Kids left home - check, Wife left me - check, Have decent disposable income - check, let’s build! 👍

You are an excellent speaker. Clear, to-the-point, engaging.

Ron, When I started thinking about building a layout I went to my local train shop and well he completely turned me off, I heard so many you can't do that's, it almost persuaded me to drop the idea but that's not how I'm wired.. The best advice I received was to buy a starter set and just throw down some track on the dining room table. As I'm sure everyone will agree its get boring watching an engine chase a caboose.. I added a second track, then another. That's it I'm hooked and on my third layout and they just get better and more detailed as I go along. I think the best advise I received was #1 where are you going to keep it and #2 just get started!!! If you fall In love like we all did, you'll work out all the other stuff out.. Again Thank you for all of your work and passion for the greatest hobby ever Wayne

My wife and I are buying our first house and I am planning on building a small layout in the basement. I've been watching a lot of your videos and they are very inspiring and also are showing me some of the things in model railroading that may be too difficult for me to tackle as I begin. I just wanted to thank you for all your help and all of this very useful information!

I just started researching N scale. I had a good sized HO scale in our basement as a kid. The hobby was sidelined when we moved to a small apartment and I never felt the urge to take it up again. Fast forward and I think maybe now is a good time to take it up again. Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Great information. Thank you!

Thanks for the help , l making a layout around my Christmas tree this video helped me , and I spent 0$ making it.

Being a member of the NMRA is a big plus. Fellow modelers get together and share ideas. Great place to learn and teach.

Well said Ron. I had an N-gauge layout and dismantled it with intent to rebuild in 1977. I drew up new plans in 1990 and it is only now, 2019, that I have the time, money and space to continue. In 1977 I had thought of how cool it would be to have an engine mounted forward facing camera to have a driver's view of the layout to be viewed on a monitor in one's own 'virtual cab'. - I just had to wait for the technology to be invented. Now to study up on the latest control systems !

That was excellent advice in a variety subject matter including life.

Worth watching as life advice even if no railroading is never done. Very "transferable". Substitute "building a model railroad" for "living your life" and it still works.

I'm single so I don't have a budget, have plenty of space and all the time in the world.😂

I so agree with these so much as al 5 are something you need to concder sat the same time first like you said😊

Re-watching this video as I look at getting back in to the hobby, and I can absolutely confirm how tastes change. For the longest time I was primarily about BNSF and the older BN/ATSF locos as I enjoyed the liveries, however I am now finding (after a solid few years break) that my focus has shifted to the Eastern side of things. CSX Dark, NS, and perhaps a dabble into Conrail. Budget is the main constraint as is an ever changing motivational level, so who knows what the end result will look like, but even after a few years, your statements still hold true and i'm glad for re-watching!

I'm on my second layout and being basically retired I can enjoy its build. The whole two car garage is going to be a two level, 18 by 17 foot layout with an island in the center where the helix will be at its end. It will be N scale and man, is this going to be fun! Ron, keep these video's coming please as I'm so new to this scale. Thanks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for the information im just a kid starting model railroading and im doing mainly n scale because i really dont have alot of space and barely any acess to things, im focuing on a small and simple layout so thanks foe the information

No layout but if I take the plunge I'll go with a local subdivision(s) that allows modern mainline operations, some switching, some classification and passenger. The same layout will also allow different eras. Late steam, early diesel and modern. Along with different railroads from different eras. The Soo Line, C&NW, Milwaukee Road to the UP and CN today. It would also allow unit trains of coal, grain and autos. The area is from the WI-IL state line north towards Milwaukee. The same classification yard has also served as an auto shipping site. Servicing a large grain operation and pasta plant with a coal fired plant a couple of miles away.

Great video Ron. One thing to add is there is nothing cheap about the hobby. Most manufacturers are doing pre orders on items such as locomotives. That could put pressure on a modeler and add a financial stress. Layouts change and evolve as well. Expansions, upgrades and repairs are also something to take in consideration.

