Actually, no you don't need to buy a book to adapt a track plan for your own use. That's under the concept of "fair use" and it's why they are published -- to inspire others. If you were to use the IMAGE of the track plan for profit, or create an exact replica of someone else's layout, that might be a different story, but you don't need permission to adapt a published track plan.
Connecticut Valley Railroad A Branch of the New York, New Haven, and Hartford
"If you think you can do a thing or think you can't do a thing, you're right." -- Henry Ford
Sometimes this place can be like trying to take just a sip from the bottom of Niagra Falls, huh?
Thank you everyone for your help. It has been tremendous.
-Ron
The Gateway Division of the NMRA has a number of small layouts they built online http://www.gatewaynmra.org/project.htm with pictures and what of structure they used.
They're smaller than 5x9, but almost any small plan benefits from being a little larger.
Enjoy
Paul
Just a couple thoughts, in addition to the good advice, preceding my thoughts:
[1] It is OK to combine elements of more than one track plan by how you want to operate "your pike." Please do not feel like you have to limit yourself to someone else's track plan, but do at least be inspired by it.
[2] Unless you are 100% committed to HO Scale, for the 5'x9' space you have, do consider N Scale.
Check out Dave Vollmer's hollow-core door N Scale Pennsy Juniata Division...
http://www.thevollmerfamily.com/Pennsy/
http://cs.trains.com/trccs/forums/t/148513.aspx
HO Scale = 1:87 -- Scale = 1:60 -- 87/160 = .54375 = 55%.
Therefore, you can either use N Scale to increase the layout trackage by 55% over HO Scale, or; reduce your HO Scale operations from N Scale trackage by 45%. Available layout space is probably the primary reason most consider N Scale in the first place.
[3] In addition to John Armstrong's,"Track Planning for Realistic Operations," also get Kalmbach's new, "102 Realistic Track Plans," which is so much more insightful than only a special issue of track plans -- where you are instructed of these differences of which scale, and how to adopt layout plans from one scale to another scale.
http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=a&id=2823
[4] Every once in a while, as in March 2009, both of the issues for Model Railroader Magazine & Railroad Model Craftsman, by sheer coincidence, parallel and compliment each other. Each issue has stories about New England layouts, and similar benchwork & scenery articles. You can usually get both mags at a local hobby shop, quality bookstore, or a mega-supermarket magazine section.
[5] A 5'x9' layout might also lend itself to a "scenic block" which could be either a double-sided backdrop, and/or hillside with tunnels connecting the two layout sections of country scenes, towns, or industries.
Conemaugh Road & Traction circa 1956
rcatoPublished track plans are okay to copy? Looking to do a small layout 5 X 9.
Where can I find the specific details of a track plan?
What size consist, structures used, industries modeled, etc.
Would I need to buy the back issues they were featured in?
rcato Yes. Perfectly valid. I am a beginner. I need to start somewhere.
Yes. Perfectly valid. I am a beginner. I need to start somewhere.
OK, we were all there at one point.
Still, I'd encourage you to at least think about modifying a printed plan. Track planning can be one of the most enjoyable aspects of the hobby. Also, you learn so much about how trains move and such when you learn about track arrangements.
Couple of things.......
Get a copy of "Track Planning For Realistic Operation", by John Armstrong. It'll be some of the best money you ever spend on the hobby, no joke......even if you don't ever do any track planning. It's really that good.
You might check out this web page and click on a few of the links: http://macrodyn.com/ldsig/wiki/index.php?title=Category:Primer Good stuff there!
Remember, you don't have to be a rocket scientist to come up with a good track plan.
Lastly, I look at published plans all the time for inspiration. It's good to get the creative juices flowing. This Model Railroader site has a lot of plans available right here: http://www.trains.com/mrr/default.aspx?c=tp&id=93
And don't forget we're always here to help!
rcatoHello. Published track plans are okay to copy? Looking to do a small layout 5 X 9.
Hello.
Published track plans are okay to copy? Looking to do a small layout 5 X 9.
Build a layout similar to a published layout plan? No problem - that's why they are published
- Where can I find the specific details of a track plan? What size consist, structures used, industries modeled, etc.
For most published plans in magazines and suchlike, you cannot get that information - just pick some buildings you like that seem to be about the same size and just change the track plan a little to work with your buildings.
If you pick a "layout building for beginners" type of book, then they will usually tell you what buildings. track pieces etc they used.
Her is a list of some books for beginners which probably include such lists:
http://kalmbachcatalog.stores.yahoo.net/model-railroading-books-model-railroading-for-beginners.html
- Would I need to buy the back issues they were featured in?
Don't quite understand what you are asking here.
Smile, Stein
RC,
I understand your questions perfectly, though I do not have an answer. I model in S gauge and have an overflowing 5X10 layout that is up and running but with no scenery. The reason for no scenery is because just about the time I had the track wired and the accesories wired and working I decided the layout was boring. There is an older photo on my avatar.
Now I want multiple elevations, a bridge or two, and some water. I am also just working on painting a 3 stall roundhouse which I have absolutley no room for, but I am sure it will fit on the next redesign. I have decided on a U shaped design, it will probably have a 4X8 leg and a 3X8 on the opposite wall, with about a 2X12 panel at the bottom of the U.
I don't know what Scale you are modeling, but the link below has some interesting layouts to review.
www.thortrains.net/marx/funlays1.html
Good luck with your planning,
George
Regards,
-RC
If I may, I'd like to ask a question.
Why build someone elses dream? Why not build your own dream?
(Sorry, I guess that was two questions.)
Thanks,