Actually Getting Started(?)

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RustedMechanism

RustedMechanism

New Member
Hello everyone,

Figured I'd go ahead and take the opportunity to introduce myself and detail my relationship with the hobby.

For the last decade or so of my life, I have become increasingly interested in model railroading. As an avid scale modeler who has mostly worked with sci-fi subjects, model railroading always felt like an apex to me. With its intersections of carpentry (my trade), electronics, history, economics, and geology (to name a few), I see it as an incredibly immersive field in which I have long wanted to stand in the middle of.

However, I've never actually started. I've remained in the armchair, held there mostly by analysis paralysis and fear of biting off more than I can chew. But while seated, I've been doing a lot of research, hoping to build a case strong enough to get me started. I think I am getting closer. I've focused on the idea of a simple shelf layout. Point to point, with some switching operations amongst no more than 2 or 3 industries. Something I can actually finish! I also know that I want to model some time between '75 - '85, a location somewhere between the Great Lakes and Puget Sound, Burlington Northern territory. I am trying to establish a solid Who, What, When, Where, and Why before I make any purchases.

Ultimately, I'm going to have to pull the trigger on a track plan and get up out of this chair! Hoping to learn a lot and get some inspiration from this forum in the meantime.

Best,
Fritz
 
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Welcome to the forums Fritz, we are glad to have you with us!

Dreaming, learning and planning are all fun parts of the hobby and we are more than happy to share them with you.

Thanks for sharing your hobby with us!
 
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RustedMechanism said:
Hello everyone,

Figured I'd go ahead and take the opportunity to introduce myself and detail my relationship with the hobby.

For the last decade or so of my life, I have become increasingly interested in model railroading. As an avid scale modeler who has mostly worked with sci-fi subjects, model railroading always felt like an apex to me. With its intersections of carpentry (my trade), electronics, history, economics, and geology (to name a few), I see it as an incredibly immersive field in which I have long wanted to stand in the middle of.

However, I've never actually started. I've remained in the armchair, held there mostly by analysis paralysis and in fear of biting off more than I can chew. But while seated, I've been doing a lot of research, hoping to build a case strong enough to get me started. I think I am getting closer. I've focused on the idea of a simple shelf layout. Point to point, with some switching operations amongst no more than 2 or 3 industries. Something I can actually finish! I also know that I want to model some time between '75 - '85, the location being somewhere between the Great Lakes and Puget Sound, Burlington Northern territory. I am trying to establish a solid Who, What, When, Where, and Why before I make any purchases.

Ultimately, I'm going to have to pull the trigger on a track plan and get up out of this chair! Hoping to learn a lot and get some inspiration from this forum in the meantime.

Best,
Fritz
Click to expand...
Let 'er buck!
 


Welcome to the forum.

There's a fellow on another forum that's been talking about building a layout for over five years now. He doesn't even have a track plan yet because he can't decide on a scale. :rolleyes:
 
Like Michael said, don't over think it.

Build a small 2x6 switching layout to start with, so you can figure things out and if this hobby is really what you want to do......start small. You wont need more than 2 industries and maybe 3-4 switches. Don't buy cheap junk. It will always stay junk and cause frustration for you as a newbie. You can buy modern quality without breaking the bank.

You just have to take the first small step and put a couple of pieces of track down.
 
Welcome, rusty.

Like Marlin said, start small and concentrate on quality.

Go modular, with expansion in mind.
 
Welcome aboard!

I agree with your ideas and others about starting small and modeling a few industries. If you're looking for ideas, take a look at this thread.

https://modelrailroadforums.com/for...y-valley-branch-switching-layout-build.36183/

I made a freelance 1' x 6.5' HO switching layout based on the Northern Pacific in Montana in the 1960's. It uses an inglenook with an added runaround for operational interest. It has three industries as well. Didn't cost much to make and it was a blast to build and operate, except for a few issues I had along the way. You mentioned you're a carpenter by trade and you'll see I am clearly not haha.

I also have some videos on my YouTube channel of the layout tour and some OPs. Check it out here:



I have since sold this layout and focused on my GMRC build but hopefully this gives you some ideas.
 


Thanks to everyone for the inspiring words, I am feeling more motivated than ever.
"Just start", is truly the best advice.
At this point I am confident enough in my plan to begin purchasing some rolling stock and an engine. Considering so many are kits and will need assembly, painting, and weathering, I realize there's plenty of work to be done before I even lay track.
I'm even sure of a a couple structures I want to prioritize, a tower/yard office and a single engine garage.
Looking forward to sharing my progress here, thanks again!
 
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