Q for Newbies

[Bob Keller]

In the months that we publish CTT bimonthly, we try to work other projects such as additional web content.

While we do have information for newcomers to the hobby on the website, specifically, what information haven't you found that would be of use to you?

[Anonymous]

While I'm not sure what else you could offer that wouldn't be at the expense of subscriptions. One thing I've not seen (and I've looked) is anyone offering a free monthly desktop calander picture to download.

For example:


CTT might try offering a free "wallpaper" download for people to use as the back ground for thier computer screens (offer three different resolutions if at all possible).
Using artists work or actual pictures of train model(s) CTT could create a desktop picture that showed the days of the month on it. Add the CTT logo and it could be an ad of sorts too. Manufacturers might help by sponsoring any costs incurred with making this or the extra bandwidth used by downloaders. Perhaps they may also provide pictures to use and maybe even add thier logo to the "wallpaper " for compensation?

Ken

[mpzpw3]

How about instead of saying "a relay was used" for such and such a product, giving a suppliers list and part number for the relay. It is starting to get old reading "buy a relay", and going to a store and being asked what part number or in what specifications.

[Anonymous]

Bob,

Two things come to mind:

The first would be a clear and easily found explanation of the different *scales* (not gauge) that are available and listed as 'O' gauge. I did not realize there were different scales that all ran on 'O' gauge tracks until I bought a lumber car that drawfed my introductory set engine! There should also be a description of what the different names used for each scale from each of the manufacturers is -- "Traditional," "Super O," etc. I just bought my first 'TMCC' engine that was listed as 'Semi-scale'. I thought "great--a 'TMCC' engine that will go with my 'Traditional' rolling stock. I was wrong. So, now I have an engine that drawfs most of my rolling stock, and a lumber car that drawfs my 'TMCC' engine.

*LIONEL NEEDS TO MAKE THIS CLEAR IN THEIR LITERATURE AND CLEAR ON THEIR PRODUCT PACKAGING* (Yes, I am shouting -- not in anger, but just to be heard)

The second thing would be product narratives that describe production changes: I was first a newbie about eight years ago, and bought three 031 Lionel turnouts before the demands of fatherhood took most of my free time. Now that my daughter is ten, I am getting back into trains. One of the first things I wanted to do was buy a couple of more turnouts, but I could not find any of the 031 Lionel switches that I had bought earlier. "What's that? They are making '022' switches? Yikes -- that's a tight radius! I did not realize they made curves that small. And they are even more expensive than the '027' switches that are on the shelves next to them! Go Figure."

Then I find out that Lionel simply revised their *older* 022 switch and discontinued the '031' switches. The 'new' 022s do work much better than the 031's, but they still have their problems (damn--why can't the lanterns rotate a full 90 degrees when the turnout throws?), IMHO, and drawbacks (I do like the removeable track extensions on the 031s).

I guess both of these things would might fall under something along the lines of "What Newbies Have No Way of Knowing." That's my 2 cents worth....

[lionelsoni]

In the interest of avoiding confusion, let me point out the distinction that Philip alluded to between model numbers and curvature. The track curvature is designated by O27 or O31, which refers to the (approximate) diameter of a circle of track to the outside ends of the ties. The model numbers of the switches are 022 for the traditional O31 switch, 6-23010 (not 031) for the O31 switch with the removeable track extensions, and 1122 for the O27 switches.

[Bob Keller]

Good comments by all, thanks!

We'll start working on this to help newbies get up to speed!

[Anonymous]

i would like to see comparisons "ala consumer reports" on various o-gauge items like track&switches, transformers, locos that are similar types (example: pre-war, post-war, modern, and hi-rail hudson) buildings, kits, rolling freight, etc... and like phil said above, some explaination of whats happening in the train maker's companies. ( i seems to me that there is a lot of mystery and secrets and leaking of trade info in this hobby) i want the straight scoop[:)]

how does it look? sound? run? pull? turn? ease of assembly? repair? durability? pro and cons.. etc....

a real apples to apples (or as close as you can get) type of thing.

thats just my opinion tho...
[;)]

[Anonymous]

How about a section or just a thread where the experienced folk tell us all what they'd do different. Where they'd list the mistakes or pitfalls caused by their inexperience. Might make for some interesting and humorous reading too!

