+Tips & Tricks+

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Jerry Leeds

Get your trains running GOOD before you get into scenery. Also make provision to have some scenery below track level,adds much to realism. good Luck & have FUN ( thats what it's all about )

I don't under stand what you mean by getting the trains to run good. What should I do to them to get them to run good? Also what do you mean by the scenery below track level??

[gvdobler]

If you don't glue the track down tight and you put a diorama on a thin, stiff platform, then you can later move it onto a layout.

Is it dio or dia rama??

Good luck and post pictures.

[Anonymous]

Get your trains running GOOD before you get into scenery. Also make provision to have some scenery below track level,adds much to realism. good Luck & have FUN ( thats what it's all about )

[Anonymous]

Tstage I was wondering if there is a website for the transformer you are recommending?? Also should I stick with a DC tranformer or think ahead and buy a DCC tranformer?? Is it a big deal the DCC tranformer??

[tstage]

Finlay,

You should still consider an inexpensive MRC transformer at some point. The cheaper transformers lack the fine control and your locomotive will run much better and smooth - especially the starts and stops. But, hey, it works. Must be nice to finally run your locomotive, huh?

Tom

[dave9999]

Finlay,
The diorama sounds like a good idea... get your feet wet, try different techniques and learn
the best way to do what you want. Then, when you decide to start a real layout, you will have
a good idea of what to do.

I remember when I was younger(and broke). I would spend lot and lots of time thinking of building
a layout... just never had the cash. Don't worry, if you really want to build a layout, you will in time.

So, use this time to learn and improve the skills that will help you when the time comes for the
layout of your dreams. It sounds like you have the makings of a fine diorama. Try using foam for
the base and, most importantly, use your imagination. Good luck and keep us informed. Dave

[Anonymous]

I have enough track to do a loop. My transformer is also a Bachman that was from my old HO scale trainset. it is really cheap but it works.

[tstage]

Finlay,

Sounds like you are off to a good start. Do you have a power pack at all? Obviously, you'll need one to run your trains. MRC makes an excellent, inexpensive DC transformer or power pack.

Finlay, do you know what size curves you bought. I take it that 6 curves will make a 1/2 circle? You may eventually want to think about purchasing a couple of turnouts to add some switching and industries to your layout. (Going round and round usually gets old after a while.)

A neat and inexpensive train table for an N-scale layout can be made from a hollow door that can be purchased at a local home center like Home Depot or Lowe's (or a Canadian equivalent).

It's always amazing how much track you can put into an area in N-scale. Keep up the good work and keep us posted...

Tom

[Anonymous]

3 years ago it started. My parents bought me and HO scale train set. I finally decided if I ever wanted to get any where with what I'm doing I needed to go N scale because of the size of our house. This brings me to last years Febuary. I bought a CP GP-9 in N scale. Now a year later I have started thinking about trains again. I'm on & off (because of the money). So last night I went to Hobbu House in Vanier in Ontario. I'll tell you exactly what I bought. I bought 3 Life like cars... 1 a reefer which is CP and says Mandarin Orange Express, 1 CP reefer thet is green, and one CP Hopper. I also bought some standard code 80 tacks from Atlas. (12 corners & 6 Straights, enough to do a loop) I bought some clump foliage (Fall mix) from Woodland Scenics, some small tree armatures from Woodland Scenics, some coarse turf from Woodland Scenics, and some Hob-e-Tac glue from Woodland Scenics. So I bought a fair amount to get started. I was planning on making a diorama with these just to experiment. I have no idea where to start.... Please suggest any tips and tricks for model railroading, neat ideas or just things to consider. All will be appreciated. I'm just starting, so I don't mind the tips myself.

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