Thanks for this! I reentered the hobby in March, 2023, and I wish I had had this checklist. My last layout in the 60's was HO, brass rail, all code 100, and, of course all DC. Some guidance would have avoided my situation now, with excess track and points to dispose of, point motors that were resold at a loss because far superior ones were available, locos I don't like for a variety of reasons, especially performance. However, in the past year and a half I have awakened my mind learning the ins and outs of DCC, LEDs, MegaPoint controls, ballasting, planning, and now, at last, operation. I feel like it's keeping me from aging past my 80-year point. The challenges of the hobby are wonderful for stimulation, once you get past the frustrations!
@@chugwaterjack4458 Hello, Thanks for getting in touch. Have wanted to do this for 3 years but, so much has altered in that time too. As fast as I collated information the market changed again and so did the innovations. It’s been a real explosion in that regard. Dave at MegaPoint is a real gent. His Mimic panels look superb. I’m busy on Part 2 and so keep watching and any questions, it’ll be good to hear from you. DCC Sound was why I got back on board again initially and this channel sprouted out of TT:120 because nobody was talking about it back then 👍
Super video, I’m just restarting back into the hobby after almost 40 years away from it. So much has changed and this video is an eye opener. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the next chapter, Thank you for your enthusiasm and I love your ethos of let’s help each other rather than competing against each other.
@@AnthonyE-n2k Thanks Anthony, Thank you 🙏 Big changes yes. Just thought. Healthy cells in the human body all work together with cooperation and collaboration rather than competition and division, just like a good model railway does. When they don’t we see what happens, there’s dis - ease or dysfunction. Happy Modelling! 😂
As I am a “procrastinating newbie “ this was a great video. I’ve spent 3 years going to the odd exhibition, and love the new tech of DCC, sound, app control etc. For the last year I have happily been “buying stuff” having negotiated with the boss a very small “train space” in my home office. I have a 4ft x 18inch baseboard up (thinking to start small to learn the basics) …… just trying to to get going as “fear of getting it wrong” is a big factor! Looking forward to the next instalment!
@@grahamsmith5847 The good news is you’ve already made that leap and set room and size. It sounds like scale too? Turning fear into love and beginning to trust that part of ourselves again within is also 🔑. Saying that it took me far too long to shave off my fear, which is the same thing dressed up differently. Loving your story and journey into reality so far 👍👍👍. Stay in touch, Andy 🙏
Andy, great video, you’ve really hit the nail on the head with this. This is/will be of so much help to so many people, including me. Looking forward to the next video in the series. Many thanks Steve
@@ianhughes-zf1ll It’s something I love so guess the passion is there to share Ian. Thank you for your continued support and the kind words along the way to help bolster the times when doubt and direction play on the moral compass. 👍
I notice Richard Hannay hasn’t responded yet 😁 On a serious note for getting going, making a written plan is a huge step forward and helps get some order to all the things to think about. The question sheet is a great idea Andy and thanks for putting the time in to it. 👍
@@HighFell Q sheet was just intuition at play because do loathe exam type testing for a competitive result and it may, at first glance, seem that way. That would be missing the point and intention🙏 It’s so easy to get caught up in endless thoughts and so we forget to do, put things off out of fatigue, time, priority, etc, or fear breaking out and starting, for fear of getting it wrong. Forces always come in to help once we start the ball rolling, due to free will. We have to make that choice. Once doing though, without seeking reward, chasing the result, clocks or getting too much in its wake, it always makes us feel better to achieve things beyond the screen 😂. Richard Hannay? Which post is this, on which/who’s video?
