Maybe 'newbies' shouldn't 'armchair railroad'

[Anonymous]

Maybe newbie’s shouldn’t “armchair railroad”.

I’ve noticed a lot of advice to new model railroaders is ‘read as much as you can’ or ‘get a hold of magazines’ or ‘armchair railroad’

Well I’d like submit that maybe that isn’t the best way to get into this hobby and maybe that relates to the other strings recently about ‘Why this hobby is not growing’ or ‘What can be done to improve this hobby’.

I’m starting the think the best thing a ‘newbie’ can do is go get a train set and start ‘playing’. Reading about this hobby will just overwhelm you with its complexity, cost, space requirements and “cliquishness”

I’m not trying to get anyone angry and I’m obviously only expressing my opinion which you get for no cost :-), but I do want to say that as a 43 year old newbie to MR, I’m more discouraged in my last couple of months of ‘armchair railroading’ than if I had just gone out and gotten a train; I’d go so far as to say it has tarnished my initial enthusiasm to get back into this hobby.

The latest icing on the cake is the October MR magazine I just got.
The first main article is an in-depth article about prototyping passenger trains of the 1950’s. I’m not real sure how it relates to model railroading except to highlight one gentlemen’s fascination and expense in recreating something I can’t relate to.
The second article is a room-sized layout with more track and cars than I can imagine.
The third article is about detailing a steam locomotive including shortening the stack by 1/32 of an inch.
And, of course, the first product review is for a $380 engine.
I can’t wait till next month to read about someone who didn’t have enough space for a model railroad so he went and parked a trailer next to his house . . . not really something I can relate to.

It makes me think that this magazine and, from what I can read, many of the clubs are nothing but avenues for experts & ‘long timers’ in the hobby to discuss their advanced creations and never realize that only a small percentage of people understand or have the time, money or space to ever come close to these types of layouts. If model railroaders make up only .001% of the population and .1% of those folks can relate to these types of articles, then no wonder the hobby continues to shrink.

There was a bunch of suggestions about putting this magazine in doctors offices or the library or at boy scout meetings. I can’t really see how these types of articles would inspire anyone to get into this hobby. It makes everything about this hobby appear huge, costly and utterly life absorbing. Not the kind of impression that will get new blood into anything.

I apologize for the length of this rambling diatribe, I mean to offend no one and just offer my opinion who is experiencing these feeling first hand.

[Big_Boy_4005]

No, I think you are right. Newbies should get their "hands dirty" as soon as possible. There is something to be said for gathering some background on a project though. The goal should be to complete the task one sets out to do without becoming frustrated, overwhelmed, or otherwise put off. That can be one of the quickest ways to exit any hobby.

Please keep in mind that here on the forum we have no way to rate content by experience level. There are discussions here for all levels of experience, so please don't be put off by that. It is also important to remember that everyone is different, and sometimes people don't have the patience to deal with things that are not at their level.

There are a lot of people here that are willing to help the inexperienced. I try to whenever possible. It is part of my background as a person who has worked in a hobby store. I answered questions and made recommendations all day long.

[Anonymous]

Interesting thought.
After all what hobby are you interested in reading, keeping up with the Jones's or model railroading.
It's not rocket science.
Like you said if you read all you can on the subject it may seam overwhelming, with all there is printed about wiring, DCC, sound, scenery, track planning and so on.

I read to find info and do research for what I'm interested in.
I don't buy magazines any more as I can't justify the expense for the content that applies to my interest.
I couldn't care less about the latest releases, DCC, Sound or some of the types of articles you mentioned. Sorry if that offends anyone, It wasn't meant to. Those things are low on my priority list.
And Hey, I have a model railroad in a trailer in my back yard.

[Anonymous]

1000000000000000000000 percent agree with you plane_crazy i no longer am going to build a model rail road beacause i got so overwhelmed i didnt know when to start and when i did it didnt look like the peoples in the magazine and just got so overwhelmed i just gave up............................ and you are right you have to get your hands dirty thats why i like fishing and machining things on lathes i didnt learn everthing there is to know and learn it someone elses way i made my own tecnecs and know i enjoy both. i hope the editor of model railroader sees this and does something about it like add a beginers section or a newsleder that doesnt deter you from the hobby. well see yah...........

