I want to thank Bachmann for sponsoring this forum.  This is all new to me and this forum is proving very helpful in my quest for knowledge.

Thanks for the responses.  I am heading out to my first train show (RIT, Rochester, NY) this weekend, and it will be nice to at least know what to ask about

I am a beginner trying to educate myself.  I gather there are truck-mounted couplers and car-mounted couplers.  I get the difference, but not why one is more desirable than the other.  Or is it that  each more is appropriate for a certain application?

Let me just add that I truly appreciate you experienced guys that seem to monitor this forum. You, and my LHS, are making this diversion from model aircraft a lot of fun!

Thank you for your responses. Like the only other time I posted a question,you have given me some ideas to consider.

I can handle a board 60" long, the width is limited by my reach--30"?

Yes, by operations I meant switching.  The layout I keep coming back to is from Atlas--"clockwise & vice-versa".  It looks like I could let one train run, and play in the yard at the same time.  I could also run two trains, if I sat and ran the turnouts. 

I had assumed DCC was much pricier than you guys suggest.  I will look into it

Wow! Thank you all for your helpful responses.  I generally only fool with the computer when it is quiet at work, thus the delay in my response.

I am experienced aircraft modeler, but I am learning a new vocabulary related to trains, which is part of the fun.

Thanks again!

Hi, I'm a newcomer, actually an airplane modeller taking a winter off sanding balsa.  I would like to attempt an N scale layout, fixed to a board.  I am much more interested in operational capability than scenery, although that will come along soon enough, I suspect. I am aware that there is a fine line between a hobby and mental illness!

I am shopping track brands and layouts.  I like the Kato track, but the layouts they show do not interest me--I haven't seen one capable of operating two trains independently, also they are too large for my situation (one bedroom full of airplanes already!)  The local dealer told me that Blocks and control panels are old-fashioned, and Kato routes their power differently thru turnouts.  Is this why the layouts do not impress me?

The layout I like best has a number of 9 3/4" radius curves. I gather this will limit me to small locomotives and short trains. If I accept this limitation, will I get reliable operations?

Has gluing track to foam board replaced tacking (nailing) to plywood?

Thanks--I am headed to a local hobby shop in the next couple days, it will be nice to know what to look for.

I am absolutely new to model trains.  Could someone please explain the difference between "motive power" and "locomotive"? I notice what looks like locomotives (to me!) in the motive power listing.

What would be a good source to increase my basic knowledge?  I have read through some ten year old Atlas layout books/info, but this web site shows me that I need to educate myself.

I am interested in N-scale.