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 If we conclude, that a well designed layout resembles prototype operation as much as possible within the constraints, which all of us face in terms of space and budget, then developing a layout is certainly a form of art, requiring a good deal of knowledge on how a real railroad is operated. With the little exposure people nowadays have to railroad operation, this knowledge is hard to acquire. Reading the numerous books availabe on this issue is a first step, but quite often does not help us in translating it into the little world we envision to have. This is, where the experts among us have to jump in, helping us to understand. I am glad to see, that there people in here, who, with a lot of patience, answer the sometimes seemingly stupid questions, turning an ignorant into the adept. Just to name of few, Cuyama (Byron), Paul and Stein are the ones, who, IMHO, excel in this discipline. I, for myself, always develop a picture of my "layout in being" quite rapidly, but this concerns looks, not operation. The reason for this is, that the prototype operation I can observe at my doorstep differs so much from US railroading practice. I have to rely on the advice from the experts - needless to say, that I am happy to be able to collect their expertise here in this forum.I am not really a newbie to model railroading, but my layout which is still in the planning stage, will be my first US based layout. For me, it is a big help that I have been reading model railroading mags for 40 years now, enabling me to understand US railroading terminology and to communicate with the guys in here.My advice for the newbies is:<ul><li>Collect all the information you can get, by reading books and through the web</li><li>Develop an idea of what you want to have and why - as precise as possible</li><li>Try to put your ideas into a first sketch of a trackplan - don´t just copy someone else´s design</li><li>Put it up for positive critique here, listen to the advice you get and incorporate it in your design</li><li>Don´t let anybody discourage you, even if some of the answers may seem a little gruff.</li><li>Don´t rush in, take your time. </li></ul>If you want to come up with a good design, there is no short cut through this. Only a good design will turn the craze for trains you may feel at the moment into a rewarding hobby, which will last as long as wheels roll on rails...Have fun!
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