How to Start Model Railroading As A Beginner

[@diedertspijkerboer]

If you're in Europe and are interested in H0 scale, you have a decision to make about electrical current: AC or DC. If you choose AC, you are largely dependent on the Märklin brand, which is very good, but relatively expensive. If you choose DC, there is a host of other suppliers, like Trix, Fleischmann, Roco and Piko.

[@melkitson]

It strikes me that there are a number of manufacturers of DCC HO equipment in Europe, i.e. AC equipment. How else would all the British and European model railway builders run with DCC. They are not reliant on Marklin and they certainly do not import their locos from The US of A, shipping costs would be prohibitive. Piko and REE, Trix and Rivarossi are some of the names which spring to mind.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

@@melkitson Yes, of course they are AC when digital. But analogue, these brands are DC and completely incompatible with Märklin's AC system. Märklin also has a proprietary digital system which is not compatible with DCC, although some controllers can run both.

[@melkitson]

@@diedertspijkerboer I take your point. Marklin have always liked to be different.

[@michaelmckinnon7314]

If you're looking for American HO scale in Europe, look for OO or Dublo.

[@diedertspijkerboer]

@@michaelmckinnon7314 In Britain, yes. In continental Europe, the scale is, and always has been H0 Also, Hornby Dublo is a discontinued old make of model trains, although Hornby did come out with a few retro models last year. Also, Dublo is three rail, so beware.

[@4everdc302]

Unconventional advice:spend enough so ya won't give up on it. But don't spend the whole wad on a locomotive. Timmy's Kcup🇨🇦

[@randall.3189]

I really like this guy. He doesn't talk down to you. Or expect you to be a ,,rivet counter,,👍

[@Mike__B]

A tip I would give is unless you are very well off financially learn how to repair and maintain trains because the used market is going to be your bread and butter, you'll be getting used stock in questionable working order so being able to get it running is a big key, there are a number of youtube channels that show basics on this and they're actually really good.

[@victorreznov9940]

I run mostly DCC locos and only have 2 so far but only was new, the other was a used athearn genesis sd45-2 I got for $100 and I just got a rivarossi gg1 that I plan to put a decoder in it and that will cost me 60 including a budget decoder

[@kenr86]

One other tip for the beginner - find a model railroad club in your local area, and join that. You will be able to learn so much from the more experienced members, they most likely will have an established layout where you can run your trains, learn about operations, or if they are building a layout, you can develop your skills helping build the club layout.

[@golrush007]

I agree that starter sets are a good starting point. My current model railroad project started with one. I decided that I wanted to model steam era British N gauge, and I started with one of the Graham Farish sets that included a steam locomotive and two coaches. The models are excellent and highly detailed, unlike some starter sets that come with more basic models. My first additional purchase though was larger radius curves than the ones that came with the set, because passenger coaches just don't look good going around small radius curves. Now that I've started in earnest on my layout, the track is Peco Streamline turnouts and Code 80 Peco Flex Track. My coffee today is from Yabitu in Ethopia, roasted at Rosetta Roastery in Cape Town, South Africa.

[@Petemonster62]

Matt - You can always use the sharper radius track for yards, sidings, & trams!

[@d2rdown2rock75]

This is freaking GREAT . .I've always had a huge interest for trains . I've finally taken that big step to finally get my first starter train set w0w so excited. I've bought an HO train set I wanted an N scale train set but obviously that'll come at a later time. My daughters actually got it for me for my birthday July 3rd. Thank u so much . I love that train sets still exist.

[@cdjhyoung]

My piece of advise is to remember that this is your first layout. You will make mistakes, everyone does. Own them. Fix them if you can. But remember, this is a learning situation. A year or two done the line, you will have learned enough about build a model railroad that this, the first one, isn't up to your standards. Save the engines and cars, and what ever buildings you want. Walked the rest of it to the trash dumpster and start again with your new, improved skills. Your next layout will work much better. Look better. Make you feel better about what you've accomplished. Oh, and don't build too big the first time. Just big enough to get the trains running in a loop for now.

