]

First & foremost!
C L E A N track /loco wheels for better electrical pick-up/performance.
There are many liquid cleaning products out there.
Rubbing alcohol, Goo Gone, nail polish removal, denatured solvent, the brite boy but my favorite is MAAS, a $3.00 paste metal cleaner .www.maasinc.com

You don't say if it's brass track or nickel silver.
Nickel silver is superior to brass but clean brass works. Thats all we had 25 years ago.
It just that brass oxidizes at a faster rate( poorer electrical conductivity) and necessitates
frequent cleaning.

[Anonymous]

First & foremost!
C L E A N track /loco wheels for better electrical pick-up/performance.
There are many liquid cleaning products out there.
Rubbing alcohol, Goo Gone, nail polish removal, denatured solvent, the brite boy but my favorite is MAAS, a $3.00 paste metal cleaner .www.maasinc.com

You don't say if it's brass track or nickel silver.
Nickel silver is superior to brass but clean brass works. Thats all we had 25 years ago.
It just that brass oxidizes at a faster rate( poorer electrical conductivity) and necessitates
frequent cleaning.

[Anonymous]

Hello i'm new to the hobby and web site I just started with HO scale i'm really young (12) but really into the hobby and I just dug out my brothers old train stuff from my basement and it's really dirty and dusty so I was wondering if there is any proper ways to clean track of dust,lint etc. because i don't want to wreak or hurt the track. thanks for your help[:D].

[Anonymous]

Hello i'm new to the hobby and web site I just started with HO scale i'm really young (12) but really into the hobby and I just dug out my brothers old train stuff from my basement and it's really dirty and dusty so I was wondering if there is any proper ways to clean track of dust,lint etc. because i don't want to wreak or hurt the track. thanks for your help[:D].