General Discussion (Model Railroader)

Wow, I just home from work and I'm surprized, I really didn't expect such a response of encouragement Thanks Guys, I guess I'm going to finish or at least get some trains moving.

I think your right about just running a train even if it is only back and forth. Maybe if I can see the train running I probably will get motivated again. It's getting a little boring painting the layout. I've painted my  layout so many different colors that I can't remember the 1^st color. Plus I don't get much encouragement at home. I'm in a house full of women, my wife and two daughters, plus the neighbors that are always hanging around.  They keep asking when it is going to be finished. Not because they want to see it in operation, but because I think they want to see it gone.

I'm short 4 bridges to finish the track. I really need the bridges because I'm using all flextrack on the upper level and I'm worried that I might not get things lined up properly. I'm also short the Digitrax stuff to complete the DCC. I'd hate to buy all that stuff again somewhere else and have both orders show up at the same time. I tried canceling all the backordered stuff from Internettrains a month and a half ago and it took over 2 weeks before they disappeared off the order status. I did try to order a couple of bridges elsewhere, but they ended up being back ordered. There is a local hobby store, but they cater more to remote controlled planes and cars. They never have anything that I'm looking for, so when I saw all the stuff at Internettrains, I thought it was Christmas. They had photos of stuff that I had never seen before.

 The bridges aren't that expensive, so I'm going to order them again somewhere else and hope for the best. Meanwhile, I'm going to try and cancel my existing order at internettrains. I'm going to have to wait on all the Digitrax stuff until I have some confirmation.

 As far as the switches go, I choose the Atlas remote snap switches because I didn't want anything hanging down below that could be broken off when moving the layout. When the wife has a dinner party, I have to put the layout up and out of sight.

 The switch idea is good. I've been collecting different switches over the years, just got to figure something out.

 By the way, I found this video while searching for information on Internettrains. I can NOT say for sure, but could it be the one and the same?

 http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&VideoID=156400

Go to Walthers com and also to Horizon Hobby's websites I have succeeded in doing business with both sites.

Horizion has a safe method of ordering with a credit card and good understanding. Walthers is better for finding hobby shops that recieved a out of production item, back order items, no longer availible items etc.... emailing these hobby shops usually turns up one or several of these items around the USA with various pricing and shipping charges. Unfortunately some stores insist on charging full MSRP and others have the item overseas and YOU will have to re-IMPORT it to the USA... ugh. UPS Brown anyone?

Or call Trainworld in New York by phone with the complete information on the desired item.. model number, manufactor, road name etc... just be sure to leave out the small talk.. they dont chat. They just want to take care of your business and move on.

Regarding the other people in the home... well... you need to be a Alpha Male and stand your ground and claim to that train room space. Tell them it is for you and if they dont like it .. tough... it might be around until you pass on however many years it be.

Sleeper,

Don't give up!! I'm sure most folks here would agree that when starting out there were things that were totally frustrating.  I am also sure that many of them would say that part of the satisfaction that comes with this hobby is figuring out the hard stuff, improving one's skills and overcoming the obstacle.  Don't be afraid of asking questions - I am constantly amazed at the willingness of the people here to help out if someone has a problem.