Welcome new members!

[modelbob]

We've had a recent influx of members, a lot of folks found this place when another forum had some problems. I'd like to welcome you aboard, and thank you for visiting the forum!

As most of you already know, membership is free, and there are no fees of any kind. We offer a photo gallery as well as the forum, and you are encouraged to post photos in both areas.

The staff here tries very hard to be helpful, and we are open to suggestions, ideas and comments. Just post a thread with your comments and we'll see what we can do. Many of the features we offer are due to member suggestions.

We hope you'll find this place to be useful and enjoyable. Please visit often, and join in the conversations!

[enjineerbill]

Hello Model Bob(and all),
Thank You for providing us with a competent place to share ideas, works, and sling a little hash. What a great site. Easy to navigate and very friendly members. Proud to be a part of it. Keep up the good work.

Enjineerbill

[grande man]

Welcome aboard, Bill! :)

[BigRailNut]

Hey Guys......I've been surfing around this site for a few weeks now and decided to register so I could participate....Looks good....:D

[NoSpaceOreCashRR]

BigRailNut, A Big welcome and enjoy the fellowship and information.

[hcopter51]

Hello All. New to site, looks great. Hope to get a lot of useful info. Happy New year to all.

[CBCNSfan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif to
ModelRailroadForums hcopter51
It's a Great group we have here, and your're welcome join right in with the various discussions. you'll like it here were a friendly bunch http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/2.gif

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[hcopter51]

Thank You Willis. GREAT Post.....I'm sure I will love the site,John

[NoSpaceOreCashRR]

Welcome, this place is a fun and informative forum. Please share with us and ask questions, most don't bite.

[racoll]

Just thought I'd say hello, as I just joined the site. Look forward to visiting and learning a lot.

Andy

[dthurman]

Welcome aboard Andy, I think you will find us all a very friendly and helpful bunch. No question is wrong and pop into the coffee shop and say hello to everyone, the first cup and donuts on me.

[chrismoore93]

Well just thought I'd say welcome to any new members that have joined! Enjoy the forums and post away!
Chris

[karol]

I think I should say hello. I`m quite new to this forum and I am sure I`ll learn a lot ;) .

[Lady_Railfan]

Welcome aboard, Karol! Please feel at home here, and join in the fun. :)

[PA1 Daylight]

Hi, I just joined today, this website looks great!!! I have an HO scale with Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, & Lehigh Valley

[dthurman]

Hi, I just joined today, this website loks great!!! I have an HO scale with Union Pacific, Southern Pacific, & Lehigh Valley

Welcome PA1

Post some picks of that layout, sorry to hear it's HO ;) Just kidding...

Dave the Normal Scale (N scale)

[PA1 Daylight]

Ok, I will post them as fast as I can

[gbbsoft]

Hello, My name is Peter Maciejewski (gbbsoft).
Thanks to Karol for link to this forum.
I'm DCC enthusiasm.
I'm an author of DCC program: www.gbbkolejka.pl
It's in Polish language now, but I'm working on translation to English.

(Jeżeli ktoś zna polski, to zapraszam do pobrania wersji demo)

[WCWBrassHat]

Hi All!

I have several friends on this forum so I decided to join to make communicating with them easier.

My name is Glenn Samuel. I a member of the Alabama Rail Gang. I model in N scale. I have been a model railroader for over 35 years. I am currently building a 32' x 32' operations oriented layout. I have 70' of mainline in place. The current mainline passes through 3 towns. The finished layout will have 9 towns and 2 branchlines.

[grande man]

Hi All!

I have several friends on this forum so I decided to join to make communicating with them easier.

My name is Glenn Samuel. I a member of the Alabama Rail Gang. I model in N scale. I have been a model railroader for over 35 years. I am currently building a 32' x 32' operations oriented layout. I have 70' of mainline in place. The current mainline passes through 3 towns. The finished layout will have 9 towns and 2 branchlines.

What's up, Glenn? It's good to see you on the forum! :cool:

[WarEagle90]

Hello all!

Just wanted to take a minute and introduce myself since I am a newbie here.

I am Dan Hilyer from Waverly, Alabama. It is a very very very (I could keep going) small town just north of the Opelika-Auburn area. I am relatively new to model railroading but I am hooked. I just can't get enough. I am finishing my first small layout and am starting to do some research and design on the next.

I have found that forums such as this is a great place to learn, which for me is half the fun. Anyway, just wanted to say hi and I'll be here a lot.

Thanks for the for the opportunity to join you folks.

War Eagle,

Dan

[CBCNSfan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif to
ModelRailroadForums Dan
It's a Great group we have here, and your're welcome join right in with the various discussions. you'll like it here were a friendly bunch http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/2.gif

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[MLW]

Hi

Found this site by accident a while back,and by looking at all the familiar faces it looks like another great place.


2 Thumbs up

[CBCNSfan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif to
ModelRailroadForums MLW
It's a Great group we have here, and your're welcome join right in with the various discussions. you'll like it here were a friendly bunch http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/2.gif

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[Boxtop]

Hello. I’m VERY new to this venue, but have always loved trains. I have recently become taken by British models trains. I have put together a fairly nice be it small layout. I’m still in the early learning curve so any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Boxtop

[jbaakko]

Hello. I’m VERY new to this venue, but have always loved trains. I have recently become taken by British models trains. I have put together a fairly nice be it small layout. I’m still in the early learning curve so any help will be greatly appreciated. Thanks Boxtop
Welcome Boxtop, may I ask, where at in San Diego? There's a few other members here from the SD area too.

[Lady_Railfan]

Welcome Boxtop, may I ask, where at in San Diego? There's a few other members here from the SD area too.Let me add my Welcome! Yep, I'm one of the "Sandy Eggans" too, and hope you'll jump right in and have fun here!

[RexHea]

WELCOME Fellow Modelers to the friendly forum!

[MLW]

Thanks for the welcome


Willis, great to see you here too. I miss your Alco C630/C636 Any more pics I can feast on?:D

[CBCNSfan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif to
ModelRailroadForums Boxtop
It's a Great group we have here, and your're welcome join right in with the various discussions. you'll like it here were a friendly bunch http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/2.gif

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[CBCNSfan]

Willis, great to see you here too. I miss your Alco C630/C636 Any more pics I can feast on?
Yep I'm here too, this form's a little more laid back, friendly like, but you can be taken to the woodshed for a lesson pretty fast, but it's better for all that way (let's see, yep it's been two trips for me)
Anyway the Albums work great here, but they're on another website so you have to be logged in, I'm not positive but you may have to register again there but it's free. Here's a link to mine http://www.modelrailroadphotos.com/photos/showgallery.php?cat=500&ppuser=1989
Welcome aboard
http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[MLW]

Very, very nice Willis. Thank for shraing the link (it worked, even when not logged in)
I could not post a comment or vote

Sorry, you don't have permission to post/edit.
If you tried to edit, you might not be the post's author or editing may
be disabled for your usergroup.

Nice water scene too at Little Harbour Fisheries.


You don't have a C630 for sale, do you?:D

[CBCNSfan]

You don't have a C630 for sale, do you?Nope! afraid not, I'm thinking about doing an RS18 and a 630 shortly and post them in a thread here as a project in progress . There were a bunch that sold on ebay but I have no idea of what he has left if any, just do a search for "cbnsfan" on ebay (and nope it's not me) just a fellow leaving the hobby.
For the Albums you'll have to register at that site also, you can use the same username and password if you like.

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[Boxtop]

Again thank you for the welcome. I live in La Jolla (the low rent area). I jest receved a classic Great Western 0-6-0 Tank. I think one of my oldest. It was made in Great Britain. My newest is a 2-6-2 T British Rail London. I realy enjoy the great veriaty. Take care. Boxtop

[jbaakko]

Again thank you for the welcome. I live in La Jolla (the low rent area). I jest receved a classic Great Western 0-6-0 Tank. I think one of my oldest. It was made in Great Britain. My newest is a 2-6-2 T British Rail London. I realy enjoy the great veriaty. Take care. Boxtop
Oh boy, just down the road from me, sort of! I'm living on that base right there with the airshows... lol *sigh* 6 more months.

