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Brad: First: Welcome to the 'Worlds Greatest Hobby'. In answer to your question: You can build virtually everything associated with model railroading from 'scratch'. However, and it is a HUGE HOWEVER, scratchbuilding requires time, patience and skill. I would advise you to leave that for later and go with a quality RTR (ready to run) trainset and track. First thing I would do is decide what size (scale we call it) and what era you want to model. Many decisions are made more or less automatically for you once you have decided those two questions. Do you prefer steam, diesel, or a mixture? Freight, passenger or both? If you like to do research there is plenty of information available on the web, you might want to begin by scanning the Walters website ( they are a large and comprehensive wholesaler and retailer which most hobby shops use) www.walters.com/ for ideas. Alternately you could go to your LHS ( local hobby shop) and discuss your options with them. Another possible avenue would to attend a meeting of your local model railroad club and ask them. Novices are always welcome in my experience and model railroaders are a talkative bunch. There are any number of 'getting started' books available. Buy or borrow some and look them over for ideas and answers. Back issues of train magazines are commonly available at hobby shops or at swapmeets, they are a prime source of information and 'how to' articles. At the top of this web page, are links to various monthly publications which have articles for the amateur. Once you have done a bit of reading and discussing you will be ready to purchase your first trainset. I STRONGLY SUGGEST you spend a bit more and get quality. If you don't find a set which pleases you ask your LHS about 'mixing and matching' to make up a set which pleases you. Nearly all hobby shops will be glad to work with you. Finally, this month's (January 2004) issue of Model Railroader has two articles which would be helpful to you. The issue is currently at your LHS. Good Luck and have fun. Randy
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