Thanks for watching and commenting Mark. Well, everyone else was doing reviews, op sessions, building kits, scratch building and all that other stuff but, was neglecting the most important part of the hobby. Getting Started! Tom
Tom, I'm really enjoying this series of videos. Thank you for posting them. I think we model railroaders face a number of constraints, such as time, money, talent, and (perhaps most frustratingly) lack of space. It's nice to know that there are solutions to even seemingly insurmountable constraints. ...Roy
Thanks for watching and your comment Roy. I started this series of videos to help out the modelers who are in need of guidance in pursuing their dream of building their model railroad. Today, everyone has the opportunity of gaining knowledge very easily through all the videos on UA-cam, but there was a lack of content focused toward the beginners. I'm hoping this series of videos reveals different approaches of gaining the same end results. Tom
thank you tom. i just found my father's train set from when i was younger and now that i have my own place i want to make something out of it. i really appreciate everything you have been saying. it really helps me with me starting my own model
I am really enjoying this series. I have wanted to do a model railroad for many many years, and I think I am finally going to do one. I plan on building a system that goes around my living room on a shelf. I enjoy your stories and personal approach. Looking forward to the rest of the series
Good stuff, Tom. I'm looking forward to the next one. My biggest problems are lack of experience and lack of space. I appreciate that you're addressing these issues. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching and commenting Ken. I thought it would be a great idea to address the stumbling blocks everyone encounters when starting out. It seems like everyone is covering the advanced aspects of the hobby but not the very beginning where most run into problems. Tom
Your videos are 100% on the money! This series is outstanding, and exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you for putting these up and sharing your experience and vast knowledge. I've just subscribed and look forward to watching all you share!!
Thanks for watching and your comment Vinny. The next one will be in two weeks. When I started to list all the tools needed to start out, I didn't realize the list would grow so big! It's eather gonna be a real long one or I may have to split it up into two episodes. One for the layout, and one for the work bench! Tom
I am glad I found your channel. You are an inspiration and keep up with the great detailed videos. I have decided to build another railroad and you have a wealth of information that I am going to try and take advantage of. I have decided to build the Granite Gorge and Northern from Atlas. It will be in DCC.
Thank you very much Michael. I'm glad I could be of help. Hopefully you can share some of your progress here. Feel free to ask any questions when you get in a bind!
Tom, Thank you for these videos. I am doing the research. I have purchased nothing other than a couple of magazine subscriptions. I have an idea. I have an outdoor space identified and measured. I have created my layout with the computer by using Anyrail 6.0 software. I want to start with 2 loops, one inside the other. I will call that phase one. I will start with a wired DCC setup. I then want to go wireless. I then want to arrange 4 turnouts together to create an X pattern to allow both loops to transfer between inner and outer. I then want automatic switching to force train 1 to stop when train 2 is using the X pattern. I know what I want. Just trying to absorb all the information that people like you are offering. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you and other viewers gain at least a little knowledge through these videos. This channel was created for that reason! Tom
Hey Tom, sorry to reply to your message here, I can't figure out how to reply privately. Anyway, thanks for the message!! I've been model railroading as far back as I can remember, starting with the classic oval to a 10'x14' around the walls layout. Now I've shrunk it down to a simple, 10'x13' L . So I can focus on more detailed scenery. A simple shortline RR. I'm so glad to have found your channel, it's given me some ideas, since I'm in the beginning stages of my layout. I'm going to try and figure out how to DM you, and maybe "pick your brain" on what I may be doing, right or wrong, or bounce some ideas off you, if you don't mind! Thanks Adam
Adam, you can reply here in the comments section. If, I don't have a solution for you, maybe some other viewers may have something of interest. If you want to sent a private message; go to my "About" tab, in the top right corner there should be a button "Send Message" There you will be able to send me a private message. You can ask all the question you want and pick my brain. That's what I'm here for. I created this channel to help modelers like you build on their knowledge and create something they can be proud of!
Hello!! I just found your channel (a year later) but I just started to do this hobby :D .. Your information has helped me so much. Thank you!! I just got my first train and i am ready to start making my first layout...
Just found this channel loving it very interesting, new to the hobby know which scale I want to use, and have an idea what i want to build. But really finding it hard to come up with a track plan unfortunately I’m not very good at drawings and plans it all looks like a lot of lines to me. Anyway going to watch all the series and have subscribed so please keep up the good work. Regards from Australia 🇦🇺.