[rhoward]

Howdy, howdy, howdy! New here at this forum but have spent a lot of time at another forum and recognize a whole lot of fine model railroaders here. (Just took me a while to find the place.) I think I will enjoy being here and hope I can both learn some new tricks and be of help from time to time. A big thank you to Fergmeister for helping out with a problem getting set up here and the moderator as well! I am glad to be able to post. Looks like a great forum!

I'm known as howmus in some other places just to make sure my friends know who I am. Some of my work can be found here: http://www.nmra.org/scratch_cooley.html (As of last Monday. I was very surprised when I got an e-mail informing me it had been posted.)

:) :) :)

[RCH]

Welcome to all the new members! Many new members have really taken to this forum like ducks to water and the participation has ramped up in quality and quantity of posts as a result.

If you have any questions, by all means ask. There is no question too simple or too complex to be asked. There is no tangent you can travel down that is too far afield, either. The core members here all tend to be "jacks of all trades" but we've got our share of experts in various fields, too. Most important of all, there are no rivalries, no bad blood and no trolls running this forum. Simply put, it's the best forum going, in my humble opinion!

[CBCNSfan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif

to
ModelRailroadForums rhoward
It's a Great group we have here, and your're welcome join right in with the various discussions. you'll like it here were a friendly bunch http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/2.gif

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[RexHea]

A big hello and welcome, howmus. Very glad you made it over. I came over back during the big fuss and really like the civility here. Looking forward to your excellent posts.
REX:)

[Fergmiester]

Glad it worked out well. As I said before you'll like it here. Just don't play the music too loud!

Fergie

PS Join us in the Coffee Shop. It's a very quiet low key affair Unless Ken is doing his Table Top thing.

[CSX_road_slug]

Hello Ray, and welcome to the Quiet Alternative. I noticed your online article got published on the NMRA home page - congrats! I too am using a different 'handle' here than I did across the street.

[everettt]

Hello!

My name is Tim Everett (everettt). I found this site (and registered) in December 2005, and have been watching it since. I like what I see here; everyone seems very friendly and helpful.

I am returning to model railroading after a 30-year absence (mainly a 30+ year Army career) and am excited about the many new features of the hobby. I am retired and live in Dimondale, Michigan (just south of Lansing).

I am currently exploring the many possibilities of a basic 4x8 HO table layout just for me to try my hand at the hobby again. At the same time I plan to help my 8-year old grandson start a very modest 3x5 portable N layout (mainly to keep him busy while he spends some time with me).

I look forward to spending some time browsing (and possibly contributing to) this forum!

[CBCNSfan]

http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/15.gif

to
ModelRailroadForums Everett
It's a Great group we have here, and your're welcome join right in with the various discussions. you'll like it here were a friendly bunch. Nice to have you back in the hobby and glad you decided to join in posting with us. Enjoy the forums, we'll be looking forward to your posts. http://bestsmileys.com/welcome/2.gif

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[RexHea]

Hi and welcome Tim, it is very nice to meet you and have you join us. This is the friendly forum and we have a lot of good modelers that can help you get started again. It is a great hobby and the technological advances using "DCC" make it even more fun than before.

[PNKFLOYD]

:) This is a very friendly group.
They are good about answering my silly and stupid questions.
I like the "stealth mode", too, as I have learned a lot more by listening.

I've discovered that that it is better to be thought a fool than to open my mouth and remove all doubt.:D

[JPS]

hi

im new too.

im in england ( are there many brits on here)

always been fascinated by trains but never had a train set,i plan to change that with a fairly small ( to start with) 00 guage setup ( seems to be easy to get hold of)

so just trying to learn a bit about modelling etc at the moment and this seems a good source of information.

are there many others on here with 00 guage setup?

[RexHea]

Hi JPS and big welcome to you, also. "Steve B" lives in England. See the 'Members List' at the top bar of the page.
Hope you enjoy and feel free to ask questions as you have them. Lots of talent here.

[womblenz]

Hello all
I live in New Zealand I have a 6m by 3m room for n scale double deck iron ore dock main feature a few might have seen on other forums information is a very powerful tool hope to gain some and pass some on

cheers womblenz

[RexHea]

Wow! Another member...this is great. Welcome womblenz!
NZRmac is also a kiwi. You can also check the members list at top for him.

[NZRMac]

Hello all
I live in New Zealand I have a 6m by 3m room for n scale double deck iron ore dock main feature a few might have seen on other forums information is a very powerful tool hope to gain some and pass some on

cheers womblenz


Welcome along, what part of Godzone do you live? I'm in Christchurch.

Ken.

[womblenz]

HI all NZRmac I live in woodville 25 mins out of palmerston north heading for napier are you coming up to p north at easter show?

[NZRMac]

No don't think so, I'll be hard at work on the new layout.

Ken.

[womblenz]

HI Ken Iam going to that and hastings has 50 th coming up just after auckland tarunga (excuse spelling) queens birthbay hoping to get ther to.

really stracthing head over trackplan everytime I think just about there another post screws it up. I do need to get sulib/atlas to cad pack

cheers womblenz

[atsfmodeler]

Hello all.

I just joined today, and I like what I see so far:D I've been posting on another forum for a long time, but don't like the direction it's going now.

I model the Santa Fe circa 1955 in HO. Would like to hear from other fellow Santa Fe modelers (and modelers of other roads too :D )

Russell

[rhoward]

Welcome, welcome, welcome. I think you will like it here. Good, friendly place!

[atsfmodeler]

Thanks Ray :)

[Bill Tidler Jr.]

Joined a couple of days ago. I'm into N scale (modern) and HO scale (logging).
:D

(I'm also into the "real thing" as a Construction Gang Signalman on the NS ! ;) )

[trainman51]

Name here is Nathan...I don't have a layout due to room, but but i do have a few locomotives and rolling stock all are HO Scale...When i get a bigger Place id like to Model The Norfolk Southern Valley Line from Hagerstown, Maryland to Roanoke, Virginia. As i Live on the Roanoke District (Shenandoah, VA to Ronoke VA) and i am helping resore an old N&W Trainstation in Boyce, Virginia. Located at MP 46.1 on the Hagerstown District (Hagerstown to Shenandoah)

[chessie4155]

Hey Gang: I had joined a while back but had pooter problems, got a new pooter and we are up and running again. Last time I was on here was back in Sept. of 05. I posted a few pics of my layout. I model the Chessie System, 1972-1986, H O Scale.
Mark

[CSX AC6000CW]

Hey every one you may know me from railroadforums.com.i hope i can enjoy the forums.

[Lady_Railfan]

Welcome aboard! Make yourself at home --- lots of talented and friendly modelers here to add to your enjoyment. :)

[RexHea]

Welcome to ya, CSX AC6000CW!!
I believe you will like the atmosphere here. I will look forward to your posts.

[rhoward]

Welcome CSX AC6000CW! I think you'll like it over here. A nice friendly bunch of people hang out here. Haven't seen a fight break out here since I started hangin' out here a few weeks ago..... ;) :D

[P. F. Underbaker]

A big hello to all you folks there. I went and entered my initials but it looks like I should have just writ my name or my favorite locomotive. My name's Pieter, but you can all call me Dick. That's what the family does, and I feel at home here already. Look forwards to swapping some stories and modelling tips with you real soon!

[CBCNSfan]

A big welcome to you Pieter/Dick glad to have you aboard the forums. We're a friendly bunch and like to share ideas so if you have any questions or would like to share your modeling experience with us or tell us about your hobby just post some messages.

http://bestsmileys.com/textinbubble1/13.gif Willis

[GAPPLEG]

Well here we are, My name is Jerry , Came over from the other site, you know what I mean. Hope to get more insightful help here and maybe help someone else at some time. Some of you may know me. I model the SP and a ficticious shortline The Texas Mining and Industrial RR. I enjoy painting my own equipment be it locos, buildings, vehicles. hope I can add something of value here.

