Making a model railroad has been a childhood dream since as long as I can remember. Watching videos like this one makes it feel more and more possible.
@@ryans413 Yes,the ready to run stuff is extremely expensive. Although you can take an older Athearn or Roundhouse freight car and literally do magic on them. Buying HO motive power is insanely priced.
It’s the Best AdditionAnyone can Get into Go Little By Little. I am Always think About my Layouts Ho And N Scale Watching Utube Train shops A Close Friend Or A Few Train Shows. My Wife and I Love Train Shows.The Ho Is Parsons Ridge Rr. And My N Scale Is Parsons - Mitchell Railroad.
Yea little lol I built a simple layout then I instantly wanted to do more the fun factor last a couple seconds before you are picturing something bigger lol
Thanks i have been wanting to get into the hobby since i was a kid. Just came across the video and it was a nice concise intro video. Thanks for sharing!
I'm a die hard O scale lover. Always loved the Lionel, Atlas & MTH. I wish I had a really big basement or attic to build a serious layout. But, they cost lots of money. I still collect O scale, but wanna build my first layout so I'm trying to decide either HO or N scale. It's true, this is an addictive hobby, once you get started, you can never stop because there's always new things to learn as well becoming a master layout builder
This is the same deal with me, I want to start my own railroad but I just don’t have the space or money for it. Also hearing people say that there is something new to learn around every bend of the track when doing this hobby, puts a big, happy smile on my face.
My two cents is that HO is the way to go. Small enough to fit just about anywhere, big enough to see the details (unlike N) and easier to work with than N.
For people that don’t have much space go N scale or even Z very tiny with Z but you can build big layouts with Z in a small space. Downside of Z it’s tiny and work that has to be done on any trains is ridiculous if you have big hands. For me HO is the perfect size too still see detail and be able to work on the trains
Seeing a picture in a old pre Y2K edition of Model Railroader got me wanting to do this hobby for the longest time. I saw this picture of this guy in this really big model railroad layout standing on a cliff working on the track and it turned out to be an artist rendition of NorthLandz model railroad layout.
Joe, I'm just getting started for the second time in 50 years. I had a 4x8 Lionel set when I was a kid. My second set was a tyco set for my kids 35 years ago. Didn't really do any kind of a layout to speak of. I just used to pop the track together on the floor once or twice a year. Now I'm retired and I want to finally put my dream layout together....FINALLY!! As you can tell I haven't had much support over the years for putting a layout together. Maybe because I had 2 girls. I don't know! Anyway, I'm interested in Atlas track. Which code do you think would be best for me 55 code or 100 code. I heard that the 100 code track was kind of high, and the 55 code was maybe a little to low, the wheels flanges might get caught on the flanges. I'm really confused. Hope you can give me a better idea on this issue. Thanks so much. Looking forward to hearing from you!
I like HO I think it’s the perfect size and I use the ez track I like it you can just lay it down on your floor build a loop of track or whatever and quickly run some trains and only takes seconds to setup very easy
After seeing this, I have a plan to start. I just grab a small-ish sheet of plywood, a pre-made HO-Scale setup from Hobby Lobby or something, and have my fun with that before going bigger. I just gotta make sure the turns are wide enough to accommodate the large wheelbases of some of the locomotives I hope to get.
I don’t have a spot to build a model railroad unless I give up my kitchen table. Then I could throw a peace of plywood down and go to town but I’d have no where to eat my dinner lol
Hello, I am looking for a train set for my grandchildren (10 & 12) and I. They come over every weekend and I thought it would be a fun project. I am 100% new to model trains. Here is what I am looking for, please point me in the correct direction. Looking for: *To spend $2000 or less (little leeway, I want the best I can afford) *O Scale *Freight cars *Something with low maintenance (I am not a tinkerer) *A tried and true work horse that won’t break down with reasonable use. *Metal wheels on cars, no plastic stuff. Looking for something to last. *Starter kit but if companies don’t offer what I am looking for in a set, I will buy them separately *Durable low maintenance track (plan to have 4x8 set up) **Knowing what you know about trains, what set would you buy for your grandchildren? Thank you!
I have a 3 rail track old fashion engine plus 4 cars to go with it ... that's all reminds in my possession from my youth from the 60's 70's ... I like to get that going again ... can I still buy tracks and electric power source for this?
