This post is for the lurking and recently signed up newbies, who wants a layout. I haven't been in the hobby that long, around 7 or 8 years but I can still remember seeing my first Model Railroader and being blown away by the realism and quality of workmanship I saw. And I, like many of you, dreamed of creating such a layout. Now before I go any further, you need to know something about me. First, my skills in wood working, were...shall I say...somewhat below standard. I can remember building a bird house in grade seven for boy scouts in a wood working contest. The judge asked me what it was; that was the end of my wood working career. I am the type who holds a celebration if the nail goes in straight. My electrical knowledge is very close to my wood working skill. For example, I can successfully turn the lights on in my house. Electrical seemed more daunting than wood work, since I could lose my life if I was wrong. It took a long time to figure out the difference between DC and AC power. I had never held a soldering iron in my life, didn't know there was different types or powers of soldering irons and guns, or that resistance solders existed, or what they were. The first time I soldered anything to anything was an exhilarating experience, akin to climbing Mount Everest, I'm sure. I won't mention the glob of solder on the floor however. DCC - what was that? In terms of layout design, I was equally adept. I had to look the word "prototype" up in the dictionary, couldn't figure out what a helix was for, "staging" took some time to grasp, was amazed that anyone could figure out the length of feet required for a grade, didn't understand "super elevation," what was fascia, and all the other wonderful terms in this hobby eventually I had to face and grasp. Layout design was a complete mystery, with folded dogbones, loop to loop, loop to point, waterwings, layouts in the shape of the letter "G." People were asking me what era I was modeling: I didn't know there was a choice! I thought you modeled the era of the latest engine you just bought. And benchwork! What to h... is "L girder" anyway, or "open grid", or "cookie cutter." And how do you estimate how much lumber you need, and what is the "best" method to build the benchwork. And what's wrong with a 4 by 8 piece of plywood? I thought if you could actually build a helix, you would receive a master's builder award. And reversing loops sounded evil. How about engines! I can still hear the laughter when I went to my favourite model railroad store and asked the guys what a "climax" was. Why were flywheels considered good? And why not own an engine from every line you can buy? And why did I have to pay so much for such a dinky engine in N scale...and where did the N come from. And why not get that engine which was one quarter the cost of that other engine; think of all the money I would save for rolling stock. Suffice it to say, I was a for real, genuine, unrequited "newbie." When I hear of all the arm chair modelers in this hobby, I am not surprised. But as the old salesman's saying goes: "inch by inch is a cinch, yard by yard is very, very hard." Over time, I learned, and was taught, and coached, and adviced, and warned. That first solder joint I talked about, well, there were six guys and my son standing around watching me solder two pieces of wire together. I was being taught by a senior maintance manager for CN at a friends basement Kettle Valley Railroad; these were the Friday night boys. And they all enjoyed watching. Why? They realized a "newbie" was being inducted into the wonderful world of model railroading. I felt like popping the champagne after that first solder. As you can guess, over the years I have learned new skills, acquired new friends, built benchwork that amazed me - with a little help from my friends. I have learned layout design to a degree that I am comfortable with; I am familiar with most of the issues involved in planning and construction. I know I could create a reasonable layout. And that most important ingredient for model railroading: COURAGE.
Well said. I am one who left the hobby when I was just begining to learn many of the skills needed to take it to the next level. Now I often find myself second guessing evey thing I think of and try to do. I back myself into a corner because I dont want to make too many mistakes. So, I am kinda forcing myself to restart and get going. First I will start with my small layout using snap track and Kato. This will relieve me of some stress in regards to track laaying. I have a mental idea of how to lay flex, but I honestly dont want to take the time right now to master that. I am currently interested in building my scenery skills, and to have a platform to run trains for my interest level. The idea I have is hopefully I will be moving yet again withing the next few years (hope within 3) into another house. There I can start on my true layout and make my mistakes. Plus, when I just need to run trains, I will have my "newbie" layout. Even though I have done model railroading in the past, I am a newbie again nevertheless. hmmmm what does NIKE say....JUST DO IT! Thanks for the inspiring words!
How right you are We have all gone through the learning curve! I always say that the best way to find out how to do anything, is to try it, and keep practicing, and before you know it, you can do more than you ever thought possible.
I'd have to say that is one of the best posts I have read. It is all so true and one never ceases to learn something new about this diverse hobby. While I was working on my layout the other day my wife commented on what would I do when I retired becuase by then this layout would be finished. I am 37 so still have at least 20 years of my working life left. I replied "well by then I will be ready to start my next layout" Model railroading has given me a new aspect in my life which includes having an interest for retirement. I firmly believe that if you keep active after retirement then you will enjoy a long retirement rather than sit around and wait for the yard master in the sky to call your number. The skills required to build a layout are something you gain through experience and the knowledge of others. Last Friday night I went to a fellow modellers house on invitation and experienced my first timetable operating session, I came home with new ideas on timetable operation and will eventually have timetable operation on my layout. I am lucky for the fact I work in the rail industry and was trained in electrical and signalling principals, soldering was second nature but get me to lay ballast or build a mountain and I was dumbfounded. Once again fellow modellers came to the rescue to help me out, now I much rather do scenery than wire a layout anyday. What RSN said is so true , it can look daunting when you go to a model railroad exhibition and see those fantastic layouts but now I walk into my model room and think "Hey I actually did that" I have had some fantastic comments from people who have seen pics of my layout on my website and it really gives me a sense of satisfaction when fellow modellers pay compliments. So the next time you think the task is too difficult give a fellow modeller a call and I'm sure he or she will be happy to help or you can always post here at trainboard for advice . [ 11 April 2001: Message edited by: Colonel ]
Hi RSN 48, You have made a good point in telling the harsh times you have been through. I met quite a few modellers, my brother is fan of historical napoleonic miniatures and military models...Everyone of us has a weak point in some aspect of the hobby. I see modeling as a school of modesty and your story, like ours, goes a long way to to tell that. It is very rewarding to learn new trade and succeed in doing something you thought you could not do before. On electrical matters, my reluctance is abyssal but when non modelers friends visit me and see a simple control panel with a few switches, they say it is neat. I sometimes think that our commitment to fine tuned modelism and realism is our best enemy. Regards, Marc
I like the one point made about how others have been willing to help in so many different areas, for me it was a next door neighbor who I had gotten started in N-Scale who inturn helped me get into and past the scenery stage on my own railroad. Now I'm the designer and coordinator for the third N-Scale layout at my club (tootin' my own horn here).
A good point has been brought up in this post. If you are new or rejoining the Model Railroading scene, one of the best ideas around today is to join a CLUB. I mean something like the local N-Scale club, the National Model Railroad Association(NMRA) or even form your own model group. I am member of two clubs and about four railroad historical societies. I enjoy the fellowship and help I receive in each club. I enjoy my N-Scale layout even more when I have a full crew to operate it as a real railroad does. The layout will never be completely finished, and I intend to keep it that way! As Kalmbach Publishing said it: MODEL RAILROADING IS FUN!!!