[jbaakko]

Welcome GAPPLEG! Hope you hang around!

[Smoke]

Hi everyone,
Also came over from the other site. I am 16 and model the Southern railway in the late 1960's to the early 1970's. I've already learned alot just hanging around here.

[jbaakko]

And welcome to you too Dekruif!

Looks like we got alot of new joins this week! Hope everyone joins in on the Weekend Photo Fun this weekend!

[RexHea]

Welcome Jerry and Dekruif!
Glad you guys could make it over here. I believe you will like the atmosphere.

[rhoward]

I'll a welcome to Jerry and Dekruif also! This is a very laidback and friendly forum. A great bunch of folks hang out here. I think you will both like it here.

[ATSFRailfan]

Howdy folks! Just thought I would officially introduce myself! My name is Woody and as you could probably tell I love the ATSF. I have been out of model railroading for a few years, but I am hoping to get a layout going again soon. I really like just about all eras, but I think the transition era is my favorite. I am looking forward to visiting with y'all!

[jbaakko]

Sweet a new ATSF fan, that make how many? I kind of feel at home (besides being corrupted by the modern era & BNSF)...

[RexHea]

Hi Woody and a BIG WELCOME to ya!
Glad to see you come back to the Hobby and join us. I am also a returnee from years gone by and model the transition period (kind of get the best of both worlds). I've been back about 2.5 years now and having a blast.;)

[rhoward]

Welcome Woody! I am also a returnee to the hobby as I took about 15 tears off after my wife died. Got back into the hobby about 4 years ago and am having the best time ever with it. I model a figment (as in: of my imagination) RR based in the first week of August 1925 and is located in the Finger Lakes Region of Upstate New York.

Don't forget to share what you are doing in the hobby and join us over in the Coffee House. Great coffee, doughnuts, and even greater conversation every day.

[zgardner18]

Hi guys,

I just wanted to say Hi and let all of you know that I have just joined. Some of you may kmow me from the Model Railroader Magazine Forum so I kept my same post name. For those of you that don't know me I would just like to take a couple of lines to let you know a little about me.

Right now I live in Glendora which is just outside of Los Angeles. Los Angeles is not my favorite city since I grew up in San Diego. I would do almost anything to head back down to San Diego but I can't afford it.

Last year I came back from Montana where I attend Montana State University. I would still be there if my wife didn't get so homesick. She is the reason I'm in Glendora.

I have a 2 year old son who looks like will be following in daddy's footsteps on his love for trains. I take him at least once a week to see trains.

I model HO(BNSF, BN, SF, SP, UP, MRL) and I was going to the Pomona Valley Model RailRoad Club before Montana, then to the Livingston Model Railroad Club up there, but now I can't seem to find the time. As soon as I build my house I plan on having space for a two deck layout modeled after the Livingston side of the Bozeman Pass. I haven't made up my mind on that yet.

I'm 29 and getting fatter as I get older. I used to love sports and surfing but now it seems all I do is work. I'm a Purchasing Agent/Assistant Operations Manager for a builder/developer. I love spending time with my family and trying to convert my wife to the ways of the model railroader. Well, at least I got my son, Jared hooked.

[OldGettysk]

Hi Zak , Welcome to the forum Nice to have another model Railroader onboard. good luck with the new home and future layout. Oldgettysk

[Lady_Railfan]

Welcome, Zak! Get that little guy a little train --- store it under his bed if you have to. If you get him started early, the hobby will keep him "off the streets and out of the pool halls" when he gets older. My 3-year-old granddaughter heads directly for the Brio box when she comes to see us. :D

[jbaakko]

WOHO! another Socal member! Welcome to the forum Zak

[RexHea]

Hi Zak and Welcome aboard!
Lots of friendly people over here.

[zgardner18]

Welcome, Zak! Get that little guy a little train --- store it under his bed if you have to. If you get him started early, the hobby will keep him "off the streets and out of the pool halls" when he gets older. My 3-year-old granddaughter heads directly for the Brio box when she comes to see us. :D

You're right! I put up a train calender over by Jared's bed and every morning he points to it and says "Choo, Choo". His favorite movie is Polar Express and when he can he convinces me to take him into the our computer room so he can see my screen saver of pictures of trains that I have photographed over the years. I have him a set of Brio trains that are like 20 years old which he loves, as well as some Thomas trains to go with it. He's learning how to build the tracks. My wife wants to get him one of those tables when we get into our new home, so that is good. Yep, I'm making sure that he is always thinking of trains.

[smoky_donut]

Hello everyone, my names Ryan. Just moved to N.E. Alabama from central Florida. IM an H.O. steamer... Getting married Aug. 12th.... My models havent made the move yet but hopefully when they do ill have a place to start setting up, and not many are broken...... My favorite 2-8-2 has allready been dropped from what i hear:mad:
pleasure to meet everyone, see you in the forums
Ryan H.

[RexHea]

Hi Ryan, and a big welcome to this forum and also to Alabama. There are several of us on the forum that live in "Bear country". Hope to see you post often and I would like to invite you to join us in the coffee shop thread...just general gossip and good fun there (Kind of a way for us to get to know one another on a more personal side.).

[BMRR]

Hi Ryan, welcome to the great state of ALABAMA and to the forum.

Stan.

[rhoward]

Welcome to the Forum, Ryan. Hope you enjoy your new home. Congrats on the upcoming wedding also! Don't be a stranger around here. Lots of great people here that will give you lots of help. As Rex said, drop by and chat in the Coffe House.

BTW, great to have another Steam Fan on board! While I actually like all trains, there is just something about the sound and smell of steam........

[SD40-2XR]

Hi all.

Here's a new guy.
According to my "name" it should be clear what's my favorite road. Yep, it's the MRL :-)
I'm living in Switzerland and therefore I also model swiss-themes (standard and narrow gauge). Beside of that, lately I've found interest in argentinian RR.

That'll do for the start. Let's see what I'll find here.

Tom

[Lady_Railfan]

Hi, Tom, and welcome to the forums. What you'll find here is a very friendly group who will surely enjoy learning more about Swiss and Argentinian railroading. :) Please make yourself at home!

[RexHea]

Welcome Tom! Glad to have you aboard and we will look forward to your posts. Look for our weekend photo fun (WPF) thread that starts new every weekend and post some model or prototype photos...any photos about trains.;) :)
http://www.modelrailroadforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4447

[ferroequine]

HI there all, just to introduce my self my name is BOB and live in NANUET NY
found this site by accident, and started reading the posts and find them very interesting , like the variety of subjects that are listed .
hope to start construction on a new room this fall (20x20) so wish me luck

[RexHea]

Hi Bob and Welcome to you!
Hope you hang around and join us in the fun.

[CSX_road_slug]

Welcome Smoky Donut, SD40-2XR, and FerroEquine !

Friendly bunch of folks here, if it's anything to do with trains we've got a lot to talk about! :D

[CBCNSfan]

Hi Bob and welcome. Yes the posts are quite informative and interesting. One thing to keep in mind when building your layout, is that answers to problems may be found by searching the forums, however I feel that by asking the question yourself in a post may bring added benefits from other new members.
Do you have a track plan yet? If so, I'm sure others would like to see and discuss the aspects of the design. Good luck with your layout, hope to see more of your posts.
Cheers Willis

[grande man]

Hi Bob. Welcome to the forum. I look forward to seeing the progress on your RR if you'll be kind enough to post pics here. I'm a little partial to your chosen prototype...;)

[Yoc]

Hi all, I'm Andy from Montana, just getting geared up to start building again after 23 years. Been trying to catch up on all the reading here, it's certainly getting me pumped to clean out the spare room so I can start benchwork!

