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Guidance For Absolute Beginner
Gerry asks readers for help:
“Where does an absolute beginner start when wanting to layout/build an oo gauge railway for his grandson, on either a 6×4 solid base or a 8×4 folding base? Should I go DC or DCC? Where can I get a good shunting type layout?”
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4 Responses to Guidance For Absolute Beginner
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Gerry, there are numerous books, magazines and other resources including the ones on this blog. Join a local model railway club and/or join Roberts online train club which is excellent for beginners and the more experienced too. Good luck with the hobby!!!!!!
I echo the advice to seek out books. Do some reading before trying to start. If you want to just set up a train for the grandson to play with, that’s easy to do right from the beginning. If you want to get into a real layout with scenery and all, then reading is necessary to see what’s out there to work with. As for DC or DCC, I think the main consideration is cost, with DCC being substantially more expensive. DCC will also require more reading to understand the principles of it. I am building my first DCC N-scale layout now and am still kinda bewildered by the capabilities of it. Good luck!
I fully agree with the reading/research idea, and I would add that if there is a good hobby shop or club in your area, try asking some questions. As for DC vice DCC, I started my first layout about a year and a half ago (age 62 when started, BTW) and after some months of pondering what I wanted, I chose DC. As mentioned above, DCC can get sort of complicated and expensive, and I have heard that control chips in engines can — sometimes- short out of blow out. This is a frustration not needed by a beginner. I am running a 4X8 with a 4′ extension, and plan to add on. I do not plan on converting to DCC anytime soon. Good luck and HAVE FUN
Gerry: There are a few books out on the market that provide layout plans for layouts the general size you are wanting to build. Relative to the base, you need to look at where you plan to use the layout and what you will do with it when it is not in use. It would be easier if you can handle the solid base, maybe install folding legs on it to make it easier to store. A folding base will require some bridging of the track across the fold in the base which will present unique problems.
Given that you are a beginner yourself and want to use this layout with your grandson, I would recommend DC. DCC is extremely powerful and is really geared for layouts that will be running a lot of locomotives; also as someone else mentioned DCC systems are somewhat expensive.
Joining a club is a good way to gain knowledge in the hobby. I can also recommend getting involved in the National Model Railroad Association as you get more involved in the hobby. Each Region of the NMRA hosts annual conventions and they can provide wonderful experiences in which you can participate in operating sessions, visit numerous layouts, attend clinics providing great tips for modelling and operating, and also meet a lot of great people that will be more than willing to help answer your questions. I myself am a member of the NMRA Lone Star Region and I have enjoyed a number of their conventions over the years.