Jon Grandt is a British modeler who used to post here frequently. He had a shelf width layout called Sweehome Chicago that was one of the best urban layouts I've ever seen. Search for some of his old threads.
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
Depending on how much room you have, give some thought as to how formerly rural buildings/sites and industrial areas, morphed into more modern, "civilized" structures like skyscrapers, fancy dept. stores and the like. If room is minimal, chose one of these over all others for the look and feel you want. I have a small area of about 2' by 8' where this is being "minimally" mirrored. People often comment that they can see how the city grew over time even though there are only about 8 structures in all. From dirt paths to sidewalks within inches, etc. My city is still only in it's mock up stages but is already "reasonably" effective. There used to be a Sig (Special Interest Group) online called the "Urban Modeler" or something similar if anyone has a link to that. Lots of great ideas were on that site a few years back....
Raised on the Erie Lackawanna Mainline- Supt. of the Black River Transfer & Terminal R.R.
I also wonder about what kind of city the OP wants. It might be better to go with 3 and 4 story buildings modeled in the foreground and then a larger city as a backdrop image on the wall behind.
Rio: You win the Internet with that comment!
What type of buildings you looking to have? I ask b/c placing them randomly doesn't make much sense. Are their specific industries you're hoping to replicate in a part of the US with a era? Some buildings do change over time.
I had 2 older Kalmbach publications I was going to recommend, since I have both in my pocession. I think I picked them up at a train show along the way.
Building City Scenery by John Pryke, yr 2000
Scenery Tips and Techniques, 1989, 19990, 1992
Brian
My Layout Plan
Interesting new Plan Consideration
There is another book from Kalmbach: "Building City Scenery for your model railroad" by John Pryke: https://www.amazon.com/Building-Scenery-Model-Railroad-Railroader/dp/0890243433
Regards, Volker
you may be interested looking at Rod Stewart's (the singer) layout described in the Dec 2007 MR (but there are other articles)
greg - Philadelphia & Reading / Reading
Thanks DS, ordered that one yesterday.
According to one song: "We built this city on rock and roll".
Rio Grande. The Action Road - Focus 1977-1983
https://kalmbachhobbystore.com/product/special-issue/mr4080401
I tried to sell my two cents worth, but no one would give me a plug nickel for it.
I don't have a leg to stand on.
It's about time to start construction on the modern city portion of my N-scale layout, roughly 2'x8'. Can anyone recommend some good books, magazines or videos to get good info from? Looking for everything from sidewalks, roads & parking lots to buildings, raised track and vehicles.
Thanks in advance,
T