[RexHea]

Nice to meet you Yoc! Welcome to the forum and back into the hobby. There are many of us that have came back after several years. I returned to it after 30 years for my retirement hobby. Never have regretted it.;) :)

[jbaakko]

Welcome aboard Andy, and welcome back to the hobby!

[OldGettysk]

Hi Andy all aboard for some fun !!!!

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Andy. I got back into it after about 30 years and I'm really enjoying it.

[Yoc]

Thanks for the warm welcome. I've had the graph paper out for the past 2 days drawing up ideas for plans (I prefer to do that before delving into cad) still refining and getting new ideas from this board. Everyone's pictures sure help to visualize things.

[Fire725]

Hi all! My name is Chris and I'm looking at getting into the world of HO. I had a couple of uncles that had a HO layout when I was a kid and now I want one of my own. I'm looking forward to learning and seeing a lot on here.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Chris. Read some of the layout planning threads and don't be afraid to ask questions. There's a better than even chance you'll actually get some right answers. :)

[Rotorranch]

UP2CSX....are you the official welcome wagon here? :D you do a good job, Jim! ;)

WELCOME
http://hometown.aol.com/rotorranch/images/trainwreck.gif
to all the new folks here!

Rotor

[RexHea]

Hi Chris! Welcome to the forum.

[UP2CSX]

Rotor, I don't think I qualify as anything but I do like saying hello to new folks. It's always nice when someone welcomes you aboard when you show up at a new place.

[Jess Red Horse]

Hello, My Name is Jesse and I'm a trainaholic....LOL!
I'm addicted to modeling The Santa Fe South in HO.
I'm thrilled to be here and I'm still very new to the hobby.
Hope to make new friends and hide out from old ones tee hee hee!

[RexHea]

:) Hi Jesse and welcome! :)
Don't worry about the addiction; you will find this a very good support group ...to help you feed it.:D

[UP2CSX]

Jesse, we're all addicts here. :) Just watch out for Steve from the UK - he keeps wanting to show us pictures of his R/C tanks and seduce us to the dark side. :D

[Selector]

Welcome to Chris and Jesse. :)

[Teddy Tiger]

Well hello everyone!

I´ve been reading this forum for about couple of weeks, and decided to join since the people here seem to be very nice and know a lot about this hobby:)

I´m from Finland, don´t know if there´s any other Finns/ other Scandinavians around? English isn´t my native language, so just try to hold on with my writings...although atleast I believe to be writing in quite an understandable manner ;)

I started model railroading at relatively young age, since than I had a couple of years pause since my recent comeback to hobby. In a month I´ll be also starting to my educate myself as an engine driver for VR (Finnish National Railways) so the railroading in 1:1 will also become familiar.

[PNKFLOYD]

Great to have you join the forum, Teddy!

You are doing a much better job with your English than I could do with Finnish. :D

Many of us just read the forum and post ocassionally. I learn much more with my mouth shut and my ears open!

But if you can contribute information to the forum, please post replies or ask your questions. I have seen the same questions asked by people over several months and they get courteous, informative replies.

Often, several opinions or methods are offered and I have gotten new solutions because a new member had offered their experiences.:cool:

Mikey

[Old 97]

Well hello everyone!

Welcome aboard Teddy! :)

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Teddy. When I visited Finland, most Finns spoke English better than many Americans. :) That's exciting that you'll be starting a career as an engine driver. Post some pictures of Finnish trains when you have a chance.

[RexHea]

:)Welcome Teddy and nice to meet you! Always good to have members from all over the world. ;)

[Teddy Tiger]

Welcome aboard, Teddy. When I visited Finland, most Finns spoke English better than many Americans. :) That's exciting that you'll be starting a career as an engine driver. Post some pictures of Finnish trains when you have a chance.

I guess many Finns speak quite decent English. And yes, I´m looking forward to start the career, my current job in office doesn´t offer the things I want from my career :)

I would be happy to post pictures of Finnish railroading, guess it would be good to start a whole new topic about it...what do you folks want to see, steam, diesel, electric...?

[Fire725]

Welcome aboard! Good luck with your new career there Teddy. I think we will be happy seeing what ever you would like to post.

[OldGettysk]

Hi Teddy and welcome aboard . As far as your English goes ,it's first rate . My nephew married a German girl and she speaks excellent English . She said it was taught in her school right along with her Germain . Was your Engliish taught with your Finnish ? I don't know why are schools do not offer other langauges at an earlier age here ?

[UP2CSX]

Teddy, we'll take engines of any type...we're not proud. :) I know that Finland has some pretty impressive electrics I saw when I was there. Do you have any steam still running in regular service?

Indeed, the USA has fallen way behind the rest of the world when it comes to speaking any other language but English, which many of our own residents don't speak well. I can speak some Spanish but I really felt embarrassed in Europe when so many other people could speak my language and I only knew a few words of their language.

[Teddy Tiger]

Thank You all for warm welcome!

In the Finnish schoolsystem we are naturally taught Finnish as our native language. Also Swedish is obligatory, since it´s the other ofiicial language in Finland. I started studying English at the of 9, Swedish as I was 10, and German at the age of 13 and studied them all the way through high school.

We don´t have any steams in active use, I believe that the last steam engine was in action in 1975. We still have some steams reconditioned by private owners, and they are been driven every year, mostly summertime. We also have some vintage diesels that are out of active service, but salvaged by private persons and societys.

But I´ll be starting a new topic about Finnish railways, I believe that "Prototype railroading" would be an appropriate forum for that. It would propably be polite to leave this topic for other newcomers to introduce themselves :)

[loco]

Hey all,

Just sort of found this forum the other day. Looks like a nice spot!

[CBCNSfan]

Looks like a nice spot!
It really is :D a nice forum. Welcome to our forums, hope you'll be joining in the discussions and starting some yourself.
Cheers Willis

[RexHea]

Hi Loco and welcome! Yes, it is a very good forum for friendship with fellow modelers at all levels and as an excellent information source. Please share more about yourself and modeling in a post; we will look forward to it. :)

[D&J RailRoad]

I am giving up the idea of moving to a new home and really have the itch to re-establish the D&J Railroad (See my post in Discussions).
I think I'm an advanced modeler and just want to share the knowledge and hear what others have found to work for themselves.
My interest is in southwestern landscaping, because its easiest, and long trains with helper service in the grades.
I chase trains on occasion while on business travel. I've found myself buying a few pieces of brass rolling stock but am gravitating more toward the finished rolling stock that only needs weathering and some details.
I've moved from the remote control turnouts to slide switches that support power routing. I'm a stickler for smooth running track. I've been a member of a modular club but won't go back to that due to the lac luster desire of other members to maintain their modules tracks.
Scenery is important to me, just as a variety of track side events are. The state of the art programming intriques me for authentic motive power operations. I'm using a Digitrax DCS100 and DB150s along with a 100 and 400 controller and more than 60 installed throttles.

[UP2CSX]

Nice to meet you, Ken. Sounds like you've already got a good body of knowledge under your belt. What part of the country are you from and what railroads are you modeling? Did you really mean you have 60 installed DCC throttles or 60 installed decoders. If it's 60 installed throttles, I want you to adopt me. :)

[CanuckMark]

Welcome to the forum Ken!

Mark

[D&J RailRoad]

Hi Up2CSX.

I'm in Stafford, VA. The 60 I was referring to was the decoders in the locomotives. I don't think the wife would let ya move in here anyway. 8-)
Most of my motive power is SP, UP and BNSF. A few steam and the rest are varying eras of diesel. There are about 15 diesels and three of the steamers with sound.
More rolling stock than the wife thinks I have.

[UP2CSX]

OK, 60 decoders makes more sense. :) UP, SP, and BNSF sounds like a great mixture of railroads. We're looking forwards to seeing come pics now.

[loco]

More rolling stock than the wife thinks I have.