[@keeganseva3975]

Thank you for another great video. First off, I'm modeling in HO-Scale for reference. I started with Bachmann EZ-track and found that I was constantly having issues with it. So I made the jump to Kato Unitrack this past Christmas and have not looked back since. Everything I have runs so smoothly on it and I can easily assemble and disassemble it when I want to run trains (hoping the next house will have a designated train area, but for now it's my office floor). That being said, I've definitely found that Kato caters to their N-scale customers MUCH better than their HO-Scale customers, both in track options and rolling stock options. Just something to note for anyone considering HO-Scale Kato Unitrack. And while people note that Kato Unitrack is more expensive, I find that it's not that much more expensive that Bachmann EZ-track. At least not when considering the much better quality of track that you get for it. Thanks again for the update. I'm still drinking my locally, veteran owned Pale Horse Coffee from the last time I posted a comment on one of your videos. Their Latte of the Week options have all been amazing, but this Yankee Doodle (cinnamon, shortbread, cookie dough) coffee just warms the soul when stuck in work meetings lasting longer than a few hours.

[@craiginbatonrouge8161]

Everything about this video was helpful in one way or another to me. I have been reviewing beginner HO layout videos for a few weeks and I believe yours has given me gumption to act & start putting my layout together, I can’t believe how exciting this is for me, it’s like crazy man…

[@jeffvair62]

A great train table for a beginner is a hollow core door. I’ve been doing model railroading for 50 years and I still use hollow core doors because life is too short to build benchwork. 😊😊😊 If you are starting out in HO scale or N scale then you can’t go wrong with Kato track-it will make your life easier and perform beautifully. Notice that Jimmy is an experienced model railroader and like me, he still uses Kato track-it’s one of the best decisions a beginning modeler can make! I’m not as big a proponent of starter sets as Jimmy (even though I understand his logic), but again, particularly if you are in N scale, Kato is the one brand that I would recommend above all others. You just can’t go wrong by using Kato products when you’re a beginner. They aren’t the only good brand out there, but they are consistent. Their stuff works, and believe me-when you are a beginner that’s hugely important.

[@loispadgett6306]

Thanks I always wondered what the codes on tracks ment now I know. I would definitely recommend the Kato started set to anyone as a first set love the Kato trains plus great expansion sets. Got my first train set in the 1980's is a Bacmann steam set 060 still runs great paid $19.95 for it back then. Can't wait to see what you teach us next. GOD BLESS 🚂💖🚂💖🚂💖

[@Maurice00PA]

You mentioned rail code but not why there are different codes. Real railroads use heavier rail on the busier lines than on the less used spurs. Heavier rail costs more but holds up longer. For a beginner, I would recommend not worrying about code other than making sure it is all the same for now. Drinking Gevalia Columbia this morning. Cheers and stay safe.

[@tdraiss7129]

Great video! Further tip for anyone that is just starting out and looking to buy N scale Kato Unitrack. The tightest curve Jimmy mentioned in a 2 foot radius is the 9.75" (249mm). The largest US locomotive I've found I can run on this curve is a SD70MAC with rolling stock that ranges from 40' to 62'. My SD80MAC will not make that tight curve pulling anything.

[@willvenable4274]

Randomly I have become interested in model railroading and this is the first video I have watched about it and this guy got me so excited! I think anyone would want to start after watching this. Awesome video!

[@michaelpfister1283]

I am still working on my first build, and honestly the thing that has caused me the most heartburn to date is the cost of track! I decided to forgo the starter set because I wanted to build a more extensive layout and I don't want to use the various forms of snap-track available. I prefer the look of good old flex-track. :-) After much research I settled on a manufacturer, learned a lot about turn radius limitations and switch types, etc, and finally settled on a nice plan - which requires about 30 turn-outs total. At an average of $25-$30 each. Ouch! So be prepared to buy and spend some money on your track! DCC control systems are also not inexpensive. Fortunately, I have a great mentor and local NMRA community, and have gotten lots of excellent advice and ideas from this site and others. Thank you Jimmy! Drinking "Just Black" from BRCC, half-and-half no sugar. :-)

[@johnbehneman1546]

ANOTHER GREAT HOBBY FOR ANYONE AT ANY AGE!!!!

[@105C09]

You forgot "S" gauge, the best medium between O and HO scale. It's small enough to have a significant railroad with space challenges and offers modern and older American Flyer that opens the realm of collecting. Check it out. It's worth it. I have a O and S scale layout.