You hit the nail right on the head.... Those are valid points for someone to think over before they start a project. I am building a 25 x 16 double deck layout it is a little overwhelming so I planned out how to eat the elephant one bite at a time. I chose to build it in power districts so when the guys come over we can operate it. Then hope the " the Tom Sawyer effect" kicks in to help with the next district...but if not that is ok. Building it this way I can establish a bench mark for the layout. Great points!

Wow Ron, of what you listed, I shouldn't even build a model layout! Being an over the road truck driver and with limited time home, I wouldn't have the time to build a layout! Although, I have no wife or kids to deal with, basically unlimited funds other than rent and a phone bill, I have the space, but most importantly I have the ambition and desire to see my railroad empire come to life! Even if it takes me 30 years to build! Hopefully I'll be around for 30 years! Roy

At least for me, Once I had a plan for my space, getting something functional and moving was a must, just as I can get a bit distracted if it hadn’t gotten anywhere. I think your tips were some of the best I’ve seen, as it seems more realistic considerations. I need to check out some more of your videos and see the layout, just the part behind you looks really good.

I’m glad I stumbled upon this video now - I’m just a few weeks away from starting a 120cm X 60cm Z scale Christmas layout for this year. Some very very good points here to remember even before putting “pen to paper” in the planning stages.

"You will make mistakes." I put up an ho scale ceiling train around my bedroom. I have a wall painted like water and a half square diagonally. The shelf was screwed into a (slightly thin) board from below to give the appearance of floating. Then I got a thin 5mm ply and cut mountains using a scroll saw mounted another sheet of hills in front for a semi 3d element. Behind the mountains is a rope light(using rgb LED strips would have been too costly for me) for sunrise/set. Sadly my 2 lines only ran a year or two. I found one corner my curve was too sharp and would derail every time, but only one direction. I tore it down to rebuild... that was 2-3 years ago (I got a puppy who had kidney problems and after she passed in January got another rescue)

thanks man my old layout the were was a pipe leak that was pretty bad but thank God all of my locomotives work

When it comes to modeling a specific era, I always say to steam fans not to be afraid of modeling the modern era. You can always have steam engines on a model railroad to mimic an excursion train. I model the modern era on a Norfolk Southern line. Most of my engines are Norfolk Southern diesels, but I also have NKP 765 and N&W 611, with a plan on getting C&O #1309 when someone does it. I also have some PRR E8s and F-units. Modern UP modelers can have a ton of fun here, since you have UP 4014, DD40AX, 3985, 844, and their E-units.

Just an excellent video that both reassured me and answered many questions I have, as I'm about to start building my 1st model RR in more than 30 years, which realistically makes me a complete Newbie as so much has changed, and I forgot most of the rest. My age most likely makes me the oldest 1st time starter at 75. But I'm determined to finally have that Model Railroad I've dreamed about for years. I'm going with N Scale as limited space is an issue even though my layout will be a point to point shelf style measuring 8 x 22 ft. What will work reasonably well in N, just wouldn't in HO which was my preferred scale, as the layout centers around a urban Industrial area, with a small yard, as well as staging at both ends. So in a sense I've managed to get all the features I deemed necessary. Your points on Budget, time management, and balancing the building were enlightening. I did make a realistic budget, and spoke with my wife about the model railroad and it's importance to me. While she thought at my age I shall we say nuts, she's supporting me time wise, but budget I'm on my own.

The only thing in those choices that is not part of the 40×25 multi-deck layout I will be starting next year is continuous running. Passenger is minimal with the Amtrak route being mostly hidden so the CSX can reach a freelanced railroad on the top deck.

Great video Ron and good information. I started by first getting a track plan. Then for two reasons my layout started by building the branch line first. Need the mainline area of the layout plan for a family reunion coming up soon. getting the other track finished I can run some trains quicker.

