Your Model Railroad Plan
WOW… What a response to my blog post asking “Please could you tell me what problems or challenges you are having, or have had, with your model railroading?”
If you haven’t read it you can click here to read it now
I was actually very surprised with the questions, comments and feedback I received.
It seems there is a need for some basic information for the beginner.
So, what I have done, is compiled the questions, comments and feedback, and produced a decision making process with a simple flow chart and mindmap.
You will be able to download and print them later.
You see this information is crucial in determining your resources and where you want to go with your model railroading.
Some people have different skill levels, some have more funds available, while some have more time.
The flow chart is a decision making process.
It helps to decide what you should be doing and what not to be doing.
There are no excuses… as if you have no space, no time or a limited budget there is a solution for you.
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Click here to download “The Decision Process” document
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The 2nd document is a mindmap around the planning of your model railroad.
This document shows the process and what you should be considering after you have made your decision in the first document.
It basically shows you where to start with your design, through to the last step of detailing your model railroad.
It’s a simple paint by numbers, step-by-step process for the beginner.
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Click here to download the “Planning Your Model Railroad” document
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Now, I am not perfect, so I would love you to download them, read them and tell me if you have any suggestions or feedback, like them or hate them.
You can tell me in the comments below or use the contact us page.
I really want to know… please scroll down and leave your comment below.
After I have received your comments, I’ll improve these documents further and then I am going to go into much more depth in each area:
- Design
- Benchwork
- Track
- Wiring
- Locomotives
- Rolling Stock
- Structures
- Scenery
- Detailing
Thank you, I really appreciate your help!
Dan
P.S. I am very serious about this and I really do value your comments.
I want to do my bit in encouraging more people into this magnificent hobby. Model trains has provided me with a huge amount of skills that have benefited me throughout my life, and it has been so much fun. There are many people missing out because they don’t have the right step by step information. Your comments below will help me give it to them…
Just scroll to the bottom to comment…
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Dan, your dedication to encouraging more people into the model train hobby is magnificent.
I just wanted to say well done and thank you. The more people we have in this hobby the better.
Rgds Brian
Could not download file due to it being broken and not repairable
Sam, you must have the latest Adobe Acrobat Reader to view these documents. If you don’t have Adobe Acrobat Reader, or you get an error message when opening the files, go to http://get.adobe.com/reader/ to get it or upgrade FREE.
Dan, I just happen to have sent you this very thing two days ago, along with some pictures of my layout progress. Talk about being tuned in or psychic or something. Well to be consistent, I am copying and pasting in the words from my letter. Enjoy. Cheers, Eric.
Dan,
Well you asked the right question at the right time. Here I am with my 199x train set that I have added a couple of cars and switches and accessories to. I have reached the point where I want to have it available more of the time and off the floor. This means a permanent layout. I have played with a number of layouts over the last year and tinkered to get the most out of them as I can.. you need an expectations list before you start. Then you realistically need to determine your space size for a layout.. then spec out HOW you will construct the main board and with what.
OK, I did all of that and have my 4×8 with cork baffle glued down. I will shortly be building a 40″ off the floor platform and will proceed to mounting the board. First I need my last switch (manual for a passenger platform siding) installed so I can screw the track to the board so it doesn’t move and then drill all of the holes for the wires. Oh yes, the wiring. Nobody ever mentions how they organize that so I created my own wheel. I made a panel spreadsheet of my X-connection block. All track wires go in and all toggles and buttons and transformer go in and correctly connect to each other. Once the holes are done I can mount the board. Then run the track wires to the panel. Then fix and connect the controls. Then test. Then move the creation into its corner in my new multipurpose and train room.
Those words describe a number of issues that have taken me a long time to work out, months and years. Even when I had the current layout nailed down I made a 12th hour decision to try one more layout style (The Retro Railway from Classic Toy Trains). The only problem was that I couldn’t reverse the direction without backing up, etc etc. So after switching everything out I put it all back into my correct final layout.
Attached are six pictures of where I started up to my final design layout.
Cheers,
Eric.
I do have adobe, and printed the first paper on Decision Process, but, when I click on the 2nd link it shows up in Adobe as a blank page. Wondering if anyone else is having that problem?
Seems to be helpful for the beginner. Unfortunately I’m past most of these stages.