[dano99a]

plane_crazy-

I can't agree with you more. I think newbies should just dive in, so what if you don't read anything, if your not spending a bunch of money off the bat then whats the worry. Get your feet wet. I did.

Yeah I have a pretty nice layout, a lot of people give me compliments about it. But, if I had a dollar for everytime I read either on this forum or in MR magazine that having 18" radius curves is just wrong I'd be a millionare. I had limited space to deal with, and wanted to get the most out of what I had. So what if I used a lot of 18" radius track, it suits my space and needs. If I could do it all over again would I use something larger in radius? Yes, of course. There are about 10,000 things I'd do differently than the way I had done it. But I just jumped right in, I didn't read anything, all I did was photograph trains, because I like trains. that's it. I started building the layout I have about 2 years ago.

As for the magazine:
It is inspiring but, every layout I look at in MR I don't even read the article I first read the specs and sure enough, of the past year I can only recall (though I could be wrong) "1" article that the modeler used 18" radi. track as a minimum. Unfortunatly they don't focus too much on the newbie (most newbies without reading anything or talking to anyone will grab the first thing out there, I did). The goal "obviously" is to "inspire" the newbie not so much directly educate them. Which I agree, is a huge problem. Do I like to see all these big layouts that I probably won't have anything close to for many years, sure. It would have been more helpful to see at least one article a month deticated to newbies getting started or their progress. I think it might inspire those who are frustrated or confused to go a little further in the hobby. Additionally, it stuns me that they don't advertise this forum more. There is A LOT of great knowledge to get from within this forum alone.

So, by now (if your still reading this [:)]) your probablywondering "is he a newbie or not?" Well, I will never call myself a professional. I don't get paid to do this.

I do have my talents in certain areas and I have a ton to learn in others. I will always share my experiences on this forum as everyone else does. I figure if I spent the time pulling my hair out over something then there has got to be someone else out there in the same situation that could use my help.

ok, enough of my soap box. I'll step down to let somone else step up for a minute or two. [:)]

[Roadtrp]

[

QUOTE: Originally posted by plane_crazy

I’m starting the think the best thing a ‘newbie’ can do is go get a train set and start ‘playing’. Reading about this hobby will just overwhelm you with its complexity, cost, space requirements and “cliquishness”

I think you are 100% correct because that is exactly what I did. Yes, I read Model Railroader and think about how great it would be to have a layout like those shown. But I'm perfectly content with the knowledge I probably never will. Because I have FUN with my trains and that is the most important thing to me.

Ever since I got my starter equipment last Christmas, I've run my train for at least an hour a day every day I'm at home. My morning routine when I get up is to go downstairs, grab a cup of coffee, then go and play with my trains for 15 minutes.

Since Christmas I have added structures, landscaping, and of course much more track, rolling stock and a couple more locomotives. But I've been able to do it all without putting a dent in my monthly budget, and I am having a heck of a lot of fun.

Do my efforts look like the efforts of a rookie? ABSOLUTELY! Why shouldn't they? I AM a rookie. But every time I do something I notice I do it just a little better than I did it the last time. Someday I may actually become pretty skilled with this stuff. I don't let the expert work I see intimidate me a bit. I guess part of it comes from being 52 years old. I've reached that glorious point in my life where what anyone else thinks doesn't bother me a whole lot. Sure, I enjoy a compliment on my work as much as the next guy. But if I like it and enjoy it, that’s good enough for me.

[:)]

[CP5415]

Can't say any more than that!
The only way I've learned is to apply what I've read & build it!
If I screw it up, I re-do it until I'm satisfied with the result.
If I can't figure it out, I start to ask questions, especially here in these forums.
As Nike once said
"JUST DO IT!"

Gordon

[Allen Jenkins]

I got fourty-two years, of model railroading behind me, the future intrigues me, yet to offer an article. Criticsim comes, and so. The Model Railroader Magazine, offers a forum. We may offer adivice, and even the author may correct his statements, and one never knows, an agreement to not agree may be reached. My posts, go reletively unchallenged, however every one of the posts I check out, are welcomed. ACJ.

