Getting back into it after 30 years

[bfjou812]

Well the title says it all I'm getting back into the hobby and things have certainly changed.My last layout was a double circle with 3 trains on it . It was on a 4'x8' sheet of plywood.
I have a lot of questions but I think I should get into what I want to build.
The overall size will be 8' x 10' L shaped. I have the layout "designed" using the Atlas software. I have priced everything to get me started and it is going to be right at $1,500.00. The pricing of the track was through Trainworld. I haven't purchased anything yet. I'm waiting to get the spare room cleaned out. My biggest question is ,who/what/where is a GOOD reliable hobby shop either on line or a brick and mortar store. I'm in central Florida.
I am going to be wiring it as dc with some blocks it it. I will primarily be running some trains that are 60 some years old. I don't think I could convert those to run on DCC.
Also who is good for help on you tube? I've watched a lot of videos ,but some are somewhat confusing and not really getting into what I'm looking for. Thanks in advance, sorry for the long winded first post ,but I realize I need some help and guidance for this project.

 

[AuburnCentral]

Welcome back to the hobby, I have recently got back into it myself after about 30 years

 

[santafewillie]

Welcome back to the hobby. Trainworld is a good place to start. I do my shopping at the local hobby shop, but I have read good reviews about Model Train Stuff, Hobbylinc, and Yankee Dabbler. There's plenty of others but I can't recommend any because I have never used them. Others will soon chime in regarding that.
Almost any engine can be converted to DCC, but you may need more experience to do some that are 60 years old. I run DC simply because that's what I always have used and I would rather run trains than convert 65+ engines over.
As far as videos, please be more specific. Is it designing, building, adding scenery, wiring or something else that you want to see?

 

[bfjou812]

Santafewillie, Thanks for the recommendations. I should have been clearer on what I was looking for.
I think I have the framework worked out and the basic structure for the layout. My questions right now are more to track laying. Specifically do I use roadbed? Cork or foam ? How to fasten the track, glue or nail ? As I said things have changed a lot. I don't want to be going back over things due to me not being sure what the best practice is. My first layout didn't use any roadbed and was nailed down. I don't recall any issues with the operation. I am just wondering if there are any "best practices" that would make things easier and maybe more cost efficient. Wiring and scenery are pretty much up in the air right now. The wiring I have planned is dc ,blocks with remote switches. I want to be able to run 2 maybe more on a track. I am wanting to get a turntable and probably would want that on a separate circuit . But since all of this is on paper at the moment some of that is not on the priority list. I think my biggest hurdle right now will be the laying of the track.
Again, thanks for the response.

 

[logandsawman]

Welcome back!

I came back about 15 years ago decided to stay DC.

Your train will be more quiet with a cork roadbed than on wood.

I put my mainline on a foam roadbed (neither a rigid foam nor a model railroad product) and nailed spurs and sidings right to the waferboard. You can tell the difference in the sound. The roadbed is much quieter.

I used a flexible sheet foam product that is marketed as building insulation, same stuff I insulated the walls of my shipping container with. Is is not your rigid panel, that is noisy stuff if you attach track directly to that.

Attaching track directly to wood works just fine, and you get more of the clickety clack sound of the trains I remember from my youth.

I am sure you will get lots more advice. I have lots of youtube videos, but am not a famous influencer with the fancy productions and numerous followers, just direct experiences.

Good luck!!!

Dave LASM

 

[Guilford Railman]

Welcome aboard the forum and welcome back to the hobby!

Looking forward to seeing your layout build

 

[Gary B]

Welcome back to the hobby and to the forum. I've had good experiences ordering from Model Train Stuff but I'm aware they have changed owners since I last placed an order. Ording direct from Walter's is also an alternative, but you won't get much in the way of discounts. Most of all, remember to HAVE FUN!

 

[J.Albert]

Just some thoughts in no particular order.

"I will primarily be running some trains that are 60 some years old"

Things have changed in 50-60 years, especially with locomotives.
Have you tested any of those old engines, to see if they'll still run?

You might reconsider and get either a few new (or perhaps "in-good-shape" used) locomotives of more recent heritage.

Having said that, many cars will still do fine, though you may need to upgrade the couplers. The only word here is, "Kadee".

"The overall size will be 8' x 10' L shaped. I have the layout "designed" using the Atlas software"

How about posting a pic of your plan?
Some layouts are just going to run better on dcc these days.

I suggest you watch a few videos:

The above unit (with included power supply) gets you into dcc for about $150.

(you'll also need either a smartphone or tablet, running Android or iOS to control it)

This will make wiring up the layout MUCH simpler -- just connect a few track leads and it's ready-to-go. No toggle switches for blocks, etc.

I was "away from the model trains" for 40 years, working on "the big ones".
When I decided to build a modest layout in retirement, I knew right away that there was "no going back" to DC once I saw the opportunities with dcc. And I knew NOTHING about dcc when I started.

Like this guy says:

 

[PMW]

Welcome to the group!

