The members to this site have been very helpful to me on past posts regarding getting started on my first model rr layout…problem is that I’m as analytical as the thumb on my left hand…and the process of designing a layout and benchwork is way above my abilities…what I really need is one book, that will take me step by step through the whole process…an existing layout plan, that I could duplicate…one that would spec out the track plan, spec out the benchwork, the wiring etc etc…ANY recommendations?
My room is 11’ by 18’…plus an adjacent room that is 8’ by 11’ for doing the detail work…
Gerry
Aside from Paul´s recommendation, which I can only second, my advice is to start thinking smaller. Don´t attempt to build this fantastic, basement filling empire. Start with something smaller, that will allow you to build up and hone the skills which you need to come up with something rewarding.
IIRC, there is a Kalmbach book about a layout that grows - go look for this!
If I may make a contrary suggestion - use your space, but keep your track plan uncomplicated. Model railroad trackage is not set in stone - it can be modified as your skills improve and your interests change.
While you may not be analytical, you probably can close your eyes and picture some scene with a railroad theme. Unless your picture is of a mile-long train rolling down perfectly straight track surrounded by miles and miles of nothing but miles and miles, this should give you something to work toward.
My signature will tell you what my inspiration is.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Hi Gerry,
I would definitely try to start smaller. Something that could be incorporated into a larger layout later. You might start with just about anyone of the layout books, a bench work book and a wiring book. I also have an 11x18 room, for the last five years (garage). I started out years ago with small layouts. This gave me a good idea of what I really wanted to portray with my modeling, theme, era, track plan. Once I had my theme and era that I like, I could make a lot of plans work. Unlike numerous modelers I have not changed theme, era. I’ve been building the ESP in different sizes and shapes for 30 years. And yet there are still things that I could change with this track plan, that came out of my head, now that all the track is in and half the scenery is finished! So I guess what I’m saying is, don’t stress, start small, because you will want changes and have fun! This is the greatest hobby ever!
To expect to find everything in one book is somewhat akin of wishful thinking.[:)] I can’t afford to go out and buy all the books, videos and other aids I would need but I do frequent the local library and check out books and videos they have an dI buy those books and videos that they can no longer keep due to damage. I can pick those up for 25 cents each. I already have have 10 such publications I’ve gotten in this fashion and I make frequents use of them. There’s a very big difference between 25 cents and 24 dollars (the average price of many such new books in this area) so I don’t let the absence of a few missing pages or some crayon, magic marker, ink or pencil lines upset me. I can usually find the missing info online and print it out and add it to the book in question. There’s always a way.
I agree,l library, or ebay or amazon, I have a shelf full of MR’s books and probably haven’t spent 50 bucks for the lot. I only have a couple of videos, both of them gifts, I won’t spend the money… You can do very well, you just have to hunt also, there are so many good resources on the web, GOOGLE is a Godsend.
2 cents.
There are two that come to mind both out of print but easy to find on e-bay. The first (an easy one) is The Jerome And Southwestern. Number two is Malcolm Furlow’s book San Juan Central which will give you a layout that is harder to build but dose not look toy-like.
One of the videos I picked up at a library sale is from Kalmbach publishing. It’s by Wayne Wesolowski and is titled ‘The Basics of Model Railroading’. I found it to be a big help when I was getting away from hardshell plaster construction.
Hi Sierra Man,
I agree whith you even I am in the proccess to build a big Nscale empire.
Gerry,
We need to learn and appreciate our mistakes; so a small layout is far the best starting point and like me, this small one could be incorporated in the big project.
I have work hardly on a medium sized layout during years; many changes were made from benchwork to track and scenery whith lot of mistakes which could be a disastear if I was building a big layout.
To make the big projects the benchwork construction is similar but finding a theme and a plan which"run" is a another pairs of shoes, if I can say.
Second don’t forget building a large railroad is a long story, an around 10 to 20 years, it’s important to keep that in mind and be sure you are ready to work such a long time. Anyway you need some experiences to build a big project.
And last but not least a big layout require a lot of ressources, from the big benchwork to the numerous trains and accessories.
So I can only suggest you start whith a small, may be not a 4x8 layout but something you could easily manage and where you could prouve your skills and mistakes during some months.
By building this layout you will be able to find the possibility to build the big empire.
Marc
Hi Han,
or this one (thanks Ulrich): http://www.kalmbachstore.com/12145.html
I made no joke when I said buy them all; wiring and bench building have to be done systematically and a good book can explain the pros and cons of each system.
Paul
Paul:
That is the definite consensus opinion and I will follow the advise of you and the others that were so kind in sharing their thoughts…and I will definitely start small with a simple layout.
Gerry