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.

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.

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.

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.