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Model Railroader Layouts and layout building
1

Alright so being in college and everything I have a lot of time to think about what I can do with my layout at home. Hence the topic on the foam and getting started.

Anyways I was wondering what some good books were to read regarding wiring. I want to be able to leave a few locomotives out on the layout and not only have the ones that are running out. Like able to leave one out like it’s used for switching. So I need some help with the wiring. I’ll be running DC since I don’t have money for DCC. And I know it’ll have to be block wiring.

Secondly I also need to come up with a track plan that I’ll be able to use. For sure 1 loop for continuous running and then I want a few tracks for the storage of cars like a yard area. I’ll have for sure a depot and then either the Valley Growers elevator or the ADM elevator. I’m hoping to complete/start the ADM elevator. I know along the back I want to put in a hill or something and have the track run in front of that. I doubt I’ll be able to do that though.

I was wondering if someone could come up with a track plan for me or something. I know it’s probably a lot to ask and I’ll maybe see if I can look up some in a book once I get home. I also need to get some books. I’ll maybe look into ordering some online. More than likely I’ll just try and figure something out on my own.

Thanks

2

Your in the right forum already. Go to MR’s main web page and browse ,for the layout planning and wiring books.

Patrick

3

Hawks05,

Here’s one of the links :

http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/model-railroading-books-wiring-electronics.html

Patrick

4

and here’s the other,hope this helps.

http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/model-railroading-books-track-plans-and-layout-planning.html

Patrick
Beaufort,SC
Dragon River Steel Corp {DRSC}
Making HO scale steel by the ton

5

If you’re planning on a relatively simple layout with DC and block wiring, a good basic introductory book on wiring is Atlas’s “The Complete Atlas Wiring Book”. Usually available at any LHS that has books/magazines.

I was wondering if someone could come up with a track plan for me or something.

Okay, give us a hint, what size? What scale? Does this need to be movable, or can you fasten it to a wall? There are lots of sites on the internet with trackplans, it isn’t an absolute requirement to buy books, although there are some good ones out there.

More than likely I’ll just try and figure something out on my own.

Eventually you will have to adapt any layout suggestions to your particular wants. Nothing wrong with getting suggestions, but at the same time you can start to doodle some rough track plans. You just need a pad of graph paper, a ruler, a protractor and a compass.

Regards

Ed

6

I designed my layout using the FREE version of Right Track System, available from www.atlasrr.com