Sounds like a great space

Sounds like a great space to start. Consider shelving brackets to get going and try out some ideas!

Better Than Many!

Many folks start with an 8x4 sheet of plywood. The important thing is to use it as a learning experience. Scenery, electrical, DCC, operations, and construction. Lots to learn and YOUR interests and desires can drive the direction you want to go.

Space... The final... err...

That's quite adequate... if I'm understanding what you're saying? Like, an around the room, point to point?

Either way, it's still bigger than my own layout.

Do yourself a favor though... look into TOMA (it's in the magazine, and all over this message board)

Build your layout one module at a time... just, take a part of what you plan to build, and built the whole thing in about a week... from bench work, track to scenery... make it so you can start running your trains right away, but keep it open ended, so you can add another module.

That will get you up and running faster, and with a lot less stress.

Myself? I'm building modularly, and discovered the joy of adding more track to my layout. In fact, I think the next corner module won't even follow theme, as I have the track connecting to that corner running behind my bed's headboard. (I live in an apartment)

It opens a LOT of possibilities!

(my layout is a movie studio, with an Old West theme, but the next module is going to be a simple open field, with a blacksmith on one side of the tracks, and on the other side will be the Wright Flyer, with some men in the field attempting to launch it!)

Possibilities are fantastic!

Thank you so much for the input! Benchwork is key, and I do plan on treating all sides of wood that will support the great stuff. I will indeed check out TOMA. I like the idea of a modular layout, I can picture my theme, 1950's, but may end up wanting to change things up a bit. I appreciate your time so much, thank you again!

Appreciate feedback!

Thanks Bud, I'm starting to feel like I'm on to something . What a GREAT hobby!

I'm on the right track....

Thanks Neil for input, from what I have read here it is adequate, that's enough to get me going. I want to learn as much as I can and really enjoy this. I will check out your blog too for more "know how".

Read the blog about one town layouts

Read the blog on one town layouts. We have thoroughly discussed the possibilities of building a fun layout in a small space.

Welcome!

Welcome to the group! 

I will start by saying the model you have is the first steam train I ever rode. Back in the early 90's it passed through my area as an excursion but it stopped at every town along the way. Much like the days of steam you got bought a ticket at the station you were boarding at for however long you wanted to ride the train. I had my parents spot my car a good few towns away the night before and rode the train the next day. It was a great ride!!!

That is ample room to do some cool things. Like the others I would suggest a TOMA approach, even if those are relatively big sections, mainly because you will want to redo them fairly quickly...What I have found is that as I have built I improved rapidly and while the first efforts were good to start with they quickly became not so good as my skill improved. TOMA is great because as you decide to redo sections with better skill it is easy to do so...

My perosnal suggestions for building a railroad is deciding what you want to do. Do you want to railfan your trains while they just run (that 611 is a leggy lady and would look quite sweet chugging along a nice country scene) or would you rather get into some ops, or maybe a bit of both? Once you begin to nail down what you want the thing to do it gets much easier to develop a vision of the thing.

Best of luck and I look forward to coming posts on its progress!

Suggestions

My points might seem to be somewhat opposite, but I hope I'm clear that they aren't.

I suggest coming up with a basic plan for your area.  Don't make it complicated, maybe a small yard or a couple sidings.  As Jim says, check out a bunch of other ideas from that thread and other sources.  Just don't over-complicate things.  Also, don't forget about minimum radius of curves, especially because you like steam and passenger cars.  They look and operate much better on broader curves - 24" is probably minimum, better to go quite a bit broader if you can.

Here is where I get a bit contradictory - plan well, but don't overthink things.  Right at the start, consider this a "chainsaw" layout - one where you'll build and learn a bunch of things and then tear it down and build another layout.  This first one is strictly for learning techniques, so try a bunch of things out and see how they work.  If they don't, rip it out and do it again.  That's the beauty of TOMA, as Warflight said - you can keep parts and rebuild others or expand on your starting layout.  Just do what you feel will help you learn and enjoy the hobby.

And above all - ask questions.  The "dumber" the better.  We all start somewhere and we all still learn from others.  Just be cognizant that you will get a wide range of opinions and you'll just have to try things you think might work for your skill set.  Not every technique is for everyone.

Good luck!

Priceless info!

Thank you so much! If you don't mind my asking, what area were you in during the trip? That's exciting. I agree with the country scene, I also want to incorporate small town 1950's. This is going to be slow progress as I am presently reading as much as I can while building things "upwards" in my head. Presently, benchwork is top. I don't mind messing up on the details, to be fixed, but I want my benchwork + layout to sustain me for a awhile. I really appreciate your thoughts.

Lina

First things first...

Thanks Dave! I appreciate your thoughts, and you know they are clear, I agree withholding "over thinking", it keeps us from venturing out to make mistakes. I want to have a nice, "true" foundation to start. Most important as of late is the benchwork and layout, I learn best by trial as most of us do. I have a pretty strict budget that I must abide, not ashamed. This is an incredible hobby, I never wish to take for granted, and yet wish to take for granted all my crazy endeavors, it's awesome. I live close to train tracks here in Idaho and never grow tired of the train cries.

Bless you,

Lina

I will...

Definitely read the blog on one town layouts, most likely tomorrow This girl is a tired nurse, hitting the hay bail! Thank you for input, I have so much to read but it sure does my soul good!

Also...

READ THE MAGAZINE!

Read it... watch the "What's Neat" episodes (I watch them as I read, as in, as I read an issue, when i get to that segment, I watch, then go back to the magazine)

If you can, "TrainMasters TV" is a GREAT investment! https://trainmasters.tv/
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Also, Model Railroader (the competition) has a great video channel as well (I like watching their stuff in the background while working on projects) TMTV is still better in my opinion, but MR Video Plus isn't too shabby.

