Getting back into railroading on my own

[Cmonstar53]

I first had a 8x4ft HO layout made by my Grandpa at his house for my Birthday when i was a kid but now that im older and on my own ive been wanting to get back into the Hobby after like 12+ years.
ive already decided that N Scale is the best for the size of what im working with and that i want to start with DCC and i looked at Kato as my main starting brand for track and first trains. Since im basically brand new at this i should start with a starter set but i want to do this myself and make sure that i like what i have built up over years.
For the setting i want to have it Modern USA Texas-ish so UP, BNSF, CPKC, Amtrak, TRE and if i have the space and ability to do it i would like an elevated Shinkansen track to represent the High-Speed Rail that Texas is wanting to get done from DAL to HOS.

My total space i can work with for the table is 36"x72" (91.4cm x 182.8cm) 47"x16" (119.3cm x 40.6cm) L shape plus a 60"x26" (152.4cm x 66cm) rectangle on the bottom of the L. the only big note is that i can only stand on one side of the table as it's in the corner of the room and i could extend the 72" length to 80" (203.2cm) if needed but i don't really want to.
After looking at command stations i think the DCC-EX CSB1 will most likely be the simplest for me.

The main thing that im not sure on is what to do for the layout as i have decision-itis with it and tend to go heavy on track count leaving no room for scenery later down the road and what else i would need to get something set up (most of my knowledge comes from my Grandpa that is 10 years and older as he had a DC O Scale as a kid), i have toyed with the idea of a 2nd smaller deck above the longest bit as im custom building the table to fit my needs.

 

[migalyto]

The main thing that im not sure on is what to do for the layout as i have decision-itis with it and tend to go heavy on track count leaving no room for scenery later down the road

Welcome to the group Cmonstar

Many people struggle with this on the first layout. The consensus is to cram as much track into the space as possible. It then becomes cluttered and as you stated, no room for scenery.

That's the beauty of using Unitrack. Start with some straights and curves, maybe a couple of turnouts and put it down on the table and run trains. You can add on and change things around as many times as you want before committing to something.. Really hard to do with flex track but Unitrack lets you do that.

Thing to remember is, just have fun with it!

 

[Cmonstar53]

Welcome to the group Cmonstar

Many people struggle with this on the first layout. The consensus is to cram as much track into the space as possible. It then becomes cluttered and as you stated, no room for scenery.

That's the beauty of using Unitrack. Start with some straights and curves, maybe a couple of turnouts and put it down on the table and run trains. You can add on and change things around as many times as you want before committing to something.. Really hard to do with flex track but Unitrack lets you do that.

Thing to remember is, just have fun with it!

That's why I looked at Unitrack and picked it, do you have any recommendations for places to look at online for ideas that are more then just an flat loop/oval but still keep that same feel?
I got really tired of my old HO layout as u got older, it was dual track with sharp curves that derailed trains and one yard all of it flat on a green colored table.

Thanks for welcoming me to here.

 

[RhB Michael]

Running high-speed rail at realistic scale speed is not going to look good on a layout of that size. You need long, long straights, and wide radius curves to pull this off. Your railroad, your rules always applies though.

As a beginner to DCC I would not recommend that DCC system. Investigate the NCE Powercab to start in DCC. Unless you want to work on the DCC system instead of your railroad, I would choose an out-of-the-box ready to run DCC system.

Do you have a track plan in mind for us to look at?

You might want to keep in mind too, that this hobby is not cheap. But it can be very frustrating if you try and make it that way.

 

[Marlin39]

Your money and your rail empire, but this is just my worthless .02.

Basic Rule #1 - Keep it simple and start small. Too much track and too many switches can cause actual building frustration, cost issues, and electrical issues.
Basic Rule #2 - If you have to reach more than 24"-30" anywhere on the layout, it's too far.

I agree with Michael. NCE is perfect for a beginner. I still use my 10+ year old NCE and I have had zero issues.

 

[Cmonstar53]

Running high-speed rail at realistic scale speed is not going to look good on a layout of that size. You need long, long straights, and wide radius curves to pull this off. Your railroad, your rules always applies though.

As a beginner to DCC I would not recommend that DCC system. Investigate the NCE Powercab to start in DCC. Unless you want to work on the DCC system instead of your railroad, I would choose an out-of-the-box ready to run DCC system.

Do you have a track plan in mind for us to look at?

You might want to keep in mind too, that this hobby is not cheap. But it can be very frustrating if you try and make it that way.

Im fine with having "slower" high speed rail i mainly want to since my favorite HSR is the N700S that the Texas Central is looking at using and plus it's not the main goal.

Do you have a DCC system to recommend?

That's the problem of i don't have a layout in mind as I keep over loading the table with track (still haven't layed anything down yet, working on the planing process)

I understand that the hobby is expensive that's why I want to build it up over years and even building it over years, I don't want to jump the gun on getting track and stuff then realize that I have no more space and should have done something different.

 

[RhB Michael]

Re-read my post.

 

[Cmonstar53]

Re-read my post.

Sorry didn't see that, I was cooking at the Sametime reading

 

[migalyto]

That's why I looked at Unitrack and picked it, do you have any recommendations for places to look at online for ideas that are more then just an flat loop/oval but still keep that same feel?

