Getting Started

Where do I start? Part 2

Since my original post, I now have and have selectively been reading parts of Joe Fugate's "Make it Run Like a Dream" and Jeff Wilson's "Getting Started in Model Railroading." I have read many of the posts and responses in the Getting Started category. I have reached out to the local MR club, region 7 , I believe, but am waiting for a response.

I have a 4' x 8' table from the past so I have ruled out the smaller module idea at least for now. Perhaps use modules in the future to try new things or add to my existing table.

lordscarlet's picture

Bookshelf layout

Like many, I am trying to get into the hobby after many false starts. My current line of thinking is to populate a section of a built-in bookcase with a small switching layout.

Pin vice or Hand Drill?

I'm slowly accumulating the tools I think I need for a layout my son and I are building.

I see hobbyists using either a small hand drill or a pin vice. Which works best for you? And, what particular make and model works best in your opinion?

Thanks,

Brent

modeling HO scale

Magazine/book Recommendation

I have been model railroading for over 55 years but I try to keep an open mind when it comes to my modeling. I recently was cruising Barnes & Noble for the monthly magazines when I discovered this gem. I also like plastic ship models and have a couple 1/350 WWII ships waiting for "someday".

Fine Scale Modeler magazine has a great book out that has a lot of tricks and helpful techniques we can apply to our choochoo's too. It's called Build Better Ship Models and is well worth looking in to.

arvanlaar's picture

Building or Track First when Planning

When you all are starting a new layout or thinking up new designs, do you have certain buildings in mind already to fit in spaces or do you design the track you want first and then just slot in whichever building fit in those spots? I would be interested to hear how each of you goes about starting a design :)

Thanks!

Where do I start?

After 40 years???, I am ready to start fresh in model railroading. I have spent considerable time on websites but I am finding myself more confused. Decisions made to go HO (N too small and O too big) and to go DCC. I like the idea of pre-made roadbed what what about any flex track? And, track is not compatible form company to company. Which is best? I'd rather get quality then buy problems. To make matters worse, I had no idea of Code 100, Code 83, etc and other than Atlas do not know what each company is offering.

One Trick Pony

Having spent a lot of time researching the prototype railroad I want to model...I have found out that they do one thing pretty good. 

They move a lot of covered hoppers in grain service. 

Looking to duplicate this in the model version...the idea looks to be that one trick pony. Visitors will not be able to differentiate between rice, soybeans, sorghum or wheat.

new vs used

I am looking at creating an N scale model railroad for use by some of my half dozen pre teen grandchildren.  Space dictates my scale.  Nearing age 77 my last experience with a model train was the old three track O scale about  65 years ago.  Too old now to become really serious it is possible one or more of my grandkids will take to this hobby.  Reason, get them away from endless screen viewing and actually do something with their hands and minds.

DCC Ready and DC

I have a basic question:

Are DCC Ready locomotives DC capable out of the box?

I figured that they are since they don't have a decoder installed, but I wanted to check.

You may say: "Ask the manufacturer!" Well... I did, and all they could tell me was that the loco is ready to have a decoder installed... but I knew that already! I won't name the company here, but they are a major manufacturer outside the USA.

Thanks in advance.

I like my airbrush - sometimes...

Hi,

well, I did some more air-brushing last week. As is often the case for me, it was a miss-and-hit experience.

My setup is a small air compressor and a basic, external-mix airbrush https://www.revell.de/en/products/airbrush/spray-gun/spray-gun-starter-class.html. For me, the basic airbrush is a good choice because I don't do fine-art work and I'm very happy with the easy maintenance.


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