The life and times of Alex Schuler

Well today I went to the BiG E Train show.  I didnt’ take any pictures for you guys, but let me say this.  Freagin amazing.  The shear size of this Expo made this one of the greatest train shows on the eastern seaboard.  People all the way from virginia, to canada came here.  Some of the most amazing layouts also made the hundred mile trips.  More to come once i have time to write a full review of it, but right now I’m building some buildings for my layout that I got at the train show for dirt cheap…

ahh I love expo’s.

Selecting the right model train can be a difficult task for the newcomer to the model-railroading hobby. There are so many trains out there, each in a different size. In this article, I am going to discuss a couple important things to know before buying your first model train. I know firsthand how that very first trip to the model train store can feel. After reading this article, you will have a better understanding of what to look for.Space and ScaleBefore you even think of building a model train set, you need to know just how much space you’ll have for it. When you purchase a model train, it has a “scale” associated with it. The scale informs you of the size of the train. The majority of model train enthusiasts love the HO scale because it takes limited space for a regular setup and the detail is nice. If space is at a premium for you, look into N scale trains. These can be run in the smallest of spaces. One of my favorites is the O Scale, sometimes called O Gauge, trains. These are big boys and come with great detail. If you have at least a 6 foot by 6 foot space, you can setup a decent O scale layout. O scale model trains and accessories are typically more expensive, but they are worth it in my opinion.RequirementsIt is possible to setup your own model railroad piece by piece or to buy a complete kit. Generally, a complete kit will lack the frills associated with model railroad setups like scenery, but you can be up and running in minutes. If you end up buying a ready-to-run complete set, you can add-on to it easily by simply buying the parts you desire. Also you can run other trains on the track. Just make sure to buy the same scale as your setup. For example, if you bought a HO scale set, you want to buy HO model trains in the future. Some Things to Look ForWhen buying your new model train, look to see if it is DCC enabled. This is a big one. You want to have your train DCC enabled, if possible, so you can run other trains at the same time with ease. Should you decide one train is enough for you, this is less of an issue, in my opinion. However, you never know. Your model train store will only have a very small fraction of the model trains and accessories that are out there. Don’t feel like you have to buy what they have. The Internet is full of model train stores. Finally, I recommend that you look for a model train store in your area and go talk to them. You can learn a lot very quickly by talking with someone in person who cares about the hobby. While hobby stores are ok, a store dedicated to model railroading is far superior in every aspect. The probability of finding someone who really knows about model railroading in detail at a general hobby store is minimal at best.
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When people ask me my hobbies, I’m always a little hesitant to answer. Although I love model railroading, and I think it’s great, I’m always worried people will think I’m a nerd or geek for it. I could see how that people could think that model railroading is a nerdy hobby, but really, its not, but blogging is .

When I was a little kid, my fascination in trains probably came from my great-uncle Tom Lewis, who had a large basement HO layout, and another large basement O layout (I think) but that was pretty much it. When I went to visit him, I loved trains, but when I went back home, I was outside playing soccer and totally forgot about diesels, steamers, and open-loads. But when I turned 13 or so, I stumbled upon an old HO layout. It was my uncle Brian’s from when he was a kid. It was a basic layout on an 8’x4’ board, nailed onto corkbed. No scenery at all. I named it the, “Plywood Express.” After explaining my newfound interest in model railroading to my grandparents, they helped my put it on some basic benchwork so I could begin the back breaking process of restoring the Atlas code 80 brass tracks.

Now the main problem with brass tracks is that when they oxidize, the rust they give off does not conduct electricity. That is why most modelers use nickel or silver tracks nowadays. So before I can even begin to put the trains on the track, I had to remove all the rust, and smooth out the tracks. The first step was removing the rust. I started by pulling out some rubbing alcohol and an old toothbrush. This did the job of loosening the rust, but not really removing much. I then took some sandpaper (never use this on track by the way) and sanded down the rust. All I was really doing was loosening the rust. Well after about three days of work on the track it was run able.

More to come in the second installment of A Model Railroad Tale.