# Model railroaders, advice for a newb, please! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Tags:** toys-models\ **Created:** [November 16, 2021, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455 "2021-11-16T13:07:55Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/41 "2021-12-01T14:00:57Z")
Just ordered one! Now I need “The Old Man’s” Oldsmobile… ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 6:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/42 "2021-12-01T18:06:52Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > Now I need “The Old Man’s” Oldsmobile… Woodland Scenics makes some really nice N scale cars from the '40s and '50s, including some with lights. A few candidates: > **[Billy Brown's Coupe - N Scale - Woodland Scenics](https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/AS5322)** > > Billy Brown's Coupe - N Scale; - Billy Brown takes a spin in his pride and joy. > Colors may vary from actual product.; > **[City Classic - N Scale - Woodland Scenics](https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/JP5612)** > > City Classic - N Scale; - Simple, yet elegant, this classic car likes to strut its stuff down main street for all to see. > Just Plug® Vehicles make it easy to model backcountry roads or busy city scenes. With a driver and a set of headlights and... > **[Downtown Drive - N Scale - Woodland Scenics](https://woodlandscenics.woodlandscenics.com/show/item/JP5621)** > > Downtown Drive - N Scale; - Isn't she a beauty? If only mom and dad would let you borrow the car. > Just Plug® Vehicles make it easy to model backcountry roads or busy city scenes. With a driver and a set of headlights and taillights, your layout's... ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/43 "2021-12-01T23:11:57Z")
Thanks! But, unfortunately, not the appropriate Olds touring sedan. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 11:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/44 "2021-12-01T23:13:51Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > But, unfortunately, not the appropriate Olds touring sedan. True. Then again, at 1/160 scale, only you will know the difference. 😉 ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/45 "2021-12-01T23:19:08Z")
Also still not exactly right, but a little closer: Oxford Diecast (a British company) makes a lot of N scale vehicles, though they are (a) all English/European models, and (b) at the “English” N scale, which is 1:144. Even so, they, too, have some nice models, including this one, the “Jowett Javelin.” > **[Oxford Diecast Athena Grey Jowett Javelin - 1:148 Scale](https://www.oxforddiecast.co.uk/collections/1-148/products/jowett-javelin-athena-grey-njj005)** > > The Jowett Javelin was produced from 1947 to 1953 by Jowett of Bradford. The model went through five variants labelled PA to PE, each having a standard and "de luxe" option. Designed by Gerald Palmer, it was a major leap forward following the staid... ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/46 "2021-12-01T23:22:47Z")
But, but…that would be cheating. And I would know. I’ve already cheated a bit by using a Dodge van as the base for an N-scale Mystery Machine. ---
**Author:** ![kenobi\_65](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kenobi_65/32/13178_2.png) [@kenobi\_65](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kenobi_65)\ **Post date:** [December 1, 2021, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/47 "2021-12-01T23:38:41Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > But, but…that would be cheating. And I would know. I understand that. In the year-plus that I’ve gotten back into model railroading, I’ve discovered that there are darned few cars available in N scale, and even fewer if one specifically wants models of American cars. ---
**Author:** ![Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/ba9def/32.png) [@Just\_Asking\_Questions](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Just_Asking_Questions)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 1:24am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/48 "2021-12-02T01:24:27Z")
> [@ZonexandScout](#): > > I’ve already cheated a bit by using a Dodge van as the base for an N-scale Mystery Machine I don’t want to start a new thread for a simple question, but… was it ever established what the Mystery Machine actually is? I’ve seen real world creations based on mid-60s Chevy van. [![](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/1966_Chevy_Van_%22The_Mystery_Machine%22.jpg) ](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/3/38/1966_Chevy_Van_%22The_Mystery_Machine%22.jpg) and on a Dodge A100. [![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ArKckzLPM0M/maxresdefault.jpg) ](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ArKckzLPM0M/maxresdefault.jpg) neither have a spare tire in the front. ---
**Author:** ![gnarator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gnarator/32/8266_2.png) [@gnarator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnarator)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/49 "2021-12-02T02:56:25Z")
Supposed to be a [1938 Oldsmobile Touring Sedan](https://thenewswheel.com/holiday-vehicle-spotlight-the-old-mans-oldsmobile-from-a-christmas-story/). I don’t see one available in HO or N scale, but there are people 3D printing items on sites such as [Shapeways](https://www.shapeways.com/marketplace/miniatures/vehicles?q=&sort=popularity&facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B%5D=141&facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B%5D=454&facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B%5D=466&facet%5BpdcId%5D%5B%5D=469&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmin%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bmax%5D=2500&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bfrom%5D=1&facet%5Bprice%5D%5Bto%5D=2500), so it’s only a matter of time before one is available. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 12:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/50 "2021-12-02T12:23:28Z")