Tom God Bless you Brother and your family. Keep up the Awesome work and yes I feel in love again 5yrs ago.Below is mytrain collection. Aussie and American. _lh3.googleusercontent.com/tBGYaJmgjyWEaYCncuG2XoPOOgsmVPXQQOYTJSLrj_NVPnvhLxP3x0vhKjadaoWyLUHxStcZ_Q_
Tom, just got my first turnout to work by atlas remote switch but need to make a light board to know when they are open or switched to another track.....have some green and red pre wired lights but how do I get them power from switch to control board in the right direction?? thanks, sma
Enjoying your videos and just finished beginners so 02. I'm about a year out from starting mine (as I warm up the wife to the idea). In any of your videos do you suggest this size of power pack need per feet of track? thank Thom
Thanks for watching and your comment. If your planning on starting out with DC there are many MRC power packs available. If your going to start your layout with DCC, Digitrax has the Zephyr Extra which is the least expensive of there sets, but can be expanded on at a later time. I estimate I have about 200+ ft of track on my layout and I am using a Digitrax DB150 which is a 5 amp system.If your going the DC route, the power pack would depend on how complex of an operation you are planning. Multiple power packs would be needed if you plan to run two or more locomotives on your layout at different speeds and direction. If you have any thoughts of a track plan and how you would like to operate your layout, send me an email to: tomstrainsandthings@gmail.com where we can discuss this further.
As I predicted, good stuff, Tom! You're SO right about worrying about space issues. Mentioning my friend Carmine again, he's got a 6' X 22' Layout, and the World's most understanding wife - and he STILL whines about not having enough space!!! One other option that wasn't mentioned... what to do for a Railroad to model? My friend created the Pacific Belt RR, in 1975. I just joined HIS Railroad!! I lack some of the creativity, that Carmine has in spades. Hopefully, he'll get to live long enough, to see it finished... Anyway, if you're somebody who just can't come up with an idea for a Railroad, maybe you can join someone else's! 😀 Murph
I have a life like tracks layout and I was told that it's compatible for a dcc controller which I've have used for several years and my daughter likes to play with me on.i want buy a dcc locomotive and just keep using freight cars that I have with it.i would like any input on this is deeply appreciated.
Hello sir, i currently working at Malayan Railways as a wagon n coach repairs dept., hope you could give more bright about rail modelling scale. What is G or S Scale? Internet wont help me out about modeling scale. Thank you sir, greet from Malaysia
Hi Tom great job, one thing I learned from my first layout was that if its not right just start over the big point is to just do it as a beginner (about 2 years now ) I have learned a lot from videos like this one and friends I have made on the google plus hangouts and www.youtubemodelbuilders.com/ like you they are there to help build your Railroad. Keep up the phenomenal work. I do belive your in Fl.??? if so I would love to come and see your Railroad, thanks again Tom.
Thanks for watching and your comment Curtis. Yes, I do live in Florida and that would be great to meet up. Send me a private message and we can make some plans. I'm glad my videos are helping out. That's what I love about this, I can share my knowledge with others to help with their hobby. I also can learn from the comments others leave here. Tom
I can't stop watching......Keep up the good work!!!
Glad you enjoy it!
Thanks for the nod Tom. I enjoy your videos and always appreciate your comments on my videos. I think it's great what you're doing. -Mark
Thanks for watching and commenting Mark. Well, everyone else was doing reviews, op sessions, building kits, scratch building and all that other stuff but, was neglecting the most important part of the hobby. Getting Started!
Tom
Tom, I'm really enjoying this series of videos. Thank you for posting them. I think we model railroaders face a number of constraints, such as time, money, talent, and (perhaps most frustratingly) lack of space. It's nice to know that there are solutions to even seemingly insurmountable constraints. ...Roy
Thanks for watching and your comment Roy. I started this series of videos to help out the modelers who are in need of guidance in pursuing their dream of building their model railroad. Today, everyone has the opportunity of gaining knowledge very easily through all the videos on UA-cam, but there was a lack of content focused toward the beginners. I'm hoping this series of videos reveals different approaches of gaining the same end results.
Tom
thank you tom. i just found my father's train set from when i was younger and now that i have my own place i want to make something out of it. i really appreciate everything you have been saying. it really helps me with me starting my own model
Your welcome Kevin. Hope you can share some photos and videos whenever you get going.
