Model Railway Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Forums

Hello Fellow Railway Modellers.

Jump to Latest
1.2K views 34 replies 9 participants last post by  Janine  
L
#1 ·
Just thought I'd say a quick hello to you fellow forum members. It's 45 years since I was a keen railway modeller, and I'm just making a comeback after a long period of inactivity. I was a member of Peterlee MRC in my teens and early twenties, and had a Saturday job in Nu-Sto scale models in Hartlepool, and then I got distracted by life, work, family, and other interests. I've spent the last 45 years rock-climbing and mountaineering, but now... in my late sixties, I've become a bit long in the tooth for that malarky, so have decided to return to the railway modelling.
What a revelation !!! The standards and availability of RTR stock is amazing, the prices are alarming (but justifiable) and there is so much choice now... where do I start ???
Do I stick with 4mm scale ??? Should I consider N gauge ???
Do I stick with my beloved Midland Railway ???
Is it worth continuing to scratchbuild my stock with so many really good RTR products available.
Shall I join a local club ??? Should I consider DCC or DC ??? (What is DCC ???).
There are so many choices available, and so many options !!!
I think for the moment I'll read a few railway modelling mags and attend a few exhibitions to get a feel for current day trends, and just see what lights my fire !!!
The hobby has progressed exponentially over the years that I've neglected it.
I think it's time for a railway revival !!!
 
#2 ·
Welcome to the forum Les.
I've just returned to the hobby a year ago and yes things have moved on a bit.
This is a great place to be when jumping back in so many knowledgable folk on here.
The first questions will be how much space do you have available and is there a particular era you have in mind?
 
L
#19 ·
Hi Alan - Many thanks for the welcome.
I think you're dead right... I do need to consider the space I have available.
I have a small box room that would accommodate a small 4mm terminus, or a slightly more complex 2mm layout.
I also have a loft space with a traditional style roof which would give loads of space.
The drawback with this though is I'd have to spend a lot of time and money doing the loft conversion (I want to make a start on my railway now !!!).
These options all have to be considered... Decisions - Decisions !!! :unsure:
In terms of era, I think Pre-War LMS - it was always the era I favoured, although some of the RTR diesel stock that is now available really floats my boat as well...
More Decisions - Decisions. :unsure::unsure:
Back in the day... the layout that impressed me most was David Jenkinsons 'Garsdale Road'... absolutely magnificent.
I think, before I make any decisions I need to go to a few exhibitions to find my feet !!!

:)
 
L
#20 ·
Hello Janine... it's nice to know I'm not the only newby... it's also nice to see the ladies taking an interest in the hobby.
I've visited a few of my local clubs recently... and guess what !!! No lady members.
Back in the day when I started with railways, there was a lady (a rarity) with a layout called 'Buckingham' which was one of the best around.
Welcome aboard !!!
 
S
#4 ·
Welcome Les,
A lot of questions and some easier to answer than others:
DC you'll know about. DCC = Digital modelling involving electronics in locos that let you run the locos independently without section/isolating sections. That's it in a nutshell but a lot more as well.
N gauge - depends how dextrous you still are with good eyesight!
Then there's the new kid on the block TT:120 - but rather a limited range at present.
A club. Sounds like it 'floated your boat' in the past but not imperative. MRF = Online Club!
I could go on but don't want to bore you!

Welcome Janine,
Good to see another lady joining us!
Please share you MR interest with us.
 
N
#6 ·
Hi Les & Janine,
Another welcome to you both, & welcome back to RM as the case may be too.
The Forum is a very friendly place with plenty of helpful members along with fun & banter.
Les, as you have already recognised & Shedman / John & Alan have already touched on, its a whole new world out there now in terms of MR's, but you obviously had a good previous knowledge of the hobby, so a good starting point to work from now.
Your proposed approach sounds ideal & also there's plenty of information & advice / knowledge on the Forum here to look through at your leisure, plus always feel free to ask questions.
One thing would reiterate being choice of scale - definitely needs to take on board eyesight / fat fingers & the like - no need to ask why ;)
Janine, as John has suggested, would be good to hear more on your MR interests too. Would also suggest perhaps take a look at some of Dawn Quests posts.
Hope you both enjoy the Forum & look forward to following your progress in this wonderful hobby too of course.
Cheers for now & Happy Modelling, Norm
 
Model Railway Forum
posts
443K
members
22K
Since
2005
A forum community dedicated to Model train and railway owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about collections, displays, models, styles, scales, motors, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
OO Gauge & 4mm Scale DCC On My Layout The Station Concourse Tracks, Layouts & Scenery