There are a few more items should be added to your list. One is to settle on an era. Settling on an era or a group of years can help one with their budget. For an example; you could set a period of 1979 to 1989 or if you are interested in steam 1920 to 1935. You restrict your buying of locos, cars and buildings to models that represent the “era” you have settled on. This will help your buying choices as you ask yourself, “Does this item fit my time period?” It keeps you from ending up with a bunch of stuff that does not go together. It saves on your modeling budget. Another thing to consider is topography. You like mountains? Perhaps the deserts? The plains? Do you want grain elevators and long trains of colorful modern grain cars? Perhaps you prefer the decorative and colorful period of the the billboard refrigerator cars (reefers) before the ICC banned those reefers? You will need ice facilities and fruit/veggie packing houses for those reefers. Perhaps long lines of stock cars hauling cattle to the slaughter houses and meet reefers delivering to city markets? Whatever you decide, focusing on a few major industries can help you save on your budget. There is task all model railroaders should do. Make a written plan. I believe Armstrong called it “Druthers.” Here is an example; The purpose of my railroad is mining. The location would be the deserts of Arizona. (Lack of trees) There will be cacti. The railroad will be narrow gauge. The railroad will climb a 4% grade up a mountain to the mines. The mining supplies and equipment are hauled up the mountain. The ore is hauled down the mountain. There will be many small bridges. My era will be pre 1932. The largest engine I would like to run on the layout is a 2-8-0. The ore will probably be copper with some silver. As I continue to develop my “druthers” I can get a clear image of what I want to build. Some research can help to decide which scale I will buy into. Knowing my plan, I also know what I should and should not buy.

According to my sons I'm older than dirt, so i do have time to do this! However I don't have time to wait around to get started. Thanks for all your good advice. Burdman5

Thanks Ron for the tips all good things to consider. I'll see you next Tuesday, have a great week!

got about 8 mins in and this video helped me decide that model railroading is not for me thank you

Ron, you covered some excellent points!! I feel that the most important ones include not being intimidated, not being afraid or frustrated, making mistakes! Family harmony goes a very long way also. Networking through other KZfaq channels, online Groups, local groups, and joining the NMRA! I never regret that decision, as the knowledge base is beyond vast!! Been a member since 1979. You'll *never know everything!!!* That should be a plaque on your wall. I have been in this Hobby for over 42 years!! Do I know everything? Certainly NOT! To this day, I still can't do convincing rock walls!! I've learned more in the past 12 years on KZfaq, than I did in the first 30!!! 😱😱 Seriously. One thing people should know.... NOT everyone is going to be a KZfaq Star!! Sad, but true. I've been on since 2005, and most people STILL don't know who I am! I'm OK with that, it wasn't a goal.... YOU on the other hand, seemed to appear out of seemingly nowhere, about 2 years ago, and you're HUGE and quite well known! I determined a long time ago, that there's that certain "it factor" that you HAVE to have, to be successful in a public arena. You my friend, have "it"!! Several don't - but waste way too much time trying to be, instead of trying to hone their skills. I believe that also falls under your category of "limitations". Check your Ego at the door, were all Humans with the same goals!! 😎😀 Press on Sir.... You're doing great! Also, Merry Christmas!! ⛄⚽🎄🎅 Carmine 🚂

Well done. Been in and out of the hobby for many years. It was really enjoyable listening to you: very articulate. Well let's put it this way. A great number of model railroading videos are dull and boring because there is no emotion in what is being said. Again, well done!!!!!

Thanks for the reassuring...its been 20 plus yrs since Ive done model rail roading...and your video was down to earth and inspiring. Again ty.

I only have room for a 4x8 sheet of plywood, but I'd like to build a couple main line tracks, a branch line or two, and maybe a marshaling yard in the middle.

Thanks!

Well, Im just a Young Boy, I dont have money or time to build a Layout, but i loved trains since 4 years old, after becoming a huge Thomas and Friends Fan. I know i'm gonna build it some day. The question is, when?

