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Take a deep breath JnM. There you go... now relax... that's right... relax. There. Doesn't that feel better? [:D] Okay, so you're new to model railroading, HO in particular, and you're ready to tackle your first "layout". First off, it's a great ride, you'll have lots of fun. You WILL make mistakes. (We all do.) But no biggie, you can correct them if you want to. Nothing on a layout is sacred. However, first things first. I'm getting ready to build my 6th (or 7th?) layout over the span of 30-40 years, so the things I'm sharing, I speak from experience. For a layout to be user friendly, as well as operationally dependable (hence continued enjoyment), I feel the basics are: 1. All track should be easily accessible when completed. Don't bury hidden track under benchwork with minimal clearance. You'll need to clean/maintain the track work you create. 2. All track work should be within easy reach in ALL layout locations. This typically means no greater than 24" - 30" from the benchwork edge... even less the higher the benchwork height. 3. Use quality track components. 4. Use quality engines and rolling stock. 5. Use quality train control (throttles/powerpacks/etc). I also suggest that you may want to continue learning a bit more before you start sawing and nailing lumber. Reading and learning is great fun in itself. One book that you may find extremely enlightening is "Track Planning For Realistic Operation" by the late John Armstrong. (Should be available from Kalmbach/Model Railroader magazine?) Not only will John explain what the prototype does, but will also teach you how to translate that into condensed form for model railroading. In addition, he gives you some very good tips for planning your track. Admittedly, some of the info will be a bit dated, but overall it's a good read that imparts a goodly amount of track planning savy. Armed with a bit more track planning knowledge, you can then ponder what you want your new layout to do, in regards to its theme, the equipment you want to see, its era, and other such things that many feel are important to developing a layout with long-term interest. Lastly, once you've taken the plunge and you're laying track, don't hesitate to pull up and redo some area if a better way of doing it presents itself. No harm, no foul! Well, that's all for now. Good luck and have fun!
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