8 Realistic Track Plans For Small Switching Layouts

Two of the main purposes behind a book such as this can be expressed in the catchphrase 'I and I'. In other words, information and inspiration. Lance Mindheim's book "8 Realistic Track Plans for Small Switching Layouts" provides plenty of both. In brief, the eight trackplans detailed in this book are well-thought-out, practical and feasible, and offer considerable scope for having fun both in the construction and operating phases. It's been said that the first and last few hundred yards of a freight car's journey are the most interesting part, and that's what these layouts depict. The restraint and balance shown by author Mindheim in his designs will result in a model railroad which is simpler and less expensive to build--and which can be completed in this lifetime. For instance, these plans don't incorporate much in the way of staging tracks. More staging can always be added by the modeler, of course, but the author believes that small layouts can operate perfectly well by staging cuts of cars rather than whole trains, thus saving a lot of complexity, expense and maintenance headaches. The trackplans are all sized for a hypothetical 11-by-12-foot spare bedroom. Since I sit typing this review in a room which is a virtual clone of the space shown in the book, I suspect that many readers will be able to adapt these plans to existing rooms in their own homes. Even these too much for your available space? There's a bonus plan entitled 'The Beginner', which would fit in the smallest studio apartment or dorm room. It looks like a blast, too. "8 Realistic Track Plans for Small Switching Layouts" provides not only inspiration, as any good idea book should; once you're inspired, it will take you to the next step and get you started on an attainable and enjoyable model railroad project.

Lance Mindheim has written the most helpful small model railroading book I've ever read. The title tells the reader exactly what the purpose of the book is, so do not expect it to do otherwise. Mr. Mindheim gives more usable information in fifty pages than you might get from years of reading elsewhere, and you do not need to wade through advertisements and articles for which you have no immediate interest. The book is like having a professional layout designer at your service for the price of eating out one meal. The full-page track diagrams, lists of materials, full-color photos, and short descriptions of the prototype railroads upon which each plan is based give the model railroader a focus for building and operating instead of just laying some track and trying to figure out operations later. If you have limited space but want realism without breaking the bank, this book is for you. (My next layout will combine the right portion of one track plan with the left portion of another!)

clear, concise explanation for each plan got the ideas across very well. very interesting concepts and reasoning behind each plan is very appealing.

Lance Mindheim has written a simple and straight forward track plan book with prototype information included for those considering building their next model railroad layout. The book outlines construction of the benchwork and basic wiring information as well as offering eight track plans. The track plans are designed for a spare room and still allow the room to be used for other things. It is great to see you don't need to have hundreds of feet of track to model a prototype railroad. The plans offer a lot of switching opportunities in a small space. Plans include options for a modern theme layout as well as other eras. I will definitely use many of the ideas presented in this book on my next layout. I highly recommend this book to anyone considering building a layout.

This book delivers exactly what the title suggests. Enough information is provided about each plan to give a sense of location and history as to the railroads "being". This enables a reasonable attempt to provide the feel required to the layout to establish its period. The plans are well presented in color with a general guide to the dimensions of curved radii and number of turnouts required. Color picture and some black and white fill out the details. The model photographs are of Lance Mindheim's East Rail switching layout, which are superb. Construction of this type of layout is not the same old grid or L girder construction, which is of great value to small rooms as it conserves space below for other functions. The use of shelving brackets is well utilised and could easily be built by novices and the not so woodworker types. If you want more information on how to go about the construction of these particular layouts, Lance Mindheim's How To Build A Switching Layout goes through more of the construction process in more detail. Ideas abound. The only short coming is the lack of an example of how to set up an operation session, but then again, there is plenty of information available on Lance Mindheim's website.

Great book. Well written and full of great ideas. Even has a track list for each plan

Tiptop

Fast Delivery - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED !!! A+++++

Mi piace per la sua semplicità e professionalità. Lo consiglio a tutti quelli che non vogliono complicarsi la vita nel costruire un layout.

Packed with great ideas and inspiration for small layouts!