Your a hoot, that's why I have a storage unit! But, that's coming to an end. Will have my room finished up here soon and then will have to close the unit down. Ah, well, just have to build some "hidden" staging yard quick!!!

[Jess Red Horse]

Welcome to all who I have not met yet.
Hope that you find what your looking for, there are many knowledagiable people here but I'm not one of them...LOL!
Post pics of your work when you can!
Welcome aboard!!!!
Jess Red Horse of the Blackfeet Nation.

[D&J RailRoad]

Ahhh yes, pictures of the old layout.
This is the main division yard as it was just opened for business. It is actually about 20' from end to end of the actual yard. The far wall is about 35 feet away. http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i149/easternsp/Yardlongwise.jpg

[riverotter]

Welcome, this place is a fun and informative forum. Please share with us and ask questions, most don't bite.

And if anybody does bite, just put 'em on your "Ignore" list! :eek:

[Tim]

Thought I'd introduce myself. I first got into RR'ing back in the '60's when I was trying to raise a family, but had a spare room. Bought every book I could find and read voraciously. Started and half completed a room size N-Scale layout, then had to move and was forced to abandon it. Spouse simply didn't understand! :mad:

Later, after kids were grown and I was single, built an HO Timesaver that I could never get the trackage right. Constant problems with the small switchers and frequent derailments. Most of the problem was my very limited budget and trying to cut corners. I know that now. :D

This week, I decided to re-enter the field and after a LOT of thought, decided on a variation of the Inglenook Sidings on a 72" x 16" board (HO scale). I have the track tack glued to the board so I can see it run, and not much more. I always enjoyed scenicking as much or more than operation, so I deliberately picked a board large enough to lay the prescribed track, but allow for some realistic scenery. Obviously, an Inglenook Sidings can be packed into a lot less space than what I'm using. I have no name for the layout yet, but this will be a microscopic, blink and you missed it, mining operation, hidden between two tunnels in a tiny open area, high in the Rockies, near Denver.

Still considering road names for rolling stock and motive power; since I'll be running a Plymouth 0-6-0 (Bachman, and a very inexpensive way to get started) to shuttle cars around, it needs to be a line from that period. Got a lot of research to do. So far I have not been able to locate any hard data on the prototype of the Bachman 3-axle Plymouth Diesel except the "MDT" designation on the box. If anyone here can give me clues about when this loco was/is used, and link(s) to other data, I'd be very grateful.

I'll be posting pics as the project develops. Right now, it's just a pine plank and some bare track.

Looking forward to interacting and learning from all here.

Tim

[CSX_road_slug]

Hello Tim and welcome to The Forum! Look forward to seeing your pics as your project progresses.

[UP2CSX]

Tim, the Bachmann (previously AHM) MDT is a fantasy model of the real Plymouth 40 ton MDT. What makes it a fantasy is that it has six driving wheels. Real MDT's only have four. It was made as a six wheel model because they couldn't get any kind of decent electrical pickup from four wheels. The MDT model will barely run smoothly at about three times it's prototypical switching speed. It's really not a very good model for wsitching and I don't think you'll be satisifed with it for long.

he 40 ton MDT was made from about 1945 to very recent times so the time period shouldn't be limited by your locomotive. The MDT is still in common use today switch industrial plants and small railroads. I would look for a Bachmann 44 toner or 70 tonner as a replacement. Both are in the same era and either on will tun much better than the MDT and be more protoypical outside an industrial setting. You can pick up DCC equipped 70 tonners for less than $50 and that's one I would use. It's not so small that it's overwhelmed in size by any freight car and it will pull a decent load of cars, about 7-10 on free rolling tuck with no grade. It will run much better at slow switching speeds and it's just abe better looking and perfroming engine than the MDT.

[Tim]

Thanks for the information re: the MDT. It explains why I have not been able to locate data. I wondered about the 3 axles, as 20 years ago, the same Bachman Plymouth was a four wheeler. And you're right, I could not cross a turnout without stalling.

The 3-axle does run well, at least for now, and with a proper throttle should run near prototypical speed. For grins, I hooked a single "D" cell to my track, just to see how slowly it would run. Believe me when I say I was astounded to see my loco run on that low DC. It took nearly a minute to move 6".

I have no plans or desire to get into DCC as this layout will never run more than 1 loco at a time, and money is always a consideration. Sure, it would let me have more realistic sound and other features, but a system would be a huge investment for a tiny layout like mine will be.

I'll look for the locos you suggested though. While the layout may only have one loco, I have no problem having more than one.

Tim

[OldGettysk]

A Big Welcome Tim !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Tim]

Thanks, Paul. When I decided to get back into Model RR'ing, I went looking for forums where I can interact with others with similar interests. I joined several, and spent a lot of time browsing. There's a wealth of information out there that would cost me not so small fortune to purchase in books.

One thing that bothers me though, is that so far I can't seem to find a way to tell this forum "show me all posts since my last visit." If it's there, I can't find it.

Other than that small niggle, this forum looks the most promising for me. Nothing bad to say about the others, just this one seems the most friendly.

Tim

[UP2CSX]

Tim, you should see new unread posts as default , with the indicator that the thread title is in bold. I don't think that can be turned off. I can tell you from personal experience that this is about the friendliest and best run forum I've ever been on.

[KCSRailfan]

Hi my name is Damian,and I love the KCS Railroad. I live in Bossier City,Louisiana besides the KCS Alexandria from Bossier City to New Orleans. I love to model the Kansas City Southern from the 1990s to Present.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Damien. You'll soon meet Jeffrey, who also lives in Louisiana and models the KCS. Do you have a layout yet? If so, make sure you post some pictures in the WPF (Weekend Photo Fun) posts in the General Discussion area. We love to see pictures. :)

[Selector]

Welcome to Tim and Damien. Always room for a couple more train buffs on the bench. We'll slide over so you have a warm spot. :)

-Crandell

[OldGettysk]

Welcome Damien also ! You ought to hook up with Jeffrey , he's from your neck of the woods and also has an interest in KCS !!

[GWT&P]

Welcome Tim & Damien!
Damien, I'm not too far away in Longview, TX. There's a train show coming up in Marshall, TX, Nov 1 & 2, if you didn't know yet.

[KCSRailfan]

Welcome Tim & Damien!
Damien, I'm not too far away in Longview, TX. There's a train show coming up in Marshall, TX, Nov 1 & 2, if you didn't know yet.

I plan on going to the one in Marshall,TX and Minden,LA. If Jeffrey lives where I think he does. He is not to far from me.

[Bill-on-the-GO]

Howdy I am Bill from London, On. I worked at the EMD plant for ten years.
I don't have a layout at this time but spend many hours super detailing Canadian Locos, CN, CP and GO Transit in HO

[GWT&P]

Welcome to the forum, Bill!

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Bill. Now I know how to ask about what kind of traction motor was used on what model of EMD diesel. You should save me a lot of time on Google. :) Do post some of your pictures when you have a chance. We all love to look at pictures,

[jeffrey-wimberly]

I plan on going to the one in Marshall,TX and Minden,LA. If Jeffrey lives where I think he does. He is not to far from me.
I'm right down here just outside Leesville, the land of no hobby shops.

[KCSRailfan]

Where is the nearest hobby shop for you at?

[DJtrains]

This is my first post and I hope to spend much time over the next few weeks reading the various threads.

I've just recently decided to attempt to rebuild a train setup I had when I was 10 years old (1958).

It was a simple, common, Lionel steam engine set. I've always regretted selling it back in the early 60's.

I will appreciate your help as I continue my search for parts.

Thanks much,

dale

[UP2CSX]

Hello, Dale, and welcome aboard. Are you thinking of HO scale, Lionel, or what for your new layout? There are lots of choices out there now and many changes since your last train set. Ask anytihng that comes to mind the the appropriate section of the forum and we'll be glad to help.

