[kjames]

Hello all. Another newbie from Texas here. New to this forum and relatively new to model railroading. Attempting to model an N scale imaginary railroad in an imaginary place in an undecided time. The only thing I know for sure is that I can't seem to make up my mind. Decisions, decisions. Anyway, hello and I'm looking forward to being a member here.

 

[65446]

Couple first considerations:
1) Avoid building RR on a flat (usually 4'x8' ply sheet) surface...It makes many aspects of building the RR very very difficult. Learn 'open grid' or 'L girder' benchwork and go with that.This benchwork is a bit more involved but pays off in the end..One how-to book is "Model Railroad Benchwork" by Lynn Wescott.
2) If you haven't a $ restriction, best go right into DCC..Has way way less wiring demands than older analog DC..and you then have complete independence of trains/locos + sound, lighting, bell/horn/whistle control,etc..NCE PowerCab is about $150...Or go with Digitrax, Bachmann, control.
3) Instead of buying a 'starter set', better to buy one very good 'DCC/sound on board' engine and separate cars. Make sure they have operating knuckle-couplers.
Dat's it for now..Go slow and steady. Don't over purchase.:smokin: M

 

[traction fan]

Welcome aboard!

Hello all. Another newbie from Texas here. New to this forum and relatively new to model railroading. Attempting to model an N scale imaginary railroad in an imaginary place in an undecided time. The only thing I know for sure is that I can't seem to make up my mind. Decisions, decisions. Anyway, hello and I'm looking forward to being a member here.

kjames;

Welcome to the forum!
You are not the first, and won't be the last "newbie" to enter this hobby confused. At one time or another, every one of us did. How much space do you have available for your N-scale empire? Mine occupies two walls of my garage. It's made up of sections 4' long, 16" high, and 16" deep. (see photo #1) I have bigger sections 3' x 4' at one end, and a 3' wide peninsula at the other end. (see photo #2) I model part of the Milwaukee Road's trackage near Seattle in the 1920s. My railroad is two level and has a 16" minimum radius for all curves.

The files below are some I wrote specifically to help people in your situation wanting to start, but don't know how. They may help you make some decisions about what kind of model railroad you want to build.

good luck, and have fun;

Traction Fan :smilie_daumenpos: