Can anyone recommend a good guide to model railroading that would include information such as the minimum radius for a turn, or the recommended gradient per inch for a rising track? Scale conversion tables, that sort of thing. Obviously I would want this to cover all scales. Having all measurements in ft/inches and metric would also be helpful.
I’m a complete novice to building, so I don’t know what I don’t know yet, if you know what I mean. 
Any help will be greatly appreciated.
EagleUK
John Armstrong’s book “Track Planning for Realistic Operation” is the one you want.
This is the must have book for all model railroaders.
Enjoy
Paul
I’ll second that!
Kalambach also prints a lot of really good books. Try this: http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/model-railroading-books-model-railroading-for-beginners.html
Here’s an online glossary that you may find helpful?
DITTO on John Armstrong’s book.
JIM
Yep. That’s resource number 1. After that you’ll find out how much more you don’t know, but you’ll be able to focus your search.
Hi EagleUK,
A resounding fourth or fifth on John Armstrong’s book. I have a list of suggested titles on my web site:
[link]http://stremy.net/SRA/Tips/Books.html[/link]
and “track planning” is number one by a landslide. I show a few other books on scenery etc. The reviews are just my opinions of course, but at least you’ll have something to start with.
Do all of the research that you can. (It’s part of the fun) There are many great web sites too.
Karl
also; try the website of the N.M.R.A. a twww.nmra.org
Also, don’t underestimate the wealth of information in this forum (and others).
If you have the time, do some searches on particular topics you’re interested in. You’ll not only find a lot of answers, but you’ll get different perspectives from modelers with first-hand experience. You will also find valuable links that will lead you to tutorials and other discussions that may help your education process.
Good luck and enjoy
There’s also some helpful info in this regard on the Layout Design Special Interest Group’s wiki, and I have several helpful articles on my own HO Siskiyou Line web site.
And I agree, there’s some great stuff on this forum, if you’re willing to use the search a bit.