Thanks for this comprehensive video, Ron. All of the things you mentioned are important considerations, and taking them into consideration makes the hobby so much more enjoyable. ...Roy

Great show Ron, as always I enjoy watching and listening to your videos. Just watched you change out truck mounted couplers for frame mounted which brought me back to this video for the 2nd time and from the first second of the video to the very last second I thoroughly enjoyed every word of your message. I never modeled to the point where you and others do back in my younger days of sixty-eight years ago. My limit was what my family of seventeen could afford. Dad worked days and nights, two jobs and sometimes three just to put food on the table and still found time to put into a three-tier 8x24 "S" gauge layout in our basement. We had six trains running with all manual turnouts and were well discipline to avoid ALL accidents as that meant $ we did not have. It was fun, no scenery just layout and function. However, in my time my mid years there was no time between Vietnam and Desert Storm, finally a college education for hobby as it is called today. It is hard for hobbyist today in all the reasons you have included in this video. But for me, I am having a hard time in knowing this hobby has increased upwards of 2000% over my years. I have renewed, restarted my life in more ways than one now having a four year old (not grand or great). Since I no longer work, I have been actively involving him into railroading by driving 100 miles to watch and ride trains, by getting him into these videos and going to train shows. Today, I can afford this even with regards to the 2,000% increase but will he be able to afford it when I am gone is the question. I have a whole lot more to say to this but I have said too much so far. Thanks for hearing me and once again THANK YOU MUCH MORE FOR THIS VIDEO. Each day a Model Railroader gets ready to go to his or her layout they should review this video over and over again. Good Job...

What a wonderful presentation. Truly professionally done.

I'm going to build a 12 x12 greenhouse just for an HO train. Lengthy time to build, but hope to get going.

Ron, such a great video and advice, thank you for taking the time to do it, it was on-time help.

Thank you for the help handsome 👍👍

Thanks for the great info Ron. Starting my first layout I have found you and some others a great inspiration for me and resource, thanks john

I'm young and not using Bachmann or models but using trackmaster/wooden railway but this still helped me

Very wise words friend

I’ve wanted to do one for years!!!! Hopefully the time has come!!! I have a good feeling that I can in 2020!!! 👍

I began collecting N scale locos, rolling stock, and structures so that when I retired I could devote all my efforts to layout building. But guess what...I ran out of money for track and lighting, etc. Oh yeah. Now I have to sell my guitars and amps and little used woodworking tools for layout cash. (I have arthritis so I can't really play anymore, anyway.) Model railroading is expensive. And time consuming. So Ron's first point is absolutely the most important. With money and time everything else can be overcome. Yes, and a good measure of bravado.

Many good points the most important being that fear of failure or actual failure may cause frustration and loss of interest in the hobby...Harold

Hi Rons Trains This is a brilliant intro to model railroads, as relevant to me. You hit the nail on the head, the idea of an actual operating, functioning frieght yard/goods yard/shunting absolutely fascinates me. That would be my dream such as you have going....but....fear of stuffing up & the eventual cost. I have one train set, the Flying Scotsman. I dont have any set up yet & am coming 'Late' into this hobby I ll have to think about my level of committment. I have only me, plenty of time, rescources & a small budget (maybe i could purchase s/h but even then prices are pretty high Ill have watch & rewatch ur clips. This may be out of my reach atm though things would change Thanks for the tips ::))

Thanks now I know when I get my layout!👌😃

During COVID I might have time to build one!

If I wanted to go big i would join a club, they have the room and when with others you have more fun

Incredibly insightful and well presented- thank you

Great advice. I am about to start on my second railroad. Chuck

I'm just starting to build, took some of the trains out for Christmas that were sitting in boxes for 7 years, and now it's time. The old house from 7 years ago had some HO and Lionel track running around the ceiling, not a real layout, and the N scale was a little shelf layout that was all flat with 2 routes and a small yard, this one is going be quite a bit larger, multi level, and possibly multi scale on different levels. this house if much bigger. My budget may have shrunk quite a bit, not sure how it's going to go at work this year. Either way I have quite bit now to get something going. Just thought I would chime in.