Youtube also has a lot of WONDERFUL series, including a weekly podcast of "What's Neat This Week", hosted by Ken Patterson... if you have ever seen a model train catalog cover, or model train "how to" book, chances are, Ken did the photography for the cover... and inside... and... well... just go check him out.

But above all... HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Remember... it's not a history project... but the history can also be a lot of fun. It's especially fun if there are kids around. My flatmate has a four year old, and as annoying as the kid can be... when I let him run trains on the layout, he's quiet for HOURS!

inspiration

Fellow Newbie

I heartily recommend using track planning software first. This will allow you to really KNOW what is possible with your space. I used Anyrail, but started with others first. Free being the deciding factor. You will also get time to learn and decide what your modeling priorities are. Bench work is best decided on after that. I have planned a 10 x 12 around the room at 54" without grades. So the dreaded flat top spaghetti bowl for me. Open grid, L-girder, or foam sub-roadbed seem to be best for more scenic modeling. Modules are just a matter of sectioning the track plan in a way that makes sense and is easier to connect together. I have five 3/4" plywood modules that will attach to supporting bench work. None are the same shape or size.  Good luck and have fun.

4 years old?1

I have to hand it to you! That's the age where we wished we hadn't begged them to talk! YES, I am a reading of a morning! I don't want to pay for any subscriptions, frugal that way. But, I am reading what I can and will look in to  P. Thank you and the Best!

Lina

N & W 611

Hey Scott,

Thank you for the input here. I will try to locate the book at my library, if they don't have it, they will find it for me. I would bet his pictures I have not seen and looking forward to those, it's doubtful there are many on the web. I'll look anyhow.

YES!  I am looking forward to a small town layout, but a busy small town, post war. I have to be patient, according to my budget. It's alright though, I can paint in the meantime, street lights, road signs, etc.

Have a great weekend!

Lina

New to hobby...

Hey Jeff, 

Thank you for input! I'm right where you are with 10' around room, most likely small grades. Yup, open grid, L-girder, not a thing wrong with that. By no means. My layout will most likely be a 10'x4'x6', placed on 3 walls, with an area coming straight off the middle center to enlarge my space. Free is good, send pictures if you can. My process is going to be slow. I just completed painting the room, trim included. Lighting I hope to buy tomorrow, then I can bring home the wood to start building. 

Thanks for reaching out!

Lina

My I suggest a chainsaw module

My I suggest a chainsaw module. What is a chainsaw module you ask?

It's basically a module, size does not matter, but keep it small like 2 x 4 or 2 by 6 feet. The purpose of the module is to make mistakes. You want to develop your style of building a module, laying down track (don't get bogged down in the track design)  just lay down some track and a few switches and a cross over.

Learn how to do wiring, how to wire the switches. Are you going to use switch machines? Learn how to wire them. Are you going to use DCC learn how to wire for DCC.

Build the scenery and learn how to stack and glue foam, add some small structures, trees, etc.

the purpose is to learn from your mistakes before you try to tackle a 10 foot layout. Too many people start with a large project and get discouraged or realize they should have done it differently. 

Once you master the first module, take it apart and do it over correcting your mistakes. Then into the dumpster if does. 

Bill B.

Hello Lina

I do not have a large amount of experience myself so I am learning as well. My husband helps me out some but he doesn't have the desire to participate very much for various reasons. I have been building small dioramas to practice laying track, ballasting and doing some scenery.  My only advice would be to stick an era to model. This will make the layout look more prototypical and save you money by only buying what fits the layout era. One other bit of advice is to buy quality engines and rolling stock. Better to have a few good engines that run well then a bunch of cheaper ones that don't. Good luck and welcome to the hobby!

Model Railroad Hobbyist is free!

FREEEEEE!!!! IT'S FREEEEE!!!!

Come on... I'm Jewish... would I tell you to read a magazine that you would have to pay for?

I would NEVER!

Starter layout?

Depending on where you live maybe you could check out a club layout or two? Consider an overall concept that you could start with a small switching module. Even passenger trains would do a surprising amount of switching at a terminal, back in the days, with diners, baggage, mail, extra coaches or sleepers to be cut in or out, maybe during a crew change, with the power going for fuel, water, and light servicing. You could have just the suggestion of a terminal maybe with a platform or two. If you have the talent, make some doodle sketches of what appeals to you, then maybe develop them into a plan. Don't rush the process, and above all, have fun along the way. John Colley, Sonoma, CA

Bench Work

Lina, welcome aboard, here is one possibility for bench work, while not inexpensive, it is the type of bench work I use, available at kamkonnect.com, they build modular tables in many different configurations that allow a very quick and easy way to have the bench work up and installed without a hassle or power tools. The sections are also very lightweight and portable, which makes them easy to use.

The only tool required to put the modules together is a 5/16 Allen wrench, which is also available through the website. Check it out, and even though the tables cost more than local lumber yards materials, you can't beat the ease of installation and use of these modules, and they can be reconfigured in different rooms and different sizes, and the track plan could be easily changed.  

How did I miss it?

I like to welcome and encourage newbies - did not see this thread 'til today. So, welcome!

For some fundamentals, I would suggest your reading the first few issues of this magazine. You can download them in PDF format and build a digital library of the issues. Go here to get them:

https://forum.mrhmag.com/magazine-feedback-was-ezines-891776

Start with the 2009 and 2010 issues - they are rich in the fundamentals (2009 had only four quarter issues - 2010 had 6 bimonthlies).

I suggest, as many have,that you make a small diorama, possibly not even a part of your layout, to familiarize yourself with construction methods including track road bed, ballasting and shrubs.

Are you familiar with the Class J 611 restoration done recently?

There is much on the restoration found on YouTube and in the Trains magazine.