I have an EXTREMELY IMPORTANT question…
Am I allowed to use an already existing track plan (example: Howard Zane’s Piermont Division) and build the layout in the exact track schematic?
I REALLY need to know!!!
Thanks.
Why don’t you just email Howard and ask him?
(The above email address is published on the Great Scale Model Train Show web site, http://gsmts.com )
dont see why you shouldnt be able to
It’s a published track plan and your only going to use it for personal use. I don’t see any problem doing so. As already stated, though, just contact him of your intentions and state how much you like the plan. There shouldn’t be an issues, he should be happy you want to use it.
I can’t see any reason why not either. It’s not like you’re going to publish it it or something.
i will be interested in his response, im getting ready to build a layout featured in MR i wondered as well about how others felt about my “lack of” creativity in useing others plans and ideas.
Hey, if someone were to copy my track plan, I’d be honored that they chose to do that, and very interested in how it came out. Even a simple oval on a 4x8 is a track plan, but what makes it a model railroad is the way each individual approaches the engines, rolling stock and scenery.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Howard (in a non-MR setting), he’s a very friendly, down-to-earth guy. I think he’ll be quite flattered that you’re emulating his plan, even more so if you show the courtesy of asking his permission…
The Track Plan Copyright Police will be in touch with you…[:D]
Ryan,If you like the layout plan, and feel that you would be happy with the end results…Go For It…Using a good track plan is a wise choice, and can save you alot of planning time, which can be applied to other parts of the project…There is no shortage of work when it comes to building a layout…
If he kows what you wish to do, he’ll probably offer good -after the fact- helpful advice.
I don’t think any model railroad track plan can be copyrighted.
You are in violation of section gang C, using a nail instead of a spike. The bomb squad will be out presently and remove the violation.
Feel free to build any layout from any track plan I make…
i’m not sure if your leg is being pulled or not (if so i’m sorry i spoiled the joke [:D] )… you don’t need anyones permission to use a published trackplan . if a magazine ends up doing an article on your layout then you should credit the designer . even then you probably don’t need permission
Out in West Texas, there’s an unwritten rule of thumb about copying someone else’s model railroad plan…once complete, you get stuck with HIS wife for a month of complaining about how expensive everything was and that you didn’t spend enough time with her during layout construction.
Maybe that’s why so many guys are eager to publish plans on The Net 
I agree. Even if you follow the plan accurately, using the exact same track type and lengths and the same materials, there will still be many differences.
I didn’t even think about this until I read Don’s response, but by contacting Howard he might be able to give you advice on building the layout, possibly including any changes he might make if he were starting over.
Of course you can, it’s your basement until they flood it. [:D]
And if you go to a MR show, just watch out for the guy named Vinnie with the broken nose.