[Trussrod]

Hello and Welcome,
To all the new members of the form or those thinking of comming On-Board, by all means, do so!
This site is made up of a real friendly bunch of guys and a couple of ladies an the information flows freely so ask about what your not sure about. Remember every question will not only help you but probably others too so ask away.


Take care, and easy on the Throttle!

[diablo]

Have really enjoyed your site, and everyone seems really nice which really makes this hobby fun.

Brian

[Trussrod]

Welcome Brian,
Glad your enjoying the site, it is a great place!

Hope we can help you to enjoy the hobby even more if your just starting out or an old timer like myself but I'm still learning too. Lots of resources on here.

Enjoy!

[UP2CSX]

Hello, Brian, and welcome aboard. Tell us a little about yourself and how you survive the heat down in Tempe. :)

[PNKFLOYD]

Hello, Brian- Welcome aboard.
This is a great site to learn from.
My momma always told me I could learn more by keeping quiet than by talking to much.
I lurked in the shadows for several months when I first came here and learned a lot.
I finally asked a few questions and found kind, thoughtful answers were promptly posted. Now, they can't get me to shut up!:D
Tell us what you model or hope to model. Someone will be able to help you if you need it.
Mikey

[Pro Tech]

Hello, my name is Charlie and have just joined the group. I am an N scale modeler railroader (also heavy into model car building). I have a layout in the works ( do they ever get finished LOL). It is based on ACL in the late '50's - '60's. I also own a model railroad aftermarket company called Pro Tech. I will post the link in the website section.

Thanks,

Charlie Saglinbene

[diablo]

You guys are very kind, thanks. I have only lived where I am a couple of years. Just remarried and then moved here to be with the wire, who spoils me, and loves my hobbies. I lived in the mountains of AZ before this and was
near the Sante FE where I've done most of my railfanning, and I like to model using SF equipment. Have been in N scale for25+ years. I've spent a lot of time at canyon Diablo near Flagstaff, AZ, hence the username, an awsome bridge over that canyon. My new layout thats being build is at Luna, NM in the mountains where the wife and I have a nice new cabin on an acre of land in the cool White Mountains. She bought me an 8X12 shed for my layout as a surprise, and to keep me out of her new house. ha ha ha
A friend of mine helped design my new layout. Right now I'm building benchwork for it, with a workbench and shelves underneath the layout. I grew up on a ranch working cattle, so the big city down here in the heat just
kills me, I hate it here. The love of my life wants to be near her kids and grandkids so we are here, My kids are grown and all over the place. I will
model a ficticious shortline with a mountain subdivision with logging. The















Thanks for the great welcome you guys. I tolerate the heat because my lovely wife is here, we're honeymooners of two and a half years. I'm 59 years young btw. I hate the heat, but we have a mountain cabin and that's
where the layout is being built. I used to spend a lot of railfanning at canyon Diable near Flagstaff, AZ, hence my username. I will model a short line thats
fictious and it will have a mountain division with logging operations in an 8X12 shed my wife bought as a surprise, and to keep my layout out of her house. hahaha The Sante Fe is my favorite railroad of course as I lived near it. Grew up on a cattle ranch in the mountains of AZ, served overseas, am 59, and I worked for a sand and gravel outfit all my life until I met and married my sweetheart who loves my hobbies. Now I work for Home Depot nights in the freight dept until I retire.

Brian

[UP2CSX]

Hi, Charlie, and welcome aboard. I'll be sure to check out what you have available on your web site.

Brian, Tempe must be quite a change after Flagstaff. I've been remarried about as long as you. My first wife died of leukemia in 2004 and I found the second love of my life here in Alabama, which why I'm here. Quite a change from California, where I lived for 35 years. :) The heat here can get tough at times but nothing like Tempe. I've been in the Diablo Canyon area several times and used to like to chase trains on old Route 66 out of Kingman to Flagstaff. Long time ago but the Santa Fe and (old) UP are still my favorite railroads.

[milwsteve]

Welcome to every one to the forum,glad to have you all aboard.

[CGW101c]

Hello all: I'm Tom. I've been reading along for a while and decided to join. Sounds like you've got a friendly group here. I've been modeling for a long time and I am going to start a new railroad after about 5 years of not having one. Withdrawl was agonizing and there is a new grandson to bring into the modeling world. Primarily HO scale Chicago Great Western and the grainger roads. Early diesels and steam but love a good -9 every once in a while. Looks like there is a lot of beautiful work out there. Keep it up, it will give me something to strive for. Thanks for having me.

[RexHea]

Goodness, lots of new members. A big welcome to all of you. You have come to one of the few forums that can offer you help and friendship with sincerity and a smile. :)

[UP2CSX]

Hi, Tom, and welcome aboard. Having a new grandson is always a good excuse to make a layout for the boy. :) We'll be looking forward to seeing what you come up fpr a track plan.

[OldGettysk]

Hey I second Rex welcome to all you new members and hope you have a good time !!!!!!:):)

[latenttrainfan]

hello, I've just joined, after reading a few times. i'm completely new to this model train thing, but have always loved SEEING them.

now its time to build my own railway, and I hope you people can help me get started.

[RexHea]

Glad to have you on board. Just post any questions or comments and we will jump in to help. :)

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, latenttrainfan. Do you have a real first name we can call you - typing your sceen name takes too much effort. :) What scale are thinking about and how much space do you have?

[ICG/SOU]

Hello.

I found the forum and wanted to give it a shot. I grew up in South Mississippi, and my hometown was served by GM&O/ICG and SOU when I was a kid. ICG left, so all traffic is now NS. Here in Texas, all we have now is UP and BNSF, with some KCS.

My first layout was a 4'x8' masonite board town with HO trains. When I went off to school, we boxed everything up. Somehow, most everything made it in the attic of my folks house (15 years and Hurricane Katrina).

I was stationed here in Texas, US Army, got out and got married. Only after my daughter was born did I get back into trains. I've built her a cool little wooden train table, and pulled my HO out of storage. The Athearns (3 of them) made it, the Bachmann, Mantua, and Tyco didn't.

I am starting the benchwork on a small round the room layout (roughly 10'x10' with extra staging). The bottom level, at 3' tall, will be O gauge. The top level, at roughly 4', will be HO. O layout will just be two loops with crossovers, and my father-in-law's old Lionel set, plus whatever my daughter will want. The HO layout will be generic Eastern Texas/South-Middle Mississippi type terrain (rolling hills, pine trees) from 1980s to present day. I'll have a few small industries, and a small short-line locomotive servicing facility. I will run UP, BN, SF, BNSF, Cotton Belt, SOU, NS, IC and ICG. CSX may make an appearance in a consist. I'd like a small passenger service too, but we'll see. I won't really have room for the yard I want, but with the track plan I did on the Atlas software, I have several loops.

Well, that's a lot about me. I look forward to meeting everyone and learning a lot.

Take care,

Trey

[CBCNSfan]

Hi Trey, welcome to modelrailroadforums. Nice friendly place to get help, join in discussions and a chance to help others with theirs.the Bachmann, Mantua, and Tyco didn't by that I take it they won't run, usually a cleaning and lube will fix those up but they're not the best for doing model railroading. The Shells are great for kitbashing as the details are not too bad, actually quite acceptable. Most of my decorated locos have shells that were on old Life Likes and Tyco's mounted on Athearn chassis.
A nice introduction, and as you go along hope you'll keep us informed and if possible post some photos. (we like photos) :D

Cheers
Willis

[ICG/SOU]

Thanks, Willis.

The Tyco and Bachmann were gifts from a family friend. They were both trainset locos. They would light up some, but not run. My local shop/repair place said it would be more money to repair them than they were worth.

The Mantua is an old SP 2-6-0. It would run some, but the gears had cracked and broken, and they couldn't find a replacement. That's ok, since I'm really not going to do steam.

I will say the new stuff is great. Most of what I have now is Athearn, Atlas, and Proto 2000. The degree of detail and the fact that I can wire these easier for DCC than the older locos makes me happy.

