Hi guys,
If you're based in the UK, you may recently have seen advertised a new magazine series called 'Build Your Own Model Railway', offering the chance to build an OO gauge train set based on a Midlands village from the 50s.
I realise this forum is for Trainz Simulator users, but just in case anyone is thinking of expanding their horizons into model railways and was planning to use this series as a way to do so, here is some info for you to consider first.
The first issue is £3.99, thereafter they are £8.99. The series comes in 120 parts over 2 1/2 years, by the end of which you will have spent over £1000, and that's before you've purchased the locomotive and electrics. The locomotive is available via a 'reader offer' but I would guess would cost in the region of £30-60 (unlike the rest of the kits it's from an actual model railways manufacturer). The build quality of the track supplied is questionable and the carriage which comes with the first issue is a cheap recreation but in fairness would look okay on some layouts. The publishers will require you to sign up directly to them via direct debit, and the issues will probably stop appearing in shops after issue 3 or 4. Past evidence with similar things suggests that the series may never even be completed.
In short: It is advised that you avoid this series! (Unless you want cheap maroon mk1 coaches- buy 5 copies of issue 1 and you'll have a rake for less than the price of one Mk1 from a major manufacturer!)
Why have I posted this mini lecture?
Basically, I'm trying to save you a lot of money and stress! If you want to branch out into model railways, buy from a recognised major manufacturer and you'll probably be able to get a set that's equally good if not better for around half the money, and you have the bonus of things like a decent warranty/guarantee, customer support, community support from online forums etc etc.
I apologise for the negative approach of this post but felt it may be of use to someone.
Regards,
Alex
Please note: I do not work for any major model railway manufacturer, nor have I been paid to advertise or criticise! Admins, I've tried not to break any rules with this post- I apologise if it does so.
If you're based in the UK, you may recently have seen advertised a new magazine series called 'Build Your Own Model Railway', offering the chance to build an OO gauge train set based on a Midlands village from the 50s.
I realise this forum is for Trainz Simulator users, but just in case anyone is thinking of expanding their horizons into model railways and was planning to use this series as a way to do so, here is some info for you to consider first.
The first issue is £3.99, thereafter they are £8.99. The series comes in 120 parts over 2 1/2 years, by the end of which you will have spent over £1000, and that's before you've purchased the locomotive and electrics. The locomotive is available via a 'reader offer' but I would guess would cost in the region of £30-60 (unlike the rest of the kits it's from an actual model railways manufacturer). The build quality of the track supplied is questionable and the carriage which comes with the first issue is a cheap recreation but in fairness would look okay on some layouts. The publishers will require you to sign up directly to them via direct debit, and the issues will probably stop appearing in shops after issue 3 or 4. Past evidence with similar things suggests that the series may never even be completed.
In short: It is advised that you avoid this series! (Unless you want cheap maroon mk1 coaches- buy 5 copies of issue 1 and you'll have a rake for less than the price of one Mk1 from a major manufacturer!)
Why have I posted this mini lecture?
Basically, I'm trying to save you a lot of money and stress! If you want to branch out into model railways, buy from a recognised major manufacturer and you'll probably be able to get a set that's equally good if not better for around half the money, and you have the bonus of things like a decent warranty/guarantee, customer support, community support from online forums etc etc.
I apologise for the negative approach of this post but felt it may be of use to someone.
Regards,
Alex
Please note: I do not work for any major model railway manufacturer, nor have I been paid to advertise or criticise! Admins, I've tried not to break any rules with this post- I apologise if it does so.
