When I was a kid, we took a train from Union Station to somewhere near Bloomington IL, where my grandmother lived - it was very scary down there! But, the train ride was great and the station and getting on the train are still with me, I remember the smell especially - that deisel smell was very strong there under the shed, and carrying a huge suitcase for my mom. This was probably like 35 years ago.
A few basic tools go a long way...and perhaps one of Bachman's DeWitt Clinton sets to get you started so that you have something to run now.
The most useful tools...for building neat things...are:
-digital caliper ($15-$20 at Harbor Freight or similar)
-a nice, small mill file
-some small diamond files
-a sharp hobby knife
-a miniature pin-vise drill...plus miniature drill bits (#61-80...and a #55)
-tweasers
-needle nose pliers
Start off with something like a DeWitt Clinton set...in HO...but you might that things such as the Best Friend of Charleston might be easier to work with in a larger scale: S, O, or No1 gauge. I switched from HO to O because my 3' gauge trains are too small in HO...but fine in O.
Carried over from EBT's thread!
The first toy train I bought as an adult was in 2005 -- the HO Hogwarts Express. Then I picked up the DeWitt Clinton and then an EasyDCC locomotive and transformer/controller. But, I really liked O gauge better, so I've switched. I have a little tremor in the hands (hereditary) and the O gauge is easier for me to work with, plus I just like the bigger size and weight of it! We had a small floor layout as a kid and I guess that is part of it too - the nostalgia factor?!
I picked up the BFOC earlier this year and ended up having to fix a screw on a driver, so bought some little nut drivers (thanks to CSXT30 for some advice then), calipers, and some kind of surgical doohicky that actually holds stuff great.
I got a chance to look around the regular forums this morning and a little at lunch time - will be posting and reading as much as possible! Sure thank you all for the nice welcome!
