New to Trains ( Help)

[gear-jammer]

LadyT,  6 X 10 is a great size but remember that access in the center could be difficult.  If you won't need to access the center, finish it first.  We cut holes from the bottom in case of derailments in tunnels.

I like the geodesic foam hardshell and rocks/ molds from www.bragdonent.com because it is light and realistic.  If it sets up on you too fast, just heat it with a hairdryer to reshape it.  It may seem spendy, but I have found it to be about the same as foam/plaster cloth.

Use cardboard strips to shape.

Do hard shell then cover with rocks

Also a digital camera is great to share.

Sue

[andrechapelon]

LadyT,  6 X 10 is a great size but remember that access in the center could be difficult.  If you won't need to access the center, finish it first.  We cut holes from the bottom in case of derailments in tunnels.

I like the geodesic foam hardshell and rocks/ molds from http://www.bragdonent.com/ because it is light and realistic.  If it sets up on you too fast, just heat it with a hairdryer to reshape it.  It may seem spendy, but I have found it to be about the same as foam/plaster cloth.

Use cardboard strips to shape.

Do hard shell then cover with rocks

Also a digital camera is great to share.

Sue

Extending what Sue has said, you also might want to consider doing an around the walls layout. The problem with island (i.e. table) type layouts is that so much of the room space is occupied with an access aisle. A 6x10 layout with one 6 foot end against a wall and 2 foot wide access aisles needs a 10x12 room minimum. Furthermore, the room is unuseable for anything else. If, instead, we use those two foot aisles for for the bench layout and leave the center open, you can build what is essentially a 10x12 foot layout, leaving a 6x8 open area in the center. Built high enough as a shelf layout, most of the room could be useable (i.e. it could be used as a spare bedroom as well as a layout room.

Building an around the walls layout has another advantage in that you are standin INSIDE the curves. Looking at a train going around a curve from the inside makes the curve look like it's a larger radius than it actually is.

Although the site I'm about to link talks about 4x8 layouts, any layout that's essentially big table occupies a lot of room space. I also has a lot of area in the middle that's hard to reach. Link: http://home.earthlink.net/~mrsvc/id28.html

Check out Lance Mindheim's site for some more ideas. I'm not shilling for his layout design business, but the photo galleries might help you get some ideas. Lance's site: http://www.shelflayouts.com/

And then there's Blair Kooistra's site. http://www.wwvrailway.com/. Kooistra's layout is a shelf type switching layout with no provision for continuous running. Kooistra's old WWV layout plan: http://www.wwvrailway.com/images/WWV%20plan%20with%20labels.JPG . He's building a new one.

Hope some of this helps.

ANdre

 

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if you can purchase pre-fab benchwork?  I'm not very good at working with wood and I don't have the tools and equipment to build my own.

There are some custom builders out there that will build your benchwork for you, but that can be pricey...  A nice alternative is the Woodland Scenics Mod-U-Rail system.  As far as I know (I haven't tried it myself), everything's pre-cut.  You just need to put it together.

Good luck and welcome!

Ok, thanks for the info

[Anonymous]

I was wondering if anyone can tell me if you can purchase pre-fab benchwork?  I'm not very good at working with wood and I don't have the tools and equipment to build my own.

You might try here: http://www.miannebenchwork.com/ . It comes pre-cut and is screwdriver assembly.

There's another place, too, but I can't recall its name.

Edit:

Just remembered. It's Sievers. Here's their website: http://www.sieversbenchwork.com/

Andre

 

Thanks for the info, I'll go to those sites now.  Will let you know what I find out.

[Anonymous]

LadyT,  6 X 10 is a great size but remember that access in the center could be difficult.  If you won't need to access the center, finish it first.  We cut holes from the bottom in case of derailments in tunnels.

I like the geodesic foam hardshell and rocks/ molds from www.bragdonent.com because it is light and realistic.  If it sets up on you too fast, just heat it with a hairdryer to reshape it.  It may seem spendy, but I have found it to be about the same as foam/plaster cloth.

Use cardboard strips to shape.

Do hard shell then cover with rocks

Also a digital camera is great to share.

Sue

Hi Sue, Thanks for the advise, I never thought about access, I forgot all about it. The train is going in the basement which I just finished.  You think I could make a U shape design to have easy access? or is that stupid.

[Anonymous]

LadyT,  6 X 10 is a great size but remember that access in the center could be difficult.  If you won't need to access the center, finish it first.  We cut holes from the bottom in case of derailments in tunnels.

I like the geodesic foam hardshell and rocks/ molds from http://www.bragdonent.com/ because it is light and realistic.  If it sets up on you too fast, just heat it with a hairdryer to reshape it.  It may seem spendy, but I have found it to be about the same as foam/plaster cloth.

Use cardboard strips to shape.

Do hard shell then cover with rocks

Also a digital camera is great to share.