[@rylo110]

Hi, Jimmy! First and foremost, I just want to say thank you for your comment towards the end of the video when you say, "It's totally cool to have the latest mainline diesels running next to a turn-of-the-century steamer; don't let anyone tell you otherwise." As a beginner, sometimes I feel pressured to have all of my rolling stock be of the same era. I'm sure others who are new to the hobby feel this pressure at some point, so comments like this one help to remind us that it's all about what we want/find fun. Also, I'm drinking a mug of Don Leo Coffee from El Salvador!

[@turboseize]

You can always pretend to run a museum train. Happens even to the most fanatical rivet counters. ;-)

[@rylo110]

I hadn't thought about it this way, but this is a wonderful idea @@turboseize! Thank you for it!

[@ironhorsemodeltrains2198]

Really great points and tips on here for model railroading! There is a massive amount of knowledge out there but you don’t need to know everything as a beginner. Key points are start simple, buy used locos but be aware of discontinued parts and do a little research first. Many people unload a lot of used stuff at a fraction of the cost sometimes. I was lucky to acquire a ton of track and scenery supplies from a good friend. Keep an eye out on local ads in your area, Someone sold me 5 proto 2000 locos for $40 all in and 3 had dcc already installed. Follow your favourite KZbin channels for inspiration, DIY and digital, Rich White, Norm’s trains, Boomer dioramas etc. Also there are a lot of good supportive people who will help you out in some of the groups, ignore the negativity. If a large layout seems discouraging, work on or build smaller sections/ shelf layouts or dioramas as they help maintain focus and will give you a sense of accomplishment.

[@BoxtankEngine]

I really hated American railroads but this channel showed me that these types of railways can be beautiful too.

[@cloaker2829]

Why

[@grandriverrailfan6088]

I strongly recommend getting all your engines and railcars from train shows. I got a Broadway Limited Union Pacific 1989 RGW (Rio Grand Western) heritage unit DCC sound equipped for only $140. If I had gotten it somewhere else it would have been around $250 maybe even more. I also got some very neat rolling stock. Montana Raillink hopper and an ex GTW (Grand Trunk and Western) hopper. I got all of that for about $150 to $170 where elsewhere would have costed me overall $250 or even $300. Like he said in the video you can get some serious deals and I really thought I should add to his point with an example. Other thing, Bachmann EZ track isn’t easy. It’s terrible and choppy with the power and it’s a pain in the ass to put together. I recommend KATO because it’s easy to put together and take apart. Yes you’re going to pay a bit more but it’s definitely worth it.

[@rwissbaum9849]

Jimmy, great comments. I would add one more thing (and sorry if it sounds too much like "those were the good old days"!) When I started in the hobby, the best way to add freight cars was to buy the old Athearn "blue box" freight car kits. They cost about $4 (about $30 today) and were very simple to build. For me and many others of my generation, building these kits did three things: (1) it gave my modeling skills a start, (b) it allowed me greater choice of cars to add to my fleet; and (c) it taught me that building models - whether railroad cars or buildings - was not only fun, but also a less expensive way to add to my layout. Building from kits may not be for everyone, but when you compare the cost of ready-to-run freight cars ($30 to $50 or more) to the cost of kits (almost all Accurail kits retail for $19.98) the savings can be significant. The same is true for buildings: compare Woodland Scenics Built-&-Ready Corner Emporium ($90) to Woodland Scenics Carol's Corner Cafe kit ($24).

[@NJP76]

I love building from kits. Even more fun is when you accumulate enough parts to start kitbashing. That is when the real fun begins because you can make it just about any way you want/need it to be for your layout/scene. Scratch building adds a whole new aspect, but it certainly is not for the faint of heart, LOL. But the rewards can be truly amazing. Whatever method you choose, whether it is kits, kitbashing or scratch building ... or any combination of methods, there is a certain amount of pride in looking at it on your layout and knowing that you built that piece...or those pieces. A nice reward for the time invested.

[@oldSchoolGM]

I had to get out of Model Railroading 12 years ago when I moved from Colorado to Cleveland. I just bought a starter set with DCC. It looks like the set you started with is the exact same one I just bought! LOL I have very little room for a layout, but your videos have really inspired me to get back in it.

