There are two basic ways to get into the hobby. The first is to buy second hand and the second is to build from a kit.

Second hand purchase

Buying second hand seems like a great way to get on the layouts quickly but it does come with a few words of warning. Whatever the price it is extremely difficult to check the build quality other than paintwork. You will have no idea if there are any problems and these may just show themselves later. So some words of wisdom may be in order.

New build from a kit

Building from a kit can be a little more involved and you will need to buy more things but you can spread the cost, it will take longer to get you up and running.

A basic kit is a great way to learn how the models are put together and help you understand the parts, their function and how they all fit together. There are a number of things that you will absolutely have to have te get your kit up and running and there are a few nice to haves that are best done at build time.

Must Haves

You will need:-

This will get you a functioning truck.

Nice to Haves

There are a few nice additions that you may want to consider some because they enhance your drive and some to enhance the experience.

Two should be considered at build time, I know it adds to the cost but its easier to do it now:-

Other things that you can consider are:-

 

 To give you an idea of what can be done, hear is the journey of my first truck.

This is how it all started for me. I was deeply in to fast electric model boats until the floods came and approaching age gave me an aversion to rain, a trip to a show tipped it for me. This is a scania 6x4 kit with a tamiya flatbed trailer (yes you will want something to pull!

That was all a bit plain for me but a newly found FB friend had a lovely scania with a nice set of decals so I decided I would come as close as I could.

Then I added a carson flatbed trailer and worked on the load.

with carson flatbed

Finally I bought and heavily modified a carson tipper trailer. I really do need to get it out again!

Now I have what my wife would call "rather too many toys" LOL.

 

Insurance

 

One final thought, you will have invested time and money in your model(s) and supporting parts (batteries, chargers, cases, loads and diarama parts) so it would be would be a really good idea to get some insurance, this could be an extension to home insurance or it could be completely separate. Yes we as a club have insurance for events but it does not cover everything  ( Like someones child tripping over your truck, or indeed many scenarios of someone tripping over your truck.) , so check out our insurance and your own, and dont forget cover whilst in transit and at shows!

 

Hapy building. please feel free to contact us using the contact form for any help or info you might need.