The $500 layout discussion and upcoming contest have me thinking - what is it that a beginner in our hobby wants?  The simplest answer I can come up with is "everything," which is the probably the reason so many are disappointed with their first layout.  With that in mind, is it even possible to satisfy somebody who doesn't really know what they want or like yet?

My guess is that a beginner will come from one of two directions:

I am new to this and I am going to build an old west style layout and using HO scale.

What is the best track to use for this?

What is the best roadbed to use?

I was catching up on the Scotty Mason podcast, and learned that Monster Modelworks is going to run just the walls for the Durango roundhouse. 

Jimmy at Monster has created a method to cut AMAZING 3d brick walls from wood, on a laser.  The Durango walls aren't up on his site yet (as of last night), but this should be a boon to RGS and D&RG fans.

I've also added the walls to my listing of structures and available models for the RGS (listed by town), here:

http://rgsrr.home.comcast.net/~rgsrr/rgs/model-list.html

Hello Alan

I would like to give you an update on the state of the model train industry.

Industry Update

The hobby is in a manufacturing turmoil, due to a lack of production capacity now.

There is no question; you have seen the delays from virtually all manufacturers. Pick any manufacturer’s name and their products are delayed. Why you ask? There are several reasons.