Hello, I will be going to the hobby (modeling) store tomorrow, are there any specific questions I should ask? I already decided that I will be building my railroad in HO scale, with current technology trains. So, are there any specific questions I should asks the guys at the shop? Thanks, Anton
[This message has been edited by Anton (edited 11-28-2000).]
Posted by jcater (Member # 31) on :
Just start talking trains with those guys and one thing will lead to another !! I would start out by letting them know that you are just starting out and that you have been talkin' to the guys on this forum . Let em know that you are looking for a good engine in modern era styling, some good track and road bed, and of course a good power supply. Get some of the modeling books and magazines too!!. Don't feel like you need to get all of this at once, unless you have about a bzillion bucks!!! Part of the hobby is having the patience to wait until you can get the stuff you really want and need !! In fact, I would start off with an engine and the books. The engine will inspire you to keep buying what you need, and the books will begin to teach you "how to." Good luck tomarrow Anton, and may this be the beginning of a great journey for you. Happy Modeling!! John
------------------ The Santa Fe and Southwestern, Chief of the Southwest!
Posted by millcstl (Member # 60) on :
Anton, Have a great time! I always make an effort to visit any RR hobby stores there are in various cities when I am traveling. Are there any Railroads around where you live? Often it is helpful (and fun) to go and watch trains you are interested in. This opens up a whole new aspect of the hobby--train spotting. If you don't that's ok because ,like John said, most of the info is in the mags' and books. Scott
Posted by Anton (Member # 270) on :
Yeah, there is a railroad right next to my house. Freight trains pass everyday. What should I watch for?
Posted by millcstl (Member # 60) on :
Anton, Get out your camera, paper and pencil, check road names on the locos, what kind of freight, find out where it's headed, get a copy of the deisel spotters guide and start learning the different types of locos used on that line. Buy the way, what railroad is it? Follow the line and see where it heads. Note the type of train control signaling it uses. If your lucky enough to catch a train on a stop order, go up and ask the engineeer (staying a polite distance from the tracks, trainmen are real nervous about people getting too close unless they are invited.) what kind of loco he's running. Take note of trackside features to model on your RR. Etc,Etc,Etc. Have fun with it Scott
Posted by Anton (Member # 270) on :
Ok, I got a Canadian National line running next to my house. The trains stop almost next to my house atleast 2 times a day. I followed the tracks, and it meets other line, Canadian Pacific Line. And what do you mean take notes of the trackside features?
!! I would start out by letting them know that you are just starting out and that you have been talkin' to the guys on this forum 
. Let em know that you are looking for a good engine in modern era styling, some good track and road bed, and of course a good power supply. Get some of the modeling books and magazines too!!. Don't feel like you need to get all of this at once, unless you have about a bzillion bucks!!! Part of the hobby is having the patience to wait until you can get the stuff you really want and need 
!! In fact, I would start off with an engine and the books. The engine will inspire you to keep buying what you need, and the books will begin to teach you "how to." Good luck tomarrow Anton, and may this be the beginning of a great journey for you. Happy Modeling!!