@ hero of The 39 Steps! 😁 Your check list is a bit more organised than my usual suggestion, that’s sit down with a cuppa, paper, pencil and write down the things you would like the layout to have. It’s amazing how many people forget the very thing they wanted from the start. It’s nice to be able to get some ideas down as you say or it all becomes a load of stuff wizzing around in your head. Often answers to some ideas dictate other things you have suggested too. It’s a fantastic hobby because it has so many elements and it can be a bit daunting for the day reason 😁👍
@ Yes, and with it being so huge, overwhelms the mind and sends us into over thinking. I guess why Hornby try to stay simple and for instance are loved and shunned at times by those in deeper, as it all looks too twee and obvious. I mean who needs any more BR blue/grey MK1 coaches in OO… me but, wish Bachmann had added mag flicker free track fed lighting to their primed ready bogies and mag roofing like Rapido now are going for. Interesting times 🙏
@@modelocoI have also done track feed flicker free on all my TT:120 coaching stock, it’s a development of TWW example, should be pretty straight forward in OO as there is so much room!! It’s always striking a happy balance, all the manufacturers try their best to give customers what they think they want. We are very fortunate that in UK the industry has so many enthusiasts in it that are excellent with customer service. Too many people moan about Hornby while forgetting they are the back bone of the hobby. They do a lot of the heavy lifting, but let’s not get bogged down in who did what…. 🤣 You have a few layouts to juggle, 😁👍
@ Yes, I commented on the price of latching reeds to uk consumers and no let’s not get swamped with all that jazzzzzz you’re right, my layout trilogy awaits but, that’s part of the fun too, which is quite strange 👍
There is no such thing as amber on the railway. It is yellow. No, I'm not being pedantic. It's a hard and fast rule on the railway that the colour is referred to as yellow in order to avoid any miscommunication or confusion. One of the most important things about communication on the footplate or in signal boxes/centres is the ABC. Accuracy, Brevity and Clarity. It is stressed continually from day one of entering service, and that's why the description 'Amber' annoys railwaymen so much (including me even though I've been retired a few years now.) Very nice interesting video otherwise Andy. You've earned a subscription 😉
Hello, Thank you for the feedback. Had no idea but, that’s the marvelous thing I guess, there’s always more to learn. Might need you when I start putting the signaling in then and great to have you on board, yellow flag, card or light 🚦 👍
@@modeloco Yes, as a retired Driver I'd be more than happy to advise on signalling Andy - semaphore or colour light. I must be turning into a bit of a Victor Meldrew these days because, as much as I love looking at all these wonderful model railways, I get a bit annoyed by some of the more basic signalling errors (semaphore distant signals seems to leave many people at a loss for some reason.) As you've said before, I'm sure, the internet can give the answers to most things if you want to take the time to go and look. Good luck with everything 👍
The original TT is still a thing too, 3mm scale sits right between HO and TT120. Might not have mainstream manufacturer support but with 3d printing and laser cutting becoming more available small scale manufacturers are springing up.
@ Fabulous Phil . Hey, that has a good ring to it. Unless they call you that already. Any video links please let me know. Obviously a bit of work involved no doubt. Which decoders have/are you opting for? 👍👍👍
@@modeloco Fabulous Phil would certainly be an upgrade to what they normally call me 🙂 We're having a club open day on the 17th which we're pushing to get things running for, I'll get some video and send it over. I don't actually know which decoders we're using, I've been working on the buildings. I'll find out. 👍
Oh my god. I have just been made medically retired from the railway as a signalman after 34 years (2 years ago). I started to spend my retirement money on OO gauge models to add to my old stock that i collected years ok. But soon released that i don't have the space. Then i started to buy N gauge stock. Now, i have a lot of OO gauge, but also, N gauge. Now i don't know what to do now. I like the OO stock that i have but don't have the space to do what i want. I like all the N gauge stock also, and i do have the space to do what i want and more. I am now and in a tis-was as i don't know what to do now. I love my OO stock that i have collected, but i don't really want to sell it because i want get the money back for what i paid for it.
@@pauldyer3312Here’s an interesting one then I’m considering… building a OO end to end over my TT:120 Layout. To act as a dust cover and double as a quick running set up above the Shiredale layout ???
@modeloco I was thinking about having my N gauge layout on top, and some of my OO gauge what you have suggested underneath as a end to end. But I don't know how to make that work.
