Never too old?

[grids7631]

Within spitting distance of 60, and I think I've picked up the model railroading bug. A bit late in life, but I took the circuitous route through computers, astronomy, radio astronomy, ham radio, scanners, and landed here. I'm sure my initial impetus to jumping in will impress some of you long-term hobbyists as "oh, no, not another one of THOSE", but I really find myself drawn to the color schemes of some of the locomotives, particularly the Santa Fe dark blue and gold. Looks regal, and hope to start a small setup & layout with such a nice looking engine.

 

[Michael B]

Hello, and welcome the forum.
You will find all kinds of helpful peeps here.
Anyway, which scale has peaked your interest?

 

[migalyto]

Welcome to the group! grids.

Never too late start enjoying this great hobby.

 

[grids7631]

Thanks for the welcome. I'd say I was initially looking at HO scale, but maybe scaling (groan!) back toward N. What do you run?

 

[migalyto]

I'd say I was initially looking at HO scale, but maybe scaling (groan!) back toward N.

What kind of space do you have for a layout? If its on the smaller side then N might be a good choice.

N scale has really come a long way in the last decade. It defiantly is not the poor running less detailed scale it was 25 years ago. There is
also a lot more available now than in the past. Still lags a little compared to Ho scale.

Downside to N is if you have hand dexterity issues or foresee eyesight being a problem in the future. Everything is close to 50%
smaller than compared to Ho.

You thinking going standard DC or DCC/sound?

As you will find, this hobby has many rabbit holes you can go down.

 

[RhB Michael]

Welcome aboard. The coffee shop opens around 0300 here. CST.

 

[TheXModelRailroader]

Thanks for the welcome. I'd say I was initially looking at HO scale, but maybe scaling (groan!) back toward N. What do you run?

Welcome to the forum.
Don't tell Michael that! He will insist on N. He is THEE nGuru!
All kidding aside, depends on your situation. I have heard a lot of older guys say that N is too small for them, but on the other hand, you get more space. You will have to think what works best for you. If you have the space, I would do HO, but I have N too.

 

[grids7631]

Fortunately (unfortunately?) I have better part of a spare bedroom for layout, which would accommodate the typical recommendations I've seen for minimum recommendations - 4'x8' for HO, hollow-core door (36"x80") for N. Choosing one determines how much of the clutter in the bedroom gets culled out . My gut and eyesight lean toward HO. Need to see some up close and personal, and I see there's a store in town to go check them out.

 

[TheXModelRailroader]

Fortunately (unfortunately?) I have better part of a spare bedroom for layout, which would accommodate the typical recommendations I've seen for minimum recommendations - 4'x8' for HO, hollow-core door (36"x80") for N. Choosing one determines how much of the clutter in the bedroom gets culled out . My gut and eyesight lean toward HO. Need to see some up close and personal, and I see there's a store in town to go check them out.

Good idea. Check for local shows too! Great way to get into the hobby!

 

[Michael B]

If you elect to go N:
You should check out spookshow.net

For everybody: merg.org.uk/content/ebook

 

[TLOC]

Welcome aboard and 60 is not too old. Besides it’s never too late to start a hobby

 

[freescopesdad]

I'm 78 (79 this summer) Grids, started in n scale 5 years ago. Almost did the door layout but was convinced to go the around the walls route instead and glad I did. A lot less wasted space, a more creative layout. The smaller size has not been a problem. Went straight to DCC, using Kato Unitrack exclusively, and I invested $70 in a license to Anyrail software and glad I did. With your background in electronics you should be pretty comfortable with the technology. Make friends with the hobby shop guys AND the other shoppers, if your town is big enough check out a local model train show. As for the eyesight, I'm waiting on my 2nd cataract surgery this summer but afraid I can't do much for your gut issue.

 

[Jim at BSME]

Also look around for a local club, certainly could pick the members brains and if its close and has a permanent layout, no need to build your own. Also recommend looking beyond the 4x8: https://www.layoutvision.com/why-waste-the-space-on-a-4x8 The 4x8 is not bad and depending if you can put it on rollers you may be able to put it in a corner and then move it out to work on other sides and/or re-rail a train. I had a discussion on another forum about the 4x8 and the other person argued that I was saying the 4x8 was bad, not so its just you should consider options that actually may be better for the space and/or your access/use.

 

[RhB Michael]

When I was a kid a 4x8 kept me interested. Even in my 20s and another 4x8 able to run multiple trains and a bit of switching. But today, 4x8 doesn't scratch that itch anymore and I needed something room size. The kind of layout where trains disappear and if you weren't watching, you don't know where they are on the layout.

I got that now. I'm not bored, nor do I lose interest in watching trains go around in a circle. No, 4x8 is not inherently bad. It can just be very limiting to the point that interest is lost and then it sits gathering dust.

 

[timlange3]

For getting close I would suggest an around the room shelf railroad, about 12" deep with lift out bridges for doors and windows. If you build it close to eye level it should not block any other uses of the room. The around the room shelf will allow for larger radius turns but still allow for sidings and industries. A 4'x8' sheet of plywood would give you a 32' x 1' run, enough to go around an 8'x 8' room along the wall.