I'm perhaps an even newer newbie to N-Scale model railroading. At 34 yrs old, I am just looking to get into the hobby. I have related skills in scenery, modelling and dioramas, so the prospect of doing a highly detailed layout is rather appealing. Being a Canadian, and living about 200 metres away from the main CN Montreal-Toronto-Windsor cooridor, doing a CN/Via Rail layout is rather appealing. I know that KATO has recently released the P42 in the new Via Renaissance Paint Scheme... No passenger cars to go with it just yet... I don't think anyway. The close proximity to that gives me lots of ideas... Recently I actually saw a switcher engine (not sure what type), hooked up in a consist with a Dash-9 and one other locomotive (I'm still new to locomotive identification). They occasionally park on the track near my place in London. I've been doing a lot of reading on the hobby in general. While I've not made any purchases in the realm of equipment, rolling stock, track, etc., my library is beginning to build. I am pretty technologically minded, so things like DCC doesn't scare me. In fact, I find it quite intriguing. So here are my questions: For entry level in N-Scale, what am I best to look at? In terms of DCC, I know that the MRC Prodigy is a pretty basic set that works with most decoders, but is limited in what it is able to do. I was reading somewhere else that while it can do Consists, they won't be back-to-back. In terms of layout, my ideas are to do something with the CN Freight/Via Passenger rail lines. Whether I stick to the Southern Ontario transport cooridor (my current inclination), or to go further afield, remains to be seen. One trackplan that I found quite intriguing was the Adrisport & Codyville layout. I wanted others opinions on this one. It may be a bit busy for what I am trying to do, but it does seem to work well in a limited space. Especially to these naive newbie eyes. Keep in mind that I am literally a tabula rasa... I have no equipment whatsoever, am operating on a budget, but have an interest in developing this over the long-term. My hope is to build a modest layout, likely on the back of a hollow-core door given the current space considerations in our household (I share a townhouse condo with my wife, 2 rabbits, and two cats). Any advice would be much appreciated... [ 03. November 2003, 05:43: Message edited by: Agatheron ]
Welcome aboard! Your approach is right on target. Reading. Getting a feel for what you'd like to do. And what is available for the project. In N scale, you can do quite a lot on that door. At some later date, it can even become part of a larger modular or permanent layout. I can't speak on DCC. None of my past layouts were so equipped. I have operated on other layouts using Lenz and Digitrax. Both were great fun to use. Boxcab E50
While I'm not an expert on DCC, I might be able to answer some of your questions... MRC Prodigy is a basic entry-level system. Since you're already technology-minded, you might want to look at other systems that offer expansion capabilities, like the Atlas Commander (to Lenz) and the Digitrax Zephyr. I don't think you can expand the Prodigy system once you outgrow it. I like the trackplan you've chosen. Keep in mind that you can make changes to that plan as you build it, so it becomes your railroad, not just another version of someone else's railroad. I also understand what it's like to work under a budget. It can be frustrating, especially when the manufacturers put out all these nice goodies we want to get! Prioritize, get the items you need to get trains running, and everything else will fall into place. Good luck! We'll want to see pictures of your work as you go along. Pat
Thanks for the replies! One of the things in the above trackplan that I likely would not include is the turntable. That is perhaps too ambitious for my own liking. Since I'm also attempting to base stuff off of the local prototypes, there aren't any roundhouses in use in the area as far as I can tell. Another less-ambitious track plan would be the suggested one from Atlas N9 from their Introduction to N-Scale Model Railroading. http://www.atlasrr.com/products/fanlayout/nlayout/n9.html Has anyone had any experience with this, or suggestions on what to modify? This can fit on a table that is a minimum of 27"x60" which is pretty good considering my space limitations. Also... I've noticed that "shop around" is a watchword when purchasing equipment and the like. I noted a $50 CDN difference between two stores selling the exact same locomotive...
As most of us are on a budget for hobbies, (with more and more going to every day living expenses, taxes, etc.), we must stretch those ever harder to get hobby dollars as far as they can go. So certainly shop around! Boxcab E50
The trouble is, the store selling the loco for less happens to be in a city an hour away from here. Fortunately, I find myself driving to Hamilton around once per month... so it's not that bad.
About half of my current fleet is from Ebay. Knock on wood, I hae had great success there, with no deadbeat sellers or bidders. They are out there, so buyer beware! You can find GREAT deals if you look,a nd wait for the right price. A while back Kato N smoothside GN car sets were going 80$+, but I waited, and snagged the 16 car set for $65 a set, total of 260$. Not bad, considering some were going for the full 100$ per set. Just wait out your price. It'll come, unless you're hoping for it to come free!
Welcome to the hobby, It sounds like you a doing the right thing and researching what you want. I like the plans you have come up with, especially the first one. In my opinion, DCC is definetly the way to go, I use the Digitrax Zephyr and I am quite happy with it. See if you can find an LHS that will let you try out different sytems and find the one that works for you. As suggested, Ebay is a good place to pick up bargains if you wait for them, just know what you are bidding on. Having an LHS that discounts is good too. Since you head into Hamilton monthly, I would purchase there before spending $50 more locally. Good luck, Bob
If you go DCC, when you move and are able to have a larger layout, you'll be DCC equiped, knowledgeable and know more what you want, and how you want it in your next layout. As stated above, the Zephyr is the best entry level system out there right now. On a smaller layouts with lots of blocks that are controlled by toggle switches or whatever, DCC makes even more sense. On small layouts like I had, you were always changing blocks about every ten seconds - a real pain.
Rick... thanks... I'll be budgeting for something like a Zephyr. As far as an actual layout, I've already started some track planning... I've posted some possible plans over on the layout forum. They're variants on what Atlas has already done with some of my own stuff mixed in... http://www.trainboard.com/ultimatebb.php/ubb/get_topic/f/33/t/000312.html [ 06. November 2003, 05:38: Message edited by: Agatheron ]
Agatheron,I am just down the GEXR from you in Kitchener.I just recently switched to DCC myself and went with the Digitrax Zephyr.I think you will find people recomending Digitrax or Lenz products.Not to say other manufacturers are not worthy of your attention,but I think these are the most popular.
as far as the price difference, I've gotten some stores that are closer to me to match the lower price of a farther store just by asking - for my DCC system, it was a $50 US savings and no shipping costs since I was able to pick it up locally. Having said that, I am also a fairly regular customer, so that was on my side, along with always being friendly to the 3 store operators
If you can find these issues, Model Railroader did several articles on building a layout on a door: “The N scale Mohawk Division”, Dec. 1993. This layout is set in the late 1970s in New York State’s Mohawk Valley. Good article with lots of step-by-step photos. I know that’s an old issue to find, but you might be able to get a copy on the Internet or at a show or meet. “Building the N scale Carolina Central” Parts I and II, Dec 1996 and Jan 1997. Another good article with many photos and basic information. “The Appalachian Central” Jan 00 and Feb. 00. Not built on a door, but a good article with many tips and techniques. You have the right idea about using DCC. MR just did a buyer’s guide in their March 2003 issue. You should probably be able to find that issue easily. Stick with Kato and Atlas for your locomotives, you won't regret it.
Well... My first locomotive is a Kato model... and if I am lucky with an ebay sale, my second one will be as well... ...but I still have to get the track and the layout to put them on