[Big_Boy_4005]

Maybe part of the problem comes from the society in which we live. We have become so accustomed to everything happening so fast, instant gratification, that we have forgotten how to be patient.

The big fancy layouts that you see in the magazines don't just happen overnight. They take thousands of man hours!! Many of the great layouts featured are not simply the work of the owner.

It is very difficult for one person to become an expert at every skill needed to create a great model railroad. The NMRA has what they call the Achievement Program. People completing requirements in 8 of 11 areas within the hobby can earn the title Master Model Railroader. I don't know how long the program has been in existance, certainly over 40 years. Last month the 334th person completed the challenge.

Perhaps the magazines have become too polished in their presentation. Most people aren't aware of what goes into each photo we see in every issue. Lighting, poseing, croping, and other techniques go into making a shot look flawless.

So your railroad doesn't look like the photo in the magazine, big deal!!!!!!

The question you have to ask yourself is:

DID I HAVE FUN???

That's supposed to be why we take up hobbies in the first place.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

Maybe part of the problem comes from the society in which we live. We have become so accustomed to everything happening so fast, instant gratification, that we have forgotten how to be patient.
The question you have to ask yourself is:

DID I HAVE FUN???

That's supposed to be why we take up hobbies in the first place.

Truer words have never been spoken.
When I got back into the hobby 15 years ago,I joined an established club. We read magazines and books, and rolled up our sleeves and dug into some real messes. Then we read some more, and made more messes. [:p]Some of it looked like crap.[xx(] Some of it had more promise[:I]. We learned what worked for us and what didn't. Everytime we found something that worked, we made it ours, and moved on from there. Back in the early days, there was some talk about "someday getting our Railroad in MR would be cool". But we knew that was still a way off.
Years later, we are about to be published [:D](GMR 2005) Most folks (laymen) who see our layout make comments like " you guys are so talented" or " I could never do that".
That's a bunch of Bull! [:(!]
Get out of that armchair, get your hands dirty and see what you CAN do! I cannot tell you the amount of folks I have met over the years who started in this hobby with a simple loop around the Christmas tree, and SLOWLY moved into the hobby. Now they are doing exquisite modeling and have beautiful layouts of thier own. Don't think everything you do will turn out as it does in the pages of MR. Nothing I ever did turned out exactly that way either! Use MR as a guide, like a flashlight in the night.
Don't think for a second that MR just runs in and shoots a few snapshots for those articles either. It took DAYS of preparations for our photo shoot, hours for the actual shoot itself, and then a return visit for some reshoots. A lot of the effort goes into getting perfect pictures. Not to make it seem that they are unattainable goals, but to inspire the reader to reach higher in thier own efforts.
The really amazing part of it is, for every layout Kalmbach features in any of its pages, they were all built by former "newbies".[:0] Folks just like you and me, who through trial and error[banghead], and with advice from friends, got out of an armchair and worked at a result.[^]

[Anonymous]

Minimal requirements for railroading is track, motive power, and rolling stock. Manufactures figured that out long ago so created sets. Model railroading minimal requirements include dedicated space. Beyond that it's your own rules. Beware that your rules can create the 'Paralysis by Analysis' problem. To get you past that, know that a few have modeled Middle Earth and other odd things. My rule on my railroad is that the Harry Potter Express and Percy will always run on my BN, UP, GN, NP, SP&S, Frisco, Weyerhaueser layout. It reminds me to loosen my tie and do something.

[rexhea]

plane_crazy,

I also agree with you 100%. I started the planning and research stage of my layout 1year ago this month and construction in November. I visited web sites, bought and read books, sent emails full of questions. I got a good grip on DCC and some of the do's and don't, but the biggy, layout design, really had me messed up.[%-)] (Unfortunately, I didn't know about this forum. I had't even subscribed to MR.[:I])

It wasn't long before I experienced information overload. [banghead] Finally after many changes to my layout diagram, I contacted an MRR at his web site and told him about my frustrations.

Simply put, he said, " Just do it! Even if it's wrong, do it. You can always change it or tear it out and do it differently." So I did just that and have been having a ball ever since.

