[rambo_k9]

Hey everyone. Great forum!! Just getting back into the model railroading world after 30 years...lol Where do I START??!! I have my platform, I have my measly little H/O set and NOW what?? I'd like to start with an 1800s era set up but have no clue WHERE to go, WHAT to buy, or what to stay away from.
Here's your chance...lol Where do you think I should go and what do you think I should get? Seriously, shoot me your thoughts and opinions. I have the room and time to do multiple platforms from different eras and would like to start in the 1860s ACW era. I am NOT the most mechanical guy in the world either...lol Been a cop for far too long. Thanks for all your input in advance. Great forum and keep up the good work. All the best,

Glenn
www.glennrambo.com

 

[tjcruiser]

Hi Glenn,

Welcome to the forum. Good luck, and enjoy the ride. You'll find good tips and great friends here ... I sure have!

Do some searching around the forum, especially in the HO section. Think about layout design, complexity (standard DC ... transformer-controlled locos, or DCC ... computerized handset loco control), type of scenery (rural, buildings, etc.), etc.

Many members (myself included) have found good ideas at this website:

http://www.thortrains.net/

Scroll down to you get to the HO section, then click on the various links to see layout ideas.

And -- most importantly -- THANKS for your blue shield service!

TJ

 

[tankist]

hi and welcome.
in couple words you start with reading.

i u nderstand the excitement and the urge but before you buy anything it is really a good idea to sit down and plan things out. what do you want to do on your layout? how much space you got?


PS, well perhaps buy a train and some track to quench the urge abit for the time being

 

[imatt88]

Welcome to the forum Glenn, thanks for your service, man:thumbsup:

Tank is right, set up some track, hook up a transformer, and run a train. thats what I've been doing since I got back into the hobby a few months ago after a 30 year break

I'm working on my third temporary layout just for the sake of running trains, its great!!

Its nice just to run a train and relax.......

Cheeers, Ian

 

[subwayaz]

Welcome aboard Glenn, you have some good pointers mentioned above to help with the start. And you have some basics so read and ponder before you start spending
Then you'll save money time and frustration.
And by all means ask away when questions arise; some very knowledgeable folks here more than willing to help you off to that start your looking for

 

[rambo_k9]

Good stuff guys... and thanks. I have my temporary setup going just for the sheer enjoyment of watching a train go round...lol I am shocked at the prices on stuff...and that will keep me in check...for a while..lol One of the interesting things I'm looking at is where I work in Philadelphia an awesome cargo train comes right through my patrol district everyday. I plan on getting some pictures and then researching the locomotive and cars and taking it from there. Once again, thanks for all the input. Should be fun!!!

 

[Stillakid]

Glenn, Welcome!

Spend a day just going thru all the postings and replies. You'll laugh! You'll cry! You'll learn! There's a ton of info, ideas and resources. Enough to boggle the mind, and to get you rarin to go

Regards,
Jim

 

[imatt88]

k-9,

Make sure you post pics of the trains:laugh::thumbsup:

Cheers, Ian

 

[modeltrainhead]

ok i would make a track plan first

 

[tooter]

Hi Glenn,

You're beginning at the right spot with a concept that sparks your interests. After you get some freight train pics, search for just one corresponding kit just to see if you'll enjoy building and painting.

I'm just a beginner too, with no board or layout so I've been enjoying a combination of building some rolling stock kits as well as finding ready to runs that are compatable with my concept.

Oooh... you're gonna have lots of fun!

Take Care,

Greg

 

[Old Bob]

Hi, Glenn. I just joined the board here myself. Been away from model trains for years and decided to get back to it when I retired. Before I found this board I subscribed to Model Railroader magazine and learned a lot of general information. This board - particularly the HO forum - is nice because you can get specific information here from a bunch of experienced and inexperienced fans.

 

[Reckers]

Glenn, welcome to the forum! Let me offer a suggestion, if I can. You have a scale in mind, an era in mind----two really good steps in the right direction. What I'd suggest is that you grab your wallet and throw it under the couch for a bit---fight the urge to go out and start buying. *L* Instead, it's time for research, meditation, and imagining. First----you have the 1860's or so era---but, where? 1860's CO was significantly different from 1860's Mississipi; rural anyplace is different from it's urban counterpart. A town under seige during the war vs. a Minnesota town...you get the idea. If you can get a clear idea of where you want to play, you can avoid a lot of useless expenditure.

Best wishes with it, let us know how it's coming along, and don't be a stranger!

 

[tankist]

Glenn, welcome to the forum! Let me offer a suggestion, if I can. You have a scale in mind, an era in mind----two really good steps in the right direction. What I'd suggest is that you grab your wallet and throw it under the couch for a bit---fight the urge to go out and start buying. *L*

yep. been there as well, the "need to buy more cause i need to have a lot of stuff!" urge is reall. luckly damage to the walled wasn't that big (frowning wife will help it) i did get several locos i don't really needed to have. ended up selling and still trying to gert rid of some stuff

so +1 to Reck's advice - wait! then again i didn't follow that one in my time, so...

 

[Reckers]

*grins*....and I learned that lesson the same way you did, Anton!

 

[aionta]

welcome rambo_k9

I too am getting back into the hobby after a 30 year break!

I probably won't be able to help you too much yet, other than to help you scratch your head when there is something that you do not understand !

Aaron

 

[Reckers]

Welcome, Aaron...there's always room here for another head-scratcher! Don't be shy. When someone says something you don't understand, just ask what it means. People here like to help.