[@etechia]

Good day Jimmy, pivot table guy here starting my layout after 10 revision designs using AnyRail. Lots of fun so far. Thanks for the informative videos, I always wonder about black and gray e-z track, and now I know.

[@grandriverrailfan6088]

Don’t use the EZ track, it’s really bad. I have used it and it’s a pain to put together. I strongly recommend KATO.

[@etechia]

@@grandriverrailfan6088 Thanks, but I have so much of it, same with LifeLike roadbed track and ModelPower track. Already did a test run and works great but I will look into Kato just in case.

[@grandriverrailfan6088]

@@etechia I’m just going with my experience with EZ Track and is wasn’t good. It’s difficult to put together and the ballast looks really unrealistic. Kato is easy to put together and the ballast looks very realistic.

[@etechia]

@@grandriverrailfan6088 Thanks for the feedback and definitely agree about the ballast. Thinking a little texture would have helped.

[@RayBoebel]

I will add one thing and that is on the second hand loco's/rolling stock: these are a great way to learn about what makes them work. If your unsure how to maintain locos/rolling stock (especially 30yr old + stuff), I can help. Most of my HO scale stuff is 30+ years old and still DC. Its afternoon, so a Coke, A Smile and some trains!

[@chrisbell52310]

Giving plasma 1st thing this morning, great time to visit DIY&Digital RR! Will be drinking french vanilla coffee ☕️ later.

[@themillrunandwesternmaryland11]

Great points! Track planning is one of the most important. I've changed my layout at least 6 times... because I didn't do a track plan. Lol. Drinking duncan donuts medium roast w/French vanilla creamer.

[@erichstreberg7101]

McCafe in my Keurig, while doing some switching before work!

[@lesliesavage9229]

If you want to nail the Bachmann E Z track needs to have a 1/16 hole drilled in it for the nail. There is a hole in the track tie that can be used as a guide for the drill bit. Curves are a different matter, because there is no starter hole. You might be able to do without nailing down the curve, depending how you set it up. Good advice, I've done that in the past.

[@brandonherrell5349]

I'm starting off my N scale layout along the rooms walls thick enough for a real wide radius turn for the mains. And the main two lines will kinda in circle the towns on the outside edges while snaking around the front middle with 3 short lines running industry stops to build the next train to go around the main. With only few electric switches to the main lines. While having to work the industry switches

[@ryans413]

Best advice I can give is just do it pick your size G , O , HO , N , Z so many sizes for the room you have. My second peace of advice start small get a feel for the hobby build a small layout so you can learn. Buy a starter set so you can have some fun then expand that starter set add too it. Visit your local hobby shop yes you can buy everything online but the guys that run these shops will point you in the right direction. Last tip have fun.

[@jhoodfysh]

Well done introduction Jimmy. The steps you laid out are a great progression.

[@marcelpaska7431]

If you are in Europe, try to take a look at TT(1:120) scale, It´s in the middle between H0(1:87) and N(1:160) scale. Still good amount of detail, but you can fit it in smaller spaces.

[@slamboy66]

My first N scale was on a old door. Then I graduated to a 4x8 plywood.

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Interesting video thanks for sharing your experience. I remember using my first train set with my Dad in the shed with a Triang vintage set from a garage sale. Unfortunately its long gone but never too late to start.

[@mightychilster6215]

Getting started, yes... and getting other started too. Jimmy, as you noted in earlier videos, there are a lot of STEM skills in MRR, and introducing those skills to the engineering students of the future early will get them well down the road applied learnings. I've always wondered the cost of getting the 'starter set' equivalents from a MRR swap meet and bringing MRR sessions to summer day camps. Something like Science Olympiad meets MRR meets the YMCA summer day camp... hmmm.

[@Dragonbear13-k2r]

One thing I’d recommend to new folks is buy some introductory books about model railroading. Kalmbach publishes numerous magazine style books for track plans and scenery plus some on general information about maintaining your models which are very helpful to newbies.

[@nascarmadman]

My 'table' is 5/8" plywood supported by some old kitchen/bathroom cabinets I got cheap at the Habitat for Humanity ReStore. They give great support and also allow for storage with either the drawers or cabinets. I'm not good with detail. My attempts at trying to use building kits haven't gone quite as well as I hoped. So I HIGHLY recommend pre built. If you are buying online, make sure it doesn't say 'KIT' anywhere in the description. I ended up with a few kits that were also described as 'prefabbed' and (in my head) they weren't. As for scenery/landscaping. Do what you want. It doesn't have to be perfect, because nature isn't perfect!

