I Received My Layout Book

I tried the entire library system - not just the local:  "model train layouts."  Zero results.  I'll try different wording.

"model trains"  Zero results.  "trains"  Zero results.  Back to Amazon.

What is it you really want?  Do you want to see finished train layouts... track plans...  How to build a layout? 

Ron

@Ron045 posted:

What is it you really want?  Do you want to see finished train layouts... track plans...  How to build a layout? 

Ron

Ideas for layouts, and I've found a few on Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/08...ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/08...ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I don't know what kind of specific information you are seeking. Nor do I want to discourage you from supporting the hobby by purchasing a train related book. And personally, I'm a bit old fashioned and prefer holding a book in my hands. But while you wait for a book to arrive, try checking out this website... Not the same as a book, but lots of information. Just scroll down through all the many categories, then click on it.

http://www.thortrains.net/

@Jerryc41 posted:

Ideas for layouts, and I've found a few on Amazon.

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/08...ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

https://smile.amazon.com/dp/08...ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

Thanks.  I have that bookmarked.

Jerry

Have you checked the OGR Sell or Trade Forum

Might I suggest going over to the OGT Layouts Building Forums section to the subforum Track Plans and Layout Design.  People post a lot there and many will jump on and help with your plan.

Of course knowing what you're trying to accomplish in a layout helps too.  Size of space is most critical then will this be an looping layout or do you want more operations?  Toy Train, High Rail, 3 Rail Scale, etc.  I think it's forum member @Ken-Oscale that is always throwing out different layout designs as well.

@Jerryc41 posted:

Thanks.  I have that bookmarked.

While those are good books and can give you some ideas, also realize that about 2/3's or more of the layouts will be N and HO scale.

If you can find a publication that is geared more toward O gauge, then you will get some more realistic ideas.

Realistic Track Plans for O Gauge Train

Track Plans for Lionel Fastrack (Classic Toy Trains Books)

Lionel Track Layout Book

Atlas O Scale 3-Rail Layout Book 2nd Edition

@Ron045 posted:

While those are good books and can give you some ideas, also realize that about 2/3's or more of the layouts will be N and HO scale.

If you can find a publication that is geared more toward O gauge, then you will get some more realistic ideas.

Realistic Track Plans for O Gauge Train

Track Plans for Lionel Fastrack (Classic Toy Trains Books)

Lionel Track Layout Book

Atlas O Scale 3-Rail Layout Book 2nd Edition

 

Thanks.  More bookmarks.  : )

IMHO, This is a must read for anyone building a layout regardless of scale or available space:

Thanks for that.   You have some beautiful pictures on you site.  I've seen some of your YouTube videos.

Kalmbach's ("Kalmbach Media", I think, now) website is certainly a place to shop. They have published various layout and idea books over many decades. Some may be on daBay. Also, a layout book or idea does not have to be "3-rail O gauge" specific to be a good starting point, though on your first layout I would advise sticking to a turnkey 3RO design.

Between OGR and Kalmbach's CTT, 3RO is pretty well covered. I think that most of us read both.

Jerry,

Sometimes subject headings in the library are a little odd. A case in point is illustrated when looking for model railroading materials. Many of the headings are still in inverted form from before computerization, so the Library of Congress subject heading that is probably most useful for beginning a search for items involving model railroading is "railroads--models"; it's clearly NOT the first search term most people would think of. From there, you can either broaden or narrow your search, depending upon how satisfied you are with your initial results. In a public library, if you wish to browse the stacks yourself, start with 625.19 under the Dewey Decimal System. If you're stuck at any time along the way--either searching via the computer or browsing the shelves--a librarian will be more than willing to help you, in person if your library has reopened after closing for the coronavirus pandemic, over the phone, or via a person-to-person chat. Professional librarians, who have master's degrees, are well versed in these searches and love the challenge of finding exactly what a patron is looking for.

BTW, in addition to my close to 40 years as an engineer (now retired), I worked for 21 years as a public librarian in a children's department in the evenings and on weekends. It was kind of my "anti-corporate job" and there were many days when it was a very appreciated diversion. Working with children is never dull and often hilarious.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck with this and all your future searches.

Chris

P.S. I also agree with ideas put forth by other forumites' replies. This collegiality among us is what makes this forum great.

@Ron045 posted:

While those are good books and can give you some ideas, also realize that about 2/3's or more of the layouts will be N and HO scale.

If you can find a publication that is geared more toward O gauge, then you will get some more realistic ideas.

Realistic Track Plans for O Gauge Train

Track Plans for Lionel Fastrack (Classic Toy Trains Books)

Lionel Track Layout Book

Atlas O Scale 3-Rail Layout Book 2nd Edition

 

The Realistic Track Plans, etc. title rings a bell and I may still have it. My recollection is that it was very good. Arnold

I like Model Railroad Custom Designer by John Coy.  He is here on the forum.  He hammers home that  your railroad needs to have a purpose.  Which I have found to be very helpful in thinking about the design of a layout.  You can get the book through his facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/Model...ok-1633115563654796/

Also I have found Model Builder magazine by Lionel to very helpful as well.  Especially Aug 1939 and Feb 1940.

https://trainlife.com/pages/mo...der-magazine-archive

Hope this helps.

@Chris R posted:

Jerry,

Sometimes subject headings in the library are a little odd. A case in point is illustrated when looking for model railroading materials. Many of the headings are still in inverted form from before computerization, so the Library of Congress subject heading that is probably most useful for beginning a search for items involving model railroading is "railroads--models"; it's clearly NOT the first search term most people would think of. From there, you can either broaden or narrow your search, depending upon how satisfied you are with your initial results. In a public library, if you wish to browse the stacks yourself, start with 625.19 under the Dewey Decimal System. If you're stuck at any time along the way--either searching via the computer or browsing the shelves--a librarian will be more than willing to help you, in person if your library has reopened after closing for the coronavirus pandemic, over the phone, or via a person-to-person chat. Professional librarians, who have master's degrees, are well versed in these searches and love the challenge of finding exactly what a patron is looking for.

BTW, in addition to my close to 40 years as an engineer (now retired), I worked for 21 years as a public librarian in a children's department in the evenings and on weekends. It was kind of my "anti-corporate job" and there were many days when it was a very appreciated diversion. Working with children is never dull and often hilarious.

I hope this was helpful. Good luck with this and all your future searches.

Chris

P.S. I also agree with ideas put forth by other forumites' replies. This collegiality among us is what makes this forum great.

I realized the problem is that the Search box is geared toward book titles, not topics.  No - no results there, either.

@mdheavener posted:

I like Model Railroad Custom Designer by John Coy.  He is here on the forum.  He hammers home that  your railroad needs to have a purpose.  Which I have found to be very helpful in thinking about the design of a layout.  You can get the book through his facebook page. 

https://www.facebook.com/Model...ok-1633115563654796/

Also I have found Model Builder magazine by Lionel to very helpful as well.  Especially Aug 1939 and Feb 1940.

https://trainlife.com/pages/mo...der-magazine-archive

Hope this helps.

Wow!  Quite a collection at Model Builder.