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Building The Right-Sized Layout
Designing and operating a small switching layout
How much space do you need to build a layout? Maybe not as much as you might think depending on what your operational goals are. In this book I discuss what options there are for building a “right-sized” layout that fits your needs. Layouts don’t need to be large for you to enjoy the hobby of model railroading and have fun operating sessions. This book highlights what you need to build an achievable layout while keeping it manageable space wise to build and operate.
The book covers the following topics:
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Determining your operational goals
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Track planning ideas
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Selecting industries
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Negative space
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Layout room aesthetics
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Prototype inspired track plans for a spare bedroom sized layout
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Prototype operations that can be incorporated into your ops sessions
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Operational details that add time and realism to your layout
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Various paperwork and movement authority for trains and rolling stock
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Tips and suggestions for hosting operating sessions
As you build a layout your skills will improve, so practice enhancing your modeling skills with building a small “right-sized” layout now so that when you decide to build your “dream layout” you’ll be ready. You may just find that a “right-sized” layout is your dream layout. What are you waiting for? It’s time to start planning that layout you have been envisioning for a long time.