[@allenkotlan3606]

Layout over cabinets is the same way I'm buildini my room sized layout. It works great just made 20 drawers from cardboard boxs Way to go.

[@rogermetzger7335]

To my way of thinking, there are two ways to "model" railroading. "Scale" modeling places great emphasis on visual realism. Not that there is anything "wrong" with that. But I more intrested in play value, i.e. what the trains (we'll call them "toy" trains because they aren't necessarily to scale and don't necesarily have a lot of visual details) can DO. I don't need remote control swithces (turnouts). I can place those near enought to the edge of the layout to reach them easily. But remote control coupling and uncoupling would make the OPERATION of the model railroading layout much easier, especially in places where the average size 8-year-old child can't reach some of the sidings if the layout is on a table (for more realisitic angle of viewing and to keep from stepping on the track). Have you made, are you interested in making, or do you know of someone else who has made a video (or several) addressing these aspects of the hoby?

[@thoughtengine]

One thing to keep in mind is that we are all n00bs once. No coffee today but my have some Royal Ritz tea from the Tea Centre after dinner, if I have any.

[@NJP76]

Question is: When do we stop being n00bs? LOL! After many many years in model RR, I still pull some pretty n00bish things sometimes. But it is still a lot of fun.

[@alanb287]

S scale here too. Thank you for pointing it out 105C09! I don't know why S scale is always forgotten. Hi-rail and scale.

[@Seaking6464]

Thanks a million! I’m moving soon and finally getting space for a railroad but have no clue what I’m doing, definitely will be using this as a guide!

[@csx_defectdetector]

Kind of cool to see all the intros over the years!

[@aidensypolt]

I have 14 Passenger cars, several engines, several Freight cars, and a layout with a Possible 2 more expansions this year

[@jimdevivo]

My 11 year old is interested in building a model railroad. I had a passing interest as a kid, but never got started, so we're both very new to the hobby. I've been watching your channel for a few days now and stumbled across this video tonight. This is the perfect info we needed. Thank you. One question... if we don't begin with a starter set, what else do we need to think about to get started? What specific track pieces must we have? Thanks again!

[@rccosplay3249]

I'm in Europe and The ESU Ecos does it all, Marklin, Trix Motorola and the regular DCC(NCR, Digitrax} or whatever it's called

[@sunkbootnoot1204]

I started with a kato n scale kit and a few track packs. Now I have 8 kato engines and a small layout

[@timbuktu8069]

I haven't done any model railroading in about a half a century. I'm glad to see not a lot has changed.

[@ChrisStCyr-gnt7]

It’s been only half that long for me, a quarter century sounds so much longer than 25 years! Still have some of my Dad’s stuff which is more than half a century old.

[@BattleshipOrion]

At 7:25(-ish) I gotta throw something our there, I fell for the "era & railroad" route. Beginners, run what you like, and don't worry about those two items AT ALL! I have made good investments into power (locomotives) that have since soured. Also, do not be afraid to import. Also, if you are not in the best of places budget wise, find a different hobby, this hobby does not forgive, unlike ships, cars, aircraft, and military vehicles. You'll get your grace period, but after that, you'll find out how toxic this hobby is, esp. On Facebook, and the groups of Rivet counters there.

[@melkitson]

Hi Jimmy, another really good video aimed at the beginner but which it is good for all to see and possibly even remember where we went wrong. I reference earlier comments on the code of track. I think you should mention what the difference is between codes and whether they are compatible. ie is it the height of the track? I often think this needs more emphasis. What is the norm and why would someone go for a different code. Is it for authenticity, or just to show off? Thanks once again for keeping me watching.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Thank you! I am going to add this question to my next Q & A

[@iannarita9816]

Just remember have fun. At this point I have a real mix of mostly eBay finds. A Bachmann K-4 bought "non running"(it was missing a tender truck). An IHC/Mehano 2-6-0, A Budd RDC, an Athearn U28b blue box, and a Athearn FM Trainmaster. A pair of Bachmann coaches in need of work ($5 each). A mix of roundhouse passenger cars. I still need a decent collection of freight cars. Looking around eBay I decided on Atlas Code 83 TruTrack. This was available in quantity and I saw I could work with its quirks. I'm not a coffee drinker. Personally I prefer either Lipton's or Red Rose tea either hot or iced.