Sue

Extending what Sue has said, you also might want to consider doing an around the walls layout. The problem with island (i.e. table) type layouts is that so much of the room space is occupied with an access aisle. A 6x10 layout with one 6 foot end against a wall and 2 foot wide access aisles needs a 10x12 room minimum. Furthermore, the room is unuseable for anything else. If, instead, we use those two foot aisles for for the bench layout and leave the center open, you can build what is essentially a 10x12 foot layout, leaving a 6x8 open area in the center. Built high enough as a shelf layout, most of the room could be useable (i.e. it could be used as a spare bedroom as well as a layout room.

Building an around the walls layout has another advantage in that you are standin INSIDE the curves. Looking at a train going around a curve from the inside makes the curve look like it's a larger radius than it actually is.

Although the site I'm about to link talks about 4x8 layouts, any layout that's essentially big table occupies a lot of room space. I also has a lot of area in the middle that's hard to reach. Link: http://home.earthlink.net/~mrsvc/id28.html

Check out Lance Mindheim's site for some more ideas. I'm not shilling for his layout design business, but the photo galleries might help you get some ideas. Lance's site: http://www.shelflayouts.com/

And then there's Blair Kooistra's site. http://www.wwvrailway.com/. Kooistra's layout is a shelf type switching layout with no provision for continuous running. Kooistra's old WWV layout plan: http://www.wwvrailway.com/images/WWV%20plan%20with%20labels.JPG . He's building a new one.

Hope some of this helps.

ANdre

 

Greetings Andre, Thanks for the websites, I'm going to them now.  I sure THANK YOU for all the advise, I feel like with all the info I can't go wrong.  Will keep you informed on my progress, I'm sure I'll have more questions.

[MisterBeasley]

Welcome aboard.  Maybe your passenger interest would allow you to be drawn to the Dark Side, the underground of MR, subways?  I wuz born in Brooklyn, New Yawk, and I growed up on Long Gisland, so that's what's I growed up with.

 

[Anonymous]

Welcome aboard.  Maybe your passenger interest would allow you to be drawn to the Dark Side, the underground of MR, subways?  I wuz born in Brooklyn, New Yawk, and I growed up on Long Gisland, so that's what's I growed up with.

 

Thanks for the warm welcome.  By the way, I love your new Yawk accent Your display if Awsome.

[Anonymous]

welcome !!   maybe you acan find someone off the site that lives  close and woould be willing to give you a hand building bench work. 

 

ray

Thanks for the warm welcome. What a GREAT idea, lets hope I can find someone to give a helping hand. 

[Anonymous]

Hello railroad friends,

 

Does anyone live in the Metro Detroit area, know of a REAL GOOD Hobbie shop? just found out TODAY Riders Hobby shop (in Madison Heights are going out of business) This is a real tragedy.

[tcf511]

Welcome to the forum! I would recommend trying to find a local train club especially if they have their own layout or do modules. Reading and research are very important but I'm on hands on kind of guy and see things done up close and personal (or assisting) is important to me. Most clubs welcome new members with open arms.

[gear-jammer]

LadyT,  Size and shape is entirely up to the designer.  How large is you basement?  Using the outside walls is always a good idea.  If you only have 2-3 feet to reach it will be easy to maintain.  You can also paint a backdrop if you choose. 

We used 2 x 4 construction with the idea that we could walk on it.  There will be one area that we will not have access to when it is completed.  We did 12' x 13' wrap around with a peninsula.

If the LHS is going out of business, maybe they will have some hot deals.

Sue

[Anonymous]

Welcome to the forum! I would recommend trying to find a local train club especially if they have their own layout or do modules. Reading and research are very important but I'm on hands on kind of guy and see things done up close and personal (or assisting) is important to me. Most clubs welcome new members with open arms.

Thanks for the warm welcome and GREAT advice.  I'll try and find a locol train club.

Lady Trains

[Anonymous]

LadyT,  Size and shape is entirely up to the designer.  How large is you basement?  Using the outside walls is always a good idea.  If you only have 2-3 feet to reach it will be easy to maintain.  You can also paint a backdrop if you choose. 

We used 2 x 4 construction with the idea that we could walk on it.  There will be one area that we will not have access to when it is completed.  We did 12' x 13' wrap around with a peninsula.

If the LHS is going out of business, maybe they will have some hot deals.

Sue

The side of the basement I'm using is 11x25, I would like the intire basement but, my husband will go "nuts".  Your display is beautiful. I fould a nice track layout, I'll scan it and email it to you.  Let me know what you think, I need all the help I can get.  Are you in Michigan?

[Anonymous]

Greetings Friends,

 Anyone know of any HO Train Clubs in the Metro Detroit Area? 

Thanks,

Lady Trains

[ft-fan]

The side of the basement I'm using is 11x25, I would like the intire basement but, my husband will go "nuts".  Your display is beautiful. I fould a nice track layout, I'll scan it and email it to you.  Let me know what you think, I need all the help I can get.  Are you in Michigan?

If, instead of emailing it to one person, you post it on this forum, you will get lots of helpful advice from several people. Check out the Layouts forum here http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/11/ShowForum.aspx.

