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.
I think you errored in your list of scales–what about G-scale (garden railroads) which some have labelled #1 (1/32 ?), but there are many ratio’s which fit under G-scale (1/22.5, 1/24, 1/32, to name a few.
It is gaining a BIG following-plus attracts the female gender (because of the gardening aspect) so introduces more of a ‘family’ hobby, rather than just a guy holed up in his basement. It also gets you outdoors (more healthy) and presents more realistic scenery !!
Thanks for all the help to get started in model trains. I’ve got my layout started and it has been fun so far. Going today to look at some more train stuff at an Antique store that my daughter found and sent me pictures of. Hope the prices are low enough that I can buy some of it. Have found that stores like this is a good place to look for cheap trains and buildings, Some that I have bought are not for model trains but they are the right scale and work into the layout .
Billca73 Your letter came at the right time.It will put all the things in order an to make a log in the right order as well.Will be looking for your next letter. Thank you
Hi, Dan GREAT WORK (I’m shouting praises). However, on the flow chart (no.2) I think you should flip it i.e.Have the flow lines 1-4 on left. This would show I think, the expansion of knowledge and building on the previous foundation. On same page the example diagrams are difficult to decipher (above design and the one below wiring). The decision chart is a good step for the beginner as it helps to prevent “willy-nilly” scattered decions and a proper focus on how to arrive at a proper planning decision.
It is really great that we beginners have someone to take interest in our problems and help reduce “the fear factor.”
Hi Dan,
Thank you, I am an beginner, and an armchair chap at that. The info is good.
Kind regards,
Paulose
I love the web site and the videos.
I made a basic layout for my son and I . I made it to roll under his bed and used computer plug and jack ( the kind used on printers with 22 or so contacts) to make both the track power and switches hook up. I made HO on the outer area and N in the center. We haven’t gotten into buildings and scenery, but we had fun running the trains.
Keep up the good work!!!
Dan, going on 82. You would think I know it all by now….not true. You are most helpful and had I listened
to my better judgement the mistakes would never happened. Anyway thanks for the videos, tricks of the trade
I hope to finish all my projects. As I told you before, the model train hobby is the world’s greatest.
Best wishes and thanks again,
Capt. Geno
Dan- You are doing a great job getting model train fanatics such as I into a rewarding hobby. Just getting all types to share information and knowledge with other train afficinadoes is for a good cause. We all need different info on areas in planning our layouts. So…whatever information is available to us is what we need. Keep up the great work Dan, and also you other folks who send in thier questions and answers.
Clint
Hello Dan,
Thank you so much for your unflinching dedication and constant support. I feel I must ( at last!) write in support of all your magnificent efforts . Much like Graham, I too have recently retired (71 years old) and have at last the time at my disposal to realise a life-long dream of designing and building a model railway.
I have already purchased seven locomotives and a few freight wagons – bought in order to give me a spur to get on with the hobby having invested early in the ” machinery”! I will be modelling in 00 utilising the DCC system because of – respectively, space availability and realism of operation – including sound!
I have decided on the design which will take up an area approx. 12ft x 7ft and will be set in a rural scene. Incidentally, the room ( a spare bedroom) will be my “hobby room” and since it measures 14ft x 12ft I will still have half the room area for other hobbies ( eg. painting/drawing), yet with careful thought I have additionally found the space for two wardrobes !!
The base will be partially supported on modified chests of drawers and book cases in order to utilise some of the “waste” space beneath yet is designed in such a manner as to permit access to wiring etc.
I much appreciate all your advise, tips and general enthusiasm Dan and am looking forward to your forthcoming in-depth follow up to your above flow charts. If this proves to be at least as informative as hitherto, I shall consider you will have solved most of my problems !
Best wishes, Bill.
Thanks Bill, I appreciate your kind comments
Stay tuned because I have so much more good stuff coming soon…
Have a great day!