[@kevingreen4054]

Thank you for the awesome Thursday videos, I start my evening watching your videos, (un)fortunately I don't drink any coffee or tea or basically anything hot!

[@Kap13]

I’m very new to railroading I’m pretty young I got a Lionel Pensilvania key stone it works fine but I love the big boy because I live near one so I wish I could finned a cheaper one

[@peterforden5917]

HO is 3,5 mm to the foot 00 is 4mm to the foot (1 foot =30 cm's)

[@Augie13]

I inherited a lot of my dads HO train sets. I can't wait to move into a bigger house where I can do this.

[@codyrapp7253]

I can't drink coffee but dose chocolate milk count?

[@MuntingSeason]

Definitely

[@cfournell]

I got a kato starter set and it works nice came with a Amtrak train

[@alannewman85]

Great video. I’ve been buying rolling stock about 2 years, initially just with the idea of static display but gradually getting more interested. How will people react when I ‘come out’ as a model railway fan?!😮

[@elleryparsons5766]

Once you Start the Best Hobby Don’t Stop Why? You will Never Stop Doin this Hobby there’s Plenty of things to Do on the Layout.

[@isaacwatanabe9599]

Im currently working on building my own locomotives and rollingstock using a few HO scale wheels from a train set i got

[@HumancityJunction]

Honey, Jimmy said in his latest video that I can buy more things.

[@DIYDigitalRailroad]

Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any arguments between couples.

[@TheOneCity1]

​@@DIYDigitalRailroad 😂😂💀

[@Cold_Cactus]

Had a ho set up when I was a kid , my dad did everything lol recently I've wanted to get it all out and make a new set up but I'm going to have to learn , probably will get a ww2 armored train at some point but for now I'm gonna set up my old set to get back into it

[@Benjamintrains]

100% agree with your advice! Drinking LavAzza coffee with Ameritto creamer.

[@elizabethwilcox8006]

Great video..I am looking to but a US loco n gauge....in Uk , but with great difficulty! I love the Santa Fe Starter Set

[@jerryfbarnes5228]

You are leaving out HOn3, On30, Sn3 and S Scale. Please give them a shot.

[@thomasnativo6491]

I actually had a Starter Ho scale Train set from Santa FE and Union pacific

[@jyoung4370]

Lol ngl i love the bare bones train setup. It screams play with me and use whatever you can nick from around the house to do so

[@bungieman2810]

I currently use Hornby track. The transformer is very weak and the tracks don't last very long. Not to mention that the connection is very poor.

[@kenshores9900]

You can put multiple Kato sets together also.

[@MichaelMcKinnon-jf1yy]

Of course running a modern locomotive with a US Civil War era locomotive (or earlier) is all right too, it's fun to see how modern rolling stock looks with them as well, who cares whether or not it's something that could happen, it's really about having fun

[@CM-ARM]

Hey Jimmy some great advice 👍 Tonight, not coffee but a Lone Star Beer

[@ultrad9646]

I get it from Amazon because there aren’t any local stores that sell what I want

[@johnbehneman1546]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! A TOTALLY AWSOME VIDEO AND EDUCATION. THANKS FOR SHARING!!! I AGREE WITH YOU 100%.

[@ammonium4]

I decided to do n scale because I wanted to have a model of the taipei metro running, and the only scale I could find it in was n scale. I do not regret this because if you don't have the expertise to fabricate what you want to run in a different scale, why not just get the one that is already being made?

[@MailmanRailfan]

Thanks for this video it motivated me !!!! I’m starting one next week!

[@JanusLoggie]

I've been watching "How to Start Model Railroading As A Beginner" type videos for the past 10 years and I never seem to get going.

[@etechia]

Any in there Janus. Just started building my first layout after waiting 34 years! I hope my Tyco engine still works -lol.

[@rwissbaum9849]

If you've been watching videos for 10 years, you clearly have the interest. Jimmy's advice is spot on; but even if you have just a one foot by three foot space, you can start a small model railroad. All you need is a few feet of track, a locomotive and a power supply.

