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I should have thought about looking for this forum long ago!!
I'm thinking it's time to give it a go again. My dad had a layout and dioramas, all in HO scale, when we were growing up. After I got married, I had started a layout in our first home, but then we moved and everything stayed in storage. My Dad passed away this last November at 78 and the memories have led me back to trains.
I've always been partial to the late 30s, early 40s cityscapes. Probably from being born in Chicago
(Live in SoCal now). I just have to stake out a section of the garage that isn't being occupied by my son's 1936 Ford.
I'm looking forward to getting to know you and the taking advantage of the information here.
Welcome, and welcome back. The hobby is a patient mistress. Loyal, too.
-Crandell
Welcome to the forum, sorry to hear about your Dad.
Modeling the 30's and 40's is mush easier than what I chose, the '80's!
We'll keep an eye out for the progress pix!
Welcome aboard, Rycon. I imagine your dad is happy that you are going to take up the hobby he loved. The 30's and 40's are indeed a popular time period of many model railroaders. Unless you are strictly a steam guy, you might think about the immediate postwar period, say 1946 to 1955. There was still plenty of steam around as well as a wide variety of first generation deisels. There are lots of models available for this time period and you won't get bored with the selection. Just a thought.
Welcome aboard, Rycon. I imagine your dad is happy that you are going to take up the hobby he loved. The 30's and 40's are indeed a popular time period of many model railroaders. Unless you are strictly a steam guy, you might think about the immediate postwar period, say 1946 to 1955. There was still plenty of steam around as well as a wide variety of first generation deisels. There are lots of models available for this time period and you won't get bored with the selection. Just a thought.
Thanks Jim. The 1946 to 1955 sounds like a much better option as I would like a diesel or two. ANd that time frame is still before I was born.
Rybcon- If you stretch your period through 1957, you will find more vehicles available for your layout.
There are lots of 1957 Chevy models available, and my personal favorite, the 1958 Corvette.
When Wally world decided to discontinue their HO (1/87) cars, I bought a load of pre-'58 vehicles. I now have 27 of '55 Chevys, 8 of '53 Caddy convertibles, and... well, you get the picture.
I have almost as many scale cars and trucks as I have boxcars.
Much will depend on where your major interest lies, scenery, track work or operation. Do you have apreference at this point?
Due to space contraints my first go will probably be a diorama - 2' x 5'. I would like to have a spur into an "ongoing" business. I want the track to run between the back of some city buildings crossing one road.
I'm picturing an asphalt road running lengthwise with one T intersection running to the back. Buildings along the road. Track behind the buildings. Then back of buildings maybe even half buildings.
Rybcon- your diorama sounds very doable. Check the scenery section for lots of helpful hints.
But with a limited space, I would locate everything on a piece of 2' x 5' paper before I built anything. Mock up your elevations to make sure slopes don't cover track or building space.
Ask and ye shall receive plenty of free advice. Some of it may even be useful to you, including this message.
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