Yes, I still make a lot of changes, but its because I can see better ways as I go along. My list of skills are growing and being honed with every new thing I do. Heck! I painted a pretty good backdrop with mountains and trees and I have never painted a picture of any kind in my life.

Just jump right in! The Water is fine!

REX

[krump]

Plane_Crazy -
I think that you have the most agreeable discussion going on the forum. You are very right, thanks for your thoughts.
I've learned a lot from others, particularly since joining the local Model R/R club 3 yrs ago - trees, water, benchwork, track layout, basic wiring, DCC ... and the scratchbuilding, kitbashing, weathering are my current goals / interests. I have the next 5-6 months reserved for the benchwork and trackplan (and kids, family) but I figure this is a lifestyle hobby, and there's no rush.
my plans have changed numerous times as I see or hear about new ideas and better methods - club members keep challenging what I present, and their feedback saves me time and money.
I've chucked far more than I've completed, if I wasn't satisfied with the result...
Still as green as a rookie can be.

"Stop, Look, and Listen (then write it all down)" is my new approach / motto

cheers, and thanks for the thoughts

[sparkingbolt]

Everyone sets their own bar. The criteria by which we set it can leave us so confused that we can't start. What is the minimum radius we should run? Hand laid track or flex? What kind of benchwork? What level of detail? What's the correct .....SEZ WHO?

I recently really enjoyed looking at a model railroad where the builder, about 48, had no previous model railroad experience, he knocked this 4x8 out in 8 weeks. DONE. Oh, you could see his lack of experience in a number of areas, ( a siding with about a 9" radius bend in it to fit space) and yet his creatativity at the same time. His scenery by itself however was almost worthy of publication. I'd say his efforts were more artistic than technical. The funny thing is he was not guided by a magazine, a forum, I doubt he knows what NMRA is. He didn't set bars 'cuz he didn't have his head clouded with all the enlightenment we get bogged down in. He just bought some train stuff and went to work on it.

His trains however, ran well enough. He used code 100 atlas track. He enjoyed the experience but, oddly, is not going to continue MRRing, it was just something he wanted to do once. He put the layout up for sale and is going to move on. It's not in his blood.

But, the point is, he didn't jump in, he did a SWAN DIVE and his efforts were what I'd call a major success.

When I found myself envying others who were free from this whole high bar concept, whose hands weren't tied by fear of not doing something "right" I got to thinking, who am I trying to impress? (or fool) I lowered my bar a little to where it was acheivable and fun but still challenging enough to make meeting the req's rewarding, and got to work.

There's no panel of judges (nitpickers notwithstanding) so get on it! Dan

[Anonymous]

I agree. I recall a writer over here saying that the most important thing was to "get something running" - this will help you stay interested in the early days. Trying to get suitable stock to run with your locos? look for photos on www.railpictures.net and buy equipment to match a train that you like the look of (there are plenty of other photo sites out there, this is the one I've taken to using). Far quicker than spending time and money researching from books, and if anyone questions your consists, you have photographic evidence of their accuracy. I've also used the photos on this site to help with detailing locos - often if you type in the running number on your model, there's a photo of the real thing to help with accurate detailing. Use of this resource saves time and money that can be better used in building models.

A small feature on detailing locos and cars using scrap materials (to keep costs down) might be a good idea - I fitted very convincing (well, they look right to me, anyway!) MU cables to a Walthers Dash8-40b using some offcuts of fine wire - took about 30mins and cost to me was nil, as the wire was destined for the bin otherwise! To avoid buying cab sunshades for the same loco, I intend to make a paper template using some Athearn ones from a Dash 9, then cut sets from brass sheet - should be able to fit most of my fleet out with fine sunshades from a single sheet of brass. Just a couple of ideas for adding details on a budget. Who needs expensive parts when you can fabricate your own using brass wire, brass sheet, offcuts of wire, and a couple of sets of fine pliers!

