Hi everone I just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Joel, I live in Tucson,AZ and am new starting out in this hobby. When I was younger my grandpa gave me a Lionel O scale steam loco that I ran around the Christmas tree and took it out from time to time. My interest really never went away I just didn't have the space to setup a layout and didn't have any money. Now that I am a little bit older (23) and have some space and some money I figured what could be a better time to make my childhood dream a reality!! When I said I have some space I meant some space. I have a room in my house that the wife let me have for whatever I want. It is approxamately 11' X 10' room that all I have in it is my tools and some odds and ends. I was originally planning on going HO scale but have since been re-evaluating what would work best with what I have and with what I want. I don't have an abundance of money or space and I (still in the planning stage) want to run my trains as long of a distance as I can. N scale started making the most sence to me. After reading what a lot of you have to say about modelling N scale I couldn't really think of a reason why I shouldn't do N scale. The only negative thing I am seeing is that there is more parts support in HO scale all that means is that I have more scratch building to do :tb-biggrin:. Also it looks like a majority of the figures and vehicles in N scale aren't very detailed. Maybe I just need to get some magnifying lenses and some paint and fix that problem. I am planning on buying a NCE Power Cab for my control/power source and am yet to decide what kind of track to run, any input on good track at a good price? I have been looking at Atlas Flex track and was wondering if you can use the flex track with the Atlas sectional track, I would think it would be stupid if you couldn't? Also I was thinking about using code 55 track, what all are you guys running? Anyways that's my story for now, I'm sure you will see a lot of stupid questions from me just know I will try to keep them to a minimum. -Joel
Welcome to TrainBoard. Lots of great people here. IMHO....If you want more 'flexibilty'...go with C55. Flextrack itself lends to more possibilties. I run C80 because I have some older locomotives with 'pizza cutter' wheels. Most all new stuff comes with lo-pro wheels now. C55 looks more like the real thing. Unitrack is another possibilty...but expect to pay more. Use the search function on TB and read up on all you can. Dont be afraid to ask questions here. Someone will always have the answer. The only stupid question is the question not asked ;-) You could make your benchwork in more ways then ya think. Ya might want to look into Hollow Core Doors. ( click the link in my signature area ). My layout consists of 6 HCD's inside a travel trailer! We are only limited by our imaginations. N scale has come a long way in the last few years. I see N scale just getting better and better. There is always the '2 foot rule' when modeling anyways. If someone is gonna get down that low to scrutinize your stuff...run a locomotive up their nose ! LMAO! Whatever you decide always remember. "Have Fun!". Thats what its all about. .
Wow i've been a part of many forums, not train related but this one has quickly become the most welcoming one out there!!! mtntrainman thanks for the input on the track! Thanks for the welcome guys!!! -Joel
Welcome to TrainBoard! You do have enough space to do a very limited HO layout. However, for more operational possibilities, N will provide the answer. Keep looking at N scale, and you'll find a lot of potential. Grab a copy of N Scale Railroading magazine, or N Scale Magazine. Also, if there's an Ntrak modular group in your vicinity, take a look at them. A lot of fun can be had that way. Boxcab E50
Joel, Good to have you on board. You're going to love it here...I guarantee it! I like the fact you have a room to build in. There is a lot you can do with your layout. Plenty of ideas to glean from here. Enjoy and have fun!
Yeah I figure for a N scale layout thats lots of room but for and HO scale layout it would be pretty cramped.. Yes I am sure I will be on here throughout the whole planning, building, operating, rebuilding and updating stages!!! I am happy to have a room to myself to build my empire!!:tb-cool: Now I just need to start gathering up some track for sure and purchase my DCC system until I am sure what era and terrain I am going to be modelling!!
Welcome aboard! Any initial thoughts of how you plan to go about figuring out what you want to do? I'm in the middle of designing mine and have found this board, the public library (lots of train books you can check out) and the Model Railroad magazine layout database(for subscribers) to be the main sources of info. I'm working in the layout design section on mine. Feel free to join us there also.
At the moment I have I think 5 books and 2 videos on real and model railroads and modelling layouts. So I will have a lot of reading to do and will be making notes on what I like and dislike about what I read and what I see. I will also be staring with some basic designs and expand from there. I know I am planning on making u shaped benchwork for the layout running the perimeter of the 11'X10' room. First I am prepping, painting and installing better lighting in the room. Obviously I will keep you guys posted with the plans and the build progress. -Joel
Welcome to Trainboard, Joel. When I was young and started my first layout (waaay back when) I jumped in too fast and didn't have enough operational fun built in. My second layout was all operational, and not enough relaxing running fun. Each time I was disappointed because I didn't take long enough to plan. I'm now working on my third layout and I have nothing but high hopes for it. Why? Because I took a good year to plan it out. Each time I thought I was done I'd wait awhile and sure enough, I'd want to change it. When I had all I wanted in my plan--all the industries, towns, sidings, etc.--I plotted it all on RTS software (it's a free program) to make absolutely sure it would work the way I wanted, with proper curves, bridges, trestles, and turnouts. I ended up making 15 new versions on that software. Then I took awhile longer to carefully plan my benchwork. That took a little doing because it's two levels and partly on a peninsula. THEN I got started. I share all that because maybe you can learn from my mistakes. OTOH, maybe you'll just do it all right the first time. :tb-biggrin: You asked what the rest of us are using for track. I'm using Peco Code 55. It's just like Code 80 but half the track is buried in plastic, making it look like Code 55. I like it. It's tough. For bridges and trestles, I use Code 55 Micro-Engineering Bridge Track. (It's easy to connect the two).
Joel... You are just starting your planning...here is a thought to remember while drawing your plans...REACH. Whatever the depth of the layout just remember...you have to reach the back of it. That includes height off the floor and your arm reach...which includes over any scenery ( mountains, trees, buikdings etc ). We all want our massive empire the bigger the better! I use 36 inch HCD's...I am 6'6" tall...my layout is 32 inches off the floor. The reach to the back corner of that "U" is roughly 48 inches. Mountains with tunnels will provide their own set of challenges when you have a derail inside. 'Murphy's Law' plays a big hand in model railroading. Wherever the hardest place to reach is...thats where the train will eventually derail...LOL. You could always buy one of these I suppose LOL...
Chaya I will check out the RTS software you mentioned also thank you for the track input!! Yeah that is a great point, I have been starting to consider this in my planning. I did want to ask what height you guys like your layouts at? I have heard 38" or higher is better but I would think around the 30" height would be better for seeing everything on the layout??? I guess the grabber could always work if need be. LOL Thank you for your input!! -Joel
My two levels are at roughly 30" and 56". I am 5'7". That means I can roll my cushioned stool right up to the lower level without banging my knees and the top level is a little below eye level--and at the height of my armpit. I use one of those little, light folding plastic stools to stand on to extend my reach. Of course, as I continue to shrink, the layout will continue to grow taller. :tb-wink:
