Hello all, I'm new back into model RR. It's been twenty years since I've played with trains. My question is about how to get started with little finances and no knowledge on how to design a layout. I've ordered Atlas books on layouts with there track kits and looked at some adds about some of the premade landscape kits. Do any of you have opinions on witch might be a good starting platform. I'm from upstate Wisconsin/Upper Peninsula and would be interested in small town industry/tourist lodge/logging around 1950. Thanks Sargent Shortround
Hi SR, I'm in a similiar boat, just getting back into it after a 20+ year abscence. What amazes me is the quality of modern N scale stuff vs. what I remember. Here's how I 'planned' my return, keeping in mind I'm just at the benchwork/buying stuff stage: 1) Keep it simple! I've gotten this bit of advice from everyone, including those that have gigantic layouts. It'll be a long time until I need DCC; as appealing as it is it's also added expense. I'm doing a single line layout on a hollow core door with very simplistic wiring. 2) Model something available. Frustrating to find out the road you want to model is virtually non-existent in the Walthers catalog, though you will also want to check Ebay as there is a lot of retired liveries on there. If you plan on making up your own road, disregard. 3) Ebay! I've bought track in bulk purchases, a Tech II transformer and locos (new) and rolling stock (new/used) for far less than retail. Much of it for road names not currently available. Though I'd hesitate to buy a used loco this way, anything else is fair game and I've saved a bundle. 4) Hollow core door from a house being torn down and folding legs from Harbor Freight are my benchwork. Add a foam board and you're almost done. 5) Plan ahead. Don't pick a track plan based on the amount of trackage. I selected mine on what it could do, how much space it permitted for the scenery I wanted and the industries that the RR needs to justify it's existence. If you're modelling a coal region and can't fit in a coal mine, then all those coal cars aren't going to make sense. I'm finding this is one of the more difficult aspects so far. 6) DO set up the track in a test pattern of your layout and run a train. It's a great motivator to keep you interested.
Getting started (or even continuing) with a tight budget has probably impacted everyone to some degree or another... Here are some things I have found helpful: Local hobby/train shops are great (if you can find a good one). Even if the stuff there is a little more expensive, it is worth it for the ease of return or troubleshooting, and the advice. I am lucky that mine is one of the good ones. Look for stuff used - I got my first engine, lots of my rolling stock, a few buildings, some track, tools, and so on in the used and/or consignment section of the aforementioned train shop. If you can't get it used, try bulk purchases. For stuff like track, or roadbed, go to the Internet for sure. There is no quesion about whether the stuff will run well, so shipping it across long distances should be fine. The other "bulk" purchase I have seen recommended many times is the Woodland Scenics kit for the Grand Valley layout. Although somewhat expensive at first glance, it apparently gives you everything you need to scenic a 4x8 (or equivalent) layout at a price lower than buying everything separately. A lot of reference materials can be had for free at the local library (although you have to return it ). You can also pick up back issues for pennies on the dollar at the train store, club meets, or swap meets. I just paid less than the cost of one new issue for most of the MR issues from 2002 - 2003. Construction materials can also be had "on the cheap". (The premade landscapes are just about the most expensive way to do it). Try looking for damaged materials at the Home Depot - they will often give you, for example, broken sheets of foam insulation - fine for building mountains, not so good for insulating houses... You can also get "mis-mixed" paint for a dollar or two. And don't forget the dollar store - a great source for ballast (aquarium gravel), paint and brushes, trees (floral supplies), glue, popsicle sticks, tools, and so on. Lastly, as Dwight mentioned, a little planning goes a long way... Good luck with your "return"! Andrew