I just wanted to pop in again and thank everyone for the advice! I might be getting ahead of myself, but has anyone got any experience with bridges? I thought to myself last night, ‘What about a figure eight layout that crosses over itself with a trestle?’ Tripler This will be the nerdiest Christmas _ever_! ---
**Author:** ![wolfpup](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/wolfpup/32/10618_2.png) [@wolfpup](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wolfpup)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 12:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/51 "2021-12-02T12:55:59Z")
In my opinion, a simple figure-eight would quickly become boring, though you could always expand it later if you allowed for sufficient space. You need switches and sidings and multiple routes! You can Google “model train layouts” or “model train layout plans” for some ideas. A bridge is a nice idea. I had one in my HO scale layout, consisting of a trestle system on either side of a bridge that crossed over several tracks below. When constructing complex layouts, be sure to avoid any situation where tracks meet with reversed polarity. This was the sole advantage of Lionel’s unique and rather ugly three-rail track system. The tracks could meet up any which way because they were electrically symmetrical. ---
**Author:** ![ZonexandScout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zonexandscout/32/544_2.png) [@ZonexandScout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ZonexandScout)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 12:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/52 "2021-12-02T12:59:25Z")
I used an N-scale Dodge as the base for mine and spray painted it the appropriate color. I then downloaded decals for an HO size and reduced them using my color laser printer and decal paper. ---
**Author:** ![glee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/b5a626/32.png) [@glee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/glee)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 3:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/53 "2021-12-02T15:58:28Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > I might be getting ahead of myself, but has anyone got any experience with bridges? I have a bridge in my layout (see post 11 in this thread for my youtube video of it) and you need a gentle slope - otherwise the engine won’t be able to pull carriages up it… ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [December 2, 2021, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/54 "2021-12-02T16:48:49Z")
Consider joining a club, too. While it won’t be at home, it’ll be a bigger/better layout that you’d have & could probably learn some techniques from others there. ---
**Author:** ![gnarator](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gnarator/32/8266_2.png) [@gnarator](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gnarator)\ **Post date:** [December 3, 2021, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/55 "2021-12-03T02:35:50Z")
> [@Tripler](#): > > I might be getting ahead of myself, but has anyone got any experience with bridges? I thought to myself last night, ‘What about a figure eight layout that crosses over itself with a trestle?’ > > Tripler > This will be the nerdiest Christmas _ever_ ! You could get a bridge and trestle set–there are a variety available, both from the [past](https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p2322090.m570.l1311&_nkw=tyco+bridge+and+trestle+set&_sacat=0) and [current](https://shop.atlasrr.com/p-26-ho-pier-set.aspx)(also [[here](https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=6679)]. > [@wolfpup](#): > > n my opinion, a simple figure-eight would quickly become boring, though you could always expand it later if you allowed for sufficient space. You need switches and sidings and multiple routes! You can Google “model train layouts” or “model train layout plans” for some ideas. > [@Spiderman](#): > > Consider joining a club, too. While it won’t be at home, it’ll be a bigger/better layout that you’d have & could probably learn some techniques from others there. Good suggestions, though I believe this a Christmas layout. Not meant to hold operational interest. ---
**Author:** ![Tripler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripler/32/21807_2.png) [@Tripler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Tripler)\ **Post date:** [December 27, 2021, 11:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/56 "2021-12-27T23:42:55Z")
UPDATE: Santa must be a Doper, ‘cause I got a Santa Fe-livery Walthers locomotive for Christmas.. . . or Santa was snoopin’ around my Amazon browsing history. Track to be built by the end of January (birthday present). Tripler Could elves possibly be KGB? ---
**Author:** ![Drum\_God](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/drum_god/32/44_2.png) [@Drum\_God](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Drum_God)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2021, 12:55am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/57 "2021-12-28T00:55:54Z")
_Silver Streak_ is one of my all time favorite movies. Hilly, gazing out the window: “Beautiful, isn’t it?” George, gazing at Hilly’s breast: “Yes, very.” ---
**Author:** ![burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/burpo_the_wonder_mutt/32/365_2.png) [@burpo\_the\_wonder\_mutt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burpo_the_wonder_mutt)\ **Post date:** [December 28, 2021, 1:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455/58 "2021-12-28T01:37:34Z")
Hey, **Drum\_God** , why don’t you head on over to the Thread Games forum and give us a RR quote in the “Choo-Choos of Thought” thread before it fades into oblivion. See you there. Aloha! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/model-railroaders-advice-for-a-newb-please/954455.md?page=2)