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I think the first question you would want to answer is ... what are the goals for your layout? Is it to build models? Learn about history? Operate trains prototypically? ??? Once you have answered the goals question (and assuming that model railroading is still right way to do achieve the goals), you can start to ask about: - era - steam or diesel, or combination, or something else (electric, traction, subway...???) - theme - rural or urban, big industry or small, freight or passenger? - industries you might want to have - small town, big city, one gigantic operation or many smaller? The answers to these questions do not have to be "black and white", as there is a lot of room for compromise, overlap, and so on. Then you might want to think about how this will come together on a layout. I would highly recommend www.gatewaynmra.org for their small layout plans and plenty of advice and pictures. They build a lot of layouts and have articles on how-to etc, etc... Also look at www.greatesthobby.com for information about getting started. You can search the internet for info, find yourself a good local train shop (LTS - sometimes LHS - local hobby shop), and start asking questions. If you look through this forum, or others, you will find plenty of newcomers seeking advice, and you will have a lot of the same questions. Just jump in and ask away! Good luck! Looking forward to hearing about how things progress! Andrew
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