 

[bfjou812]

Thank you all for the welcome messages and the advice.
J.Albert. I have noticed that many if not all of the new rolling stock has Kaddee couplers. I can get the old style horn and hook couplers but I need to decide what route I want to go with that. Right now my main concern is getting the whole thing started and then laying tracks. I'm trying to do this without having to re do too much. We'll see how that works out. As per your request I will post the "final" track plan.You should rotate this plan to see it better. I couldn't get it to rotate when I posted it

 

[migalyto]

Welcome back to the hobby and the forum!

Quick question looking at your plan. Will you have access to all sides of your benchwork? Reach looks like it will be an issue if not.

As for the plan, I like it, its a great start!

 

[bfjou812]

Welcome back to the g=hobby and the forum!

Quick question looking at your plan. Will you have access to all sides of your benchwork? Reach looks like it will be an issue if not.

As for the plan, I like it, its a great start!

I believe I will. I'm 6'4" so that is an advantage. I haven't been able to accurately measure the spare room where it will go ,but I think I'll have about 2 feet all the way around. It will be cramped and if it's too bad ,well back to the drawing board. Hopefully I'll know in about 2 weeks.

 

[migalyto]

I believe I will. I'm 6'4" so that is an advantage. I haven't been able to accurately measure the spare room where it will go ,but I think I'll have about 2 feet all the way around. It will be cramped and if it's too bad ,well back to the drawing board. Hopefully I'll know in about 2 weeks.

Ok, good. 2 Ft should be enough for good access. As anyone who has been in this hobby for a bit of time knows, the most inaccessible areas are where all your problems will occur.

Murphy loves to camp out and create havoc in the back corners!

Sounds like you have a solid plan!

 

[NorthTexasRailroad]

Welcome to the forums and back to the hobby bfjou812! I'm a relative newcomer to the hobby (started up in Aug 2022). Ask questions like you have been...lots of knowledgeable folks here.

As far as places to get stuff, I'd recommend Trainworld and Yankee Dabbler plus a local hobby shop if you have one nearby (always good to get to see the product in person first). Check out Walthers' site also at least in the on sale section. Definitely recommend using a track planning software to plan out. I've used the free version of SCARM and it's been immensely helpful. Looks like you have good start with the Atlas planning software.

As far as online sources go, I'd recommend these Youtube channels that I've found to be useful to learn about model railroading, but this isn't an exhaustive list by any means:

DIY and Digital Railroad:

DIY and Digital Railroad

We're all about model railroading, from your first train to a basement railroad empire! Model railroading is an awesome, family friendly hobby. You'll find videos on scenery, electronics, and operating your model railroad, as well as cost saving tips and advice!

www.youtube.com

DJ's trains:

djstrains

As an engineer with CSX Railroad since 1999, I am able to teach you how the railroads really work, and how to model it in any scale. I use my experience, humor, and story telling abilities to create amazing videos with phenomenal drone footage and 4K resolution at times. You can follow me on...

www.youtube.com

Ron's Trains and Things:

Ron's Trains N Things

I'm Ron and I bring you model railroad tips, tools, and techniques to help you build your dream layout. I want to help you build a model railroad layout that will look fantastic and bring you great enjoyment. Watch for new how-to videos on Tuesdays. Be sure to subscribe, share with friends, and...

www.youtube.com

The DCC Guy:

Model Railroading

Learn more about model railroading and digital command control (DCC) from Model Railroader magazine contributing editor Larry Puckett. Although this channel provides a lot of information on DCC I also do videos on all subjects related to model railroading. I have been a serious model...

www.youtube.com

Top Railroad:

Top Railroad

Welcome to the channel! I do model railroading videos and model train related stuff like detailed tutorials, hauls, & occasional dioramas

www.youtube.com

 

[Jim at BSME]

Are you going to be watching both forums where you posted this question? I made a big reply over on modeltrainforum and then noticed this same message here.

I didn't discuss over there DC vs DCC, you can convert old engines. Will require soldering and maybe some insulation if they use the frame as one pick up side feeding power to the motor. The real decision on DC vs DCC will be how many trains do you want to run at the same time and how many people will be operating your layout. From your track plan it doesn't look like you have any independent loops so will need blocks to have multiple trains running at the same time. One thing people say between DC and DCC is with DC you run your tracks and DCC you run your train.

 

[bfjou812]

Are you going to be watching both forums where you posted this question? I made a big reply over on modeltrainforum and then noticed this same message here.

I didn't discuss over there DC vs DCC, you can convert old engines. Will require soldering and maybe some insulation if they use the frame as one pick up side feeding power to the motor. The real decision on DC vs DCC will be how many trains do you want to run at the same time and how many people will be operating your layout. From your track plan it doesn't look like you have any independent loops so will need blocks to have multiple trains running at the same time. One thing people say between DC and DCC is with DC you run your tracks and DCC you run your train.