I like 'N Scale" as I really do not a lot of space in my hobby room. I like the Kato Uni-track but can you run sound equipped loco's on it? Thank you for the informative video.
This was really helpful and you can see the passion when you are speaking about it. I'm toying with the idea but on the fence as I already collect lots. Thanks for an interesting video! Ps if anyone can help me I have lots of die cast cars and would like to incorporate these in a diorama with trains and build it over the years. I thought ho would have been best but after reading its possibly s scale can anyone help? Thanks in advance
Model Railroading is (and always will be), a great hobby. It is fun, and it takes most people back to their younger years of being a youth, and it turns old farts back into youthful kids once again. Now-a-days you see more and more people talking and producing video's about the Wonderful World of DCC compared to the older world of DC. Oh Yes, the glory (and glorious aspects), of the wonderful world of DCC over DC are so great to behold, talk about, and dream about. But then "Reality" sets in, and alas, those wonderful dreams of having and running a DCC controlled layout (or even switching over to DCC from DC), come tumbling down. It seems that right now, the high (or higher), prices of DCC euipment compared to DC equipment eliminates the amount of potential new beginners, or existing model railroaders (like myself), from having and using DCC equipment and DCC controlled model railroad layouts. unless that model railroader has lots of money or deep money pockets. Yes, some of the DCC equipment (power pack (power supply etc )), is now down to the lower price of around $145.00 (and that is the cheap,and cheaply made ones), but then, the additional cost of purchasing all of the additional DCC decoders for each locomotive in trying to either reconfigure and set up of non-DCC locomotives (espeically if a model railroader like myself has several DC locomotives), or the higher cost of DCC ready, or actual DCC controlled locomotives will still prohibit trying to switch all of those locomotives a model railroader already has over to DCC from DC or purchasing those that are already set up and DCC controlled. Example: A DC only locomotive price range of around $100.00 to $150.00 - compared to - the price of $150.00 to $250.00 for a DCC ready (but does not include the additional cost for adding the DCC decoder to that), DCC ready locomotive - or - an average price of $250.00 to $450.00 for a completely "Ready To Run" DCC controlled locomotive engine. Basically when (and "if" ), they (the manufacturer's), ever decide to bring the prices of DCC equipment down to the lower prices of what DC power packs and equipment is then maybe more people like the new beginner's and the old farts like me (retired, and/or upon a low or fixed income), can and will switch over to DCC from DC. But until then, most of us, whether we are new beginner's or old farts will just have to forego the possibility of switching over from DC to the glory (and glorious aspects), of the wonderful world of DCC as much as we would love to do so. But, once again, "Reality" sets in, I don't look for that lower price range to happen anytime soon.
DCC allows you to individually control 9,999 different locomotive numbers. Decoders (one goes in each loco) are relatively inexpensive now. It's a great way to go.
As was said very addictive but the most important thing after space , O HO or N, track, is the expense...DC is way cheaper than DCC but with DC you lose the ability to run individual trains in different directions. With DC you can do that running as long as you know how to block or section track areas. To me N scale because of space and DC since I don't have deep pockets......because it costs. What I would suggest is getting a starters kit....engine, cars, track and power pack
Hello, I am looking forward to Switch from DC to DCC and have been looking for the NCE POWER CAB Starter kit with no success… do you have it available? Tnks
I was thinking about buying a Pennsylvania HO scale from Lionel but it only comes with Fast Track I kind of like the old- fashion tracks that look more realistic will that train work on them tracks
Maybe the easiest way for the entry is to buy the starter kits box. Tracks, loco with tender, controller are in one box. It won’t cost too much but can let you decide you are really interested in this hobby or not since it is really very expensive when building a seriously layout with lots of locomotives collection
Longest time I had a HO starter kit it came with one locomotive and three rolling stock. Bachmans ez track with a dc controller and the set just made a 36” circle. I later bought more accessories and track and I’d just lay the track on my carpet and build different designs. I ordered some turnouts crossovers more rolling stock and for years that’s how I had fun with model trains. The Bachman ez track made it easy to quickly setup some track and quickly put it all away since I didn’t have a dedicated spot for it all.
I would recommend having the oils changed before running it. If the oil is bad then it can damage the moder/gears etc. I know you comented this almost a year ago so if you havent hsad it looked at or done it your self i would recomed that.