EM gauge is 18.2mm that's 1,7mm wider then HO/OO. It's still not to scale which is 18.83mm I think, which they call P4, which is true to scale between the rails. Models can be easier converted to EM from OO. P4 track is mainly built from scratch and locomotives can be harder to convert, but in EM you can get Flexi track and possibly more I think for track and buy wheel conversions like you say. EM is a good compromise I think. I think years ago when OO first come out because the real British locomotives are 16" shorter in width on the bodys than the locomotives on the European continent they brought the scale number down to make the internal space as big to be able to use the German track and motors already on the market but I think the OO locomotive models are to scale measured from the outside of the wheel and the slightly smaller track help them getting around tighter corner otherwise your would need a lot bigger radius to match the U.K minimum radius of 200 metres on the real thing. This is going of memory so take it with a pinch of salt.
I've faced the dilemma where I decided to go for OO after starting in N-scale. And then decided to get rid of most of the N-scale. Althought I'm very unsure if my controller works for OO scale, since it says it is safe for HO. However, I've also wanted HO scale wagons and locomotives, but very unsure due to the size difference. The newly released EuroDual ED9002 in HO scale really caught my eye and would love to have it. I may get it despite the difference and hope it doesn't look too out of scale.
@@modeloco I was looking through the TT:120 six months ago when I was first starting out, but I couldn't find any locomotives that stood out to me. I like the range of locomotives in OO and HO scales. I'll certainly get send a picture.
@@wamgoc Yes, very much so. Have you seen ‘Modeloco ml41’ video update. Apologies in advance for my rather enthusiastic intro. I’m at my most creative when in that sort of mood btw
Thanks for this! I reentered the hobby in March, 2023, and I wish I had had this checklist. My last layout in the 60's was HO, brass rail, all code 100, and, of course all DC. Some guidance would have avoided my situation now, with excess track and points to dispose of, point motors that were resold at a loss because far superior ones were available, locos I don't like for a variety of reasons, especially performance. However, in the past year and a half I have awakened my mind learning the ins and outs of DCC, LEDs, MegaPoint controls, ballasting, planning, and now, at last, operation. I feel like it's keeping me from aging past my 80-year point.
The challenges of the hobby are wonderful for stimulation, once you get past the frustrations!
@@chugwaterjack4458 Hello, Thanks for getting in touch. Have wanted to do this for 3 years but, so much has altered in that time too. As fast as I collated information the market changed again and so did the innovations. It’s been a real explosion in that regard. Dave at MegaPoint is a real gent. His Mimic panels look superb. I’m busy on Part 2 and so keep watching and any questions, it’ll be good to hear from you. DCC Sound was why I got back on board again initially and this channel sprouted out of TT:120 because nobody was talking about it back then 👍
Super video, I’m just restarting back into the hobby after almost 40 years away from it. So much has changed and this video is an eye opener. Keep up the great work, looking forward to the next chapter, Thank you for your enthusiasm and I love your ethos of let’s help each other rather than competing against each other.
@@AnthonyE-n2k Thanks Anthony, Thank you 🙏 Big changes yes. Just thought. Healthy cells in the human body all work together with cooperation and collaboration rather than competition and division, just like a good model railway does. When they don’t we see what happens, there’s dis - ease or dysfunction. Happy Modelling! 😂
As I am a “procrastinating newbie “ this was a great video. I’ve spent 3 years going to the odd exhibition, and love the new tech of DCC, sound, app control etc. For the last year I have happily been “buying stuff” having negotiated with the boss a very small “train space” in my home office. I have a 4ft x 18inch baseboard up (thinking to start small to learn the basics) …… just trying to to get going as “fear of getting it wrong” is a big factor! Looking forward to the next instalment!
@@grahamsmith5847 The good news is you’ve already made that leap and set room and size. It sounds like scale too? Turning fear into love and beginning to trust that part of ourselves again within is also 🔑. Saying that it took me far too long to shave off my fear, which is the same thing dressed up differently. Loving your story and journey into reality so far 👍👍👍. Stay in touch, Andy 🙏
Andy, great video, you’ve really hit the nail on the head with this. This is/will be of so much help to so many people, including me. Looking forward to the next video in the series. Many thanks Steve
@@stevezeal Thanks Steve, Yes, there are so many catches to get caught on and yet there’s so much out there to offer if you know what’s what 👍
Brilliant Andy . Your enthusiasm and knowledge about this hobby and putting it out there for some mere mortals is awesome thanks mate keep it coming
@@ianhughes-zf1ll It’s something I love so guess the passion is there to share Ian. Thank you for your continued support and the kind words along the way to help bolster the times when doubt and direction play on the moral compass. 👍
Sorry Andy I thought I had commented 😢Great idea will definitely help people to sort out there layouts etc.Take care and stay safe.😊
@@richardswiderski4985 you had but, two is better than one 👍👍👍👍
@modeloco Doooo 😀I had a look but could not see it.I thought I had..I blame it on old age 😆
@@richardswiderski4985 I replied to it maybe it just got lost in the ether????
