I havent been into modeling railroading for 15 years. I would classify myself as a novice but very handy. I have probably 200 Atherean trains that are 25 years old. I am looking to build a layout with my dad and daughter. Space is not really an issue but I would like to build something with a small yard and an oval or two. What book or other source would be a good place to start looking for a layout? By the way we are talking HO scale. Layout size I am thinking about is something between 8x12 give or take a few feet. Also what book do you all suggest for the novice I have no books as of now?
thanks in advance
[#welcome]
The first book I’d reccomend, Highly, is Track Planning for Realistic Operation from Kalmbach written by John Armstrong… Also, here is a little write up I offer folks to help kick start them in the right direction…
http://www.rolleiman.com/trains/clinic2p1.html
[#welcome] to the forum. You’ve come to the right place and we’re glad to have you aboard. These are but a few samples of where you can find additional information. Be prepared to drink from a firehose and to spend some time in the planning stage. This will pay you countless dividends. Don’t get overwelmed and take your time. You have the dream. Now comes the planning.
First:
http://www.nmra.org/. Half way down the page is the start of Beginners Layout project. This will help refresh a lot of your knowledge from 15 years ago. A lot has probably changed.
Second:
http://ldsig.org/. This is the Layout Design Special interest group. Again, a lot of good information on the design/planning part.
Third:
Once you have an track plan idea, track planning s/w will help you. Here is one for free. There are others such as Atlas RTS (Right Track Software). If you choose XtrkCad, take the time to do the tutorial. There are also special groups on Yahoo that cover almost ever subject in this hobby including using XtrkCad.
http://www.sillub.com/
Fourth:
Books. Wow. There are many. In addition to what rolliman has recommended, another is 48 Top Notch Track Plans also by Kalmbach books. I think the first 15 pages or so are worth the entire book. They were invaluable to me as I started just a year or so ago.
Fifth:
Should you decide to go with a 4x8 layout which is very common for a first one (I did a 4x6 N scale for my first) you might peek at http://home.earthlink.net/~mrsvc/id28.html first.
Last:
Once you have a design in mind, post it here on the forum and the members will help you fine tune it and/or answer specific questions.
And oh yes. Have fun [^]
Another good book is Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans by Iain Rice. This book takes a look into time/money/space issues into question and helps you find a balance.