Best regards
Dan
I.m still having trouble with Bachman “N” guage switches grounding or not staying c losed long enough for the train tio pass clear of the switch, try backing up and power is lost or derails. Think I might need to throw away the bachman track and change to Peco, or atlas? It’s driving me crazy I become discouraged and stop trying.
great charts and information will be a big help please keep sending info many thanks shaun
An outstanding job Dan. I have not ever seen its like! After all the flow charts I have seen or done, your Model Railroad Mind Meld hits the “I Don’t Know” beast right on the head. Typically, a guy does a good job like this and along comes some smart Alec with suggestions… But, then you asked for it!
Here ’tis.
At the bottom on the left under the category of Locomotives I would be more comfortable with the construction material listed prior to the choice of power; Diesel, Steam or Electric. But, then, some one else may feel differently. Bob
My comment is I love this site> My question is this. I’m new to the hobby,in the respect that I have a large lay out which has yet to run. I would like to understand what they mean by DC and DCC when they talk about engines. I have yet to wire my lay out and it seems that today’s stuff is coming equipted with DCC . Do I need to wire in a different way that what use to be when you had a transformer with two wires running to the tracks for power.(thats the simplified way to say it) also will engines that are just DC run on a lay out that is set up for DCC ? or visa-versa? + all my track and switches are down, and I have lots of scenery built with more that 2/3′s not finished. So I guess what I’m asking is how do I wire this project???
you deserve a medal, for all the effort you put into you site ,well done and thanks
Thanks David
Dan,
Further to my previous contributions may I offer the following? First, thank your for your mudmap and flowchart, an excellent presentation. Now to the vexing difficulties confronting those of us who can’t seem to resist the temptation to alter (improve) the lay out. We come in two classes; those of us who plan to do so some time in the future, and those who fail to do so. For those who wish to plan, or at the very least don’t dismiss this possibility, I offer the following thoughts.
1. For your electrical details draw up a MNEMONIC chart detailing ALL switch points, crossings, rolling stock un-couplers, polarity reversals (incl. Centenary systems if you plan for them),signals. electric supply access points for street/yard/accessories lighting
2. In finely dotted lines superimpose upon the mnemonic chart the panel outlines for dismantling and reassembly when intending to transport the layout to different locations.
3. Modularize into manageable horizontal, and vertical sections all non-permanent superstructures, i.e. a refinery, shopping strip, village scene,etc. Clearly identify module edges and wire connection points.
4. Draw up a physical CONTOUR map and add in finely dotted lines, the panel break lines and module delineations. Clearly identify module edges and marker/lift out points.
5. When a module is designed to include railroad sections make certain that the module is mounted on its own sub-assembly base plate.
6. When a module is designed to include electrical features (i.e. rail track, wiring, controls etc), run all sub-assembly wiring to trunk line points for easy unplugging. Think in semi-dynamic 3D terms
7. Treat all module break lines architecturally i.e. conceal them as much as possible by visual illusion and cover strips
I hope the above will be a useful addition to the layout planning phase and remain with kind regards
Dr Bruce
Great work, Dan. Do you sleep? My question is “what about virtual railroading?” Do you have to have track and rolling stock. I’m pretty much locked into the analog world myself, but for people with limited space, budget, or health, digital dreaming can be pretty cool. Some of the new simulation software is incredible, and to work properly, you have to be just as dedicated to scale and proper dimensions as with actual modeling.
HI Dan
I am building an N guage layout – from scratch, and am looking for ideas on how to build landscaping, trees grass, rocks ( for rocks I am trying an experiment – crash foil, open it up and pour in plaster, when dry remove foil and shape a little by hand then paint to suit model ).
Like your newsletter, have sent to friends – keep it coming.
Steven
Hi Dan, I think I am past the pont of no return, however I did enjoy, your Printouts, which printed just fine no trouble at all. My next comments are to try to help, Graham say’s with his soldering: I have done a lot of soldering in my life, and have learned a few things, so hopefully this will help, so here goes.