[Anonymous]

RonKenworthy:

Kinda like a "bloopers reel" for O gauge? I like it!

Tony

[Anonymous]

I think a good article for Newbies would be a group of track plans that will fit on a 4x8 sheet of plywood. List the track needed, and it's operational advantages and disadvantages over other plans in the article. I wouldn't add buildings or accessories to the plans like most of the trackplan articles do; let the reader decide where the roads, buildings, accessories, etc. go. Of course, how to build a 4x8 "table" will be essential for this article.

Possibly a followup article a year later taking the same 4x8 plans and enlarging them to no more than double the original size would be nice as well. After the reader builds one of the layout and runs it for a bit, it's only natural to want more. Show another track plan that builds on the first with the list of extra track needed, etc., and explain what makes this larger version more appealing.

Maybe in the issues between these articles, a series of articles showing various ways to create scenery (both toylike and realistic) such as trees, grass, shrubs, roads, water, hills, backdrops. Also, a few articles on wiring (showing more than one method) would be good as well; I thought the series that was done over the last two years on wiring the various signals was good. Maybe something similiar showing how to wire a switch to turn on/off power to a siding, or installing lights inside Plasticville or K-line buildings, or wiring the non derail switches to create automatic train routing (that might be a bit much for a real "Newbie"), or making a "panic" button that shuts down the layout . By showing multiple ways to do the same thing, us "veterans" will read the article as well to see other ways of doing what we've already done, and possibly share methods that weren't covered.

I also feel that every issue should include a small or medium layout featured. (I realize that there have been quite a few in the past) In a lot of issues, the cover story is a layout built by a professional with O 2000 curves taking up nearly an acre of space (one layout recenty shown was 25x40; I remember that because that is the size of my whole house). Seeing too many of these monster layouts (usually running bank-breaking engines) without something smaller and less expensive (to keep perspective) probably scares away more than a few "newbies".

Another idea would be to add a column on local train clubs. Every issue give a page to an area club. Tell how often they meet, when & where they meet, what the dues are, age restrictions (if any, hopefully not), what scale they model, etc. This info would benefit all of your readers, but will also give Newbies a place to meet others interested in the hobby.

One final idea, perhaps in the summer, mail your subscribers a back issue of another magazine you publish. Seeing a different magazine might give some ideas they wouldn't ordinarily get, and you'd reduce your inventory at the same time. Maybe send two copies of the December issue instructing subscribers to give one to a friend, coworker, or family member that may be interested in the hobby.

I hope at least something in this lengthy reply is of use,

J White

[Anonymous]

Since you are asking for requests by newbies, I liked the last post regading the monster layouts that are as big as some homes. They are nice, but very intimidating to newbies. I would like to see more simple layouts such as shelf layouts, hi rail, floor layouts, Christmas layouts, etc. that could be built for $500 and under. Space, time and money all affect our interest in the hobby, and making a layout simple would catch my eye. I would also provide a bit more detail if possible on wiring and benchwork, which are the first two things we face in building our initial layout. Use laymens terms if possible, and don't assume we all know what blocks, relays, return feeds, sub base, etc. mean.

[tjsprague]

I agree with jmwhite's proposal of more small track plans with parts lists will help newbies get down to "running" trains.

The big layouts are nice to look at, but recent search of layout builder's sites I saw some which were featured in CTT articles. I also saw the costs...$70,000-$100,000!

It's great to see the best of the best, but it can be intimidating. Try to balance it with smaller, and expandable plans and stories.

Good luck,

TJ Sprague
Recent builder opf a two-table "L" layout, 4' x 8' + 4' x 10', and havin' fun!

