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 Posted - February 16 2013 : 08:26:11 AM
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So, you've got me train-brainwashed :)
Say I want to start a layout that I can work on with Rocco, what do you guys suggest as far as power setups, track, and a good starting loco...something that I won't have to tinker with since I'm not exactly electrically inclined.
I'm thinking a basic oval layout...one like this: http://0.tqn.com/d/modeltrains/1/0/U/-/-/-/WGH_Plan.gif
Ideally, I would like to build a 6ft. By 4ft. layout to start with and build up supplies until I can get to something much more ambitious. I decided that eventually I would like to model a layout design to look like the red rock mountains in Sedona AZ, and kind of snake the track through and around the mountains with one small town set in it to act as depot. I'm pretty skilled with foam forming since that's how I make my custom lamp bases and already have an airbrush. I've wanted to build a model of the Sedona mountains for a long time because it's one of my favorite places in the world but a model of mountains would be silly without a purpose, now at least I have a reason to build it, or at least that's what I'm telling myself.
There is a tourist railroad that runs through there called the Verde Canyon Railroad...anyone know it? They currently run a renovated FP7 loco on it with closed passenger cars and a fleet of open air "viewing cars". I could modify a set of cars to replicate but honestly I would rather do an old timey steam engine Wild West style.
What do you guys think? Suggestions for both starting a layout and building a model are welcome and requested :)
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 09:02:01 AM
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| Nice start...never want to go too big right out the gate. You'll want a good 4-4-0 or 4-6-0, the later Roundhouse, Mehano or Spectrum locos would do nicely. You won't need DCC on a layout that size, so a good MDC pack would last you for yeas and serve you well. Your cars could easily be kitbashed or scratchbuilt...I believe they're even sold RTR now. Enjoy...
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 09:38:51 AM
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I agree with Shaygetz, start out simple. Its more fun to add on. There used to be an old book titled: An HO layout that grows. Or something like that. If I remember correctly, it starts out as a 4x8 loop with one spur.
Also, might I suggest that you start a thread about your new layout in
Layouts-Construction and Operations forum category?
Speaking of which, if you look in that category you will see Wiley209's layout. He started with just a loop and grew on that.
Unspoken expectations are premeditated failures.
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 10:02:36 AM
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Thanks guys!! I'm not-so-secretly pleased that I've learned enough to get immediate approval of my intentions ;) not too shabby for someone who had no idea what HO scale even meant three months ago - LOL
quote:I agree with Shaygetz, start out simple. Its more fun to add on. There used to be an old book titled: An HO layout that grows. Or something like that. If I remember correctly, it starts out as a 4x8 loop with one spur.
Also, might I suggest that you start a thread about your new layout in
Layouts-Construction and Operations forum category?
Speaking of which, if you look in that category you will see Wiley209's layout. He started with just a loop and grew on that.
Originally posted by NC shortlines - February 16 2013 : 09:38:51 AM
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I didn't realize you are local. Are you going to the train show in Hickory coming up? I've never been to one but I'm thinking it might be a good place to start looking for pieces.
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 10:10:14 AM
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| Moved thread to appropriate forum.
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 3:21:59 PM
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I've been to the train show at Hickory, but it's a 2 hour drive to get there for me. So I probably won't go this year. I'm in central NC.
Train shows are a great source for pieces and prices. Brianstyco posted videos of his visits to the Hickory show. Some of the shows have operating train layouts, some don't.
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 7:02:14 PM
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I guess model railroading can be infectious. 
Modeling Red Rock sounds cool, but I agree with going simple at first, and your track plan looks fine. My only concern is that HO is pretty fragile for a 2 year old autistic boy. I would go with something more rugged for him to run, like Mantua's metal steamers. Modern Bachmann, Roundhouse, et al. have a lot of fragile plastic details.
The Tyco Depot
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 7:12:25 PM
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quote:I guess model railroading can be infectious.
Modeling Red Rock sounds cool, but I agree with going simple at first, and your track plan looks fine. My only concern is that HO is pretty fragile for a 2 year old autistic boy. I would go with something more rugged for him to run, like Mantua's metal steamers. Modern Bachmann, Roundhouse, et al. have a lot of fragile plastic details.
Originally posted by NickelPlate759Â -Â February 16 2013Â :Â 7:02:14 PM
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I guess so :) the more I think about it and the more I look at the layouts on here, the more I want to make one too. I really just like doing anything that can be creative and tedious at the same time. A model railroad seems like the best fit possible because it will also satisfy my ADHD's habit of needing change and evolution. With a basic layout, and train, when I get tired of it I can just change the layout and kitbash the train! It's never ending really. Rock won't really want to run the controls or probably do much set up except to line any accessories in a line. The HO is really fragile though. I wouldn't worry so much about him breaking a shell but a wheel axle, coupler, HAND RAILINGS ;), yes. This is why I'm asking my train buddies :)
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Posted - February 16 2013 : 7:30:32 PM
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quote:
The HO is really fragile though. I wouldn't worry so much about him breaking a shell but a wheel axle, coupler, HAND RAILINGS ;), yes. This is why I'm asking my train buddies :)
Originally posted by Zombievickers - February 16 2013 : 7:12:25 PM
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You could get an F9 diesel. No handrails, or details to speak of. Fairly common and cheap.
The larger scales like S or O require more room, obviously, and are more expensive in general.
I've been to that area of red rock in AZ. To use the word correctly: awesome.
I was amazed at the color of the rock formation and the depth/height of the canyons/mountains.
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