I have recently retired and have just become interested in Model Railways. The number of options facing me – as a novice – seems to be enormous enormous.
The Decision Process document outline is very interesting – but I have already worked out most of the points over the past couple of months.
The Planning Your Model Railroad document is much more interesting to me as it concisely shows all of the main areas of activity. I would be very keen to see sections 3 (track) and 4 (wiring) in a lot of detail – as I will need to make decisions in the near future. I am also keen to see sections 8 and 7 – in that sequence.
I would also find it useful to have available details of points options e.g. motors below or on the layout, wire-in-tube and any other options. I am not sure whether this would be in the track or wiring section. To my mind it should be a separate section.
I am fairly sure that I want to go digital as it seems to me to offer a lot more flexibility than DC.
I have found much information on the internet about wiring and DCC – most of which has a fundamental problem to me. Very rarely does an internet article state when it was written, nor if / when it has been updated – so I cannot tell whether it is ancient or modern thinking. I am totally confused about lightbulbs and DCC – some say they are needed others say not. I am also confused about electrofrog points and the modifications suggested – whereas others say use them as they are straight out of the box.
I went to my local model railway club and asked for their DCC experts. They only had one (out of 30+ members) and it was clear that I knew more than he did about DCC – and I had got my knowledge from the internet and some magazines.
I have joined some forums – but much of what I see is over my head.
I see opportunities to spend money unwisely and I have never used a soldering iron.
What I need is an idiots guide that will say ‘if you do it this way – it will work’. I also need a reference point, to which I can direct queries and get sensible answers.
Am I asking for too much? I do not know. If I am an exception then please ignore this message and I will go and do something else.
I suspect that there may be quite a lot of people like me – who have an idea and some sort of plan but not enough knowledge to complete it in the most effective and efficient manner. I do not mind making mistakes if I can learn from them – but I do not want expensive mistakes.
I know what I want to achieve in various stages. I think that what I really want is a mentor and some first class simple documentation.
Hi Dan,Thanks for all your time and effort. I think the flow charts are great, particuairly for begining modelers that are trying to decide what approach to take. The chart helps for all types and size lay-outs. One thing I noticed in the “Decision making ” flow chart was a reference to “visit a model train club”, for used equipment. I’d like to add that visiting a club is an excellent way to keep motivated as well. Especially for those of us who are building larger lay-outs. Sometimes the task at hand seems daunting because there is so much lay-out there to complete. Visiting one of these clubs gives fresh ideas as well as solutions to problems. I’ve yet to visit a club where the members were not friendly and willing to give good advice. Thanks again.
good job ! small layout, bench, dcc images are unreadable. I guess you will expand them in the next issue
Great charts. Should help a lot of people.
Dan;
You have a good start on this, I like the decision process chart. I had to laugh at your spiders and critters. Did you ever live in a house without spiders? Besides they wouldn’t DARE get on my layout.
Your second chart looks good, easy to follow. Have two suggestions; change the word paddock to ground cover or fields (paddock up north means a place where you would saddle and show horses at a race track). Second would be on structures, insert kit or built then kitbash and scratchbuilt.
One issue that keeps popping up is Dictionary or Glossary of terms. Beginners don’t speak our language yet. It doesn’t have to be a Websters but a simple definition of the terms used within the topic.
Keep up the good work.
Dan,
I commend you on all the help you’re providing for getting started in this great hobby. The PDF’s are helpful and well designed (only 1 typo in last point of Time/Accessories – “popular” is spelled incorrectly) and cover most of the things beginners need to think about. You also have Space listed as a header as well as a component under Time/Scale. Possbily moving Scale and Space currently listed under Time would serve better in the Space catagory. Scale size of the model isn’t so much a Time consideration as is the actual size of the layout which is what I think you’re trying to get at there. I’ve found that a real Time issue is pre-built vs. kit structures. Man, it really takes a lot of time to paint and build a kit as opposed to the pre-built stuff not, and of course, those decisions really affect the Budget. Another Time issue is Learning Curve which I mention in the last paragraph. Read on.
One thing a beginner needs to consider is whether or not to start with a Train Set or to buy individual components. I know this comes after most of the considerations you have listed on the 2 charts but could fall within, or be a branch of, the budget tree. I believe it is cheaper to start with a set if you’re starting with new equipment but I also assume the quality of the locos may not be as good as those costing hundreds of dollars. So maybe something like Sets/Components or Quality need to be a consideration as well. Just a thought.
