I began setting up my garden railway in March this year as a distraction from the loss of my daughter in March 2022. The more I read up and follow chats the more I realise that I am not very knowledgable about the technical side of g scale layouts. Should I be? or is it fine just to set it up how I want and not worry whether it’s the best it can be?
More knowledge?
- Thread starter Kev Green
- Start date
Just get going and learn as you go. That way you can get some pleasure, just laying a circuit of g scale track on grass is a way to start. My line back in 1987 had a terminus on some paving slabs and a return loop via the lawn till I got going more.
It depends on where you think your knowledge is lacking?
There are a number of things you need to know to get reliable running:
Keep your track as level as possible.
Joints need to be tight, with a little 'conductive grease' and / or clamps.
Aviod twists. - Especially on curves, or points (turnouts).
Avoid gradients, if possible.
That type of thing..
Frequent running, will help keep track clean, so power pickup remains good. - If track-power is bejng used..
Don't run too fast. - This is supposed to be relaxing!
Listen. - If something makes a strange noise, is it supposed to?
Does the controller smell hot? - A controller sat in the midday sun, is a recipe for disaster.
If you have tight curves, run your trains in opposite directions. - This will even out the wear on things.
If you are not sure about something, then ask..
The worst is we can say we don't know.
PhilP
There are a number of things you need to know to get reliable running:
Keep your track as level as possible.
Joints need to be tight, with a little 'conductive grease' and / or clamps.
Aviod twists. - Especially on curves, or points (turnouts).
Avoid gradients, if possible.
That type of thing..
Frequent running, will help keep track clean, so power pickup remains good. - If track-power is bejng used..
Don't run too fast. - This is supposed to be relaxing!
Listen. - If something makes a strange noise, is it supposed to?
Does the controller smell hot? - A controller sat in the midday sun, is a recipe for disaster.
If you have tight curves, run your trains in opposite directions. - This will even out the wear on things.
If you are not sure about something, then ask..
The worst is we can say we don't know.
PhilP
playmofire
Registered
An oval will work fine and you can just sit and watch the trains run round and round
Add an internal siding and an external passing loop on one side and you greatly extend what you can do, so long as you only have one loco at a time on the tracks.
If you're using track power as opposed to battery, things need only get complicated if you want to have two locos on the tracks at once, e.g. one running and one in a siding, and even then this needn't be too comp;licated.
Add an internal siding and an external passing loop on one side and you greatly extend what you can do, so long as you only have one loco at a time on the tracks.
If you're using track power as opposed to battery, things need only get complicated if you want to have two locos on the tracks at once, e.g. one running and one in a siding, and even then this needn't be too comp;licated.
Rhinochugger
Retired Oik
Like the others have said, lay something simple, run some trains, and let things grow from there - some of the knowledge may not be needed 
but there may be something specific that grabs your interest, and you can ask and learn as you go. Many of us have followed that path 
but there may be something specific that grabs your interest, and you can ask and learn as you go. Many of us have followed that path brokenwing
Registered
Hello Kev,
The skills and knowledge of people on this Forum can be very intimidating and awe inspiring but I’ve found the vast majority of people are friendly and helpful. This hobby can be as complicated or simple as you like. Personally I find the digital side of things too technical and expensive so it’s the two wires and controller for me. You put track down run a train and it falls over no big deal, unless it’s several feet above the ground. Try again and learn in the process. The main thing is it’s your Railway enjoy it , do what you want to do, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
voodoopenguin
Retired
As others have said, get some track down and watch them go round. Here is my very first running from six years ago
Paul.
Paul.
#1Photographer
Registered
Regardless of what you do remember, YOUR objectives are: 1. Therapeutic distraction from your tragic loss. And 2. Have fun. Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of others. I am sure every member of this forum has had countless "woops" experiences. So what! Logically you should figure out what went wrong and attempt for correct the issue. All the while know this forum is a great resource.
David1226
Registered
Yep, had one only last week, when I thought I was only going to pass wind
David