Model Railroad Hobbyist | July 2015 | #65 STAFF NOTES Making the hobby more satisfying ... and more A common question on model railroad- ing forums is: “I’m new to the hobby, how do you recommend I get started?” Another common question that is related is: “I have this space for a layout, but I haven’t got a clue how to develop a track plan for the space. Can you guys help me come up with a track plan?” At the heart of both questions is the same root request: How do I proceed so the hobby will be the most satisfying to me? Most seasoned modelers know how to answer this: you need to learn what parts of the hobby you like best and what parts of the hobby you like least. To do that, you need to do some learning. For example, in this issue’s article on the Lewis County club, Ted Livermore had this advice for hobby newcomers: “Put a loop of track down and keep it running ... then go visit dif- ferent layouts and clubs, learn what you can learn – and find out what you’re interested in.” Exactly! But even those of us who have been in the hobby for a while may have gotten stale and need a refresher, too. MRHMAG.COM • TABLE OF CONTENTS • INDEX