new to the hobby

[Anonymous]

I am just starting to design out a 6x6x4 l shaped layout and have a few questions. I have a basic idea of what I would like to build but would like to compare it to some pre-designed layouts and wondered if there were any place(websites, etc) where I could look at some other track plans and compare them to what I have in mind.
I aam interested in purchasing 2 steam locomotives for my layout and really don't know what is good and what is not so good. I would prefer to pay a little more and get quality stuff. I see Rivarossi adds all over in magazines and they look very nice. Is this a good brand of locomotive? Thanks for any help you can give me.

[MAbruce]

Welcome to the hobby! But in order for everyone here to help you along, we need to know what scale you are modeling in.

[Anonymous]

Sorry, I am modeling in HO.

[Anonymous]

Hey no problem...

I would vist the NMRA website...http://www.nmra.org/

They have a link page there that lets you link to all kinds of different layouts. These link pages usually detail the layout, show pictures of construction, track plans, and as I mentioned above, the finished product. I have used these link pages over and over again so much, that I had to (out of obligation to the NMRA) sign up as a member. LOL!

Also, for track plans, you might want to check out the Atlas site...http://www.atlasrr.com/

They have all their layouts on-line, and they link to their "Right Track Software", which is a free download. Plus, you can do a search on the web for Right Track Software layouts, and find tons of them!

A note though.. Most of their layouts are created with "Snap Track and switches". Most of us model railroaders here prefer flextrack and custom-line switches like #4, #6, and #8 and custom wyes, cross-overs, slips, etc.

Hope this helps.

-Wolv33

[Anonymous]

GOOD CHOICE.Welcome aboard.

[Anonymous]

GOOD CHOICE.Welcome aboard.

[Anonymous]

There are Chevies, Fords, Chryslers, Linconls and Cadillacs and occasionally you get a lemon.
The new Rivarossi Allegheny(over$300.00) and other Rivs that have
the new Allegheny Drive are pretty close to the top of the line. There are older Rivs out there without this new drive so one should be careful. The most expensive steam loco is the Trix($450.00) and Modelrailroader has reviewed The Riv Allegheny, Trix Big Boy both with one year warranty.
Lifelike makes a cheaper 2-8-8-2 with a lifetime warranty.(around $300.00)
Getting down into the Chevie/Ford range you have the Athearn light Mikado 2-8-2, Light Pacific 4-6-2 and Bachmann2-8-0.($90.00 range)
Most locos at one time or another have been reviewed by MR. Larger locos perform and look look better on 22" radius track but can run on
smaller radius.
Selecting a good/reliable steam loco is not as easy as a diesel selection.

[Anonymous]

Thank you to all who replied. I appreciate all the info you have provided to me. I have already looked at both the nmra and atlas websites and they were a great deal of help. I just want to make sure that the layout I build is not only good looking, but provides for good operation also. Once again thanks.