I have been a model train fan my whole life. I have collected a mass of products for that future layout that I honestly never knew if that day would come. When I say that day I mean having a space big enough to have a true layout. Well that time is coming true and it’s almost surreal to me. In my new house I will have the perfect room for my layout. Roughly 15’ X 25’ room that will house nothing except layout items. I am now finding myself almost overwhelmed. Where to begin... what type layout do I want... what time era.. wiring.. roads.. town or city? How many lines can I run? There are really a lot of decisions to make. Lots of planning and thinking 🤔..... I thought I would check out some layout software to help me as my ideas form not just in my head but on screen. Do I want water? Bridges?? How many? Lots to take in consideration. I am not sure what the best planning software is. Anyrail?

Ron: Your videos are excellent and you have a very good on camera personality. I do have a video request. I have not found any instructional videos that explain how to run operations on a model railroad. (Index cards in the rail yards, the use of headsets, different engineers, who is in charge, etc etc). You made such a good video on yard management I thought this request might fall along those lines as well. Thank you.

Great information, nothing has to happen all at once. But scale adds to the degree of skill sets needed. And information is key. Always great vids Ron.

Great tips!🚂

[thank, you for youre great video👍 im. starting on my second ho-scale model railroad layout. side 20x60ft.👍

I should have found this video before I spent half my salary on the things I need / unnecessary stuff. Could have save so much if I watched this video earlier🙄.. Very informative video 🙂👍thank you😊

Hi Ron. When I started out, the costs of trains and accessories almost turned me off. What I did was put myself on monthly budget. If an item cost more than I had budgeted, I save that months budget until I had enough to make the purchase. This way, I found out I would over spend, buy what I needed, not what I wanted and n the long run, actually save not only money, but aggravation.

[i, own a 2-story house a 4-bed room house. i, took the whole upstairs and removed out a few walls and now im. turning the whole open upstairs of my 2-story house and building my 2nd. second ho-scale model railroad. size. 20x60ft. and i, like to build a 3rd. layout downstairs bed room in the future]👍

Enjoyed your video

These are excellent considerations applicable for other areas of life as well.

I USE A KNIFE TO CLEAN THE 8 WHEELS TO KEEP MY TRACK CLEAN WITH 100 FEET OF TRACK GOING IN A ROUND E ROUND LAYOUT I RUN 40 CAR TRAINS ALL THE TIME 3 SD 24 ONE BN SD24 AND 2 CB&Q SD 24S SO IM ALWAYS INTERESTED IN A NEW FIND TO KEEP MY TRACK CLEAN

Cool video

I'm in the process of building a replica of the Grand Theft Auto 5 map.

Good video and very good advice. It's so true the hobby is several hobbies rolled into one. Right now I'm in the bench work phase - my least favourite. I'm an office guy, so the only thing I have sawed in the last 25 years is the bottom of my Christmas tree each year. Nonetheless, the layout is slowly coming together.

Well Ron, a lot of food for thought. I'll only get one shot - there won't be multiple attempts. Thankfully there are some smart modelers in the area that I can lean on. No skills. Not even tools. Scenery I can do, but I'm a long way from that. I wanna run trains! . . . Diana

Hi Ron, great video with some really good advice. Thanks you for posting.

Very Good Information Thanks for the Great Video! ~ Jake aka NORA

I am definitely stuck on number 5 and can't get past the points you mentioned. All I have right now is the tracks etc. and benchwork and nothing happening just the bare table.

I am probably gonna go with sectional track to start, since I'm mostly happy with 36 inch curves

my layout is under construction and one thing i have learned, ballast after scenery

Great Job Ron.. thanks for sharing and keep up the great work.. Lance

Great video

Well said Ron. Thanks for the video.

Too often, we get impatient and want to throw something together. Slow down and think about things! Maybe you join a local group and see what skills and tips you can pick before you start.

This was a really good pep talk. Covered so many points. (Pun, get it?} Excellent.

When Startting what’s the Gauge you Start in? I Started in Ho I Also am in N Scale and proud of it and still working on it and loveing it.

