Model railroaders, advice for a newb, please!

Tripler
Tue, 16 Nov 2021 13:07:55 +0000
Cafe Society

Now that the Holidays are around the corner, I started waxing nostalgic for a model railroad around the ol’ tree. The problem is, I used to have some modelling skils, more to keep up with another hobby of mine–BattleTech specifically in the HO scale.

Throwing some random brain-drippings out there:

It wasn’t that hard back then to hardwire in some track switches for spurs. For a seasonal layout (not something permanent to be built in the garage), I assume I should mount track to some light plywood, correct?

I know I’ve got the basic piece I need in storage: the track’s power transformer (120VAC to 12VDC), which IIRC is the most expensive part of the whole setup. Looking online, basic locomotives seem a little pricey too, but that’s a one-time expense. How expensive is track for a basic 3x5’ loop anymore?

I also read something about “DCC.” Having an old Windows 10 laptop laying around the house, would this be a good purpose for an ‘ancient’ computer?

I have cats. I doubt they’d cause any problem, or be hurt by a 12VDC system, but I’m not so sure.

This might be a 2021 project, or maybe a 2022 one. I’m kind of curious how labor intensive but fun it would be to set up an HO scale loop again for ~ $250, knowing it’ll be used again and again. Any thoughts?

Tripler
Much obliged–all aboard!

58 posts - 15 participants