Over the years ive become a fan of railroad prototype modeling that is, trying to replicate the appearance and operations of real railroads as faithfully as possible in miniature. Nov 26, 2016 track planning for your model railroad is one of the most important steps in building your creation. Start browsing around by zooming in on some of your favorite railroads and get an idea of the terrain, topography, rivers, and streams. Layout track plans model railroads model trains ebook. Download the files and see them in 2d editor and 3d viewer of scarm track planner. Metro interchange railroad plan 8 12 x 2 feet 9 6 tips to make your yard easy to run 10 model railroad yard design explained stepbystep most model railroaders have far more cars rolling stock and locomotives than they can possibly operate at once. Straight from the pages of model railroader, these simple layout designs are ideal for beginners who are building their first layout. To post your track plan on this site, first save it to your computer as a jpg.
Model railroad track plans kalmbach books, 1983, isbn. Jul 25, 2003 for the model train hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options. Books on ho scale model railroads dozens of books covering ho scale model railroad track plans and layouts. This layout proves that good things can come in small packages. Mar 16, 2012 model railroader is the worlds largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. A supplement to model railroader magazine 618247 layouts for squarefoot spaces and larger designs provide minimum radius and turnout information all track plans include a scale grid for construction reference plans for standard and narrow gauge layouts. This site features the product line of model railroad how to books written by lance mindheim. Starter track plans for model railroaders model railroader books essentials series. Each plan is built around a railroad theme with an atmosphere of real, or sometimes imaginary countryside that can be used on. Due to concerns about the covid19 virus and public gatherings the western depots retail store will be closed until further notice. This atlas snap track layout appears in the atlas model railroad companys book beginners guide to ho model railroading. A 4x8 sheet of plywood makes an easy starting point. You can build a variety of track layouts at any scale whether your focus is scenery, continuous running, faithful reproduction of a prototype, or switching.
A great reference on creating model railroad track plans can be found in john armstrongs book, track planning for realistic operation. Its clever in its approach by sending the train from the starting point and reversing direction only to return to the starting point going in the opposite direction. The grid on the plans, when it exists, is 1 x 1 foot for the scale indicated. This is the most complete online database for free model train track plans and layouts of scarm projects and designs. That was sure true before the days of computers, but now we are able to design our model railroads using an accurate and easily changed computeraided drawing. Paperback verified purchase this book is a book of track plans for model railroads. Just inside the front cover, the publishers say that the book is intended for new modellers who have just purchased a model train set. Model railroad track plans need to have some specific inclusions in order to keep you interested. So whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced model railroader, youll find a railroad that best fits your space. These plans can provide the inspiration to get you started. For a model railroad hobbyist building more than the simplest layout, this text is a must have. Hardcover verified purchase for a model railroad hobbyist building more than the simplest layout, this text is a must have.
This software allows you to create and customize your very own layout, view it as a 3d model and then generate a shopping list to make your dream layout a reality. Of course the nine n scale model railroads by atlas are also john armstrong designs. Sep 20, 2019 this is the most complete online database for free model train track plans and layouts of scarm projects and designs. There are a few plans at the end of the book that are quite a bit larger. Applying this philosophy to track planning presents particular challenges, because. They range in size from a 1x4 foot shelf up to the size of a 2 car garage. So many aspects are addressed and explained in a well written. From tabletop z scale, through 4x8s, roomsized layouts, basement and outbuilding empires and a fullscale ethanol plant, 3rd planit is the cad software chosen by the most discriminating hobbyists. Inside this book youll find seven track plans that were designed to fit into spaces both large and small. Model railroad track plans building your model railroad. Its a true test of time and john armstrongs track planning ability that these plans are still being built and enjoyed today. I would highly recommend it if you are planning anything more than a very simple layout. Trying to find an old track plan book from the 80s model.
Projects feature likely obstacles that might be encountered during construction and helpful tips for getting it right the first. You will also find here track plan ideas for a branch line in a rural scenery. The model railroad track plan book john h armstrong on. This model plan is perfect for an apartment, college dorm, or as a switching game for kids and adults. Atlas track planning software atlas model railroad.
Model railroad track plan book ho model trains ho scale. Input, feedback, and suggestions are always welcome and to that end feel free to contact me. Track planning for your model railroad is one of the most important steps in building your creation. In addition to a simple track plan that provides challenging switching, get stepbystep instructions to build this portable pike. This is considered by many as the bible for model railroad track planning. Model railroader is the worlds largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. With ez model railroads, beginning and advanced modelers can learn how to set up and run a railroad using bachmanns snapfit ez track system.
Track plans includes layout plans for n, nn3, ho, hon2. Model railroading for beginners track plans episode 04. Nov 10, 2017 model railroader is the worlds largest magazine on model trains and model railroad layouts. Well, a lot of modellers have struggled to define what makes for great track plans. So many aspects are addressed and explained in a well written form, and well illustrated that aggravating errors can be avoided. This is a simple model railroad plan that is particularly useful for smaller scale designs.
There are many options available today to help you decide how you want to approach your final. Features fullcolor plans for ho and n scale starter layouts, additional watercolor sketches, and general construction techniques. We frequently get requests for unitrack track plans, so we have put together this section to feature some plans. Due to the age of some of the plans, some may reference out of production or discontinued track items or old pricing. Expand your options of fun home activities with the largest online selection at. The model railroad track plan book paperback 1980 by john h armstrong author.
The model railroad track plan book hardcover for a model railroad hobbyist building more than the simplest layout, this text is a must have. There are many options available today to help you. Starter track plans for model railroaders model railroader books. Each project description includes technical advice and prototype photos that will inspire any model railroad enthusiast. Bachmann trains ez model railroads track planning book. A desire to operate the 101 track plans is the main reason trainplayer came into existence. One option is to simply store excess cars and locomotives in boxes or on display shelves or.
Hornby plans these plans have been designed specifically for hornby track, and are based on previous editions of the hornby track plans manuals and catalogues from the 1970s to 1990s. Is there a secret to track planning model railroader. So whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced model. Majority of out and back track plans utilized continuous loops to ensure the train. When going deeper into track planning it is a good idea to study online sources, or books like john armstrong, a well known track plan designer. Here is a video on youtube of the central midland, still in the construction phase. The book is meant to lead the reader, from the simple oval of track that is usually included in a train set, onward on to simple layouts that are nonetheless a little more developed than the initial oval. The track plans in 101 track plans for model railroaders are owned and ed by kalmbach publishing co. See more ideas about model railway track plans, model trains and model train layouts. Ub116 the model railroad track plan book, the western depot. Its often been said that a great model railroad requires experience to build, but you dont have that experience when you plan it. Designing track plans for model railroads is an art there are rules.
Our shipping department will remain open to process phone, mail and internet orders and will continue to ship orders so long as we are allowed to do so. Search it for railway layouts and railroad track plans by scale, size, tracks and other criteria. See more ideas about model railway track plans, model train layouts and model trains. For the model train hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options. Dec 22, 2019 this is the most complete online database for free model train track plans and layouts of scarm projects and designs. Im a lifelong model railroader, and i particularly enjoy track planning. The model railroad track plan book 9780830611065 by armstrong, john h and a great selection of similar new, used and collectible books available now at great prices. It includes a reversing section which can be controlled with a digitrax ar1. Please note that kato usa cannot provide individual support for these plans and they are supplied as examples only. Thousands of layouts have been designed and built using 3rd planit.