Another point is tools/supplies. Being a beginner myself I’ve noticed that in order to build a more detailed layout there are a number of tools and supplies one needs to have/purchase, for example: razor saws, Exacto knife/blades, paint brushes and paint, adhesives, small tool sets, miter box, etc. Of course, it all depends on the depth one wants to go into model railroading but it all impacts the Budget.
My last point is Difficulty or Learning Curve, which could fall within Time. I’ve found that building a an out-of-the-box DCC setup is much easier and requires less wiring skills than a DC system. Also, DCC is generally more expensive so also affects the Budget. DCC certainly seems to be the future of model railroading as it is so versatile and I feel is a big budget consideration when starting a pike, especially when it’s time to upgrade your locos – a big price difference here. Learning Curve could also cover How-To Books that are also time consuming and add to the budget.
I hope I havne’t confused the issue and that my comments help, and thanks again for all you’re doing for the model railroader.
All the best,
Cal
Nice flow charts! There are three typo’s on the chart “The Decision Process”: Under “Space/Dedicated Area/Access,” change can” into can’t. Under both “Time/Space” and “Time/Accessories,” change poular into popular.
On “Planning Your Model Railroad,” under (1) Design, would you like to add choices such as “point-to-point, “point-loop,” and “folded dogbone”? Under (2) Benchwork, how about mentioning the choice between “freestanding” and “wall shelf”? (I see that you mention Shelf Layout on the “Decision” chart.) Under (3) Track, add the branch “Hand laid”?
You may feel that some of these would complicate the chart too much, and are better left for the more detailed documents–that’s why I gave you my thoughts as questions.
Dan,
No need to post this but it seems I’ve made a few typos myself…sorry about that.
Cal
What I’ve seen sofar,everything looks pretty good. Nice and easy to folow. I like it.
One problem that I encounterd,but I don’t know were you would put it,is cats wanting to get on the layout. I had one that liked to sleep on the tracks and no matter what I did,she would’nt stay off until I finally got fed up. On that day,I did’nt say a word to her. I just brought out my heaviest train and when it gor near her,I turned the throtle up full bore and let it hit her.It drailed the hole train,bht she never got on my layout again. I wish I had recorded it though. It was definetlly worth it.
I’d really like to learn about the best practices of installing and operating a high rail layout using TMCC. I need someone to take the fear of the unknown out of the equation.
Now, I have no problem with construction of my layout, but have had in the past. The one thing that should be done, that I did not allow for was gaps at the rail joints. I allow .020 between joints now. Of course not every joint, every six feet or so & the ones not for gaps is soldered. Also at curves make sure that their are no kinks in the rail. Now I can back a Passenger train on the whole layout without derailing any cars.
I tried to respond to you on three occasions, but I was rebuffed because your system said my Email address was non-existant. It is the same address you use to write to me. I am legally blind and it takes a lot of time to write a comment.
I love this hobby and the magnificent people that provided such great feedback. Thank you.
I really appreciate being told how to improve these charts, even being told about my typos
I will now make some changes to them and upload the new copies.
Thanks again for your comments and feedback.
Best Regards
Dan
I am in the process of building a completely new layout having moved four years ago.
Your decision Process is a great idea however I feel a lot of what is in your Mind Map should be in the decision Process.
Clearly Space, Time and Budget are important and came within my own design, however as important were the design considerations.
In my case I had build a dedicated room in the garden 22ft by 10ft fully insulated and heated. For me a big decision was whether to go for DCC.
However having 27 loco’s I concluded to remain with DC analogue but to design the wiring in such a way that I could convert at a later date.
The idea that DCC means a lot less wiring is a fallacy as you still have all the points and accessories to control. Doing this all from a hand held controller would require a mind blowing ability to remember routes and loco codes.
Also a big design consideration was whether I should go for single person control of multi person control as I intend to run up to 5 loco’s at a time.
Do I go for realism or pack in as much track and hence runnability as possible?
Do I have Main Line or Branch Line or both?
How much shunting/goods do I include?
Do I follow prototype or be a little more flexible to allow for more running pleasure?
Naturally the ground is not flat so do I incorporate rise and fall/ tracks crossing over/under tracks etc.
Do I have automatic signalling? Section control? How much electronics do I incorporate.
