Hello all

[Fat_Controller]

Hi all,

I have just joined the forum and am taking the first tentative steps into the hobby since I was a child - interest re-ignited when my old man retrieved an old Hornby Flying Scotsman set (which was mine) from his attic to show to my train-obsessed little lad. The set is now at my house and I've set about making a start with some more track for a layout (based for the time being on a Hornby midimat which I've fixed to an 8' x 4' baseboard), a couple of Metcalfe kits and some second-hand bargains (some wagons and a class 08 loco) from a well-known auction site. Have also ordered a couple of plastic wagon kits so I can get to grips with making, painting and weathering them.

I'm hoping over time to create something original (will probably jettison the midimat in due course) and have some fun learning some of the impressive techniques I see others using. I suspect progress will be slow due mainly to available time but also a need to keep things on a reasonable budget - I've been a little shocked at some of the prices I've seen for certain components!

Anyway I'm looking forward to it, and to being part of the forum.

Cheers
FC

[Mountain Goat]

Hello and welcome. Yes, some prices aren't what we call cheap. Is one reason why I like 7mm narrow gauge as much of what I make can be designed to be built without costing much money.
It is harder to do the same in 00 gauge and make things blend in with the fine ready made models. A few really tallented people manage it somehow.

A couple of pictures as examples. Most have not quite been finished yet.


But going back to 00, which is easier as you can get everything reay made at ones hearts content (Except the paper and plastic things in ones wallet maybe dissapearing!)... 00 gauge is in my view one of the easiest though. It all depends on ones abilities and patience etc. I amsl use budget 00 gauge locos, wheels, track and things to adapt into 7mm narrow gauge (0-16.5) form. Yes, it can be a challenge, but for me it is more mental. I mean... By eesigning simple ways to make things so I don't have to try to make anything too difficult unless I really want to. Haha. And yes, at times projects that seemed simple can be a little more complicated than one first had anticipated. For example, the blue diesel... Which started out as a simple enough kit but I deciddd to try to cram a different chassis from the one intended to be used for the kit... And it ended up as a much larger project then I had imagined...

Welcome to the world of model traains!

[Bandit Mick]

Welcome to the friendly forum FT. Yes it can be an expensive hobby but part of the fun can be a 'make do and mend' attitude. Lots of posts on here about modelling on a shoestring. Enjoy.

[Mr Bones]

Hi FC and welcome to the forum. Any questions ask away, they're a friendly helpful bunch on here.

[IanS]

Welcome - whatever you do, it is yours and enjoy it. It may end up as a simple layout with only 2 locos, or like many, it will grow and grow and grow as funds allow.

Don't allow it to consume all of your spare cash or time, but do enjoy it especially with your boy.

[mijj]

Hello FC and welcome. It is a fun place to be. The grands will keep you on your toes - or should I say - keep you on the rails . A BTW is the grands can make lovely model buildings if they can be trusted with a scissors and clue .
Jim

[Bandit Mick]

I'll have a pint of what you're drinking!

[Walkingthedog]

I'll join you. Grands, scissors and clue? I’ll name that tune in two.

[bulleidboy]

Welcome FC - as you can see, it's a laugh a minute on here. Seriously, lots of help, information and of course fun! BB

[mijj]

I'll have a pint of what you're drinking!

Oh I forgot the tin of plasters and nurses skills .
Jim.