Hello, from Fort Worth

AcroJumper Feb 28, 2019

  1. AcroJumper

    AcroJumper New Member

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    Greetings,

    Got a N Kato Silver Streak Zephyr for Christmas in 2017, and never hearing of Kato, and absolutly no knowledge of trains other than the difference between a steam and diesel engine are, I have finally jumped into the hobby a year later. Got much more Kato track and a few more locos. My wife is already getting onto me how much I've spent...

    Good to meet y'all here. Look forward to lurking and learning from all of you!

    Joel
     
  2. fitz

    fitz TrainBoard Member

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    Welcome aboard, Joel. Many other folks have started out just as you described. It is a great hobby.
     
  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome to TrainBoard!
     
  4. Hytec

    Hytec TrainBoard Member

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    Hi Joel, welcome. Glad to have on board.
     
  5. r_i_straw

    r_i_straw Mostly N Scale Staff Member

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    Welcome Joel.
     
  6. BNSF FAN

    BNSF FAN TrainBoard Supporter

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    Welcome to TrainBoard Joel!
     
  7. beachdude54

    beachdude54 New Member

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    Fellow newbie here. Still in the planning stages for a modest sized n scale layout. Good luck with your endeavours.
     
  8. AcroJumper

    AcroJumper New Member

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    Thank you... you too. Everything I have currently is Kato, so it's been easy to set up and tear down at the end of the weekend. To be honest though, I am enjoying changing layouts often so I am not too sure I will be looking at doing a permanent layout anytime soon. Scared I'd get bored and constantly want to change stuff.
     
  9. beachdude54

    beachdude54 New Member

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    I intend to go all Kato, also. Seems a little more expensive but most reviews I have read imply it is worth it. I just wish the turnouts were not so pricey.
     
  10. AcroJumper

    AcroJumper New Member

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    They are. But I have had sticker shock with the whole hobby, so Kato really doesn't seem that bad if the parts are quality. I initially figured freight cars couldn't be more than 5 dollars apiece, imagine my face when I learned what they really cost. But back to point, I have been incredibly happy with them. I have the double crossover and 5 #6 turnouts that have worked great. Albeit, my experience lack other brands so it's hard to juxtapose quality and functions.
     
  11. beachdude54

    beachdude54 New Member

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    At this point are you running trains or are you into the sculpting foam insulation and scenery thing?
     
  12. AcroJumper

    AcroJumper New Member

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    Only running trains. One day perhaps with the full scenery. But it's been fun learning not only prototypical locos, different eras and regions, and just playing with different track setups. I got the Kato v3, train yard switching kit last week. That added a whole other level of play that's been a blast.
     
  13. beachdude54

    beachdude54 New Member

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    Cool. I am considering the "Cheap and Nothing Wasted II" layout on a flat table 32"x58". Nothing wasted but far from cheap, methinks. Anyway, since I am new to this I am thinking it would be easier on me to model Western desert plains. Easier colors for me. Less vegetation to deal with. Sparse buildings. Relatively open. Trying to decide which railroad lines to use appropriate for the scenery. I want one passenger line and one freight. Maybe add in a little switcher eventually. Any thoughts on all of that?
     
  14. AcroJumper

    AcroJumper New Member

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    I wouldn't be the guy to ask for thoughts. Very elementary. I will though say I agree with you. If I did a layout it would either be plains and/or mountains. Not too big into city detail. I like the idea of the openness. I will also concur with the idea of the a freight and passenger. I started with the Kato Silver Streak Zephyr as a gift. It is awesome to say the least. Then moved onto an SD70MAC BNSF for freight. However, before I could buy cars, I got sidetracked with Amtrak Phase IV; so now I have to P42s and 8 Amtrak cars. I spent way more than I should have, and the wife is putting a stop to for the time being.

    What are you running right now?
     
  15. beachdude54

    beachdude54 New Member

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    Currently just planning layout and benchwork. Have not even got a train yet. I plan to finish basic benchwork. Purchase trackage and intial train to run. Costruct basic layout. Then purchase additional track and trains to complete the layout.
     
  16. AcroJumper

    AcroJumper New Member

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    Gotchya. I don't think I could hold out on the train right away given my willpower. Keep us opdated with your layout. I'll be interested in seeing what you came up with.
     
  17. beachdude54

    beachdude54 New Member

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    Thinking of Amtrak Sunset Limited for passenger service since it serves San Antonio to L.A. via west texas(duh), NM, and Aridzona. Lol. And will be eyeballing UPRR and BNSF locos for freight hauling. Once I get the benchwork done. Almost there. Things will pick up rapidly. I just want to be sure I get off on the right foot.
     

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