Hello, I recently attended an attraction at the local fair/carnival. It was a man who had a large model train layout, in N scale I believe. I am extremely interested in this hobby. I am focusing my reasearch in the N and HO scales, and I believe that N scale is the way to go because I think I will enjoy creating large, expansive scenery. I like painting, molding, soldering, and generally making my ideas become tangable. I have come here to get some help on what is the way to go in model railroading. I know there are many paths to take and I would like your opinion on what to do. In my reasearch on the internet, information in hard to come upon, that tells what is the ideal way to start, cheap! I realize this is a fairly expensive hobby, but at least I don't think it will be as much as R/C airplanes! I am thinking I may have to start very small and generally start to build on my layout. Seeing as how I am only 14, I am very budget concious, though I believe this is a very rewarding, worthwhile hobby that I would like to be a part of. Suggestions, opinions, and links to "getting started" sites appreciated, and needed! B.T.W. I have a hobby store called the "Hobby Stop" that I anticipate visiting soon about 20 miles from here, but until then . . . Chris
What about trains do you find the most appealing? A specific railroad? The scenery? Whatever it might be, go in that direction. Get books on those subjects. Ask questions. Don't rush- Take your time. There are some very experienced N scalers here who can help with answers. The best thing for a restricted budget, is to save up, and get top quality equipment. This might seem hard. But the better performance, looks, and durability pay off quickly. Nothing is more discouraging than poorly operating trains. Hobby Stop? Is that in Orem? If so, I've done business with them via the 'Net. All went well. Hopefully they'll be a good place for you to go. Also, there are many N suppliers on the 'Net. Including one that sponsors Trainboard- Internet Trains.com. Boxcab E50
"Hobby Stop? Is that in Orem?" Yes, they are located in orem, and I too have done business with them, but not in thier model train department. What do I find appealing about the hobby? Well I guess it is just the diversity of it. I get to work with my hands making a whole minature world of my own. I especially like the idea of a long train winding through it's course, the rear end always trying to catch up with the lead locomotive. Oh, and the layout that I saw at the carnival was rather interesting. It was broken into sections. The track was, for the most part, a large oval, broken into 2-6 foot sections, each portraying a different theme. The midwest, the gulf coast, even Star Wars! Oh, and, like you said, I do indeed plan on saving up and buying quality equipment. It would be less than ideal to buy a 75.00 starter kit, that is all plastic, and has transformers/track/models etc. that cannot be used with anything else. Chris [ 01. September 2003, 05:56: Message edited by: Chris Stevenson ]
