Large Scale Central

Introduction from an off-again, off-again modeler in Virginia

General Discussion
#1

Hello, all. I should just lurk for a while, but I just can’t help posting a “hello.” I have done so in other rail forums and then life takes over and I never really become a member of the community. Several times in my life I have told myself I will finally start modeling, and it never seems to happen. Most recently I planned an N scale layout in my DC basement.

Well, now I find myself in a house with a half-acre yard. I love to garden and an outdoor layout just seems to make sense. I know most of the concepts behind getting it going, but for all intents and purposes, I am new to this (I have only ever set up our annual Lionel loop under the Christmas tree and a test n scale loop). My interest primarily lies in modern passenger rail, but I’m not sure that will make sense for garden rail.

I look forward to reading and learning from all of you!

EDIT: Added photos

This is what the yard looks like right now – We just moved in in September and haven’t had the opportunity to do anything with the yard. My assumption is that I will start in the area by the large basement window with possible expansion to… who knows!

Doug

Falls Church, Va

#2

Welcome to the nut house, Doug. Browse through the “Articles” section and the “Track and Trestles” section. You should be able to find something in those sections that will help you out. There’s also a few modelers down in your neck of the woods who might let you pick their brains. (I’m assuming here that they have a brain to pick). I do know that they are talented modelers.

#3

Welcome aboard Doug. Don’t just lurk… Post… You’ll get along fine, and you’ll figure out the crazies and the sore heads soon enough.

Just in time to join in the annual “Mik’s Build Challenge”

http://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/27771/mik-s-build-challenge-2018?page=1

We do this to get our butts off the sofa and do something in the dull drums of winter. It’s not to late to jump in… Let’s see now… in N scale you get to use about 7 inches of 2x4.

Dave

#4

Howdy Doug. Welcome aboard. Lots of great modelers here, all willing to help. Just be careful, if you ever hint at you want to build X, this place won’t sleep until we see X finished (https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-laughing.gif). And what I mean by that is we will provide the motivation if just get it kicked off. As Ken said, browse the Articles and Track and Trestle forums and you will find plenty of motivation. We would love for you to jump in and enter “Mik’s Build Challenge”. Great way to meet some great folks and get those modeling juices flowing. Don’t be a stranger.

#5

My interest primarily lies in modern passenger rail, but I’m not sure that will make sense for garden rail.

I think you need to look at Greg’s layout. He seems to run very large passenger trains in his garden!

#6

Welcome Doug. I used to live in Falls Church - I think I went to 1st Grade there.

Anyway, you’re not too far from Burke - if you want to come over and see stuff in action (when it’s warmer!!!)

#7

Hello Doug, make yourself at home and join in(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#8

Welcome Doug, lots of good folks here to help

#9

Dave Taylor said:

Welcome aboard Doug. Don’t just lurk… Post… You’ll get along fine, and you’ll figure out the crazies and the sore heads soon enough.

Just in time to join in the annual “Mik’s Build Challenge”

http://www.largescalecentral.com/forums/topic/27771/mik-s-build-challenge-2018?page=1

We do this to get our butts off the sofa and do something in the dull drums of winter. It’s not to late to jump in… Let’s see now… in N scale you get to use about 7 inches of 2x4.

Dave

I failed to mention I have a near 4 year old, so not sure about the challenge. But I will definitely take a look and see if I think I can throw something together.

#10

Pete Thornton said:

My interest primarily lies in modern passenger rail, but I’m not sure that will make sense for garden rail.

I think you need to look at Greg’s layout. He seems to run very large passenger trains in his garden!

I will go on a hunt for it. I’m more concerned for the “modern” part than the “passenger” part being an issue.

#11

Bruce Chandler said:

Welcome Doug. I used to live in Falls Church - I think I went to 1st Grade there.

Anyway, you’re not too far from Burke - if you want to come over and see stuff in action (when it’s warmer!!!)

I will attempt to remember to hold you to that.

#12

(added photos to the original post)

#13

With that blank slate, the possibilities are endless…(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)(https://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

#14

excuse my impoliteness, but…

looking at your pics, you seem to be a gardener as enthusiastic as i am.

have you ever thought about a big garden shed with an indoors layout?

no weeding, no leaves, no critters (save spiders, mice and silverfish)

#15

Korm Kormsen said:

excuse my impoliteness, but…

looking at your pics, you seem to be a gardener as enthusiastic as i am.

have you ever thought about a big garden shed with an indoors layout?

no weeding, no leaves, no critters (save spiders, mice and silverfish)

That is my yard, but not my yard. (What in the world, my whole reply didn’t post) – we bought the house in September, so I haven’t done much work in the yard yet.

#16

i rest my case, sir. (http://www.largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-wink.gif)

#17

Welcome Doug

That’s a great introductory post and as you know… we like pictures. :slight_smile:

#18

Hmmm fresh meat …(http://largescalecentral.com/externals/tinymce/plugins/emoticons/img/smiley-cool.gif)

Welcome to the insanity…

#19

Lots of potential there.

Welcome, Doug.

#20

Welcome aboard Doug! We need more Dougs!