Cool Stuff:
Welcome!
Welcome to the introduction page for the "Modeling Workshop". I am a N-Scale model railroader, with an inclination towards detailed modeling. Being a father, and having to work for a living, means that my model railroading time is somewhat limited. Occasionally it is months, in some cases years, before I reuse a particular technique. To keep myself from having to relearn things over again I have fallen in the habit of maintaining extensive notes on techniques that have worked best for me.
In the hope that they may help others in their modeling efforts, I have named these notes the "Modeling Workshop", and placed them into the public domain. Although some of the techniques work best for N-Scale, the majority are applicable for all scales. If you find anything in here to be of use, please consider returning the favor. If you have a tip or technique worth sharing, or an improvement to one of mine, please send me an email at raildude@terrycallahan.com. I will include it here, and give due credit.
Getting Started In Model Railroading
The best way to get started is to read a couple of "beginners" books, then jump in and make a SIMPLE layout. These books can be had from several sources. You can buy them at hobby shops, on-line (I have a "Reference Library" section on my web site), or usually at your local library (probably the best option). What you want to do is learn a little about most aspects of the hobby, to make sure you will like it.
Once you have that behind you, your first big decision is to choose a scale. For most people this means either N or HO. Much has been written about the advantages and disadvantages of each so I won't go into it here in detail. Both scales have their own unique advantages. HO, being twice the size of N, presents opportunities for the modeler to craft a wealth of detail into a scene or a piece of railroad equipment. There is generally much more stuff available in HO, and overall the cost is a little cheaper. However this size is also a disadvantage, it takes quite a bit of room to model anything beyond a very simple layout. This is where N scale shines. It is much easier in N to create complex track patterns, or sweeping scenic vistas.
Once you have chosen a scale go back to the books, pick a simple layout design, and start working. My first layout was a simple oval done on a door. I got it working in a few weeks, and it is still in operation many years later. The goal of your first layout should be to go through every phase of creating a pike (benchwork, trackwork, scenery, electrical) quickly enough so that you don't lose interest. Keep it simple so you don't get bogged down, you can always improve later. Once you have a working layout you can decide which parts you liked the best, and adjust accordingly.
Good 'net Shops
N Scale
Ken's Trains
TexNrails
N Scale Supply
Al's Kustom cars
TLH Scenics
HO Scale
D & S Hobbies
Sources of Information:
The Housatonic RR
Industrial Heritage
Homepage
The Hotbox
A PRR Homepage
Onelist eMail List service
RailServe
Model Railroad Magazine Index
Museums:
Send mail to webmaster@terrycallahan.com with questions
or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 1997 CompanyLongName
Last modified: January 31, 2006
