Welcome to the world of model railway !
Making and running a model railway is one of the most enjoyable, satisfying hobbies there is.
You might be buying a first starter train set. Or maybe you recently bought a train set.
Model Train
Starter Sets usually include a locomotive, coaches,
goods wagons, an oval of track, a power transformer with
train controller unit.
The nicer middle range sets also include track for a siding with
a buffer, or a continuous passing
siding.
Hints
and Suggestions
Here are some suggestions
from the experienced staff at Green Hobby & Model:
Think carefully about size (scale) of your set. It has to fit into your living space without becoming a burden. Older sets were big, but may require a dedicated room to have. Modern sets are more compact and fit more features into smaller spaces. So it's a good idea to read up on OO, HO and TT sizes a bit more first.
Bedding track
suits a moveable set.
Bedding track is tougher and more reliable when subjected to regular assembly and
disassembly. So if you want a "Christmas Train Set" a bedding track
set is generally best.
For building a layout
"on a board" choose model track.
It is more "true to reality"
looking and more combinations are available.
Pin the track layout on a plywood
sheet (4' x 8'). This prevents damage to your track. Raise it off the
floor - eg on wood trestle "A" supports. It can be leaned against a wall when not in use. Fluff and dirt etc. will not
get in the locomotive and carraige wheels when the track is stored
"on it's side".
Layout Size. Don't fill all your available space with railway. You need to be able to reach all sections of the layout for maintenance and track cleaning, or to retrieve any derailed wagons. How much room depends on how long your arms are
Upgrading your starter set is
easy. Take a look at the track upgrade packs available. You
don't have to get them all in exactly the order they are listed.
Your Green Hobby & Model staff can advise.
Our top upgrades are: track expansion, more
trains, bridges, level crossings, digital control, stations & buildings,
landscape grass & trees.
Starter power packs are excellent value. But as time passes we add on more track, we run simultaneous trains, later on it's train interior lights and electric turnouts. So consider a power unit upgrade sometime.
The simple way to run simultaneous trains is with digital DCC control. Simultaneous trains also can be done with analog control when you plug a few switches into your track.
Check
the power unit is plugged in and the track connectors are properly pushed on.
Take time to read the instructions before starting.
Layout Height. The smaller the scale the closer to eye level it should be placed. So HO or OO looks nice on the ground, TT can be either on ground or on a table (waist height) and N looks best on a shelf nearer to eye level.
Keep your track layout and locomotive wheels clean. A dry cloth or better still a small brush are fine. Some of our sets include a neat track cleaning gadget.
Our website has a lot of helpful information provided to
get you started successfully.
Study the information on our website, it answers many problems and questions that
can frustrate a
beginner.
Call us for advice or suggestions.
Better still, drop in to Green Hobby & Model and talk it through.
Did we say "Read the Instructions" ?
If you have trouble with your set bring the locomotive and the power pack in to us and we can test them out and spot any potential problems for you.
Enjoy your Model Railway !
Green Hobby & Model, the R/C source
38 Clareville Road, Harolds Cross, Dublin 6W
Tel (01) 4928776 , Fax (01) 4979946
Sales Norman or Patrick