All of these questions need to be answered and have a major impact on cost and time.
In my case I see my model railway as a long term investment taking several years to complete. Laying the track and getting the basics working first with scenery and increasing sophistication come next so that a mixture of pleasure comes from not only running but building the detail.
At last have made it. Great reading will resolve a number of problems.
Jim
Dan, there are all sorts of problems to be faced by beginners and experienced hands alike. My advice–pick a gauge as best you can based on space available and basic operating mode (e.g. mainline (large radius) or switching terminal (small radius).
Then just do it! Get something operating! No scenery or froofroo. Just get something running and go from there.
Please send me all the information you have
possiable on trains HO gauge.
Thank You Ralph
Dan
Thanks for your thoughts. My feedback on my HO set that I have is the following:
1. For buildings do not buy kits, Vickys is the worst.
2. Long Passenger cars, cannot get them to stay on the tracks. Very frustrating, I am looking for short Passenger cars. Costly lesson.
3. Do not have any form of elevation, I spent a lot of time and effort before I abandoned this idea.
4. To get a sense of large layout place mirrors if possible on the walls. Looks awesome.
5. I am in the process of building out my town, looking for a hospital or a modern office buidling.
6. I met a person at a local train show who does custom buildings, I bought a terrific Hotel from him. I may ask him to build my remaining buildings. I am not very good at creating buildings, again I spent a lot of time and wasted effort.
Thanks
G. Nair
I just started in to the HO hobby this year after going to Northlandz, the “world’s largest model railroad display” in NJ, with my two friends this past summer. Over the past months, I have been getting some trains and model railroading guides from flea markes and Ebay. Thanks to this website, i know a lot more about model railroading. I realized that all it really matters about any hobby (not only model railroading) is that you have to know what you are doing.
I’m planning a small N or Z scale railroad as I live in a trailer now. I plan to make it easy to expand in case I move to some place larger. I feel your two charts will help me develop my track plan, era, rolling stock and layout. I’m looking for a plan that will allow operation rather than just running trains around with no simulated purpose. Thanks!
Dan, I saw the charts and is a good start.
In my case, I don’t have any hobby shop for model railroad in Puerto Rico. I start by reading magazine, article in the internet and buying from ebay.
Thanks to all people like you, that like to help others.
COOOOOOL !!! The flowchart gave me some insights that I hadn’t thought of before and the second pic enhanced what I learned from the flow..
Thanks, Paul
P.S. Now, if the new club website was working as planned, I’d be THRILLED !!!
Hi Dan, I have never been so overwhelmed by the willingness of people to part with information from experience. Even some local suppliers have been fantastic and that says a lot for people in Johannesburg.
My main area of uncertaintey lays with the track design, and especially with DCC layouts and circuits. What are the requirements for transformers and larger layouts with many loco’s and accessories. I have found bits and pieces but am struggling to find good valuable advice.
Thanks for all your efforts in getting people together on ths typr of forum…it helps no end!
Dan,
I am a model railway beginner. The charts are a good effort: most aspects of model railroading are right there in front of you in a systematic way. Your dedication to the hobby and willingness to help is impressive. Please continue.
Gabe.
Very informative post!
I’ve enjoyed reading it and I’ve learned a lot.
Thanks for the charts!
I’ve recently retired and am now trying to reestablish an old hobby. Benchwork seems to be the biggest problem at the time,trying to build in HO with standard curves, a mountain or two and a tunnel allong with a switching yard of some type (4×8 layout) seems to be a challenge.
Quite inclusive. I would like to see a catagory for short time shortcuts. Did you know,by the way, that we beginners are theoretically supposed to paint the homosote board? Looking for some flesh filled in on dem bones you’ve established!
Just a beginner and all of this is a great help. My wife and I are taking it slow so we do it right. Keep up the good work and Thanks
Hi Dan Thanks for the print outs. It will give me something to think about before I start laying track.
I am retired and have gone to a couple of train shows in the area in the past couple of months. I have seen many layouts.
I have just gotten my tables set up (8 x 8 x 9) with an access area in the middle. I just painted installed foam over plywood tops. I did it this way as I don’t have the skills of tools to build some of the elaborate setups I have seen.
I am trying to figure out the track layout and then the wiring that will be necessary. I am going to attempt to build some tunnels next.
