My first layout

[gazza23]

I have just started collecting trains and have subscribed to "My Railway Village" so this is going to be my first layout.

once that's all done I will more than likely start with something else.

I was maybe thinking of using some of the items they have given me and do another type of layout, but I have no idea where to start, could somebody maybe advise what I could use to design my own layout.

[capeklr]

First basic design idea with a pencil on paper.
PPE= paper, pencil and eraser.
There are some free design programs on the internet.
I use Wintrak from Germany which comes on a CD.
Jörg.

[renegade]

Hi and welcome to the hobby!

This has been discussed before...  have a look under layout design...   

I use xtrkcad which is free and very capable.

The magazine will cost you a fortune over the time (talking of which, nearly 2 years!)  you can build similar layout for much less.   but I think the 'value' (if I can call it that) will be in the instructinos and guidance provided, rather than in the enclosed items or the eventual finished layout.

but that is my personal view, and other are free (and most likely WILL) to have their own opinions on this.

Good luck and do not be afraid to ask...   some of the guys on here have incredible amounts of experience and knowledge, and most will gladly help where they can!

[LooVille]

Hi,

Yea I also saw the "Your Model Railway Village" and was considering it.
Just to have something different, but yes it does cost a bit, but in saying that the instructions and assembly will be extremely helpful for you.
But then on the other hand all the info you can ever want is available on the Internet. That's how I learnt and build my layout. You can find it under layout design.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not criticising your decision to do this. It is definitely not a waste and you can definitely use the layout. And it will be fun to build.
This is a hobby for life. That's the best 

Cheers,
Evert

[Freightcars]

Gary,

There are many tools that can help you to design a layout, be it PPE or some type of computer based drawing software.  While these are useful tools you need to take a step back before using them.  You need to know what you want to draw or design with them.

Things you'd need to consider before starting to design would include the following

• Look at what space you have available to you.  Take things like windows or doors into account.  Also consider access to the layout in terms of walkways and been able to reach  track on the layout.
• Decide what type of layout you want.  Do you want to just watch trains or do you want to have a stations where shunting happens.  Perhaps you may even want a combination of these.
• Create a list of things that you want on the layout.  Once you have that list, prioritize what is most important and what you'd like but be OK with if it wasn't there
• Remember that less can be more.  Having lots of track is great but remember that scenery such as buildings, roads, fields, platforms, houses, trees, etc also need space
• The last thing and probably most important.  Do what makes you happy.  It's your world that you created, have fun with it.

HTH

Niel

[capeklr]

Hi Gary,
to follow on Niel's coments, listen to advice and ideas from others, but remember its your layout and as such it only has to please YOU.
This being your first layout be prepared to make mistakes and learn from them.
Happy planning and building.
Regards Jörg.

[gazza23]

Thanks Guys, really appreciate as much info and advise that i can get

regards

Gary

[renegade]

I think you touched on some important things here!

we as modelers often suffer from this track overload syndrome.  yes, sometimes it works out ok, but, most of the time we tend to have WAY too much track, back to back yards and stations, etc. and too little scenery to create the impression of distance.  but there ARE some scenarios where that is ok, so each to his own.

your suggestions of decide what MUST be there, what SHOULD be there and what WOULD BE NICE TO HAVE is absolutely critical.  it connects with the TOO MUCH TRACK problem.  we add additional track to add more industries etc, and eventually we have a crows nest of track.

Decide what is more important, RUNNING trains, or OPERATING trains.  Although the 2 are not mutually exclusive, it will put some specific requirements on, for example, yard design if you want to operate.

We also need to decide WHAT IS GOOD ENOUGH.   and do everything to that level, and no more.   we often look at a scene, and decide we need to add stuff, that is fine, but keep in mind, the rest of the layout also needs our attention!

Building any layout is a learning experience, first layouts even more so.   you tend to have to do things, and then, later go back and correct/improve/fix things.  this is unavoidable.  but you CAN limit this by talking to other knowledgeable people BEFORE tackling a specific task.  for example, before making your rivier, talk to people that know, and get good advice, and learn from their bad experiences. this not only saves you time, but often LOTS of money!

And then, the last 2 comments I want to make...
1) this is not a race, DO NOT RUSH things. do it right first time. spend the time to get it perfect.  it is cheaper and likely going to save lots of frustration later, if you get it right now.  ESPECIALLY
TRACK AND ELECTRONICS!!!
2) ENJOY WHAT YOU DO!!! if you are not having fun, put down your tools, and come back later.   the quality of your work will be better and as such, the long term enjoyment of your layout will EXPONENTIALLY INCREASE!  yes, there are some crappy jobs, and for each this is different... I hate ballasting with a passion, but it has to be done.  as a result, my ballasting work is not up to standard.  but once done, I at least get it as good as I can, and that is good enough for me...


regards and enjoy