Take care,

Trey

[UP2CSX]

Hello, Trey, and welcome aboard. As Willis said, hang on to those old shells if you still have them. Same with the Mantua steamer. There actually are parts available and you never know if you want to run an excursion train someday. :)

Sounds like a pretty neat combination layout with the two gauges. We'll be looking forward to see your track plan and some pics as you move forward.

[RexHea]

Hi Trey! Glad to have you here.

[Selector]

My late welcome to both latentrainfan and Trey. I should look into this thread more often. :o

Trey, have you come across Digital Command Control yet...ever hear of it? If you have been completely out of touch for about 12 years or more, there is an excellent chance you have not. It effectively brings a layout alive with respect to running trains..no more blocks and DC running. You can tell each engine to move quickly or slowly, apart or together, making noises if they have that capacity (more bucks), and so on. Mosst guys find that older engines are a pain where the sun don't shine to convert them to DCC. It probably won't be too much of a bother with your Athearns, but the others are just as well left alone...good thing they don't seem to be in working order.

Good luck with your return to the hobby. I hope it goes well for you.

-Crandell

[ICG/SOU]

Thanks, Crandall.

At first I wasn't going to go straight to DCC, but after attending a local fellow's operating session (his layout must be 40'x30' with 2 levels), I was sold. I want to be able to both run 2 and 3 engine consists and switching too. Also, when I go to someone's bigger layout, I'll be able to bring my locos and run with them too.

My old Athearns: SW7 and GP38-2
My old Atlas: F7

The SW7 is my first engine, and is in the shop to get more parts. It would be a lot of work to DCC, but I figure I'd keep it analog so I can run it for memories' sake. The GP will be DCC. I'm not sure about the F unit since it's going to be out of the era and I like the look of the GPs and SDs I have better.

Thanks for the kind words everyone!

Trey

[Trussrod]

Hello Trey & all other New members,
I'm sure you'll find this to be a great forum, glad you are joining us!

[nmaniac]

Hi everyone:D just wanted to say hi looking forward to being able to chat with other N scalers!! been in N scale for about 19 yrs:o,I am both a runner and collector I sell alot on ebay( sell both HO and N scale) my ebay name is n-forever,I'll be firing up the ebay monster this weekend for the xmas season and look forward to being here:cool:

[GWT&P]

Welcome nmaniac!
You'll soon discover this to be a great forum.

[cncproadwarrior]

I'm a retired newbie. Built myself a 4x8 layout that made our local newspaper about 20 years ago then had to give it up for financial and space reasons.

Now that I'm retired, am planning to build a 12x8 HO layout. I'm in the planning stages so will need a lot of help along the way. Looking forward to participating in this forum.

Bernie

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Bernie and nmaniac. N., I'll keep an eye out for your HO things on e-aby. Bernie, I built my first layout last year 30 years after my last layout so I'm with you there. I'm also retired although I seem to be even buiser now. :) We'll look forward to seeing your track plan.

[bnsf971]

I might as well jump in as well. I've been into model (and real) railroading for several decades, and for reasons known only to the train gods, I never registered here until now. I'm in N scale, ever since the "best thing" was an Atlas/Rivarossi Pacific.
I've posted a bunch on other forums that have an identical look to them (vbulletin), so if I post anything really weird, please remind me which forum I'm on.:rolleyes:

[vato loco]

I might as well jump in as well. I've been into model (and real) railroading for several decades, and for reasons known only to the train gods, I never registered here until now. I'm in N scale, ever since the "best thing" was an Atlas/Rivarossi Pacific.
I've posted a bunch on other forums that have an identical look to them (vbulletin), so if I post anything really weird, please remind me which forum I'm on.:rolleyes:

Hey Terry,
welcome aboard! Haven't seen ya in a coons age:D BTW: who long does a coon live:confused:

[MopacOkie]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking here for a couple of years and can't do it anymore. You folks just have too much fun and I want to get in on it. I especially enjoy your weekend photo fun every week. I'm and HO'er and building a small layout representing my version of the Mopac in Muskogee, OK that interchanges with a freelance switching line, the Verdigris Valley RR. I also belong to a club in Tulsa that has a layout.

Looking forward to getting to know you guys better,
Bob

[CBCNSfan]

Welcome aboard Bob. glad you decided to join in with us. Yep it's much more fun being able communicate with the other members, get answers to your own questions than lurking. Hope you'll be posting about your layout small or large they're all welcome here.

Cheers
Willis

[bnsf971]

BTW: how long does a coon live:confused:Until he's dead, obviously. Was that a test?:D

[vato loco]

Until he's dead, obviously. Was that a test?:D

Yes, that was a test of the national Broadcast System! Had you of failed the test you computer would have melted!:D Good to see your humor;)

[RexHea]

A hardy welcome to you guys: Bernie, nmaniac, Terry, and anyone I missed. Always glad to have new members with fresh ideas. Looking forward to your posts.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Bob. It's a lot more fun to post than lurk. You get to take Chris's IQ tests that way. :)

[vato loco]

Welcome aboard, Bob. It's a lot more fun to post than lurk. You get to take Chris's IQ tests that way. :)


Jim, you liked that test!:D

[Aarons72s]

Hi,
My name is Aaron. I had found this forum a few months back and registered. Finally come back around and the forum has no record of me. I got a thread started in the forum help on this. Lets hope all is well now. Well I live on the west side of okc and have been a train nut all my life, at least the last 25 years. I have done HO, N, G AND LIONEL. I have pretty much settled into HO now. I plan to get completely out of N. As for my G and lionel trains, not sure. I hope I can share some of my experiances and knowledge with all the members here. And gain some experiance and knowledge from you to.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Aaron. Sounds like you've made the rounds of each different scale. :) I have always been in HO so I suppose it's just inertia for me but comfortable inertia. We'll be looking forward to seeing your layout plans.

[Nathan Hall]

Nathan Hall, 17 yrs old, Richmond VA. Modeling HO(Small Layout), O(on the floor), N(small table size with track only), and LEGO TRAINS(from my young childhood still running). I plan on going into both HO and N fulltime, and running the O as a fun thing from time to time. Planning on modeling AMTK around 2000 and current day NS and CSX in HO scale. Also plan on modeling CR in the 90's in N Scale at the club in Ashland. Glad to be a part of the forums now!

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Nathan. It's good to see that hobby is still alive and well among some teenagers. You sure have a range of interests. Are you planning on building a new HO layout or expanding the one you've already got?

[Nathan Hall]

I'm probably gonna go into HO and N eventually. Hopefully when I get myself some more stuff cleaned out upstairs, I'll transition into starting to build a layout upstairs. Right now, my HO is on card tables put together to make a 6x8. One good thing though is that I work at a hobby shop that sells trains, so I work on that layout sometimes(O Scale/G Scale display), so I can do a few things and know some stuff. I plan on helping one of my buddys with his layout as well. I know I want to run N scale at the club in Ashland and have an HO layout at home, with N scale on the layout as well in a less concentrated area.

[RexHea]

WELCOME Aaron and Nathan!
Always glad to have new members on this friendliest of all forums. If you ever want just plain ole off topic gossip, join us in the coffee shop thread.

[MudWild680]

New here!


I use to play with my HO scale train set years ago.
Mostly back when i was around 5-7 years old.

Im not 19, i just dug up my train set.
Dug me out a big piece of plywood and ive been building for awhile now.

Just recently have i got it so where my trains and cars will make it around the track a couple times.

[D&J RailRoad]

New here!


I use to play with my HO scale train set years ago.
Mostly back when i was around 5-7 years old.

Im not 19, i just dug up my train set.
Dug me out a big piece of plywood and ive been building for awhile now.