I am really enjoying this series. I have wanted to do a model railroad for many many years, and I think I am finally going to do one. I plan on building a system that goes around my living room on a shelf. I enjoy your stories and personal approach. Looking forward to the rest of the series
Thank you so much Jeff. I hope I can point you in the right direction for your model railroad. Please post some videos of your progress.
Good stuff, Tom. I'm looking forward to the next one. My biggest problems are lack of experience and lack of space. I appreciate that you're addressing these issues. Keep up the great work!
Thanks for watching and commenting Ken. I thought it would be a great idea to address the stumbling blocks everyone encounters when starting out. It seems like everyone is covering the advanced aspects of the hobby but not the very beginning where most run into problems.
Tom
I agree. There's a great deal to be found on advanced topics. I'm really glad you're doing these videos for us newbies.
I'm glad I can help!
Hi Tom, I'm completely new to the hobby, so I'm really enjoying your videos and am working through them in order. THX!!!
Thanks for watching and your comment. Glad you enjoy the videos!
Your videos are 100% on the money! This series is outstanding, and exactly what I've been looking for. Thank you for putting these up and sharing your experience and vast knowledge. I've just subscribed and look forward to watching all you share!!
Thank you so much for watching and subbing John. I really appreciate it. Hope you enjoy the rest of the videos.
coming along nicely Tom... looking forward to the next installment.. vinny
Thanks for watching and your comment Vinny. The next one will be in two weeks. When I started to list all the tools needed to start out, I didn't realize the list would grow so big! It's eather gonna be a real long one or I may have to split it up into two episodes. One for the layout, and one for the work bench!
Tom
I am glad I found your channel. You are an inspiration and keep up with the great detailed videos. I have decided to build another railroad and you have a wealth of information that I am going to try and take advantage of. I have decided to build the Granite Gorge and Northern from Atlas. It will be in DCC.
Thank you very much Michael. I'm glad I could be of help. Hopefully you can share some of your progress here. Feel free to ask any questions when you get in a bind!
Tom, Thank you for these videos.
I am doing the research. I have purchased nothing other than a couple of magazine subscriptions.
I have an idea. I have an outdoor space identified and measured.
I have created my layout with the computer by using Anyrail 6.0 software.
I want to start with 2 loops, one inside the other. I will call that phase one.
I will start with a wired DCC setup.
I then want to go wireless.
I then want to arrange 4 turnouts together to create an X pattern to allow both loops to transfer between inner and outer.
I then want automatic switching to force train 1 to stop when train 2 is using the X pattern.
I know what I want. Just trying to absorb all the information that people like you are offering.
Thanks again.
Brent, you have a good start knowing what you want. Now comes the fun part getting it going.
I just found your channel, wow, great stuff!! Thanks for sharing your experience and knowledge!!
Thanks for watching and commenting. I hope you and other viewers gain at least a little knowledge through these videos. This channel was created for that reason!
Tom
Hey Tom, sorry to reply to your message here, I can't figure out how to reply privately. Anyway, thanks for the message!! I've been model railroading as far back as I can remember, starting with the classic oval to a 10'x14' around the walls layout. Now I've shrunk it down to a simple, 10'x13' L . So I can focus on more detailed scenery. A simple shortline RR. I'm so glad to have found your channel, it's given me some ideas, since I'm in the beginning stages of my layout. I'm going to try and figure out how to DM you, and maybe "pick your brain" on what I may be doing, right or wrong, or bounce some ideas off you, if you don't mind! Thanks Adam
Adam, you can reply here in the comments section. If, I don't have a solution for you, maybe some other viewers may have something of interest. If you want to sent a private message; go to my "About" tab, in the top right corner there should be a button "Send Message" There you will be able to send me a private message.
You can ask all the question you want and pick my brain. That's what I'm here for. I created this channel to help modelers like you build on their knowledge and create something they can be proud of!
Hello!! I just found your channel (a year later) but I just started to do this hobby :D .. Your information has helped me so much. Thank you!! I just got my first train and i am ready to start making my first layout...
Thank you Jennifer for the kind words. Good luck with your layout. Feel free to ask any questions here if you need some help!
Just found this channel loving it very interesting, new to the hobby know which scale I want to use, and have an idea what i want to build.
But really finding it hard to come up with a track plan unfortunately I’m not very good at drawings and plans it all looks like a lot of lines to me.
Anyway going to watch all the series and have subscribed so please keep up the good work. Regards from Australia 🇦🇺.
We;come to the hobby. The most important part is to have fun. Keep watching and play around with ideas before committing to a track plan
Looking forward to the next video!