I am a retired toolmaker. I am in the process in in building a small layout of 4 feet x 8 feet for my Marx O scale trains that I have had since I was a kid. I kept a few sets of Marx they are over sixty years old with a little bit of cleaning and oil they ran well and cleaning the 027 track too helped too.
I forgot how much fun it to was to run Marx O scale trains. I am phoning hobby shops or train shops to get more Marx Trains and also buying off ebay too that is fun too.
The best hobby in the world is model railroading. I hope you people all enjoy it as much as I do. Thanks.
I am a novice. I have spots on my layout where the engine jumps the track, Ive checked the ho gauge and it seems within the spec but still leaves the track, also engine stops and restarts up maybe a dirty track or not enough power? Thanks again!
I am a newby to model railroads and working on my first layout. I have problems now and then and I stop when they appear until I’m reasonably sure how how to proceed. I am at present laying the underlayment for the track using a foam product. My question is how to lay this product around curves accurately. Can you help me with this?
I just bought my first HO train set at age 75. I am gaining valuable info on how to proceed next, from your website. The 2 articles printed just fine for me. Thank you so much!
Checked out the flow & mind map. Looks good & should be very helpful for people to get started in the hobby.
It’s a good place to get started & following the process will be something to check back on as the building proceeds. Their is still lots of information still needed to build a nice trouble free layout, but their is plenty of help available. This club has lots of experience to fall back on.
Hi, Dan, even though I am an old head model railroader, and a real railroad employee working as locomotive engineer on Union Pacific railroad, I found your charts to be very useful. My biggest problem is the time factor, I still need to finish the attic that is 36 feet long and 16 feet wide that will house the huge collection of ho equipment and new layout I am currently planning. I have been collecting my equipment for years waiting for the space that I finally have with the completion of the new house I built. Jim
In my earlier life about almost 65 years ago I modelled a layout in TT scale. About 46 years ago I made a layout in HO Scale. These both worked out quite well. Today I thought I would try it again to see if my hands are still good enough. I have built a bench and bought a N Scale Bachmann train set to see if I could handel it and also bought 3 more scale steam engines. The engines are beautiful and work with no problems. I can incorporate the pieces of the train set in my layout. However the track is something else. It will not maintain a connection to the power supply. It just falls off by itself. Section to section has a terrible conection problem both electrically amd mechanically. Can I obtain longer sections of track and I will do the mechanical and electrical connections myself?
Perchance is there a better track nade at any price?
Thanks for an answer.
anoldman1@comcast.net
To answer Donald re track, I learned the hard way that one has problems with the Atlas N-scale track if you don’t solder every joint. I found that the Kato track has solved those problems with its positive connection between sections. No soldering and the straight track is stiff enough that it only has to be supported at the joints for elevated track. Curved track normally needs an extra support between the joints. It also has positive connections with the power source. Downside, it is approximately 3 times the cost per foot, but it is so nice to be able to run the trains with no problems! The turn-outs work well and put the power to the track which is selected also but I do use manual control for all of them.
Still having trouble, getting everything straighten out. One oval track working fairly cross over tracks with elevation of 1/4 per ft does help but learned you must have 24″ radis curves for larger engines 4-6-2 have a chance of jumping the track, at present my radis are 18-22 good for smaller Ho engines. Power supply seems to be imadequate for several engines to run at a time.
Hello Dan, Steve here. I have read some of the books that I have down loaded, and I have alot more to read. I have the basic know how on how to do and install but Ido not know it all. My father has had Lionel Trains all of his life. In these him, my father has passed on and had given me my frist Lionel, an A.T.S.F.8900 4-6-4.
I have had to replace the sound board in the tender. Besides the track around the Christmas Tree, I have not really install or built an train table, I take that back, I have, my son’s basic oval HO Train Set that I got for him eight years ago. Me, not yet. It is all most there. The kids are leaving home and we are moving.
So I really don’t know how big that room will be, but I will keep that in the back burner when my wife and I buy our 3rd house. So until then, all I have been doing is finding what it is going to take to install my HO & my O gauge Lionel set, yes both gauges, O Gauge up front and HO in the back ground. I will keep you posted when that happens. Thank you, Steve.
These charts are great tools I wish I had when I began. I can see where it will keep you on track ( LOL ) and help with the “overwhelmed” feeling we get at the begining. Very good.