[@ExploreAmerica]

I’m with cabin coffee now they’re small I hope they’re around forever because it took me forever to find them

[@Jim-BoTrains]

This was so helpful for us to get started.

[@UuhPinWrongFinger]

Im a fan of model railroad but there is a BIIIG problem for me.. I live in Argentina.

[@justin8894]

S-scale FTW!

[@Petemonster62]

You are drinking Folgers? Since this is about model railroading, you should be drinking Maxwell House in honor of Tyco's whistling billboard! The billboard also came decorated for Pay Day candy bars & was available for separate sale or included in Tyco's Chattanooga Choo - Choo sets from the 1970s. The TV commercials are on You Tube.

[@purplehaze5078]

How do you keep your train environment from collecting dust and getting too dusty?

[@carishields7834]

Sooooo my dad is gifting me his post war Lionel o gague … what’s the narrowest oval you’d do with that train space is tight but I really want to run it and make it work with my Christmas village thanks

[@rgb9795]

thanks jimmy

[@traveler7353]

I started my hobby im 42, i have two S scale american flyer engines and no track.

[@arshaansandhu4136]

Thanks for the tips

[@chuckmaddison2924]

Umm, here in Australia, Hornby and Bachmann seem to be the common brands. Either way, all I'm seeing is $$$$$. But I do have a spare bedroom and big games room. Years ago I put a set together for my son using Lima on large board . Lima seems to have vanished. He still has the set and the extra track..

[@MattTheLizard]

Great intro!

[@truthsayers8725]

i started with Tyco's Road and Rail set (oval train and slot car track with a crossing) back in 1974. my dad and i would probably had a lot of fun with those but a) he worked hard for 40h at the Grand Trunk and then worked hard around the house, b) i was interested in other things outside year round c) it cost an arm and a leg for turnouts when youre scraping by for spending money. even now, the cost of gear (track, rolling stock, engines etc) is caRAZY! that said, when i was still running my road/rail set, i picked up lots of Tyco branded buildings that you glued together like any other model. i still have most all of that. i just cant bring myself to spend the kind of money they want to build... ps, any idea what the code might be for mid-70s Tyco track?

[@Petemonster62]

Truthsayers - Tyco & other train set manufacturers used code 100 track.

[@austinwiggins5933]

Thx for sharing… very informative for us beginners.

[@michaelmckinnon7314]

Actually European OO (Dublo in verbal shorthand) is the same guage and scale as American HO scale, try it if you don't believe me. You should start with a low end train set and choose a theme rather than a time and place because choosing a time and place limits the rolling stock and locomotives you can run because by choosing a time and place all you can use is what exists during that time and place rather than be able to see how technology has changed over the years, also 19th, 20th, and 21st century trains do look kinda cool running on the same layout and let's face it fictional trains and locomotives really wouldn't make that much sense to run on a model railroad set in a real world time and place after all ie an A4 Mallard pulling Airstream type coaches, Thomas and Friends, Railway Children sets, Polar Express or in most cases North Pole Express (an actual train route in Alaska if I'm remembering its location correctly).

[@hadynmcloughlin4661]

Would like your thoughts on going vintage Hornby from the 70s - R series (red boxes) for a starter set with a loco and rolling stock? Need alot more knowledge to get it running?

[@faisal_lhim]

A good introduction video. Lots of information. Thanx. 🤝🏽 from 🇲🇾

[@Yyyyyy5]

How many peices of track for that 2 foot 180 that you were talking about? In N scale that is…..

[@luckeyranchrailroadlrr1023]

My coffee today is black rifle coffee here in san antonio

[@skerbs7755]

Drinking Chock full o nuts Columbian coffee. Excellent video. Model railroading is fun! Thanks Jimmy!

[@John-q1y6s]

I'm from Virginia just starting my I have two

[@noneyaonenoneyatwo2879]

I'm about to get a place of my own and I plan on running track from the kitchen to my gaming room through the wall for anything from coffee to liquor. I only need a basic train that can pull 3-5lbs... What should I look for? I wanna keep the train itself below $100 for now because the initial track is going to be expensive for that long of a run

[@dennisjohnson8714]

How do you make trains smoke like crazy