Do I have to have the ends of the track connected to have power? I m Making an 8' Diorama 83 flex track one long scene with open ends. Just want to run it back and forth for show
No as long the tracks powered it dose not need to make a complete circuit. One rail is negative ones positive as long as the engines wheels make full contract with the track it’ll work
I recommend waiting until Spring 2022 to buy anything hobby-related due to supply issues and the upcoming Holiday Season. now is the absolute worst time to start a new hobby unless you have already acquired enough stuff to get started. The hobby sellers do not have much inventory and they are not cutting any deals on stuff they do not yet have- mainly because they do not know when they will receive it. Promising special-order hobby stuff is risky for them due to clients requesting refunds because their items didn't arrive on time- that risk translates into higher costs for hobbyists. Ditto the manufacturers- they have the same concerns regarding wholesale sales. The domestic makers actually have an edge on the importers this Fall- they are more likely to use alternate shipping methods to get their products out. some of the makers have the option of selling direct to hobbyists- some do not. all this translates into higher prices for everyone. period. enjoy your hobby with what supplies and stuff you DO have and things should get better for us once the warm weather comes back in the Spring.
For Me I have 2 Layouts 1 is Ho And 1 N Scale my Wife has a 4x8 Ho trying to help her with N Scale. Her And I are Lifelike on Ho I am Running Bachmann I am Gonna help my Wife with her N Scale trying to get Kato But hard to get So we are going To go with Bachmann.she Has the Table for N Scale.
Step 1; go to a store Step2: find a set you can actually afford without hitting the lottery Step3: buy the set in store and make sure you get the receipt just in case there's a problem.
I have a serious question. Once it's all built, then what? I have always had an interest in getting started but I assume once it's built all you do is sit there and look at it.
Don’t spend 10 k in your first 5 years, you’ll end up with redundant items as you actually learn the proper operations of the railroad. I’ve found that less is more.
Jump in at the deep end at your peril ! You need skills, woodworking and some basic comprehension of electricals at least. Beware many commerical items such as track, can lead you down a miserable path if you are not aware that such things as "Clip together track" is suitable for a childs toy train set, but useless if you want to run large locomotives (especially American steam), as they simply do not like such sharp curves !!! Quickest way to shortcut the knowledge trap, is to join a Model Railway Club.
If you are drawn to the well made railroads items and have a SO-SO job, be smart and stay away from this ‘over priced’ hobby and spend your money more wisely on something else. It will put you in the POOR house! That’s the bottom line . 👽
That's no reason to stay away from a hobby that you may love. Even if you do have a so-so job. You just have to be disciplined enough to stick to a budget. And even, sometimes, learn to live without what you cannot afford. Take me, for example, I have a job that's a little better than so-so. And I have a chronic case of "I gotta have it" fever! Sometimes I just have to rein myself in and do without a scale railroad model if it cost too much. Other times I could buy something expensive and get away with it. But, I do my best to stick to a budget. 🙂
X files… your advice is excellent. People should only do something like this if they have disposable income. Put some money away for retirement, pay down credit card debt, pay down your home mortgage, and if everything’s cool then start doing something like this.
Cheaper train sets are best for getting started or getting back into the hobby rather than more expensive sets that are if you were born into a family of billionaires or trillionaires and are extremely fragile.
But a lot of starter sets are not cheap anymore I mean the quality gotten better they now have locomotives that are all wheel powered now making the locomotives very powerful. And the power packs are much better.
This was great, thanks, I been tryin to find out about "what's the best model train scale?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you heard people talk about - Piyaliyah Uncommunicative Preference - (search on google ) ? It is a great one of a kind product for discovering how to build a model train railroad easily minus the normal expense. Ive heard some decent things about it and my work buddy got cool success with it.
interesting points ,if anyone else trying to find out ho scale building try Corbandy HO Scale Crusher (just google it ) ? Ive heard some amazing things about it and my cousin got amazing results with it.
Many thanks, I've been looking for "how do you make rails in minecraft?" for a while now, and I think this has helped. Have you ever come across - Piyaliyah Uncommunicative Preference - (should be on google have a look ) ? It is a great one off product for discovering how to build a model train railroad easily without the hard work. Ive heard some unbelievable things about it and my brother in law got excellent success with it.