FT 

[gear-jammer]

The side of the basement I'm using is 11x25, I would like the intire basement but, my husband will go "nuts".  Your display is beautiful. I fould a nice track layout, I'll scan it and email it to you.  Let me know what you think, I need all the help I can get.  Are you in Michigan?

If, instead of emailing it to one person, you post it on this forum, you will get lots of helpful advice from several people. Check out the Layouts forum here http://www.trains.com/trccs/forums/11/ShowForum.aspx.

FT 

LadyT,  That is a great idea.  One person's advice is good, but the advice of many is better.  That is the great thing about this forum. 

Sue

[amsr]

I live in Ann Arbor and I have found the hobby shop "Michigan Model Trains" to be very helpful.  They have lots of HO and O scale stuff and they are very knowledgable.  They are near Portage lake.  Not sure how far that is from you, its about 20 minutes from me in Ann Arbor. 

[Anonymous]

I live in Ann Arbor and I have found the hobby shop "Michigan Model Trains" to be very helpful.  They have lots of HO and O scale stuff and they are very knowledgable.  They are near Portage lake.  Not sure how far that is from you, its about 20 minutes from me in Ann Arbor. 

Thanks for the info, I have heard about them and will check them out as soon as possible.

[gear-jammer]

LadyT,  Did I miss your scanned layout design?

Sue

[Anonymous]

Hi,

I am also new to model trains.

I got a couple of the President's Choice sets over Christmas(http://www.theweebsite.com/trains/pctrain_s.html ), and have been down to the local hobby shop adding on pieces. (http://www.maritimehobbies.com/ )

My engines are:

4-6-4 Class K-5-A Hudson Steam Engine & Vanderbilt Tender CN 5702

2-10-2 "Big 10", T-2-A Santa-Fe Steam Engine & Vanderbilt Tender CN 4100

They both are 1930-1940 era, so I am trying to keep to appropriate add on-ons.

I hope to start my layout soon. I would like to do something fairly large, perhaps using a couple of 4' by 8' sheets of plywood so I can have a countryside setting that eases into a town. I would like to have it fairly hilly, so I can perhaps do a tressel or bridge.

I am reasonably good with tools, so I hope to do as much of the work from scratch

I have some books and magazines and the hobby shop loaned me some videos on getting my scenery started. I bought a compressor and airbrush. Now I am just have to bide my time until my week off in early February. I can't wait to get started !

Albert

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada

[gear-jammer]

Albert,  Have you completed your design?  How large is your train room?  The planning stage is half the fun.

Sue

[Anonymous]

I have quite a bit of room (unfinished family room in basement) so I can kind of go crazy.

And I have a pretty well equipped woodworking room. So like I was saying I hope to do as much from scratch as I can.

I would like to do a late fall country scene that moves into a small town set up. Hills and a sky backdrop, frosty early morning type of thing.

I would like to do a mock-up on the computer first. Any good sites out there for that sort of thing?

 

[AntonioFP45]

Welcome to you, Lady Trains

Great to know that you work for the prototype in a challenging career position.

Can you tell us which state you're in and the road you work for?  This can be helpful if you're looking for hobbyshops or modelrailroad clubs you'd consider visiting.  I'm in the Tampa Bay area.

[gear-jammer]

I would like to do a mock-up on the computer first. Any good sites out there for that sort of thing?

 

We used 3rd PlanIt.  You can do practice runs with you loco.  The track was right on.

Sue

[zgardner18]

Lady Trains and others welcome to the forum.  This place is great for learning new and great stuff about the hobby.  As another had stated, find a club in your area.  I've done so, and it has help out a bunch.  Best of luck to you and your new adventure.  We're here to help.

[gear-jammer]

LadyT,  Have not heard from you in a few days.  How are you coming on your layout design?

Sue

[skippygp123]

I, too, am female....I had an HO train set when I was a kid but it is long gone. My 6 year old grandson loves trains and we got hooked watching the I Love Toy Trains series on RFDTV. A lot of this is about Lionel, but there is some HO stuff too. It's just fun looking at the different layouts and things that people do with their toy trains. (See if your library has the videos or DVDs.)

I bought my grandson a small HO starter set after Christmas (1/2 price!) and he loves playing with it. I've purchased some extra track and some switches and we have a blast! We don't have a permanent set-up and don't model any particular city or industry but we have fun anyway.

My suggestion is to check out your local library and see what books they have available and then ask about Inter-Library loan. Most libraries can borrow whatever you are looking for from other libraries (even in other states) and that will save you a lot of $$. If you find a book you really like, then you can buy a copy for yourself.

There might be model train shows in your area that you could check out. Toward the back of the Model Railroader magazine (published by Kalmbach) they list upcoming events. See if there is something nearby and go take a look. Your library might have this magazine too (or might be able to borrow a few different issues from a nearby library that you could look through) if you don't already subscribe.

Good luck!

[gear-jammer]

skippygp,

Hope to have you and your grandson with us for the fun.  My husband and I used our dining room table until we got our track up and running.  We still have that track in a box.

Sue