[Anonymous]

I have had a couple of unsuccessful layouts. Lots of derailments and things of that nature. I am startng my third layout it fills the garage. I have taken my time and have read only what I need to know. One recent MR had a guy in talking about laying track I followed it and applied the technique to my work.
There is also a MR with track tips to keeping your layout runing smooth I have filed it up front also. I am a decent carpenter and I can wire ok if I have a major wiring snafu I just call y elec. engineer bddy to sort it out. Scenery is my weakness I am modeling Green River WY scarec of trees so I think it will be a bit easier. I need to do my back drops but am just a bit nervous but I will jump in there and give it a shot after all if it ugly I can go get more sky blue and paint over it and start all over. There is a guy I work with hwo is very opinionated and likes to give his advice on model railroading yet he himself doe not have a layout just lots of models still in their boxes. I asked him why not and his reply was "I want to see how yours turns out". Get out there and do it quit worrying about what everybody else tinks its a hobby to get your mind off of things like work. As for MR magazine I think I would rather have the streamliner coming to my house it is solely about UP which is what I am really intersted in.

so get off your butt and make it hapen if you make a mistake do not worry you can redo it just have fun

[bcammack]

I think MR succumbs to the same seduction that magazines like Road & Track and Automobile magazines do. I was reading an R&T this morning with a review on a $400,000 V-10 Porsche. I mean, really, how should I relate to that?

I do think that MR has to "follow the money" in that the serious hobbyist is interested in excruciatingly exact prototypical passenger operations and gigantic "empire"-grade layouts and that sort of reader spends more money and is more capable of easily absorbing an annual subscription price approaching $40/year.

[Anonymous]

I'm a living example of this. I got very interested in MR last year, bought a book, read some magazines and visited a hobby shop. I was so intimidated that I put the reading material in a box and didn't look back until about 4 days ago.

Now I just have a lot of newbie questions.

[DonaldAgne]

Yep, I'd have to agree, too, mostly. Put your magazines away and go out and buy some track and start running trains. One day I went to the LHS and bought some Kato starter sets, and I've been a regular customer there ever since. I didn't start buying model railroading magazines or join this forum until my layout was well underway.

The time to turn to the forums or magazines for information is when you have specific questions or run into a problem that's got you stumped.

On the other hand, if the hobby is shrinking, I don't think we should blame the magazines. The reason is more than likely the amount of time young people spend in front of their TV's and computers nowadays instead of finding other ways to entertain themselves, and who is more to blame for that than those of us who are parents?

To me, MR and the other magazines, are like the Sears Christmas catalog were when I was a kid--a book full of dreams. And, if I'm in a doctor's office waiting room, I'd much rather look at the pictures in MR than read some pamphlet about the dangers of smoking or heart attack symtoms[:)] (Although, if I had half a brain in my head, I would read those instead)

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by plane_crazy

Maybe newbie’s shouldn’t “armchair railroad”.

I’ve noticed a lot of advice to new model railroaders is ‘read as much as you can’ or ‘get a hold of magazines’ or ‘armchair railroad’

Well I’d like submit that maybe that isn’t the best way to get into this hobby and maybe that relates to the other strings recently about ‘Why this hobby is not growing’ or ‘What can be done to improve this hobby’.

I’m starting the think the best thing a ‘newbie’ can do is go get a train set and start ‘playing’. Reading about this hobby will just overwhelm you with its complexity, cost, space requirements and “cliquishness”

I’m not trying to get anyone angry and I’m obviously only expressing my opinion which you get for no cost :-), but I do want to say that as a 43 year old newbie to MR, I’m more discouraged in my last couple of months of ‘armchair railroading’ than if I had just gone out and gotten a train; I’d go so far as to say it has tarnished my initial enthusiasm to get back into this hobby.

The latest icing on the cake is the October MR magazine I just got.
The first main article is an in-depth article about prototyping passenger trains of the 1950’s. I’m not real sure how it relates to model railroading except to highlight one gentlemen’s fascination and expense in recreating something I can’t relate to.
The second article is a room-sized layout with more track and cars than I can imagine.
The third article is about detailing a steam locomotive including shortening the stack by 1/32 of an inch.
And, of course, the first product review is for a $380 engine.
I can’t wait till next month to read about someone who didn’t have enough space for a model railroad so he went and parked a trailer next to his house . . . not really something I can relate to.

