Discusses setting up model railroads including layouts, construction, and train selection.

The roots of a great model railroad take hold long before the first sheet of plywood is cut for the bench work or the first tree is planted in the scenery. In addition to track planning, choosing what prototype to model, deciding on a modeling scale, and selecting an era all influence the overall layout design. Planning Your Model Railroad will help you refine your goals and design a layout that matches your interest, available space, ability level,...

There's a nostalgia associated with model trains and railroading-even if it's unspoken. Railroads take us back to an earlier era. A more basic time. When spending a week or more on a train was seen as a luxury--an event in itself--not at as merely a mode of transportation. You've probably already scouted some model railroad shows. You've no doubt recognized the camaraderie and the passion these folks have. And yes, you're interested in becoming a...