To Graham says: First of all, do not start soldering track until you have practiced enough to feel fairly confident at soldering. 2nd. I use 60/40 rosin core solder, with a diameter of .031 thousands! 3rd. I use heat sinks clipped to the track to divert some of the from melting the plastic ties, I find small aluminum alligator clips to work best, by the all these tips work well for track and or electronic circuits. 4th you need enough heat to the component to melt the solder, meaning touch your iron to what your wantin the solder to flow to, then the solder will wick into the area that needs to be soldered. 5th if the solder joint is a dull gray, you will have problems, that is called cold solder joint, if the temp. is correct you should have a nice shiny, smooth joint. 6th after you feel confident soldering just soldering a couple of wires together, the take a couple pieces of track, (I use atlas flex track and the little track connectors) and your joiners and practice soldering your joints, until you feel sure you can do it without melting your ties, and still have a nice shiny joint! Do not use a soldering gun, use a small Iron, with a point or small chisel point, I guess a 50 watt iron would be plenty, I use a soldering station that has adjustable heat ranges, and 3 or 4 different tips. practice and experiment!!!! Good Luck
dan
keep up the good work ..as always love your out put on model railroading
doc
DAN,
I THINK YOU ARE DOING A TERRIFIC JOB OF GETTING THE WORD OUT ON MODEL RAILROADING. IT TRULY IS THE BEST HOBBY. I HAVE BEEN WANTING TO DO IT FOR YEARS BUT COULD ONLY DREAM ABOUT IT.
I HAVE AS YET TO DO ANYTHING ABOUT BUILDING A LAYOUT AS i HAVEN’T THE SPACE AS OF NOW. HAVE LOTS OF EQUIPMENT, ROLLING STOCK, BUILDING KITS ETC. BUT NO TRACK AS OF NOW. I SUBSCRIBE TO A COUPLE OF MAGAZINES AND I FIND VERY HIGH PRICES FOR TODAY’S ECONOMY. MANUFACTURERS AND DEALERS ARE PRICING THEMSELVES RIGHT OUT OF BUSINESS. I WILL BUY EVERYTHING USED THAT I CAN AND MAKE THE REST. WHEN IT COMES TO TRACK (WHICH I DON’T HAVE YET) I JUST DON’T KNOW WHAT KIND I WILL USE. PROBABLY WHATEVER I CAN GET THE BEST BUY ON EBAY IF ANY IS AVAILABLE. IS CODE 83 ALL THAT BETTER THAN 100 OR ANY OTHER? i GUESS I NEED ALL THE HELP I CAN GET.
jACK
I’m a professional expert on business organizations, start-ups, tear-downs, etc. so I know flow charts and critical path diagrams very well. At first glance yours is simple enough to take a novice into your care and deposit them on the other end with a project underway. I will give you further input after I’ve gone over it in conjunction with my own project. Kudoos to you for the effort! You speak my language.
Ron Smith
Well worth a look at and a good starting point for those new to the hobby. Well done!!!
I agree with Dr Bruce in terms of doing things in modular arrangement and I have started to do my Building in that format and will post photos later
I have to agree with Graham & Bill. I am 68 yrs old and just getting into model railroading. I did a diorama
just to get the feel of how to do the layout and some Scenery. I put down a little track to get the hang of doing roadbed and gravel. the part that scares me the most is the switches, wiring and this new thing
called DCC. Not that I am at all familiar with DC either. I have a sketch of my track plan and what era and
railroad I want to simulate. I also have the section of country I want to recreate. I just comes down to the
wiring and if I want to go with DCC or DC.
Some really quality posts on this website , saved to my bookmarks .
Dan
I would very much like to express my appreciation for the way you are helping people to deal with problems in doing model railways; you are doing a great service to us.
As for me, I am getting back to resurrecting my 14′ x 8′ garage layout (i.e. I have the boards to erect already plus all the dismantled flexi track, controllers etc) with a centre walk around which hasn’t seen the light of day for 16 years due to family growth. However, the ex garage, converted now into a bedroom, is back available due to my son getting married………. so here goes!
I found the two charts you have done of limited application in my circumstances as most of the decision making covered therein is already done – reuse 30 or so OO gauge locos plus coaches etc. Stick with analogue as I want a secondary line and shunting layout and using many small locos which will be difficult to get chips into – and keep it simple to get up and running ASAP. Where I am at a frontier and finding my way is deciding on a track layout.
I would be interested to hear your or readers views on what you would recommend as being easy to use track planning tools for this sort of size of layout.
Thanks Leigh (Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire U.K.)
Thanks Leigh for your kind comments.
Cheers Dan