Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
There are certainly a lot of different approaches to establishing a model railroad. A railroad buddy is a good idea as long as he is near or supportive of your level of interest, skill and activity. The approach of planning first will most likely turn you into an arm chair enthusiast, not sure of when you have planned enough. I have done a few layouts since my child hood each of which started with a 4 X 8 foot sheet of plywood. All of them stalled after the track was nailed down and operations began. Each layout was dismantled due to lack of interest shortly thereafter. My current HO scale layout started as a point to point shelf layout, 2 X 15 foot that helped to resolve my misunderstandings of the art. Questions about type of track, turnouts, buildings, and backdrops were resolved before the layout grew to the 2.5 scale mile double track mainline it is now, complete with scenery, DCC, 14 industries, and a lower level, 6 track, 40 foot run through staging yard. The most helpful of this approach was it got me up and operating on a layout that didn't take up the middle of the room as a 4 X 8 table would. It afforded itself to landscaping, turnouts, grades and track laying. Wiring issues were experimented with and resolved. Expansion was easy in stages that were in line with the budget. <br /> Attending train shows is very important to keep up with the hobby. Most shows have operating layouts which spark a surge of energy in most of us to advance our own layouts. Joining a local club, whether it is modular or fixed layout, will be very beneficial. If you are still in the beginner mode, a club will most likely swamp you with an overwhelming load of advice. Remember it is all with good intentions. <br /> My current interest started when my son was old enough to become interested in trains. When he became high school age, trains weren't cool anymore, so I found a train buddy and got involved with the local clubs. I joined the NMRA as a requirement of one club, but then found it didn't really effect me personally other than take my money, so I had to quit from the club. I am now a member of the Prince William County Modular Railroad Club, http://www.pwmrc.org. and enjoy my level of activity at home as well as at the shows we operate at.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community