I am fairly new to modelrailroading and I have a flat table layout that looks like a 6th grader did the scenery. I am going to start a new layout made of modules, but I can’t find a good source that tells you how to build a layout from start to finish. Perhaps a layout building for dummies or something of that nature. Does anyone know where to find this info in a single source?
Your local library may have books on building layouts, but our hosts here, Kalmbach Publishing and Model Railroader Magazine publish many fine glossy covered paper-backed how-tos on all aspects. There is also an index for articles over the years that you may be able to find/acquire if you can pick and choose five or six of special interest.
At the top of this page, a banner has “Articles”. Each item is a link providing more information.
-Crandell
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ratled
Model Railroader did a project layout a few years back called “The Turtle Creek”. I’m sure back issues are still available. That would be a good step by step guide for you as a starting point.
Lance Mindheim
Visit Miami’s Downtown Spur at www.lancemindheim.com
A professional looking layout begins with a well designed and well built base. It may be open gridwork or a table top but proper construction techniques here give you the proper foundation to build on. Most people want to concentrate most on scenery but I consider good solid benchwork and good reliable and neat wiring to be the most important things. The reason being is that if your scenery isn’t to your liking, you can always change it. Changing the table structure or wiring later is very hard to do. You also don’t want that nice looking scenery to suffer from the side effects of poor table construction later on down the road.
First off modules is the way to go in my opinion, you never know when you are going to move, life happens. Second follow the KISS principal, you can always add complication later. What I mean by that is buss wiring and foam and don’t get involved with complicated track (at least at first). I’m sure we can guide you step by step once you have a plan. Last listen to people that have done it and really know, it is amazing how much of the stuff out there is opinions but not based on fact, many people told me my house would be burnt down if I used white foam or not to use cork because it will deteriorates.