Newbie Help

[Bryan]

I was wondering if somebody could point in the right direction to get started with an HO scale railroad. I've started with some google'ing of course, but there is such a wealth of infomation its difficult to find good beginner level information.

I'm a computer guy and like the idea of a computer controlled model through some kind of DCC. I understand that is probably a bit advanced for a newbie but I would like any purchases I make now to be able to be expanded or usable with a DCC. Where can I look to find reviews or suggestions for a beginner set that might let me expand into that.

 

[jaytee]

I've been wondering the same, as I'm returning to the hobby after 35 or so years away and back then it was just a flat piece of 4x8 plywood with a modified oval and 3 or 4 switches. Nothing else.

 

[Motley]

I'm a newbie (returning from younger days) as well. First of all, these forums are the best, everyone here is very helpful. Just ask questions.

You will want to start by getting a couple of books, which I got, that were very helpful, then I just started asking questions, going to the local hobby store and ask them questions, and look for youtube videos.

I did alot of research on DCC systems, and I decided to go with the Digitrax Super Empire Builder Extra. It's an entire startup kit that is easily upgradeable by adding options as you like. It's a very popular kit to get you started. I'm a computer guy too, and with this system you can get an addon for PC programming your layout.

Go get these books:

http://www.amazon.com/Track-Planning-Realistic-Operation-Railroader/dp/0890242275/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264224343&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Dcc-Projects-Applications-Model-Railroader/dp/0890246459/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1264224618&sr=1-3

 

[hamltnblue]

Wow, I think this is an original with 3 first posts. As one of you said , things have changed. I suggest you spend a couple of hours reading posts here and Here http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/default.aspx?groupid=8. After that post a newthread with your questions. Try to avoid jumping on another thread sind it will do nothig but make it harder to answer your queston.

 

[hamltnblue]

Jaytee, start by letting us know what you currently have, how much you intend to expand, including the space yopu have available.

 

[Motley]

Ya I started off by just throwing some stupid layout plan out real quick, but after reading those two books, I saw the light, hallelujah.

Then figure out what you like, what interests you. What railroad and era you would like to model. And most important, which operations you want to run on your layout. This is important, because when I thought it would be cool for having two trains running in continuous loops, but soon found out that you will get bored with that real quick.

 

[UP2CSX]

It's always a good idea to go the NMRA site at www.nmra.com and read their Beginner's Guide. Lots of good information about most of the basic question newcomers and returnees ask.