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Getting started

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  • Member since
    December 2023
  • 1 posts
Getting started
Posted by Bokbfok on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 10:14 AM

Howdy all,

I have toyed with the idea of getting into model train for quite some time. I was planning to go with HO scale to complement my slot car tracks and just general space. I had great ambitions, but life happens often and those get pushed back. I will one day get the slot car and train landscape done, one day.
In the meantime, I wanted to get into G scale. I have started buying tracks as I see them popping up on the various sites and will be looking at getting some more this weekend. I am not planning(currently) on putting the trains outside but rather in my workshop. I have a 40x60 shop, with 14ft eaves and a 16ft peak. I want to snake the tracks through the building running along the purlins and all about.
That being said, I am eager to learn from you all and spend the kid’s college fund! I have a lot of questions but will do some research and curate them.
 Thanks!
  • Member since
    April 2023
  • 158 posts
Posted by Road Foreman of Engines on Wednesday, December 6, 2023 5:32 PM

Very exciting! You have a large space to work with, should be a great project! You may eventually find you have space for the G, and the H0 and slot cars. It is usually best to get one simple operation going, then expand later, rather than trying to tackle too large a project all at once. Possibly progressing in phases. Get something simple running first, then expand. Just a suggestion....

Paul

  • Member since
    January 2010
  • 16 posts
Posted by homo_habilis on Friday, December 8, 2023 12:11 PM
  • Member since
    August 2022
  • 115 posts
Posted by Vintagesteamer on Sunday, December 17, 2023 9:44 AM

G scale is lots of fun.  Try to stick with LGB, Piko or Aristocraft track as they hold up the best, especially if used outdoors.  My railway is all LGB track with most being over 20 years old and still in fine condition.  I started with and LGB starter set and grew from there.  I have engines from them, as well as Kalamazoo and USA trains.  I got into live steam operation a few years ago and now have several from companies like Roundhouse Engineering and Regner.  To me, the live steam aspect is the main draw to G scale.  The larger scales are way more expensive and are no small feat to rerail if there is a derailment.  G scale is still portable and easilly taken to and from the shelf to the track and back again.    Good luck with the new railway.   

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