Best H0 system for newcomer?

The original question is the start of someone's research - we've either put them right, put them wrong, or sent them running to buy a "how to do it" book!

I make a habit of trying to answer the question asked, or the question the questioner intended to ask, rather than answering the question I wanted asked. ;-)

Regards, Greg.P.

Is it that easy for you to distinguish between "the question the questioner intended to ask" and "the question I wanted asked"? Just wondering. Thank you.

Jerry

You tell him fake sockpupput. Only I must have be so wasted I don't remember writing that trash talk. We own this Usenet group and we determine who posts here and what they say ! Right on left hand.

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Steve

snipped-for-privacy@hotmail.com spake thus:

Peek-a-boo, "Curt", we see you!

snip

This (below)

is a very good way to try and help. The problem comes when the 'asked question' isn't the question that should be asked. Then hopefully, the 'crystal ball' will let the answer be at least close to what is needed.

When the questioner, (or helpful 'nit-pickers') won't accept that the question asked doesn't address the underlying problem in a way that can USEFULLY be answered with a 'simple answer', people end up with 'hurt feelings' and crys of 'name calling' etc.

Chuck D.

snip

Where

Yeah! That world be a rather definite and easy point to use.

Say you put 25 hours a week int RR kits & associated, and you also happen to be doing 20 hours a week at something completely different, like say 'macrame' kits (your wife has a 'thing' for 'macrame' and you got roped in), and another 10 hours doing 'airplane' parts for friends (because you know how to do the parts), There is 55 hours (in the US we normally figure 40 hours is a 'normal' work week). Now none of the three things mentioned takes all your time, but you are surely working in excess of a 40 hour week. What's the call then? Just pointing that it's NOT a 'book' definition.

Chuck D.

- the NZ government sets a line at 5 employees and another at 40(?)

Meriam Webster defines a "manufacturer" as someone who manufactures. But, goes on to say, "especially: an employer of workers in manufacturing". So if you make enough to employ your self you qualify as a manufacturer.

Artisan:

A manufacturer could employ artisans.

Perhaps the M word conjures up some image that Greg doesn't care for? Perhaps someone who has seen some of Gregs "handicraft" will comment their impression of his artisanship?

Charles Davis spake thus:

Actually, it's a distinction without a difference. If you manufacture something and sell it, you're a manufacturer. Doesn't matter if you make one or a million a year. You might be a tiny, micro-manufacturer, too small even to be a "small business", but a manufacturer nonetheless you be.

Sometimes it is, sometimes it isn't; like if the questioner asks about going P4 European outline you know somethings fishy.

Hmmm, I'm an artist, a counsellor, a model maker ... in equal proportions. When people ask me what I do I usually pick the one closest to their inmterest.

I don't, and I doubt that I'll ever make enough from my efforts to warrent the time I put into it. Of course I only offer those things I want myself so development time can be classed as hobby time. As I'm a retired production planner getting things produced isn't so difficult.

I spent a few student holidays acting as a part of the machinery on production lines - nowadays I either produce single items, masters or artwork for manufacturing processes. By the time I've turned 50 of something on the lathe or cast a stack of something I become certain I'm NOT going to be a manufacturer!

OK, but I rarely sell the one-offs, only the ones I have produced!

A Bachman or Kato set will get you started. The locomotive and the cars will work on a permanent setup, but probably not the track and switches. We all have to start somewhere. It is a bit overwhelming to start from scratch and buy everything seperately, which is what the experts do. If a hobby train store near you offers classes, take one of those. Also, look around for clubs. The local club is a great source of information. If you just have to have a train to set up and work with, get one of the above sets. Stick with diesel locomatives at first, they are more reliable. Be aware that the switches and track you use with the sets will probably not transfer to a permanent setup, if you do, indeed, end up building one.

Don't be in a big hurry to buy anything. A club is a good idea. Search around for one you like. You might want to buy what fits with that club. If you don't then it's not the club for you. The best part a club is that they probably have a bigger space to play in than you have at home.

Paul

Greg , I can see why China, Hong Kong, Slovakia but which and why would a US firm have its models manufactured in Denmark or Spain. Wages in Spain are most likely the same as in the US and I'm pretty sure they're much higher in Denmark wich is financialy one of the best ( not biggest) countries in the world.

Greetz Jan

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Yeah, well, Greg, we all know you have your own notions of what words "really" mean. :-)

Of course you're a manufacturer. And I trust you've investigated your income tax regs so you can get a few tax credits here and there as a reward for your entrepreneurial activities.

History. The models you allude to were first imported back in the 60s. I suppose the dies are still OK, so they're still used.

The Danes for some strange reason don't think it's proper to pay their CEOs 200 times what they pay their workers, so the actual costs aren't as high as a comparison of wages would make it seem.

Very true Wolf, hadn't thought of that, I should have because its the same here in Holland. But I don't think the CEO of a Model Train manufacturer makes 10 million a year :-)

Greetz Jan

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Heljan produces all sorts of models for the US market (Walthers) as well as Britain and Europe. They seem currently to be able to compete with China etc. It's first thing in the morning now and I'm not sufficiently awake to remember why I wrote Spain - something is produced there that I see advertised in the US market.