Me who's just building a simple 4x8 layout to run whatever

Hi Ron, Love your videos! so very informative, technical but you make it easy to understand Wayne

very informative and well presented

im making a first layout cant wait

Hi Ron, wow - your videos are fantastic! Question, do you have a video about what's the best scale of train layout according to room size. If not any chance of such a video? I'm new to this exciting hobby of RR. My living room in my apt is 17ft by 25 feet and would prefer the O scale, the big boys. I just love the large scale. I'm 56 yrs old and haven't had a train set since 1969 as a Christmas gift. I diffenitly have the patience to build such a large mountain scenery here in my living room. Thanks for the wonderful videos, keep them coming.

very well said Ron... 2 thumbs up.. vinny

Well stated Ron and good information. Mike

Great Advice-Thanks Ron!!

So im protolancing, as a construction/ Cabinet maker ive decided to try and go with a "New World Order" Kinda of look , only 48"x35"N scale Ez trak allowing with easy dismantling, going for a train fan rather then options as ez track has no options xD

The issue I had, which I suspect many have is that I just don't have the answers to those questions. And, in fact, I still don't have all the answers. So, I recommend that people start with a DISPOSABLE 3' X 6' layout to try a bunch of things but assume that you'll throw it out. The Woodland Scenics "Scenic Ridge" is, in my view, an ideal kit to try out a bunch of stuff. But even then you have a lot of things to decide before you can get into it.

I know Back in the Day Before utube or Videos Magazines Ruled.Time Does not Stop For Anything.

