Hey timothy, sweet question! I grew up model railroading in HO! I inherited my dad's post-war Lionel collection which is pretty sweet. I currently live in a small apartment in the city so no layout but I have experience since I could talk. I agree with what others have said: clubs, magazines. Also, train shows are great to learn and talk to people. Clubs always show up with a layout and they're great to get ideas from and ask questions. It's an awesome hobby where you go at a slow pace but after time come out with something pretty amazing that evolves as you do. Good luck!