Thanks

Thanks for the compliments about the benefits you've received from NMRA events. In-person social model railroading activities have the distinct advantage of giving modelers immediate, interactive, face-to-face feedback about techniques, questions or problems, providing a valuable complement to participating in online hobby forums, reading e-magazines and viewing videos. NMRA events also often include the expertise of countless people who aren't comfortable participating in online forums. Thanks again!

Starting

My advice is sit down, close your eyes and think about "railroad" or "my railroad" and then build towards that.

I have also found "communities" of model railroaders in places I've lived.  They can be a challenge to find, but often hobby shops or forums can point you towards others in your area.  Organized groups such as the NMRA or Freemo or N Trak can also help locate others, if you are looking for that type of thing.

Pot Yard

The lead photo of Pot Yard interested me as I remember it under catenary, almost all if not all tracks were wired. Today almost no trace of it remains except for a few road underpasses. The north end is polluted with hi-rise developments and I suspect that pollution will creep south. Amtrak and VRE pass by on the east side with a good view.

Test and Temporary Layouts

I have a 5'4" x 12' test layout (table top on wheels) where I can try out various techniques. Or set up some 3 rail O gauge or S scale or HO scale loops, sidings, and spurs and run trains.  This way I can have a little fun while building the BIG ONE.  I actually disassembled and moved this layout from my last house.  It was back up shortly after the last move.

For a while I had some 3 rail O gauge running on 8 2'x4' resin tables with folding legs using green indoor/out door carpet for scenery.  This was really quick and easy to set up.  I took this one down when I started the BIG ONE since it was in the same space.

The BIG ONE I'm working on is a 13 1/2 ft by 36 ft layout based on the Maryland & Pennsylvania RR.  Due to moves, this is my 3rd beginning for this prototype.  Bench work is about 90% complete.  I hope to have some track laid and wired in the next couple of months.

Over the years I have found that running trains is my primary goal in this hobby, so having something to run trains on is a priority for me.  I plan to use as much RTR as possible (trains, structures, scenery, etc.) on the BIG ONE so I can get trains running.  After that I'll worry about upgrading scenery, building the right structures, trains etc.

Paul

Clear your workbench

I've found that, when I'm stuck, I clean and clear my workbench.  When I have a shiny, clear surface with no clutter, I start thinking about what I can fill it with!

The article advice about a few minutes a day is absolute GOLD too.  This really works, and in no time you have things built and running.

When I lived in a home that I knew would be temporary, I focused on building and painting rolling stock, even though I had room for a small layout.  This really paid off.  When I moved to my current home, and began the N&AC, I instantly had lots of quality, weathered cars and locomotives to put on the layout.

Where do we start.

Eric,

Enjoyed your editorial and sorry that VF got cancelled as I am sure you would have presented a clinic.

Regards,

Ray

Thanks!

Thanks for the comments. I'm glad I hit a nerve with some readers. 

I wrote this piece about a month ago and everything has changed, hasn't it? For many of us who are stuck at home, it is a perfect time to move forward with home hobby activities. Your time to start is now! There's lots we can do.

• Open a kit and work through a new challenge.
• Weather some RTR freight cars.
• Build some benchwork.
• Convert a hollow core door to a switching layout.
• Handlay a practice turnout.
• Install DCC in those locos you've been planning to upgrade.

Work on a step or two each day. Not sure of the next step? Then email a friend or two, or check things out online. The MRH forum and many internet discussion lists have been humming with inspirational ideas and photos. 

Many of us have a decent size hobby shop stashed away. Take advantage of this stuck-at-home moment and start on something new. Snap a photo or two and share it on the MRH Forum under the What's on Your Workbench thread. Pass along the inspiration to encourage another modeler to find their starting point. 

Be safe. Stay healthy. Build models!!

Eric

Reading this again

Eric;

Your comment above about starting something is really the way anyone should begin. Unless you have some experience with model railways then it will be a challenge to know what you want for yourself. Building a freight car or structure will get you going and build confidence. 

I started with an idea of all the things I like in a plausible location. Even after starting on the “big plan” I stepped aside and did a couple five foot by sixteen inch deep modules to test what could comfortably fit in On30.  It only had to please me so, with some minor changes to the plan, I moved forward and the modules eventually became dumpster fodder. After several years my interests became narrower and more focused. The original layout was removed and a new plan has emerged like the Phoenix rising from ashes. I am really enjoying the research and rapid progress possible with all the previous layout experience under my belt. 

In today’s world with the thought of viral infections that spread so rapidly, I’m glad to have finally found a happy place with respect to my layout size, complexity, and focus. It isn’t designed for more than two people to operate and may never have many more in an effort to stay healthy and “socially distant”. Sad but true. Still a lot of good fun can be found in building for yourself first. If others can enjoy my layout from a distance then all the better!

Too True Neil

I often forget this myself.  With all the focus on operations and socialization in Model Railroading, it's easy to forget my primary joy is found in planning and building.  That's why I do all my work myself, instead of having a work crew.  I enjoy sharing it, and operating too, but it's the building that's the thing for me!  Different strokes for different folks and all that.  

Too Much Movement

Most stuff still in boxes after 3 moves in 6 years. I'm heartened by those who do and find the time to complete the smallest of projects. Sometimes change can be good but incrementally I have lost my hobby and modelling space. So when someone tells me they have had to start over, start smaller, do things differently I can totally understand...

In these trying times of Covid-19  there are days when I come home exhausted (I'm in a job which is considered an essential service) and I get some pleasure from seeing the work that many of you have completed!

When things get back to some sense of "normal" I think I will volunteer at a local club because I need to see something completed and the shared space I am in isn't really an option...

Michael

Michael

Glad to hear your working. I see very few cars leaving my neighbor hood these days. most are in driveways or sitting on the street.

Not knowing anything about your space except you are sharing living quarters with someone. Can you carve out x-number of feet at eye level or close to it? A small shelf space can be a starter for the future.

How about a square footer. Otherwise known as a diorama.

Jack

With Easter comes isolation

Starting this weekend it looks like I will be joining many of you at home trying to flatten the curve.

The "carving out"  will begin nest week!

Thanks for the advice and stay safe.

Michael