New To Whistle Post

[steam]

I really am at a loss as how to start out. While they are a lot of things that I know nothing about, the two things that I know absolutely nothing about is model trains or which brand of trains or tracks to purchase. I know absolutely nothing about the abbreviations that is so loosely used in so many articles. I finally figured out that DCC means that is digitally controlled (I felt like I was dumber than a bag of rocks) smile. I have also learned I want nickel tracks.

I am torn between HO and N gauge but I do believe I will go with HO. The problem is which starter set should I buy or do I want a starter set? I would like it to be a steam engine that is of a real good quality. Where to get it? No hobby shops or groups around here.

I enjoy reading the posts here and am glad I found this place..

[DCCinstalled]

Welcome Aboard!

Now is a great time to be starting out fresh in the hobby! There are many great starter DCC systems that are relatively in expensive like the NCE Powercab and Digitrax Zepher for around $150 bucks. You can get a decent HO scale steamer with DCC and sound for around $150 as well.

Do you have a favorite railroad? I'm sure we can help you make some good first decisions... don't be afraid to ask anything!

[LiveSteamer]

Welcome To The Whistle Post. There are a bunch of great guys here. We are all willing to help out new members. Enjoy your stay here.

I model in HO Scale and bought a starter set just to start out with. Now I have trains coming out from everywhere. LOL. A starter set is not a bad thing if you want to start out small.

[sdkid]

A starter set is a great choice in my opinion. You will everything you need for basic operation, and you can expand as you wish from there. The guys here at TWP have alot of knowledge and will answer any questions you come up with. Welcome to TWP!

[TallDude]

aboard steam!!! Glad you found us!

There are a HUGE number of options available to you when you are just starting out and many things to consider.

First and foremost is deciding how much space you have available for a layout? This may help decide whether to go with N Scale or HO Scale (or as Catt, one of our other members here, might chime in: Z Scale). The smaller the scale, the more railroading you can fit into a given space.

If you envision yourself wanting to run more than 1 train on the same track, you might consider going the Digital Command Control (DCC) route from the start, as DCCInstalled suggested. There are differing opinions on whether DCC is/isn't needed on a layout, but if you think you might want the features that DCC offers, its cheaper to go that route from the start than having to add it later (or at least purchase locomotives that are DCC-ready).

There's a multitude of starter sets out there including track, engine, cars, etc. It all depends on how strong your interest is or might be as to whether a starter set is the way to go or just buying the items seperately and customizing it to your favorite railroad etc.

Theres a bunch of knowledgable folks here and we're all here to help, so feel free to ask any and all questions that come to mind.

[GS4]

Welcome aboard Steam. This IS a great site, with great guys, with tons of knowledge between 'em and who are more than willing to help. So go ahead and ask any and all questions and remember, that the only dumb question, is the one NOT asked !!!!

Cheers, Simon

[Sawdust]

Hey Steam glad to have you part of TWP. Simon said the most important thing, The only dumb question is the one not asked. Starter sets are great & then add to as you have time & money. Pick up some Modeling Magazines & sit back & search this Forum & read, read, read. Keep us posted!

[MikeC]

Welcome, Steam!
You'll get all the right advice here. It's started already!

Mike

[ak-milw]

Steam,
I have to agree with everything said so far.

[Daryl]

I agree with all that has been said,and if you have any really burning questions there is usually some one in chat from about 9:00pm eastern most nights. and again to TWP