I just wanted to say hi and give you a bit of info about me. I am 39 , live in England and have been retired for almost 2 years after a career in the RAF. I have recently got back in to modeling after a couple of years away due to retiring and relocating; I have spent the last 18 months building my layout room to house my retirement project. I have gone with N scale as I have been modelling Swiss, German and US railroads in N scale for the past 10 years and before that US HO scale and British OO were my interests. I have been planning the new layout for about 8 to 12 months now and we were going to build the a part of the ATSF mainline in Oklahoma until 72 hours ago my wife saw some photos of UP locos and uttered the words "I like those ones" and as she has a hold of the finances and it always pays to get on with the bank manager. So we are now looking for a suitable design to fit our needs; like most European countries we do not have the luxury of space like our US & Canadian friends, I have to try and squeeze my plan in to a space 12' by 24'. Shaun
Thanks for the warm welcome, I have sneaky feeling that I will see ATSF & UP locos on this project. So far I have the room well it's an external wooded workshop all insulated and lined, the electrics, lighting and heating are all in and the backdrops that fit along the external walls are in place. I have gone for a 30" high backdrop made from 1/8 inch marine ply. I have some of the bechwork built along 2 walls but production came to a sudden halt when we had a change of direction. Shaun
Well, whatever direction you do take, it would be great fun, to follow along as you make progress. Welcome to TrainBoard! Boxcab E50
Welcome Shaun, your going to enjoy this website. As already said keep us posted on your progress. Should you have any questions or want to bounce ideas off some of the best model rails, you've come to the right place. Enjoy and have fun!
I am looking forward to this project, we're coming to the US in 3 weeks to visit my wife's family and do some shopping; first thing on the list is track and a DCC system. Shaun
Welcome to trainboard. Even us yanks have space limitations, my empire sits on a doorpanel. Much smaller than what you have at your disposal.
Welcome Shaun! I reread your initial post, do I understand that you are still in N scale, and have a 12x24 foot space? I think that should work nicely, even allowing for some workshop area! I spent three years at Waddington (civilian contractor), I really enjoyed working with the RAF. So, have you decided on an era and an area of the country? As I'm sure you know it's a big place! Modelling the US from over there I would not be suprised if you become familiar with some of the on-line sellers. I know that some do a good job shipping overseas, and charge only what it costs. (Of course having lived there and had things shipped I know that can be substantial, and can take forever, but at least N scale is small!) How far along is you plan? I think the planning phase is pretty exciting (though building has its high points, as well!) Jeff
My room came at a price, I had to wait almost 17 years. I built the Cat Mountain and Santa Fe project RR when I was in the RAF and carried it around the world me. Now I have settled down I now have my purpose built railroad room. Planning, well we're back to the start again after a change of heart. I do have an idea as to how I want the benchwork to go. I would like an around the walls with a central island but this will reduce my benchwork depth to 18" if I bring the aisles in to 30" then I can add a few extra inches to the benchwork depth. Shaun
From one Shaun, to another. Welcome to TB Glad to see I'm not the only one who spells our name right:tb-biggrin:
Well I have had my name spelt every way possible I think. Thanks for all the warm welcome, you're a friendly bunch. Shaun
Same here, and as for the warm welcome you will find that this a quite friendly and knowledgable group(present company excluded:tb-embarrassed
Welcome. I saw you were coming to the US. Any particular place or region? I am sure that someone from around here would show you some good place for live trains or hobby shops to visit.