Ron, handy video there mate. Hope you dont mind me sharing some of my experience for others to possibly learn from too. I'm a beginner in the hobby myself and like many found it daunting to know where to start. I also have a physical disability so recognising my layout will probably take the rest of my life and never be complete I accept that as I have limited budget and abilities. I also have limited space and decided N scale would be right for me. More fiddly to work with to set up but the detail is just amazing and support from manufacturers and the community is large. I've decided to go for a shelf layout so I can have long runs and make it in modular pieces for easier work /scene changes. DCC or DC, it'll become DCC but for now its DC. As for what I want the layout to be locationwise, period etc. I live in an area of Australia with minimal rail traffic (its an end stop for a single service from large city) so boring to bother with. I am fascinated with Japan and not interested in USA or European regions myself, plus Japan is very big on small so n scale stuff is plentiful there with Japanese architecture, rail an industries well represented in N. I am set up to deal with different voltages and power pack plugs etc as I buy a lot of gear overseas thats not available locally. So as I am still unfamiliar with the terminology in the hobby and what bits I should get started with buying I bought a Kato starter train set with a bullet train. Very sexy, I chose an option that wasnt only a simple oval layout but a larger set including a few switches. I wanted to get used to operating switches and get used to how all the parts connect and operate together that way I can learn where limitations are (such as tracks not hving a standard universal connector so you can get "locked into" one brand, but also controllers are pretty much universal, as long as you can connect them to the track you can use different brands in a layout, so Icould have Kato track, a Tomix controller and Bachman train for example). I think its a good idea though to look at what the brands offer in way of accessories, crossing signal lights etc and look at who caters to as much of the elements you eventually (key word here!) want to incorporate into your layout. I dont yet know if accessories use any standard form of connection plugs, buts its pretty much all DC electricity and you can easily cut off a connector and solder wires directly into a layout or solder on other connecxtors. Plus a lot of adapters are available online or easy to make to go from one socket type to another if you want to be able to plug/unplug things. I've been doing 3D design for decades and have 3D printers so as I type this today my layout is a coffee table oval with switch while I learn and enjoy running my train. Dotted around the oval I 3D print elements I want to incorporate into my shelf layout. Being Japan its got a Mount Fuji printed and a submarine (this represents a port area I want to incorporate). I don't yet have a specific location or run I want in my shelf layout, I have ideas and am adding more all the time. To help me pin it down I started researching the bullet train I bought so I now know the years it ran for and the lines it ran through. That gives me a target to research other trains that serviced that time and place, the cities and towns along the line and the industries in the region. With this information I can make my train purchasing decisions to match the location and period for realism along with industry scenery to get. In the mean time I can print representative scenery stand ins to sit around my oval and live with them a while. Helps me to get a sense in my mind if there is too much industry lumped together, making practical runs short and boring. For example a mining town should ideally on the layout be far from the port city so I can have the chance to run a long long coal train etc whereas if they are next to each other a long haul train makes little sense. So here's where my layout may start to deviate from the real locations are I try to use the layout space aesthetically to add variation and interest evenly along the length and not cramped together in one spot. Eventually, I'll have a city scape and port at one end where the trains terminate and an inner city light rail, maybe a coastal village nearby with a small passenger train and the far end a mine where the diesel industry hauler can do its thing. maybe a logging area in between and a couple of nice traditional villages along the route. That way I could have all sorts of trains running for all sorts of services. As I research the region I can pin all that down later on when I get to them but my approach is to use standins for now, get used to operating the layout as I build and grow it and that should highlight trouble areas where I might prefer to change the industry focus in one part to make it all more realistic as much as I can. Plus I can have some fantasy fun with it all too. For example I'd like to have an open cut mine on the layout and 3d print a trex skeleton in the bottom and a cave -in to a cavern filled with giant eggs. put a few eggs on the diesel train and a hatched egg in the port where a newly hatched godzilla is being harassed by tanks etc. era is likely to be circa 2000 so I could use a steam train as perhaps a royal wedding event. things like that to just incorporate interesting stories and humour into my layout. Whether I get there I dont know, but it'll be a long journey and I don't have to have everything set in stone day one for my layout. So my advice is start simple and get comfortable with your initial purchase and learn learn learn. Accept your starter layout will likely not become part of your lng term layout (track pieces, controller etc) but the trains probably will. I assume as you progress in a direction with your layout your starter set can become your maintenance setup to test run new and serviced trains or something for the kids to learn with. I will say much of my initial trepidation at getting into this hobby, melted away by getting a complete starter set. I quickly gained confidence and understanding of the parts that make up a layout and yes an oval sounds very dull, by adding a single switch made things a lot more hectic and interesting, I have only short straight lenths in my oval so I use the rerailer tool to help me assemble the train car by car and the switch to run the loco forward and back to join the cars to the end. You quickly see how you need to plan and concentrate on whats happening to get the full train assembled and why these odd branches on a layout are there in the first place. You tackle your project in small steps, dont rush or feel you have to stick to your initial idea, industries come and go in the real world and landscapes evolve in accordence to those changes too so let your layout help guide you!

My dad gave me an N scale layout when I was 8 back in 2010 and it is still in its styrofoam stage with rocks. But there are no details, no track, only track is in tunnels. There are no roads, there was buildings on it and they where disassembled. The roads that exist are temporary meant for measurements. The highest point of the layout, the mountainside of the layout has a hole in it because the cat would sit on there as that was meant to be an observatory originally. So how would I repair that? The layout is roughly 4 feet wide and 8 feet long and about 2 ft high not including the table. I want to do it so badly but right now I am college full time and working part time. The only time that would work for me is in the summer. Because I once I graduate, I am going to be a 9 to 5 architect

Bah I’m so so close to saying “I give up”... issue after issue on my end, just when I THINK i have it, a short or power drain. I’ve tried a few FB groups and I must say they are not much willing to help a newbie, such a shame

The model railroad club I belonged to recently dis-banded, we spent last weekend tearing down the layout and putting into a dumpster outside. It is now gracing the local landfill. No young people was the issue.

Good stuff 👍

Model Railroading is like eating an Elephant - simply do it ONE bite at a time .. But , remember to always have fun and see the enjoyment of it .

Question, for anyone who can help. What is the max number of HO cars you can pull per locomotive on a flat layout? For example, can 1 loco pull 15 cars, and a 3-loco lashup pull 45?