Edit post

Edit your reply below.

Post Body
Enter your post below.
If you are just starting in model railroading or thinking about it, it can be very complicated and confusing with all the information, different scales, new products and techniques that exist today. I hope I can help make it a little clearer (click on the highlighted words for links). What is the most the important consideration and where to start? I my opinion, step one is space. The area that you have to build a layout is going to dictate the track plan you can fit into it. Whatever scale you decide on. Reverse curves use the most space in width. Also be aware that ladder tracks, especially muliti track yards, use up space in length. There are many execlent published track plans available. Here are just a few from [url="http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/model-railroading-books-track-plans-and-layout-planning.html"] Kalmbach Publishing[/url]. If you want to design your own track plan, I recommend buying the [url="http://store.yahoo.net/kalmbachcatalog/12148.html"] "Track Planning for Realistic Operation"[/url] book. The minimum radius will limit the size of the locomotives and rolling stock that can operate reliably on the layout, even though they may not look their best going around a minimum radius. (See [url="http://www.nmra.org/standards/rp-11.html"]NMRA RP-11[/url] for different classes of equipment and the recommended practices for track work). Models of big locomotives and rail cars are very attrative, especially with all the new offerings. You should choose a scale and gage (narrow or standard gage) at this point. You'll have to balance your wants with your limitations. Your wants may not be avalible in all scales or fit your budget or space Knowing what size locomotive and rail cars you can operate reliably, and be visually pleasing, on your layout will help you decide on the railroad and era to model. I posted a question about a year ago asking [url="http://www.trains.com/community/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=12872"]"How Many Layouts Have You Built and What Did You Learn from Them"[/url] The two biggest mistakes new model railroaders make, including me: Too sharp of a curve and too steep of a grade. Bottom line. Do a lot of reading and research. This forum is a good resource for information and a wealth of experience. Feel free to post your question no matter if you think it's dumb. The only dumb question is one that's not asked. Also search for past posts on your subject of question. Most likely it's been asked before.
Tags (Optional)
Tags are keywords that get attached to your post. They are used to categorize your submission and make it easier to search for. To add tags to your post type a tag into the box below and click the "Add Tag" button.
Add Tag

Update Reply

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Model Railroader Newsletter See all

Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!

Subscriber & Member Login

Edit post

Post Body

Tags (Optional)

Subscriber & Member Login

Users Online

Search the Community