New "again" to Model Railroading

dpepp Dec 30, 2013

  1. dpepp

    dpepp New Member

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    I just wanted to say, "Thanks for having me"!

    I am 40 yrs old and just sold all of my HO scale train stuff that I have had since I was a wee little tot. The good news is I am planning to make N scale my obsession for years to come. I have 3 kids very interested in creating a venue of their own (little do they know I am really doing this for me!).

    Model trains have come a LONG way with the DCC stuff!!! I have a lot to learn!
    I am in the learning stage of what type of track and what code to get...And which Loco we want to start with. I wish there was a flow chart for the beginner's decision making process!
    Fortunately, I have a lot of space to work with and a wife that supports family involvement in a hobby! Unfortunately, I want to start engineering now...but wisdom dictates, "Do your research first."

    Thanks to all of you for your recorded input and pics, they are inspirations to all of us!
    I will be reading threads for the next several days...
    Doug
     
  2. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Doug-

    Welcome to TrainBoard! Great to know your three kids are also interested! Hope they'll establish a long term love affair for this hobby!

    Tons of information in our message archives. Plenty of knowledge to answer questions. We'll look forward to following your progress.
     
  3. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome Aboard Doug...

    Track:

    Simple/Reliable...Unitrack

    Close to proto and somewhat easy to lay....
    Atlas C55 (although not really available as of 5 years ago !)

    If you want really close to proto...
    Handlaying

    Locomotives and rolling stock...

    Depends on the era you plan to model.
     
  4. dpepp

    dpepp New Member

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    I do believe Unitrack looks like the way to go for now! The most important thing for us is to get something up and running and having fun with it. I/we aren't really too worried about exact scale at this point in time. One son requested a BSA camp, one son requested a playground, and my daughter requested places for the train to stop and do things!!! We live in a dead automotive area so...CSX/Conrail with container cars, scrap metal cars, and tankers should help fulfill that request.

    I believe purchasing Kato track would most likely lead me to buying a kato engine to begin with but how do others like Bachman/Walthers run on unitrack? I have read that japan engines=japan tracks, usa engines=usa tracks but, I have never heard of any "problems" with them on any of the forums?

    Locos:? SD70/80/90 thats what we still see so figured more for kids to relate to! I think I'm gonna have to get into the DCC :)

    I look forward to reading a ton of info here and posting the pics as they happen.
    Thanks again for the warm welcome!
     
  5. rogergperkins

    rogergperkins TrainBoard Member

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    As a sort of old timer with about 40 years modeling in n-scale, but a love of trains most of my 74 years, I add my recommendation for use of Kato Unitrack and DCC as the starting choices.
    I had home layouts for about 25 years before I started using Kato Unitrack; it brought the enjoyment back to the hobby.
    My old Peco turnout/flex track layout had many points where trains stalled, and thus I was spending my hobby time fixing track instead of running trains. Now I step down from my soap box.
     
  6. retsignalmtr

    retsignalmtr TrainBoard Member

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    Kato Unitrack is a fine starting point. Buy some extra Unitrack joiners as they do loosen up after being assembled and disassembled many times. Atlas, Athearn. Kato, Lifelike/Walthers Proto series and Bachmann (their Spectrum line) are good runners. Bachmann's Spectrum steamers like their 2-8-0. 4-6-0 and 2-6-0 are great little engines that run very well and can be purchased with DCC decoders installed. Digitrax Zephyr Xtra is a good starters DCC system that can be expanded as your needs grow. Thinking modular? Look at T-Trak. org website. They use Kato track on small modules that are set up on tables and are easily rearranged and transported. The Unijoiners keep the modules connected tightly. You could let each of your children scenic their own module with their ideas. The attached photos are T-Trak modules
     

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  7. SinCity

    SinCity TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome. I recently came back a few years ago after a 20+ year hiatus. I discovered DCC and was "blown" away as I was always intimidated with wiring and controlling more than 1 loco at a time.
     