[brianel027]

Okay, I'm not a newbie by definition, but I am in terms of what I have bought in the past. First off, the article called "Scale Is The Thing" first printed I believe in March of 1993 warrants an updating and reprinting. That kind of information would be very useful to both beginners and those not so new to the hobby who are confused by the terms "scale," "semi-scale," "traditional," "027" and "0." The listing chart with the percentage breakdowns was very informative and still useful to me to this day.

I also hope the trend towards reviewing lower end products will continue. Recently there was the "Beep" review and the K-Line $50 Geep* review and the Lionel Docksider review (which deserves the attention it's getting). Granted these low end products might not interest everyone, but neither do the expensive high end products. Keeping the variety in both product reviews and articles is important. I read all the product reviews, but find my interest increases with something I might actually be able to buy (hopefully sometime soon!!!).

I also like the "Long-Term Reviews" and find them interesting and informative to read.

I'd like seeing more articles on smaller layouts too, but I'd be willing to bet that it is harder to find guys who want to "advertise" their smaller layouts versus the ones that everyone dreams of having (but might not be able to have).

*I'll also add to the info in the review on the K-Line Geep, if you run that engine with a more modern transformer that starts off at a zero voltage instead of the old standard 6 volts, it will perform much better. Even the older bottom end K-Line cheapie transformer starts off at a low enough setting and will run that loco just fine. As will the B-U post setting of the Lionel 1033 transformer. I run literally nothing but low end engines and have no problems with making them crawl at nice slow speeds. Adding addtional lights to the locomotives also helps in this respect, and especially since as mentioned in the CTT review, there are no lights in this locomotive. Adding 2 lights for the front and back headlights, another for the cab and still a few more small red G-O-W bulbs for the marker lights would not only help the running of the loco, but improve its looks too (although the inside of the loco might need to be primed first to keep it from glowing, since I'd bet good money these locos at this price point are NOT painted). I'm sure the hole/cover for the sensor on the battery-operated version could be modified to accept an operating stobe light too.

I've modified nearly every locomotive I have, and they all look better and run better for the effort. Even little details like adding handrails, improving plastic horns, painting grab rails and door handles go a long way to making a cheap loco look like a champ.

[tschmidt]

First of all, thanks for asking.

In some car mags I get there's a box in the article with "alternate" opinions about the car. How about something like that with the editors giving opinions about that layout. We could hear where they think the layout's strengths and weaknesses are. It would be great to hear opinions on where the layout could be improved, added to, changed, etc. We could also hear about how some of these "super" layouts could be broken down into smaller segments that a beginner could build first and then add on to at a later time.

It might be helpful if basic costs are listed for some of these layouts. Maybe it would help those who are building get a realistic idea how much they can do.

I look forward to what you will be doing.

Tom

[jimhaleyscomet]

I just looked over you newbee information on your web site and noticed a few things that could be updated. First of all, you might consider adding a manufacturer / scale table similar to your gauge table something like below (The values are NOT accurate, I just made them up for the example)

Manufacture Line Name Scale Size Scale Nickname Typical Box Car Length
Or perhaps size A,B, C
MTH Rugged Rails 1:52???? Traditional 10"
MTH Rail King 1:50????? Semi Scale 10"?
MTH Premier 1:48 Scale 12"?

Lionel Traditional 1:52? Traditional 10"
Lionel Scale 1:48?
Lionel Lionmaster ? Semi Scale ?

Industrial Rail / Marx 1:54 027 8"

K-line etc etc.............................................................
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Second thing I noticed is your "Track FAQ" needs updating to include snap track, real trax and fast trak (Yeow, I would not want to wade in to that one!!!!!).
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My third suggestion is to learn from the Astronomy Hobby. Both magazines put out an "introduction to the hobby" 8 page pamplet. similar to "Welcome to the Worlds Greatest Hobby" brochure. In it you could briefly review Scale, Guage, Various Manufactures, DCS/TMCC/Conventional control, Sound lines (railsounds, PS2, Trainsounds...), and suggestions for that first set. Of course they have the magazine website and subscription cards inside.

