Another new member

[Janry]

Hi All.

My name is Jan (male, sorry about that), and I am new to the hobby. I'm 56 and don't know why, but all of the sudden I decided I wanted to play with trains. Never did as a kid, so go figure.

Anyway, I've been reading some books, and lurking a lot. I've started my benchwork for a 4'x8' layout and hope to finish it tomorrow. Good timing as I ordered Woodland Scenic's River Pass layout and the Atlas track pack and they are due to arrive tomorrow. I know, probably a bit ambitious for such a newbie, but I rarely take small bites but I plan on taking my time. DIY is re-running the River Pass series and I have my TiVo set to get all of the related shows.

Now, here is where you all may want to get me disbarred: Before I bought anything but a couple of magazines and books, I had an idea for my first layout. Time and place correct. Nice, but to me - boring. Isn't this hobby suppose to be fun? Well sorry, but my original idea was just going though the motions. Research, etc. was kind of interesting but beyond that, I was beginning to lose interest in the hobby before really beginning.

So I thought, "I'm kind of a wacky guy", so I have decided to go a little wacky. For instance, this is a link to the first setting I want to put in my world:

http://www.whatithink.evadanit.com/images/funny/redneck-mansion.JPG

I have started a notebook with printouts of wacky images so I won't forget them as I move forward.

Now, this is where you will want to shoot me but I plan on my train being what I like and if that means a steam engine will be pulling a modern tank car, you will just have to shoot me because that might be what I want.

It's all meant in good fun. So, either put me on ignore (I hope you won't) or give me some wacky suggestions as I progress.

I look forward to sharing future images with you and getting your help.

 

[Gary B]

Jan,
Welcome Jan, you've come to the right forum. Not too many people here that will insist on telling you you're doing it wrong. (and they are on our ignore list) Lots of wacky and let's just say different approaches around here, myself included. I'm 55 and been doing this kind of thing on and off most of my life. I figure if I'm not having fun then I should stop. Hope to see pictures as you progress. there is a trailer park thread aroud here you want to check out.

 

[tankist]

i don't see anything wrong here much, your layout is your world that you have fun immersing into. it looks just like you want it to look. besides modern north American freight i will have electric passenger train from German line circa 70's and German steam if i manage to restore it.

EDIT:
cool pic!

 

[Larry]

I think that stack of trailers is called a "Redneck Condo". LOL
We all do crazy things w/our layouts. I'm 71 & I have a blast w/mine everyday. I started doing this in 1961 w/my 1st 8 by 22 ft. layout & now I'm on my 8th & last. I like to do funny looking rolling stock(engines & cars), but, we all have our little/big idea's about our fun!!!!

 

[trainmastr1]

Welcome Jan...The whole idea of model railroading is to have fun! So go for it!! BTW: I like that pic.

Originally posted by Larry: I think that stack of trailers is called a "Redneck Condo". LOL

Now that's something I need to do for an N-track module.

I model a ficticious regional called the Cactus Valley & Western. The CEO (me), is big on rail history and preservation. So if it can be bought, restored, and runs, you'll probably find it in a consist somewhere. Steam for excursion trains, or dinner trains. Same with early diesel. Keep us updated on your layout, but most of all...HAVE FUN!!

 

[ho/ttothemoss]

welcome jan to the forums and nice pic that will be something thats going to stand out thats for sure..

 

[ianacole]

DIY is re-running the River Pass series and I have my TiVo set to get all of the related shows.

Can you tell me the name of the show that this is airing on on DIY? I've searched and cannot find anything. I'd love to watch this.

 

[Janry]

It's "Working on the Railroad".

 

[ianacole]

Wonderful!! Thank you - set to record the series!

 

[oplholik]

Welcome Jan. I'm 67 and have been doing model railroads off and on for years. Due to other things in life, never really went to long at one time, but now, being retired I figure I can devote a lot of time to it. I'm a big fan of running on your RR what you want to see and how you want to see it. Whatever makes it fun and interesting to you. I do modern day, but you will see a lot of Pacific Fruit Express cars. I remember these as a kid and for some reason like to see them on my RR. Any way have fun, and am looking forward to seeing your progress.

 

[trainmastr1]

you will see a lot of Pacific Fruit Express cars.

oplholic: I'm a retired truck and have spent many years chasing trains across this country. And yes, you still see PFE's here and there. Not only that, but I can remember when SP's Colton yard was still in Colton. LOL!