For you space N scale is perfect to do what you want. N scale of today has come leaps and bounds over what it was 20 years ago.

As for track plans. Jus do a web search for small N scale track plans. There are a ton of them out there.

Look on YT for ideas and tips as well.

As far as DCC I concur with David and Michael. NCE was the easiest for me. I started out with the NCE power powercab. When I decided to switch from N scale to Ho scale and do a much bigger layout I went with the power pro wireless setup. I now use my powercab to do basic programming on my workbench.

 

[migalyto]

I also suggest track planning software to help you along.

Here are a few:

SCARM - The leading design software for model railroad layouts

Powerful model railway track planning software for easy and precise design of model train layouts. With instant 3D Viewer, Model Trains Simulator and rich set of useful features.

www.scarm.info

XTrkCAD Model RR Track Planner

Download XTrkCAD Model RR Track Planner for free. Model Railway CAD program. XTrackCAD is a open-source, free, CAD program for designing model railroad layouts. You can easily create layout of any scale or size.

sourceforge.net

AnyRail™ - Download the latest version of the easiest model railroad planner here.

www.anyrail.com

Atlas Track Planning Software

The official online store for the Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. manufacturer and seller of model trains and track in N, HO, O and Z scales.

shop.atlasrr.com

 

[Cmonstar53]

I also suggest track planning software to help you along.

Here are a few:

SCARM - The leading design software for model railroad layouts

Powerful model railway track planning software for easy and precise design of model train layouts. With instant 3D Viewer, Model Trains Simulator and rich set of useful features.

www.scarm.info

XTrkCAD Model RR Track Planner

Download XTrkCAD Model RR Track Planner for free. Model Railway CAD program. XTrackCAD is a open-source, free, CAD program for designing model railroad layouts. You can easily create layout of any scale or size.

sourceforge.net

AnyRail™ - Download the latest version of the easiest model railroad planner here.

www.anyrail.com

Atlas Track Planning Software

The official online store for the Atlas Model Railroad Company, Inc. manufacturer and seller of model trains and track in N, HO, O and Z scales.

shop.atlasrr.com

this helps a lot, thanks

 

[DeaconKC]

Late to the party, but let me also welcome you.
I too went with N scale after a 15 year hiatus from the hobby. Unitrack is fantastic to work with, it handles curves and elevation changes quite well. I used the Woodland Scenics elevation risers with easements and it runs great. Kato locomotives are great, very headache free and great running. I started my layout on regular DC but built it planning if I ever wanted to go to DCC. Now I have picked up a Digitrax system and am learning it. My club uses Digitrax but many other friends are using the NCE and both seem to be reliable systems. Best of luck and keep us informed.

 

[freescopesdad]

Welcome to the hobby Cmonstar53. Before you do anything, take a deep breath and relax. You have so many ideas, but I'm not sure from your first or subsequent posts what you want, or even you know for sure what you want. This hobby has a lot to offer, but it also can be expensive and a bit frustrating and complex at times. Before you jump in feet first, make sure you know how deep the water is, metaphorically speaking. I do have some thoughts and questions, these from an old guy (79) who got back in the hobby 6 years ago after being away for about 60 years. I model in n scale, DCC, ESU ECoS command station and Kato Unitrack.

1. It is unclear as to the size and shape of your proposed layout. You state in inches at 36x72, then 16x47 and 26x60, in no particular order or frame of reference. How about drawing us a picture. It would be helpful to know the size of the room you have available as well, and how the layout fits within.
2. You also mentioned a 2nd tier and indicated you were building your own benchwork. That is a great idea but have you given thought to how trains will travel between levels? Helix? Incline?
3. Suggestions for layout design software are spot on. Scarm is good, but I think Anyrail is the absolute best, especially if you go with Kato. It has the most complete library of Unitrack and is easy to master. It is about $70 but worth every penny.
4. Not sure where in Texas you are, but there must be clubs and railroad hobby stores around. Don't be afraid to bend their ears. A LOT! Most are more than welcoming to a new hobbyist. Attend the next model train show in your area if feasible.
5. You are astute enough to have discovered this platform so I'm sure you are well versed on the internet and YouTube. A wealth of good information is there. Take advantage of it. It may seem time consuming, read it while you cook .

In any case, good luck to you and keep us posted.

 

[2Tracks]

Welcome to this spot Cmonstar.......

 

[ctclibby]

Cmonstar: As stated above - Get some planning software. Much easier to video cut and paste vs paper erasing/redo. Since you are just getting started, spend zero dollars on stuff you think you may need. XtrackCad is free and has a complete set of UniTrack widgets. A little steeper learning curve than some of the others, but once you get it , you got it. Anyway, pix of room, purposed bench locations ...etc.etc, and show us what you are planning. You should/could get a ton of response; all with constructive criticism if needed.

Have fun!

L8r

 

[Espeefan]

Lots of good advice here. My $.02:

Take your time planning. What do you want the railroad to do? Switching, or watch the trains roll? Some capability for a little of each is recommended. Consider carefully. If you fail to plan, you're planning to fail!
I second the recommendation for the NCE Powercab. A solid system, and affordable.
There are some good books on layout design, and some excellent track plan books out there. Software is nice, but you may want to look at what others have done before jumping into the deep end of the pool! Also, leave yourself room to work under the layout comfortably.