It makes me think that this magazine and, from what I can read, many of the clubs are nothing but avenues for experts & ‘long timers’ in the hobby to discuss their advanced creations and never realize that only a small percentage of people understand or have the time, money or space to ever come close to these types of layouts. If model railroaders make up only .001% of the population and .1% of those folks can relate to these types of articles, then no wonder the hobby continues to shrink.

There was a bunch of suggestions about putting this magazine in doctors offices or the library or at boy scout meetings. I can’t really see how these types of articles would inspire anyone to get into this hobby. It makes everything about this hobby appear huge, costly and utterly life absorbing. Not the kind of impression that will get new blood into anything.

I apologize for the length of this rambling diatribe, I mean to offend no one and just offer my opinion who is experiencing these feeling first hand.

Now you know why this hobby may take a serious downturn in the future. With prices skyrocketing, and limited editions, the norm, ya it could easily go downhill real fast. I've been in this hobby since 1953 and I think it's at a x-road right now. What happens next can make or break the hobby. The next 12 months will tell.

[Big_Boy_4005]

QUOTE: Originally posted by bcammack

I think MR succumbs to the same seduction that magazines like Road & Track and Automobile magazines do. I was reading an R&T this morning with a review on a $400,000 V-10 Porsche. I mean, really, how should I relate to that?

I do think that MR has to "follow the money" in that the serious hobbyist is interested in excruciatingly exact prototypical passenger operations and gigantic "empire"-grade layouts and that sort of reader spends more money and is more capable of easily absorbing an annual subscription price approaching $40/year.

Very true!! Perhaps those that view the magazines as a source of discouragement and frustration simply need a slight attitude adjustment.

With the exception of our youngest members, I'm sure that most everyone here has, at one time or another "read" one of those men's magazines such as Playboy (sorry ladies[:I]). So, how many of you have ever dated one of "those" girls[:p], let alone married one[;)]? (extremely sorry ladies[:I][:0])

My point here is that dreaming can be inspiratonal.[swg]

At least with patience and hard work, these dreams are attainable.[8D]

[Anonymous]

Reviewing "boutique" examples is nothing new under the sun. Every mag and forum succombs to this . Usually it's just everyone's wish, sometimes it's just obvious pandering to an advertiser. Reviewing Blue Box , Accurail ,et al. , would get old soon. Everyone knows they're limited in what they offer. It's everyone's obsession with "getting the most for your dollar ," that fuels this. Everyone knows - " It's all in the details " & "If you can afford it"

[Roadtrp]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Big_Boy_4005

So, how many of you have ever dated one of "those" girls[:p], let alone married one[;)]?

I was going to, but then decided I'd rather have a woman with a brain...

[:p]

[Roadtrp]

Another thought...

When we look at articles in MR, we need to keep an open mind and remember the wide range of reader's skill levels. Early this year MR had a series about creating a $500 layout. I remember reading a lot of negative responses in this forum. People complained that it was amateurish and unworthy of publication in MR. Some folks said that it was a mistake to even lead people to believe that you could create a decent MR for $500, because obviously it couldn’t be done.

I read the article when I was first starting. I liked it... I looked at it and said "Now THAT I can do." Of course it was somewhat discouraging to then come here and find so many who felt that what I found encouraging was crap. Fortunately I'm a stubborn old fart, and I didn't let it stop me.

But I wouldn't doubt that there were at least a few kids with visions of $500 layouts dancing in their heads who decided not to try MR because of comments here.

[Don Gibson]

Plain Crazy;

IT"S A HOBBY: What do you want to do?
Build?: There are books available at hobby stores on 'How to build... wire ... etc.
Run trains?: Buy. All it takes is money.

Model Railroader Is a Hobbyist's Magazine with ads for people who want to know what's available . You cannot buy 3 successive issues without finding a 'How to' articles for beginner's. If you subscribed, you would know that.

What is it YOU want? To talk about it?

Somehow from reading your posts I get the feeling you are looking for things to keep you from joining the hobby: Wheels vs. track - Model Railroader magazine ... and for example, your latest post:

QUOTE: :- "Reading about this hobby will just overwhelm you with its complexity, cost, space requirements and “cliquishness”

.

'One cannot learn to swim without getting wet' - D.G.

