Welsh Narrow Gauge from USA

[Karl Grimsley]

Hello friends!  This being my first post to the forum, I shall provide some information about me and the layout I am building.

I live in Virginia in the good ol' US of A.  I was an avid US diesel modeler in HO scale.  Built my first layout in 1976. I left the hobby in the mid 1980's and sold my HO scale collection.  Now approaching retirement, I decided to get back into the hobby.

I have limited space for a layout and  initially thought N scale was the way to maximize operation. That is,  until I learned of 009 narrow gauge as an option. And, when I came across the Ffestiniog Railway I instantly fell in love. 

I've never visited Wales.  I know nothing about the UK model train scene.  And let me tell you, it's been an adventure.  Not much available in the USA for modeling the Ffestiniog...everything I've obtain has come via costly post!  And may I add that the hobby has become very sophisticated and expensive!
Nonetheless, I am excited to return to the hobby.

I am loosely modeling the Ffestiniog from Porthmadog to Ffestiniog. I say "loosly" because, as I wrote, I've not been to see the Ffestiniog in person.  I am relying on books,  internet pictures, and following several folks on YouTube.  I am building individual baseboards that are a little larger than a bookshelf.  Those connect and will wrap around the walls of our spare bedroom.  Right now I am going with DC as the Ffestiniog is not that complicated in operation to justify DCC. Besides, DC allows me to spend my budget on rolling stock...slate Wagons aplenty!

I will post pictures of my minimal progress in the near future.  For now, I just wanted to introduce myself to the membership. 

[Julian Evison]

Karl, welcome to the Society and to the forum. It sounds like you have been successful with finding information on the Festiniog Railway - there is a huge amount, not least on the Festipedia - https://www.festipedia.org.uk/wiki/Ffestiniog_Railway

Ask on here for more details as there is a wealth of knowledge available.

Julian

[clayliner]

Hi, Karl, and welcome. As Julian says, there's no shortage of info on the F(f)estiniog.

One way of making the hobby a little less expensive is to browse the extensive selection of second-hand bargains in the online Society Sales shop. You may find just what you were looking for or - more likely - all sorts of items you weren't looking for but will still look good on your layout!

Enjoy working in 009.

David.

[Tim Blanchard]

It's good to see someone else here in the U.S. (from Colorado), Ffestinog is what caught my eye too.