Just recently have i got it so where my trains and cars will make it around the track a couple times.
Ya gotta stop playin with them and start operating them. 8-)
When ya look at it as a model railroad you will get away from the term of train set.
If you get a chance to visit a model railroad club in your area, you can get some first hand tips on how to lay track so it is reliable and you can spend your time running trains rather than re-railing them.
Most of all, have fun.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Mud. As long as you've made it around the track a few times, you're doing just fine. Might I suggest that you read a beginner's guide written by one of our members, Chip (Spacemouse), before you go any further. You can find it at http://www.chipengelmann.com/trains/Beginner/BeginnersGuide01.html. It's a short read but it well worth it to get off on the right foot when planning a layout.

[pilotfriend]

Hi,

I am a new boy and model railways as opposed to railroads! I model in 4mm scale narrow gauge and in particular the Lynton and Barnstaple railway.

I live in the States many moons ago and was a memebr of the Denver Model Railroad Club.

My exhibition railway is called County Gate

http://www.009.cd2.com
regards
John

[Selector]

Hello, John, and welcome. You have a very nice setup there. Nice website, too.

-Crandell

[UP2CSX]

Hi, John. Welcome aboard. I don't know a darn thing about 4mm narrow guage in the UK but you sure do have a fine looking layout. I like the way the trains have been blended into the scenery. Did you pick up you interest in narrow gauge while you were in Denver?

[pilotfriend]

Hi and thanks. I fell in love with narrow gauge when as a kid saw the remains of Welsh narrow gauge and the trackbed of the Lynton and Barnstaple. Did love some of the Colo. lines but I always regarded them as slightly narrower than usual standard gauge! Always had a love affair with Galloping Geese though.

best regards
John

[TaeOH]

Well. I am guess I am starting here. I purchased a Lionel Mickey's Christmas Express(2004 version) for my Tree this year. It was something that my wife and I have wanted to do since we got hitched (17 years), just never decided to spend the money. But my 4 year old daughter has a fascination with trains. Her grandpa bought her a Thomas train table last year and she really loves it. After taking her to a couple displays this year, I just decided it was time to get a train. She loves it, my wife loves it and it has brought back some really good childhood memories for me.

I had HO trains when I was a kid. I never got to the point were I did train modeling, just played with the trains. But it was something I always wanted to do, just lost touch with it after I got out on my own.

Well I am somewhat obsessed now, reading a ton about the hobby. Also bought a second train set, my local hobby shop had the Life Like Santa Fe Canyon N scale in a suitcase basically. As cheap as he was selling it, it was an inexpensive way to start running some N scale trains and to always have a track set up. The box can fit under the bed. I want to do a model in the basement, but may be a few months before I can create the space. May do an N scale 3x6 or an HO 4x8, not sure yet. I am at the age were N may be too small for my eyesite, well it is borderline, but it is changing a lot right now. I am 43. But I am going to mess with the Santa Fe Canyon, try to learn some scenery modeling and dress it up a bit before I decide whether I want to do N or HO.

So just saying hi, I like to join internet forums when I am interested in a subject. This seems like a good one.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, TaeOH. You've come to about the best pplace on the internet to talk about and learn model railroading. Sounds like you daughter is a real train fan, something one doesn't see too often in girls. I hope she keeps up here interest. All of us went through the same kind of vaccilation about what kind of trains and what scale so don't let that bother you. You'll come up with answer soon enough. In the meantime, read all you can and don't be afraid to ask any questions that come up. The only dumb questions were the ones I didn't ask when I built my first layouts. That was long before the internet and it cost me a bundle of money to get things right. You now get a chance to learn from all our mistakes for free and, believe me, we've all made a ton of them. :)

[RRManiac]

Hey TaeOH. I hope you enjoy the hobby.

[TaeOH]

I look forward to creating at least one train table and reading through this forum I already have a rough idea how I am going to go about it. I downloaded the XtrkCAD tonight and started futzing with it, I got this from a recommendation in one thread.

I think am going to set goals for 3 phases of track. So I can get the trains running as soon as possible.

[hamltnblue]

Well TaeOH, Since I'm 4 years older I can tell you that the eyesight isn't going to get better (without surgery). I started with N and wound up in the HO world and love it. If you start with a 4x8 do it as a temporary until you finish scoping out the rest of the basement for every available piece of real estate. Welcome aboard and have fun. Any questions just find the right forum thread and chime in.
Good Luck :D

[jwmurrayjr]

Hi,

I just signed up and look forward to "hearing" what you folks have to say about MRR.

Thanks and happy new year,

Jim Murray
The San Juan Southern RR (http://www.trainweb.org/silversanjuan)

[Secondhandmodeler]

Welcome to the forum Jim.

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Jim. Looks like from the panorama photo on your website you're no newbie at this. Very impressive looking layout.

[TaeOH]

Hi,

I just signed up and look forward to "hearing" what you folks have to say about MRR.

Thanks and happy new year,

Jim Murray
The San Juan Southern RR (http://www.trainweb.org/silversanjuan)


I really enjoyed your photo tour of the work as it progressed.

[jwmurrayjr]

Thanks, y'all!

I'm looking forward to seeing all the good work that's going on here, I'm sure.

Regards,

[RexHea]

Welcome Jim and thanks for the layout tour. Your work with foam is impressive. Very nice work going on at the SJSRR.

[vr6Dad]

Hi all. :) Just a moment to introduce myself.

I'm getting back into railroading as an adult, after almost 20 years being out. I bought an O-Gauge Thomas the Tank Engine set + expansion pack for our Christmas tree for our little boy, and was really thinking of getting into some good OG mrr'ing. However, space is at a premium, we have another son on the way, and I just can't afford the monstrous prices for the "good" big engines with full sound & DCC.

So I'm scaling down and stepping up, back into HO. :) In college I worked at a LHS that sold trains and good detail parts. I became knowledgeable at the time, but that was 15 years ago. My, how the times have changed.

I went to the Tennessee Central Railway Museum (http://www.tcry.org) hobby shop last week to browse and buy a "Basics" book for research. I want to start off right and not have to go through a lot of headaches for shotgunning a layout. I met several nice guys there who are very knowledgeable, and while I didn't buy anything, I came out a member of TCRM and the Cumberland Division of the Southeast Region of NMRA.

My plan at this point is to model the Tennessee Southern RR (http://www.tennesseesouthern.com/). I will most likely end up with a shelf layout along a couple of walls in a new house (after our house sells - darn economy!) so I won't have room to model much of a Class I railway. TSRR terminates close to me, and has a lot of industries that it services, so there is plenty of opportunity for switching, which I like. I read an article in the MRRer layout special about Lance Mindheim and his shelf layout company, and when I saw his CSX Miami switching operation, I thought that would be cool to do. So I'll be going with local power that links to CSX rail, and has old motive power and newly refurbished GP-10s. I guess I'll be kitbashing them.

Anyways, after all that, I hope to learn a lot and maybe contribute a little to the community. :)

[UP2CSX]

Welcome aboard, Adrian. Sounds like you are going about this the right way, getting your research and layout ideas firmed up instead of rushing out to lay track. :) I'm a fan of shelf railroads so I think you're making the right choice there. I hope your house sells soon so you can start to do some real planning.

[RexHea]

Welcome Adrian and good to meet you. Hope you won't be bashful and just jump in when you have something to say or ask. See you around in the forum. :)

[Selector]

Welcome, Adrian. My unofficial regimental motto is, "Once a Strathcona, always a Strathcona." Just substitute "model railroader" in place of "Strathcona" and we should have it contextually correct in your case. :)

-Crandell

[blownoutcylinder]

I joined about 3 days ago on RRforums and found this---I like what I see here----

[OldGettysk]

Welcome to all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[UP2CSX]

Welcome, BOC. Do you have a real first name we can call you? I feel funny calling a guy "blownoutcylinder". :) You've found about the best railroad site on the internet. Lots of nice and helpful folks and we try to keep things as civil as possible.

[RexHea]

Welcome BOC! Always glad to get new members.