  8. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    My THERR layout was built with all Unitrack

    http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?143989-T-H-E-R-R-Reborn!&highlight=therr

    I bought the Digitrax Super Empire Builder Xtra Set because it comes with a seperate throttle I can walk around the layout with.
    To answer one question: Any n scale locomotive will run on Unitrack...its n scale track :)
    I would highly recommend giving Fifer Hobby a look for any of your N scale needs.
    From track to locos to scenery :)
    Mike and Robin Fifer are a couple of the nicest people to work with.

    http://www.fiferhobby.com/


    Most of all...have fun :)

     
  9. Team DTO

    Team DTO TrainBoard Member

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    I'm a beginner myself, and initially this hobby can be overwhelming when you consider all the skills needed. Some basic carpentry skills and tools are needed. Basic understanding of electrical wiring and how it works. Soldering skills and tools may eventually be needed. Understanding DCC technology and how to chip locomotives has to be learned. Then it's modeling skills with building structures and making scenery. What I decided to do with my first layout is take a modular approach. Just a couple of tables bolted together for easy redesign and expandability. I decided to use sectional track just to get trains running fast. Track plan is just a simple L shaped oval with passing siding and couple of spurs for industries. What I have now is a base needed to learn the hobby and expand when I gain more experience. Don't bog down with to much research, start simple and learn as you go. Good luck.:cool:
     
  10. dpepp

    dpepp New Member

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    That's what I wanted to hear! Thanks, I didn't know about the T-Trak!!! Awesome idea for the kiddos!!!

    Again, Thank you!

    I really am excited to begin using all the controllers!

    Thanks for the info! Some of your pics aren't loading for some reason, I'll have to investigate a little more. The concept is awesome!

    Thanks! I have a basic concept in mind, I have the skills/tools ( I built houses for years, I get paid for brain power now!) I understand the principles of DCC, I have just never used them. Having a secondary skill in Networking, Net+ skills help some there!

    You guys are simply great! I have never been part of such a friendly and helpful group!
     
  11. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yup...we are a laid back bunch here at TB. Lots of knowlegable guys here...more then willing to give their .02 worth...LOL.

    If ya ever have a question...post it...someone will have an answer that fits ;-)
     
  12. dpepp

    dpepp New Member

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    George,
    T.H.E.R.R v - I would like to say I am on page 31 and I have experienced every emotion a human can have. What an epic novel! From the suspense and anticipation to the sadness of the small gaps. Only to be thrown for a loop when fellow countrymen come to the aid and provide Kato schematics for help...Of course the arch villain, Rick says pfft with unitack. LOL...even the comedy of the hoover thumbtacks(roof vents), the love story of T.H.E.W.I.F.E. and George on the passenger car and the honor of the Hero, George...finishing a life's dream!!!
    In all seriousness, Nice! Good for you! That is what I love to read - Who gives a rat's butt what others think, it's yours and you have fun with it!!!!
     
  13. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Yup...been having fun with it since before I even bought THE RV. It took the guy (retired) a month to get back up here from his Mexico hideaway. I had the keys ( hidden in a compartment on THE RV) from day one and visited it every day. Had the vision in my head everytime I walked in the door while it set on that backlot...and the track plan was done long before the $ and title changed hands . :)

    Its just a hobby and having fun is what its all about :)

    *BTW...Barstow Rick and I are good internet buds. He has helped me a ton along the way ^5
     
  14. mtntrainman

    mtntrainman TrainBoard Supporter

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    Doug...

    If ya need more Unitrack layout ideas...here are 2 great ones to read up on...


    Mike Fifer's Unitrack layout...

    http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?109494-ACTRR-my-be-dismantled-and-re-constructed

    Rick Brodzinsky's Unitrack layout...

    http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?112244-The-JACALAR-RR-Benchwork-begins!&highlight=

    These 2 guys alone gave me a ton of Unitrack info and made the decision to use Unitrack a really easy one :)


    Oh yea...almost forgot...there is a great Unitrack group forum right here on TrrainBaord...check it out someday :)

    http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/group.php?groupid=50


    *There is enough reading material to last a lifetime !!!! LOL
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 31, 2013
  15. dpepp

    dpepp New Member

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    Thanks again for all the info. I have ordered enough Unitrack to do a lot of the layouts you provided links to! I think we are going to start with a beginner track 30" x 60" and I have an idea about adding a few 24" x 24" modules. Each kid gets to do their own module as someone suggested!
     

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