the MRH Forum

New to MRR. Getting started
Reply
New member 1 post Dan101955 New member 1 post
Dan101955

I am new to MRR but have been working on a layout that will incorporate three railroads. I worked for Rochester Gas & Electric at one of its generating stations. They upgraded there coal delivery yard and i have a print of there new yard that I would like to do. 

want to also do the Falls railroad in brockport and finally the LAL in livonia. 

The area i have for this is my attic 15ft x20ft area.

Any help and comments about this would be appreciated.

Dan

PS I also like Alco engines, I have 1 rs11 in ho scale that i would like to use.
Reply 0
joef MRH Founder 17,528 posts
joef

Welcome!

Welcome to the MRH forum! I see you like Alcos ... around here that makes you an ALCO-holic ... (wink). If you could post a sketch of your space, we might be able to post some pertinent suggestions. If you're new to the hobby, see if you can find other modelers in your area and go visit their layouts. If any of them are having operating sessions - especially prototype-based op sessions, that's worth a visit to see what you think of realistic ops. At the early stages in the hobby, get exposure to as much as possible before you commit to building a big layout. Also, consider the TOMA approach to building a layout. TOMA = The One Module Approach, where you start with a single small module of about 4-6 feet in length and 18" - 24" wide. Build the module to completion and put flattop staging on each end. You will learn a TON about the hobby using the TOMA approach, and if you want to fill your room with layout, just keep building modules.

Joe Fugate​
Publisher, Model Railroad Hobbyist magazine

[siskiyouBtn]

Read my blog
Reply 0
Michael Watson Regular poster 497 posts
Michael Watson

Welcome !

Welcome Dan ! Any friends of an Alco is a friend of mine ! Joe has given you some great advice. Also think about what era you want to model. From your post, I am guessing that you are going to model modern era ? This forum is a great place to ask questions, and many questions you will have. Visit layouts, as many as possible, and also, if possible, go to a Club operating session. There should be many there that will welcome you to the hobby and can answer questions, and also create many questions. That's the great thing about Model Railroading is it is a great opportunity to learn new things, as well as create a empire.

Michael
Reply 0
TTX101 Regular poster 484 posts
TTX101

Greetings, Dan! Glad you walked in!

It sounds like you have all the ingredients for a great railroad empire - space, a plan, lots of first-hand experience watching what you want to model - and now, a bunch of other model railroaders to give you advice!  (Just remember, you asked for it)!  Seriously, it will be great to have you working on an impressive scene like a generating station; please let us know what you're up to!  I worked in a northwest pulp mill for several years, so that's the focus of my modeling.  My two cents's worth is that you got great advice so far - building one module at a time has saved my interest in the hobby.  I tried to build a basement-sized empire all in one piece years ago, and got very discouraged.  In my opinion, I agree that the module-by-module approach is definitely the way to go.

Welcome!!

 

Rog.38

 
Reply 0
Reply