Just got the new “43 Track Plans from the Experts” edited by David Popp.
Track plans (capsulized from past Model Railroad Planning articles) are each covered over 2 pages, and has at least four “bubble tips” such as these examples taken from “#8 & #9 - One Branchline Town in Two Scales”…
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Fiddle yard allows for real-time equipment exchange.
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Covered bridge helps convey the locale of the model railroad.
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Dams and other special water effects draw visitors into scene.
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Abandoned track suggests railroad has history.
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Not all buildings are at right angles to backdrop.
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Wye turnouts save space.
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End of covered bridge hides entrance to sector plate.
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Sector plates and fiddle yards expand the scope of small layouts.
Other articles highlight many avenues to present “View Blocks & Backdrops” – How many forum questions have there been this past year on these topics alone? – And here is now a resource, by well known planners (Ian Rice, Bernard Kempenski, etc.) – Not mention many methods and ‘whys’ of staging, etc.
Included with “#1 - Rural Railroading On A Shelf” are three diagrams highlighting proper placement of shelving and lighting for single-deck layouts, ceiling-mounted light source, and double-deck layout lighting (which shows each deck’s ‘zero-elevation’ to be 10" between decks for N Scale).
Kudos to David Popp for 44 thoughtful presentations!