I think that one need not be in the track planning stage to want to buy a track plan book. I get enjoyment from just looking at various track plans, seeing how the designer has worked within their constraints to deliver on their givens & druthers.
Would I devote $15-$20 of my precious MRR budget to purchase a track plan book "just for fun?" Maybe, depending on what's up with the Honey-do or Daddy-do list that month. High priority item? Not at this stage in the game for me, but if I'm not going to get much time in the train room that month, I just might go for it...
Very interesting blog.
Since my operating plan and basic schematic are set in solid granite with molten lead poured into the anchorages, and since my 'last in this lifetime' layout is just about as rigid, I didn't complete the survey. I'm not in the market for new or different layout ideas, so I'm not a customer for track plan/layout design books. Therefore, my input wouldn't have been helpful. I'm sure that Byron is aware that there are a lot of folks who won't be customers, and I don't see any point in rubbing it in.
He does make some very valid points in his blog entries. Anyone who wants to know what they are can go to the link and read them.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Byron Henderson is currently seeking feedback on a proposed track plan book.
http://mrsvc.blogspot.com/