Starting from scratch

[Traingrandad]

Hi and thanks for letting me join.
I am a complete newbie to this and not had a layout of any kind for many years.
I have done quite a bit of research on G scale and hope to build a garden layout of about 60 metres without a lottery win. I am looking at analogue and steam as a preference. Any guidance or tips appreciated.

 

[PhilP]

Welcome!

A lottery win would be most helpful. - Even something from a Premium Bond.

You are amongst friends here.

PhilP.

 

[maxi-model]

Welcome Traingrandad. Where to start ? Don't try to do too much all in one go, ease yourself into this hobby. Depending on your age go for radio control and battery power, not track power, if past retirement age. Trust me, we have all gone on that journey. Live steam is fun and involving but don't stint on cost there and only buy from reliable sources. Join one of the established societies, "G Scale" and "16mm NGM", gets you in touch with others with knowledge to share and established garden railways you can visit, it gives you a chance to "try before you buy". More views will be along shortly.

 

[Hal Farsed]

Welcome. Depending on your age, you might like to think about raising the line off the floor.

 

[dunnyrail]

Welcome to the Forum, as a beginner one of your first thoughts should be Ground or Raised line. Presumably with your handle this is an appropriate thing to be in your mind, my line is predominantly 4ft high but if you have younger ones perhaps half or just over that is a thought. Also access to a shed or garage for your line with tracks running in, makes setting up much easier. Sensible security on those places should keep your stock safe, but expensive locomotives live indoors. The third big one is track power or battery radio control, track cleaning does come with a lot of work as the line grows (particularly if live steam involved) and that decision from the start a makes battery a goos choice. Oh finally have a look at my build linked in blue below, big line but lots of ideas though many of the earlier pics have gone.

So to summarize;-
Ground or raised
Lines running into shed/garage
Track or battery power