I notice Richard Hannay hasn’t responded yet 😁
On a serious note for getting going, making a written plan is a huge step forward and helps get some order to all the things to think about. The question sheet is a great idea Andy and thanks for putting the time in to it. 👍
@@HighFell
Q sheet was just intuition at play because do loathe exam type testing for a competitive result and it may, at first glance, seem that way. That would be missing the point and intention🙏 It’s so easy to get caught up in endless thoughts and so we forget to do, put things off out of fatigue, time, priority, etc, or fear breaking out and starting, for fear of getting it wrong. Forces always come in to help once we start the ball rolling, due to free will. We have to make that choice. Once doing though, without seeking reward, chasing the result, clocks or getting too much in its wake, it always makes us feel better to achieve things beyond the screen 😂.
Richard Hannay? Which post is this, on which/who’s video?
@ hero of The 39 Steps! 😁
Your check list is a bit more organised than my usual suggestion, that’s sit down with a cuppa, paper, pencil and write down the things you would like the layout to have. It’s amazing how many people forget the very thing they wanted from the start. It’s nice to be able to get some ideas down as you say or it all becomes a load of stuff wizzing around in your head. Often answers to some ideas dictate other things you have suggested too. It’s a fantastic hobby because it has so many elements and it can be a bit daunting for the day reason 😁👍
@ Yes, and with it being so huge, overwhelms the mind and sends us into over thinking. I guess why Hornby try to stay simple and for instance are loved and shunned at times by those in deeper, as it all looks too twee and obvious. I mean who needs any more BR blue/grey MK1 coaches in OO… me but, wish Bachmann had added mag flicker free track fed lighting to their primed ready bogies and mag roofing like Rapido now are going for. Interesting times 🙏
@@modelocoI have also done track feed flicker free on all my TT:120 coaching stock, it’s a development of TWW example, should be pretty straight forward in OO as there is so much room!!
It’s always striking a happy balance, all the manufacturers try their best to give customers what they think they want. We are very fortunate that in UK the industry has so many enthusiasts in it that are excellent with customer service. Too many people moan about Hornby while forgetting they are the back bone of the hobby. They do a lot of the heavy lifting, but let’s not get bogged down in who did what…. 🤣
You have a few layouts to juggle, 😁👍
@ Yes, I commented on the price of latching reeds to uk consumers and no let’s not get swamped with all that jazzzzzz you’re right, my layout trilogy awaits but, that’s part of the fun too, which is quite strange 👍
There is no such thing as amber on the railway. It is yellow. No, I'm not being pedantic. It's a hard and fast rule on the railway that the colour is referred to as yellow in order to avoid any miscommunication or confusion. One of the most important things about communication on the footplate or in signal boxes/centres is the ABC. Accuracy, Brevity and Clarity. It is stressed continually from day one of entering service, and that's why the description 'Amber' annoys railwaymen so much (including me even though I've been retired a few years now.) Very nice interesting video otherwise Andy. You've earned a subscription 😉
Hello, Thank you for the feedback. Had no idea but, that’s the marvelous thing I guess, there’s always more to learn. Might need you when I start putting the signaling in then and great to have you on board, yellow flag, card or light 🚦 👍
@@modeloco Yes, as a retired Driver I'd be more than happy to advise on signalling Andy - semaphore or colour light. I must be turning into a bit of a Victor Meldrew these days because, as much as I love looking at all these wonderful model railways, I get a bit annoyed by some of the more basic signalling errors (semaphore distant signals seems to leave many people at a loss for some reason.) As you've said before, I'm sure, the internet can give the answers to most things if you want to take the time to go and look. Good luck with everything 👍
Thanks
Wow Michael Thank You so much!
