ARGH! HOn3 woes...

[sumpter250]

Why do I have to like the stuff that you can't get?!?!?!

Because, that is the unwritten law of model railroading!

I'm going to have to learn to lay track, aren't I?

Ummmm, in a word?, yes.

Track laying isn't hard, it just takes a bit to get started. Lay out centerlines first, make sure the subroadbed is smooth and level, and where ever possible, use flextrack. I know it can be expensive, but there are really only two major expenses you should never go without. Good track, and quality locomotives. The most expensive rolling stock will still never get anywhere if the track isn't laid right, or the locos don't run.
Pete

[inqzitr]

Originally Posted by sumpter250

Because, that is the unwritten law of model railroading!


Ummmm, in a word?, yes.

Track laying isn't hard, it just takes a bit to get started. Lay out centerlines first, make sure the subroadbed is smooth and level, and where ever possible, use flextrack. I know it can be expensive, but there are really only two major expenses you should never go without. Good track, and quality locomotives. The most expensive rolling stock will still never get anywhere if the track isn't laid right, or the locos don't run.
Pete

Well, this is good to know, and when I'm ready to do some narrow gauge, I suppose this is what I'll have to do. I think if I had a good support group that could walk me through a couple of times of laying rail, it wouldn't be a problem.

I have come to the conclusion that I just want to 'play with my trains', and not spend all my time building everything to do so. What this means is that I'm likely going to veer off and start an HO shortline to hone my skills back up (after a substantial hiatus...)

The more I think about it, I'm probably going to shelf my HOn3 plans right now and see what happens in the future. If I keep the narrow gauge bug, perhaps I'll dabble in On30...

Thanks again everyone. I'll likely be picking everyone's brains again to help with layout design next!

[sumpter250]

I think if I had a good support group that could walk me through a couple of times of laying rail, it wouldn't be a problem.

Support groups are great things for dealing with "issues", personal problems, dependancies etc. They can also be good sources of information. What they are not especially good at is perfecting skills, here, the old addage "practice makes perfect", genuinely applies. Yes, the only sure way to learn how to lay track......is to lay track. There's another "old addage" Easy come easy go. Truly, the things we learn by making our own mistakes, are the things we learn the best, and keep the longest.
My "spare parts box" is testament to all the mistakes of my learning process. You will find that most of the best modelers, have large spare parts boxes!

[inqzitr]

Originally Posted by sumpter250

Support groups are great things for dealing with "issues", personal problems, dependancies etc. They can also be good sources of information. What they are not especially good at is perfecting skills, here, the old addage "practice makes perfect", genuinely applies. Yes, the only sure way to learn how to lay track......is to lay track. There's another "old addage" Easy come easy go. Truly, the things we learn by making our own mistakes, are the things we learn the best, and keep the longest.
My "spare parts box" is testament to all the mistakes of my learning process. You will find that most of the best modelers, have large spare parts boxes!

... showing me how to do it, watching me while I ask some questions. Then I'd practice. However, I've heard over and over, from many ppl, that it can be tricky, I mean to learn the basic technique. After that, it's not bad from everybody that I've spoken to and things that I've read. This is what I mean. From a support group standpoing, I was referring to having something like a narrow gauge group, or someone who'd put on a workshop or something, so I could observe how to do it, then I could just practice.

So, I agree with you. But, It'd still be useful to watch someone doing it.

[nachoman]

Hey, I am planning a new HOn3 layout that I will hopefully begin in the next few months. I plan on handlaying all the track, and I will document everything and post it here. I have very little handlaying experience myself, so it will be a learning experience for me, too.

Kevin

[sumpter250]

There is nothing left, now, of the 8' X 10' HO modular layout I built while on active duty. Hand layed code 70 nickel silver rail on hand cut ties!
The lesson I learned?.......Flextrack where ever possible!

I think I still have blisters from hand spiking all that track, and it's been 34 years since the last spike was driven!
If you want to go that route, two spikes per rail, per tie, and to save on the hands, spike every third tie. The club layout was spiked every seventh or eighth tie, and there were constant gauge problems in the track. Every tie, can be done, but is only necessary for appearance. The little bit of track I still have from the old layout is still in gauge, and can be run on, and it has been stored in the basement for over 14 years now.

[nkp174]

I typically spike every 2-3 ties...usually not wider than every 4. I also usually only spike one side of each rail every 2-3.

Watching trains run over my track is far more interesting to me than seeing them roll over flex track...but I can understand why someone would want to use flex where possible.

I would highly recommend that you have a little oval or so of commercial track to run your trains now...and practice hand laying track in short segments.

If I was you...I'd make a jig and solder code 55 rail (pilfered from N-scale flex track) to pc board ties. Using a soldering pen...it is not anywhere close to as difficult as it is with a gun...especially if you keep the tip clean like your supposed to do. Either practice building your own turnouts...or pilfer the parts from N scale turnouts. I'd join the yahoo group for hand laid track...handlaidtrack : Hand Laid Track

[inqzitr]

Thanks for that! I'll check it out!