Yes , I want to try to get as many ideas and as much information as I can. The track plan will be dc at this moment. I will be the only one running the trains. My biggest concern right now is getting some idea/ideas for laying the track. I think I have a good plan for the benchwork.
I have read some of the replies over on the other forum, including yours and there is some good information. A person ,Traction fan, posted a few pdfs and I have read a couple of them. There are some good ideas in them and also some that won't have any bearing on what I'm doing. I will leave a reply on your post as I found a lot of the information you provided to be a great help. I still have questions though. My main goal is not to have to redo things a bunch of times to get the desired effect. That will happen when I start the scenery I'm sure. I know all plans don't go as smooth as you want so I'm trying to eliminate as many problems as possible that I might have. As I said earlier ,things have changed an awful lot. When I got out of the hobby dcc was just coming out. Static grass was also a new "fad". Both of which seem to be standard fare these days.
Thank you for your reply and your added insight. I really appreciate it.

 

[Jim at BSME]

Yes , I want to try to get as many ideas and as much information as I can. The track plan will be dc at this moment. I will be the only one running the trains. My biggest concern right now is getting some idea/ideas for laying the track. I think I have a good plan for the benchwork.
I have read some of the replies over on the other forum, including yours and there is some good information. A person ,Traction fan, posted a few pdfs and I have read a couple of them. There are some good ideas in them and also some that won't have any bearing on what I'm doing. I will leave a reply on your post as I found a lot of the information you provided to be a great help. I still have questions though. My main goal is not to have to redo things a bunch of times to get the desired effect. That will happen when I start the scenery I'm sure. I know all plans don't go as smooth as you want so I'm trying to eliminate as many problems as possible that I might have. As I said earlier ,things have changed an awful lot. When I got out of the hobby dcc was just coming out. Static grass was also a new "fad". Both of which seem to be standard fare these days.
Thank you for your reply and your added insight. I really appreciate it.

Unfortunately with the internet there is almost too much information available. And of course some is bad to just plain wrong. As with most things there are several "correct" ways of doing things. Ask 10 model railroaders how to do X and you will get 11 answers! I am a member of two other forums, besides these.

You might also want to check for local clubs to get some in person advice.

The NMRA has a beginners guide at https://www.nmra.org/beginners-guide don't know how it compares to traction fan's. And you can try out a 9-month membership for $19.95. One of the biggest membership draws in my opinion is their partnership program giving you discounts to several manufactures: https://www.nmra.org/partnerships especially in the buying phase of layout construction.

 

[Jacob Z]

Welcome, I'm in the same situation and about 3 months further down the track from you. I second the video channels above. I watched hours of videos before starting, finally realizing that for a lot of these things there is no "right" answer (although there are some wrong ones).

I've been ordering mainly from Trainworld, Hobbylinc, Scenic Express, Woodland Scenics, and Walthers. One thing I realized early on is that I was not going to find one online store to do all my shopping at, and certainly not one that has the best prices on every aspect of the hobby.

I also discovered that a lot of generic tools and supplies are much cheaper from hobby stores or even home improvement barns than from model railway specialists - the general rule seems to be the narrower the specialization, the higher the price. So for example I got my hot foam cutter from a general hobby supply place, my needle files from Home Depot, a lot of glues and paints from Hobby Lobby and Michaels, a mini-vacuum cleaner from Amazon, etc.

One great example is "foam nails" from Woodland Scenics, which are $7.99 for 75 on their website. You can buy the exact same thing at a craft or sewing store labeled as "t-pins" or "quilter's pins" for $1.99 for 100.

 

[Jacob Z]

I'm trying to decide whether to include this truss bridge in the incline here. I feel like it should look purposeful, but it's too low to have a rail line go under. A road could fit comfortably, or maybe a river, except I don't have anywhere for a river to flow to or from. Some kind of marsh or meadow? I've been looking online for prototype examples and not finding any great inspiration. I'm inclined to put it in just because it would be hard to do it retroactively, and not worry about whether it ends up making prototypical sense... I also don't know I'm going to do with the area between the two tracks. Maybe just scrub countryside. Or maybe this shed and a few inches of "abandoned" track would make a nice little scene. Maybe even a rusting old steamer?

 

[bfjou812]

Unfortunately with the internet there is almost too much information available. And of course some is bad to just plain wrong. As with most things there are several "correct" ways of doing things. Ask 10 model railroaders how to do X and you will get 11 answers! I am a member of two other forums, besides these.

You might also want to check for local clubs to get some in person advice.

The NMRA has a beginners guide at https://www.nmra.org/beginners-guide don't know how it compares to traction fan's. And you can try out a 9-month membership for $19.95. One of the biggest membership draws in my opinion is their partnership program giving you discounts to several manufactures: https://www.nmra.org/partnerships especially in the buying phase of layout construction.

Thanks for the link. I had forgotten about them. I think I was a member or was going to join years ago when I was still very active in the hobby. I did check some of the beginners guide and will probably join with a full membership. I think it will be a valuable asset. Thanks again for the advice.