The original TT is still a thing too, 3mm scale sits right between HO and TT120. Might not have mainstream manufacturer support but with 3d printing and laser cutting becoming more available small scale manufacturers are springing up.
@@philmarsden8932 Hi Phil, Yes, very encouraging for those still enjoying and well worth a mention if DC is your path 👍
@@modeloco DCC too! We're building a DCC 3mm TT layout at Macclesfield Model Railway Group, it'll be exhibiting next year
@ Fabulous Phil . Hey, that has a good ring to it. Unless they call you that already. Any video links please let me know. Obviously a bit of work involved no doubt. Which decoders have/are you opting for? 👍👍👍
@@modeloco Fabulous Phil would certainly be an upgrade to what they normally call me 🙂 We're having a club open day on the 17th which we're pushing to get things running for, I'll get some video and send it over. I don't actually know which decoders we're using, I've been working on the buildings. I'll find out. 👍
Oh my god. I have just been made medically retired from the railway as a signalman after 34 years (2 years ago). I started to spend my retirement money on OO gauge models to add to my old stock that i collected years ok. But soon released that i don't have the space. Then i started to buy N gauge stock. Now, i have a lot of OO gauge, but also, N gauge. Now i don't know what to do now. I like the OO stock that i have but don't have the space to do what i want. I like all the N gauge stock also, and i do have the space to do what i want and more. I am now and in a tis-was as i don't know what to do now. I love my OO stock that i have collected, but i don't really want to sell it because i want get the money back for what i paid for it.
@@pauldyer3312 Hi Paul, I do know there’s always compromises to be be made and yes I love my OO. How much space have you got?
I can not get a 6x4 OO gauge layout, but I could always try a 5x2&5, but that is about it.
@@pauldyer3312Here’s an interesting one then I’m considering… building a OO end to end over my TT:120 Layout. To act as a dust cover and double as a quick running set up above the Shiredale layout ???
@modeloco I was thinking about having my N gauge layout on top, and some of my OO gauge what you have suggested underneath as a end to end. But I don't know how to make that work.
EM gauge is 18.2mm that's 1,7mm wider then HO/OO. It's still not to scale which is 18.83mm I think, which they call P4, which is true to scale between the rails. Models can be easier converted to EM from OO. P4 track is mainly built from scratch and locomotives can be harder to convert, but in EM you can get Flexi track and possibly more I think for track and buy wheel conversions like you say. EM is a good compromise I think. I think years ago when OO first come out because the real British locomotives are 16" shorter in width on the bodys than the locomotives on the European continent they brought the scale number down to make the internal space as big to be able to use the German track and motors already on the market but I think the OO locomotive models are to scale measured from the outside of the wheel and the slightly smaller track help them getting around tighter corner otherwise your would need a lot bigger radius to match the U.K minimum radius of 200 metres on the real thing. This is going of memory so take it with a pinch of salt.
@@PeckhamHall Brill stuff and yes, planned to give it two mins but, big subject and thanks for the additional 👍
I've faced the dilemma where I decided to go for OO after starting in N-scale. And then decided to get rid of most of the N-scale. Althought I'm very unsure if my controller works for OO scale, since it says it is safe for HO. However, I've also wanted HO scale wagons and locomotives, but very unsure due to the size difference. The newly released EuroDual ED9002 in HO scale really caught my eye and would love to have it. I may get it despite the difference and hope it doesn't look too out of scale.
I’d love to see a picture if you do. Is TT:120 something you ponder?
@@modeloco I was looking through the TT:120 six months ago when I was first starting out, but I couldn't find any locomotives that stood out to me. I like the range of locomotives in OO and HO scales. I'll certainly get send a picture.
@ Most appreciated Thomas
Do you have plans for your up down storage shelves please?
@@wamgoc Yes, very much so. Have you seen ‘Modeloco ml41’ video update. Apologies in advance for my rather enthusiastic intro. I’m at my most creative when in that sort of mood btw