new start

[steggy1990]

right new on here so i dont know if i have put this in the right place . im wantting to build a smallish layout so had a look through some mags to get some idears . i came a cross a rm aug 2012 a plain of a coal yard .so thats my plain .bast on 1980-1990s . so can any one help me on what track to use pls im am new to this i have built a tester layout last year and i did make merstakes . i would like to take it to exhibitions . any help will be great meny thanks and really like this web site  regards andy

[wireman]

right new on here so i dont know if i have put this in the right place . im wantting to build a smallish layout so had a look through some mags to get some idears . i came a cross a rm aug 2012 a plain of a coal yard .so thats my plain .bast on 1980-1990s . so can any one help me on what track to use pls im am new to this i have built a tester layout last year and i did make merstakes . i would like to take it to exhibitions . any help will be great meny thanks and really like this web site  regards andy

 

Hi Andy, I think you first thoughts should be the type of baseboards and materials to be used, are you going DCC or analogue? What scale ? The more layouts you look at on RM web the more ideas you will have about what you would like to do, however, don't model a model. Asking for advice on here will result in many differing opinions, all well meaning, it will be your choice to choose those ideas that suits you. When reading about other peoples layouts, start from the first page, this will give you an insight into how they started. As for track, I can only suggest looking at the very comprehsive Peco range. Code 100 ? code 75 ? dead frog? live frog?.

 

 

I'm quite sure lots of advice will be forthcoming.

 

Best wishes, Brian.

[PjKing1]

Best advice I can give is take plenty of time doing research into what you want, it's quite easy to rush into something, start building it then decide you want something else. If your going to use Peco track go for the code 75 streamline it looks far better than the code 100, if you want to take your time have you thought about building your own track? It's not as scary as it sounds and is very rewarding, just practice and take your time but well worth it in the long run.

 

What ever you decide do what makes you happy

 

Cheers

[Andrew P]

Hi Andy and welcome to the mad house, hahaha.

 

1, Have a look at joining a Local Club, or visiting Exhibitions, there are many listed in the Mags and at the bottom of the Index page on here.

 

2, As said above, start with a decent baseboard, 9mm Ply is about the best, and DONT use 2'' x 1'' timber from DIY Stores, it usually warps and will end up putting a twist in the baseboard.

 

3, Again as said above, look at prototypes or models of Prototypes.

 

4, Use good Track, again as said above, Peco is about the best RTR (ready to run) Track you can buy.

 

5, If using Set Track Curves go for a minimum 2nd Radius as modern Locos don't like 1st Radius.

 

6, Enjoy and don't be afraid to ask on here for help and advice.

 

7, If you make a mistake, don't worry,  it will teach you to get it right next time.

 

8, ENJOY the hobby.

[steggy1990]

thank u for all your replys . been looking at this plan for  long time now . 4mm is my gauge but dont now to strole in to em or p4 want something to look right and not a train set .i like the idear of building my own track but scares me abit lol..iv built a 6x2 board and used code100 track il up load photos soon .. just wanted to look at finner scales x thanks again  andy

[brossard]

Andy 4mm : 1ft would be your scale.  Gauge can be 00 (16.5mm), EM (18.2mm) or P4 (18.83mm). 

 

If you're planning to use bogie diesels conversion to EM or P4 shouldn't be too difficult.  I had a fling with EM but came unstuck when it came to converting steam locos - life is just too short.  I'm back to 00 now.  For 00, I would recommend code 75 track - you won't find a recently produced railway model (since 2000) that is uncomfortable on code 75.  If you do EM or P4 you will have to make your own turnouts, or buy them from the likes of Marcway.

 

Agree with Andy's comments.  I got the lumber yard to cut lower quality plywood into 4" strips for baseboard sides.  I used birch ply for ends and steel dowels as I have several boards to join together.

 

John

[PjKing1]

Building track is scary at first but you'll soon get the hang of it and there's plenty of advice and 'how to's' on here. You can build your own track in OO, that way you can use rtr locos and stock. If you go EM you'll have to re-wheel your fleet but it's not as difficult as it sounds and you don't have to be as precise as P4 (I prob haven't explained all that very well but in basic terms that don't confuse me that's how it is).

 

Have a practise on test plank and see how you go and see if it's for you, there's nothing worse than building something then realising you should of had ago with homemade track, been there done that!!

 

Like Andy says there's plenty of advice and help on here.

 

Cheers

[Marcus 37]

Hi Andy

Can only really echo what's been said above. A lot of it though will be down to personal choice.

All I will say is definitely get the planning right to start with and design something that's really going to interest you when it's built.

I know, having built a 14' x 14' layout in the loft many years ago, that if you don't plan it right you'll soon lose interest. Hence why it was ripped up and PDW was born. PDW was meticulously planned first to ensure that I could get what I wanted in the space available. Luckily it did and I haven't looked back since. Having the layout your happy with keeps the mojo alive no end.

Another tip is don't try and squeeze too much in. I did that with the first layout having a station, quarry, depot, steel yard and scrap yard. You soon realise that it's far from realistic and prototypical operating isn't possible.

Hopefully that's some food for thought.

Cheers

Marcus