Thanks for watching and your comment John. The next one will be out Nov. 12th @ 10:00 AM
Tom
Gidday from Australia, down to earth. thank you
Hey Doug, thanks for watching and subscribing. I really appreciate it.
Tom God Bless you Brother and your family. Keep up the Awesome work and yes I feel in love again 5yrs ago.Below is mytrain collection. Aussie and American.
_lh3.googleusercontent.com/tBGYaJmgjyWEaYCncuG2XoPOOgsmVPXQQOYTJSLrj_NVPnvhLxP3x0vhKjadaoWyLUHxStcZ_Q_
Thanks Doug. The link gave me a 404 error.
Thank you Tom this help me a lot.
Glad to help
Some good info and points here. I like this series.
MariosRightNut thank you
Great video Tom, cant wait for the next one!!!
Thanks for watching and your comment Peter. Working on the next one already.
Tom
Tom I have just started watch your videos. I find them very could. I just got ho scale train set and I'm trying to find out to do with it.
Thanks for watching Terry. If you have any questions about anything feel free to ask. I'll be glad to help!
Tom, just got my first turnout to work by atlas remote switch but need to make a light board to know when they are open or switched to another track.....have some green and red pre wired lights but how do I get them power from switch to control board in the right direction?? thanks, sma
Check out my videos on electronics
Enjoying your videos and just finished beginners so 02. I'm about a year out from starting mine (as I warm up the wife to the idea). In any of your videos do you suggest this size of power pack need per feet of track? thank Thom
Thanks for watching and your comment. If your planning on starting out with DC there are many MRC power packs available. If your going to start your layout with DCC, Digitrax has the Zephyr Extra which is the least expensive of there sets, but can be expanded on at a later time.
I estimate I have about 200+ ft of track on my layout and I am using a Digitrax DB150 which is a 5 amp system.If your going the DC route, the power pack would depend on how complex of an operation you are planning. Multiple power packs would be needed if you plan to run two or more locomotives on your layout at different speeds and direction.
If you have any thoughts of a track plan and how you would like to operate your layout, send me an email to: tomstrainsandthings@gmail.com where we can discuss this further.
As I predicted, good stuff, Tom! You're SO right about worrying about space issues. Mentioning my friend Carmine again, he's got a 6' X 22' Layout, and the World's most understanding wife - and he STILL whines about not having enough space!!!
One other option that wasn't mentioned... what to do for a Railroad to model?
My friend created the Pacific Belt RR, in 1975. I just joined HIS Railroad!! I lack some of the creativity, that Carmine has in spades. Hopefully, he'll get to live long enough, to see it finished...
Anyway, if you're somebody who just can't come up with an idea for a Railroad, maybe you can join someone else's! 😀
Murph
Thanks for your input Murph. Always good to have additional points of view.
I have a life like tracks layout and I was told that it's compatible for a dcc controller which I've have used for several years and my daughter likes to play with me on.i want buy a dcc locomotive and just keep using freight cars that I have with it.i would like any input on this is deeply appreciated.
You can use DCC with any track.
@@TomsTrainsandThings thank you
Right on brother!!!!!!
Thanks for the comment John. Got more where that came from!
Hello sir, i currently working at Malayan Railways as a wagon n coach repairs dept., hope you could give more bright about rail modelling scale. What is G or S Scale? Internet wont help me out about modeling scale. Thank you sir, greet from Malaysia
I hope your able to follow this link, if not let me know....rrmodelcraftsman.com/model-train-scale-gauge/
Hi Tom great job, one thing I learned from my first layout was that if its not right just start over the big point is to just do it as a beginner (about 2 years now ) I have learned a lot from videos like this one and friends I have made on the google plus hangouts and www.youtubemodelbuilders.com/ like you they are there to help build your Railroad. Keep up the phenomenal work. I do belive your in Fl.??? if so I would love to come and see your Railroad, thanks again Tom.
Thanks for watching and your comment Curtis. Yes, I do live in Florida and that would be great to meet up. Send me a private message and we can make some plans.
I'm glad my videos are helping out. That's what I love about this, I can share my knowledge with others to help with their hobby. I also can learn from the comments others leave here.
Tom
Is 6000$ enough to start this hobby
A lot of modelers start off with much less but find they eventually reach that amount. That is plenty to start with!
Toms Trains and Things thanks and keep up the great work u doing.
I've managed to get into the N gauge world for £120... which is around £50 cheaper than the cheapest starter set