[Allen Jenkins]

I built the Scenery & Operation in 5'x8' from RMC Dec. 1970, with seventeen, or so switches, (all but the yard was powered), for about five-hundred. With two ten car trainz, and four engines, about seven-fifty, at the most. Atlas code 100 track, and two MRC power packs, one with pulse-power, and one with momentum. You could railroad for hours, and not run out of things to do. Nineteen years of research, and I never found anything, in the space required, to match Bill Shoppe's Layout Doctor masterpiece! Try it, if operations, and space permit, and you'll build it several times. I wish I'd built it again in N scale. ACJ.

[IRONROOSTER]

A good sequence when you're new is to read, do, then read some more, then do some more. Or you could do, then read, etc. I read a lot first because I didn't have room for a layout, but I did build some kits and set up a loop of track on a table. I think we have a fear of wasting money. Personally, I changed scales twice before I found the one that works best for me. But I still had fun along the way. Was the money wasted? Not really, I was having fun. There's a lot to be said for a small layout with Athearn, MDC, etc rolling stock and Atlas buildings which is how I started. You can have fun without a lot of expense. And if you mess it up, no big deal just do it over or 'plant' a bush next to it.

The great thing about this hobby is that there is no 'right' way.
Enjoy
Paul

[BRAKIE]

The best thing about this hobby you DON"T NEED all those books..I fully agree these books can only confuse the newbie..Heck as far as that goes you don't need the magazines or the many layout books that one can buy.This hobby is not that complicated unless one makes it complicated.There is NO great mysteries to solve..How hard is it to lay a basic oval with some switches and hook up 2 wires?
Kids has done that for years with Lionel.Adults has done it for years..And both without books,computers,and expert advice that can be misleading or the experts want to make it sound ever so complicated..
With todays hobby you can just about buy everything you need ready made including the premixed glue you need to glue ballast and scenery with.All you have to do is follow the written instructions on the bag.That is how simple it is.
Simpler still? Join a club and run your trains there.
About clubs..I been a member of seven different clubs..We always welcome the new modeler as members as does the club I am now a member of..
Most newbies try to eat the whole pie in one bite..Friends it doesn't work that way..You CAN NOT gain the experience you need for that dream layout without
building your first layout and you can't do that by being a armchair modeler and reading books.
Now all newbies and armchairers repeat aftter me..YOU GAIN EXPERIENCE BY DOING..NOT BY READING BOOKS.[:D]

[on30francisco]

Although I entered this hobby in the 60s through Lionel, I agree that for the newcomer (and sometimes myself and other seasoned modelers) many of the modeling magazines today emphasize huge layouts that took years to perfect, very pricey equipment, the same people showing their museum-quality equipment and models, and a lot of other things that can really discourage a newcomer or even someone who has been in the hobby for years. There is nothing wrong with these articles but I believe the editors should take into consideration that there are many potential newcomers reading these magazines trying to get started in this hobby. What is needed are publications like the old Kalmbach books such as "HO Railroad That Grows" or "HO Primer" by Lynn Westcott and "HO Narrow Gauge Railroad You Can Build" by Malcolm Furlow. Granted, a lot of material in there is outdated but the magazines can be updated to reflect the equipment that is currently available. Model Railroader should also publish more beginner layouts like it used to do in the 60s and 70s that can be built with a minimal investment in supplies. These layouts were designed to get trains running in a reasonable amount of time. After the trains were running then improvements could begin.

[Mark300]

Great bunch of posts.....

Model railroading like anything creative, is fun, a challenge and therefore a bit risky, and is going to be a different experience for each person. Staying involved, not over focusing; getting envious, insecure or 'up-tight' is unversal advise and should be foremost in your/our pursuit of this version of happiness (The true American pastime).

Afterall a hobby is supposed to be 'recreational' in that is we get a chance to 'recreate' something in almost any form in almost any way with as many or as few 'trains' as our circumstances allow. Getting 'messy' and having fun are the two most contradictory behaviours in any creative endeavor and yet, the right combination can bring satisfying results, a new round of experiences and hopefully, a desire to move further into developing your particular layout.

Not trying to mix metaphors here, the above posts say it well; don't get stuck and 'Jus' keep on mov'in!'

Mark