Model railroads.

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So i recently started into a new hobby. I decided to get into HO trains. I am in the process of building my layout table, Going to be a 12x8 L shape. Looking at a Rapido Diesel unit, going to build my layout in a 1966-1974 era, i grew up in a train station from 5 yrs old till 14 yrs old. We lived in the CN train station during that time.

Anybody else into this hobby that can offer some advice and places where to buy from?
Train shows if you can get to one. They are the best for finding deals. SMT on youtube shows his train show purchases. He is in Canada.
 
I'd suggest using code 83 track unless you are already heavily invested in code 100, or in oversize flange older rolling stock.

The hobby has been moving toward 83 for over a decade.

It really does look better and more options are now available for switch, crossover and curve radii than for 100.
 
Well yesterday was a big hit on the credit card. lol I bought 2 Rapido Diesel locomotives complete with sound, and an MRC digital controller with one reverse loop module. Plus all my Atlas Code 100 track for the layout. This is not as costly as the car hobby, but it's not going to be cheap by any means. This is going to be at least a 5 year project to get this layout completed.
 
I have the Prodigy (Advance but not squared) and it has worked very well for me despite the shots other DCC system users like to take. I've had it for over a decade.

I bought a used on off ebay for $100, then I bought two additional throttles for around $20 each, and finally a complete second system as a backup (with a 4th throttle) for $50 because the listing wasn't in the right category an no one else bid.

it does have some quirks, and the one I can think of off the top of my head is that it doesn't necessarily remember the locos you have recently used unless you unplug the throttle from the cable . It will display "SVD A" and then the addresses you currently have on the recall stack will be saved when it is powered off.

BTW, you can use "regular" Cat5 ethernet cable and connectors to extend the connections, and even an rj45 splitter. I have a splitter connection (can accept two throttles) or two on each wall. No need to buy the MRC brand extensions at 3-5 times the price of generic Cat5.

I haven't added the wireless because I don't mind a 15' cable that I can relocate to each wall.
 
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I also highly recommend Loksound decoders, which is what I believe Rapido uses.

I was a very early adopter of those at a time when SoundTraxx was all the rage and SoundTraxx guys would routinely bash Loksound.

Attitudes have changed in the last couple years as people are figuring out that the motor control and programming options on the Loksoiund are phenomenal. Especially the by default and extremely prototypical prime mover spool up before the loco starts to move.

I tried to duplicate that on the other brands but was never able to, and it's NOT a simple matter of adding momentum as was the typical rebuttal from users of other brands.
 
That GMD1 is an odd beast.

How many of those did they have?

My favorite diesel on the layout is an Atlas RS1 with a Loksound.
 
I know they are Canada only, but how many in real life?
 
Oh man i have no idea? My dad was a station agent in a small town of 100 people we lived in the CN train station for 10 years roughly so the train ran right beside my bedroom, 5-6 days a week sometimes. i got to see lots of trains, but never paid much attention to the locomotives and the changes or styles.
 
I have some oddball equipment I bought from the factory yard sale at Broadway Limited.

Pre-production prototype NYC 4-8-2 and PRR GG1.

"Lawsuit" prototype PRR Alco FA ABA set (all with LokSound)-(tooling was surrendered to MTH).

I had and sold a prototype N&W J1.

...and I bought a bucket full of 21pin ESU Loksound decoders.

The FA's, and a 99% complete K-4 4-6-2 were the most expensive at $40 each.

Everything else was $25 including another 85% complete K4, a couple of I1 2-10-0's and a half a dozen tenders with Quantum decoders.
 
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Chattanooga rail road pics for support, or inspiration.
 
I recognized that engine! I took my nephew there a decade ago, he was afraid of the dark, and had to have me hold his hand in the tunnel! My glasses broke right when we got there, and he thought we were going to miss the train, but we made it in time. Didn't get to see the engine house when I was there.
 
I've always wanted to model the trestle that was a couple miles from where I grew up, we used to walk across it all the time as kids and walk through spurlington tunnel on the other side of it, it was 200 ft. Tall.

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GP 7 exiting the spurlington tunnel and GE U25 B's pulling a coal drag through Lebanon KY. Where I grew up.

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