'Planning your Railroad Empire' (A magazine article for your erudition)

Dear Reader's of Komata's 'Blog, herewith something a little different from my usual ramblings - someone else's. . .  

Unlike everything else which has so far appeared on the 'Blog, what is written on the 'Blog today is NOT a 'Komata original', but is taken 'en toto' from the April 1993 NZ Model Railway Journal (NZMRJ), which publication in turn copied it from an Editorial which appeared in the Wanganui Railway Modellers Club Newsletter 'Track Gang Topics' (still with me?)

I trust that you will find it of interest . . .

'Planning Your Railroad Empire (by Stu Brown).

A model railroad is more than track, roadbed, buildings, tunnels, mountains and roads.  These are the elements we see, but more important is the concept that brought these elements together in a harmonious way.

The layout concept is the main factor that distinguishes scale model railroading from simply "playing with toy trains".  Developing a concept for your model railroad is part of the fun.  This is your chance to be creative.  YOU decide the what, where, why and how of this project. 

Your initial plan does not have to be worked out to the last detail, remember you're in this hobby for enjoyment.  However, there are 3 things you should decide before you start actual construction:-

1. The economic reason for the railroad' existence.

2.  The historical setting of the railroad.

3.  The geographical setting of the railroad.

Once established, these 3 guidelines will enable you to build a layout with all elements in reasonable harmony.

Railroad companies transport goods and people from place to place for profit.  The people in companies the railroad serves are it's customers.  Likewise, your model railroad must have 'customers' to serve.  There must be stations, factories, mines, mills and other sources of revenue on the layout.  Of course, there is a practical limit to the number of customers you can include on your layout.  However, even the smallest model railroad must have some customers to justify it's existence.  The financial condition of your railroad can be shown by the overall appearance of the equipment being operated. 

Railroads have been around for a long time - since the 1820's.  Because of this one must specify a time setting so you can choose model locos, freight and passenger cars and other equipment to suit the era chosen. 

Select a geographical location so you can design and build realistic scenery.  Both geographic and historic settings must be considered when you select structures for the layout.

Begin the track plan by outlining the area you have available for the layout.  A good idea is to first locate the curves and then arrange the rest of the mainline track.  Then add passing tracks, yards and the remaining trackage.  Several sheets of paper, pencils and rubbers later, you should arrive at a design that you are satisfied with.  Remember that any track plan can be changed after it's put on paper - sections can be added or subtracted.  Such changes are easier to make with a rubber than with a hammer and chisel later. 

When you are satisfied with the track plan, make a scenic overlay with transparent paper and sketch in rivers, mountains and other scenic effects you plan to include.  Make several of these overlays until you arrive at just what you want because it's to use up a little paper now than to be dissatisfied later.  Most model railroaders let a new plan design sit on the shelf awhile before beginning actual construction.  When they pick it up again it is like taking a critical look at someone else's work.  They can see improvements they can make here and there. 

Well now you have your master track and scenic plan ready, go to it and transfer your paper empire into the real thing.'

And the reason for the appearance of this article on today's Blog?

IMHO, although it is an old article, from a somewhat obscure source, it sets out very clearly the basics which we need for our RR's - both large and small - and it might just help those of our membership who are at that very scary stage - designing their first-ever Model Railway 

 I hope you enjoyed it - thanks for reading  . . .

And, of course, until the 'Blog appears again (whenever that may be . . )

Happy modelling (and layout designing) to you all.

Komata

"TVR - serving the Northern Taranaki . . . "