Just my humble opinion. Thanks for asking.

Jim H

[Anonymous]

I hear this question over and over again from Newbies at train shows: What's the difference between O-Gauge and O27 track? A simplified explanation with a diagram would be very welcomed.
BillFromWayne

[Bob Keller]

Thanks for the feedback from this born again message thread.

CTT has had a intro booklet for several years, BTW.

[jimhaleyscomet]

How do we copies of the intro booklet and how much do they cost?

Jim H

[Jumijo]

I'm new to the hobby as of Dec. 25, so much of what other people take for granted is still quite new to me.

The one thing that many of the people on this forum seem to share is a pretty good understanding of electricity and electronics. This stuff might as well be voodoo to me. I'm totally clueless on these subjects. A basic "primer" if you will, on how to wire a small layout, how to connect and install feeder wires, etc would be greatly appreciated. Same thing with the electronics aspect. Me taking a loco apart to repair it would be nothing more than a precursor to taking it to the shop to have my repair repaired. I'd love to be able to know more about the inner workings of toy trains. Symptoms and fixes, with a difficulty scale attached to each how-to article.

More information on low-budget projects and layouts would also be of interest to me. As a newbie, I'm not ready to start buying expensive locos and rolling stock. What is available for short money? Someone above mentioned an article on creating a layout for $500. Great idea! Perhaps a series would be even better? One article on building benchwork, one on wiring and track laying, one on scenery, etc. At what point do I start upgrading things like transformers, and other equipment would also make an interesting read.

Perhaps a newbie FAQ series? People new to the hobby could supply the questions.

I have asked some pretty basic questions on this forum, and the knowledgable responses I've recieved were both helpful and courteous. What's the difference between O and O27 rolling stock? Are they compatible? Where can I buy affordable (under $100) locomotives? Can one brand of trains run on another's track or with another's transformer? Can I use so-and-so's smoke fluid in my new Lionel with confidence? All questions I've asked in the past month. They were all answered thoughtfully and kindly. No one has ever made me feel like a dummy for asking. No question has ever been ignored. So with that in mind, perhaps your greatest web help for newbies is this very forum.

Jim

[Kaufu2]

One thing I have a question about is when you wire the layout in blocks for conventional running, using more than one transformer, how do you run a locomotive from one block to another? Do you have to match the power outputs of the transformwers? There is plenty of information for the wiring, but nothing on the actual running using blocks.
To sum up my rather meandering post, more information on the basics of operating under various configurations, to go along with the information of building and wiring.

[Bob Keller]

For copies of the intro booklet just e-mail me your snail mail address and I'll get one out to you.

Normally, these are used as a promo for new subscribers and are available for retailers to distribute in their shops.

[lionelsoni]

Kaufu,

Running from one block to another with different transformers powering the two blocks requires that the two voltages be not only in phase but equal. Any difference in transformer voltage will be the difference at the rail gap that will be shorted by the pickups and could result in a substantial fault current. I think that a much better practice is to switch blocks between the transformers so that any particular train stays with the same transformer no matter which block it is in. (It has never occured to me to check whether my transformers are in phase.)

Polarized line-cord plugs can only guarantee that a transformer's phasing will not change from time to time when it is plugged into a particular outlet. The relationship between the phases of the primary and secondary windings may differ from transformer model to model and very possibly from example to example of the same model if the manufacturer does not make an effort to be consistent. Furthermore, the phasing of outlets varies. About half the outlets in any typical house will be out of phase with the other half. Occasionally duplex recepticles are wired, for good reasons, with the upper and lower outlets having opposite phases. So, if you choose to run between blocks, you must get the transformers into phase and keep them that way. An outlet strip with a switch is a practical way to do that.