Track Planning for Realistic Operations--a book review

n2BNSF Jun 23, 2017

  1. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    The most important book on model railroading I ever read is John Armstrong's Track Planning for Realistic Operations. Here is a book review.

     
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  2. acptulsa

    acptulsa TrainBoard Member

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    Absolutely outstanding. Been around forever but never gets old. A treasure.
     
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  3. BoxcabE50

    BoxcabE50 HOn30 & N Scales Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    I have it in my model railroading library.
     
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  4. Doug Gosha

    Doug Gosha TrainBoard Member

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    I guess I can't say for certain but I think John Armstrong, along with other guys like Linn Westcott and Gordon Odegard, was a genius.

    Doug
     
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  5. Yannis

    Yannis TrainBoard Member

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    One of the best tools for layout design and building. The earlier one gets it and reads it, the easier layout design becomes. Friendly forums with loads of advice help a lot as well.
     
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  6. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, just sharing it with the nuebies and next gen modelers out there, and a lot of them watch my channel.

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  7. n2BNSF

    n2BNSF TrainBoard Member

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    I agree. My first layout was a small portable. I bought this before I built my 2nd layout abd was so glad I did.

    Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk
     
  8. Kriegwulfe

    Kriegwulfe TrainBoard Member

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    Track Planning for Realistic Operations, IMHO is one of those books that need to be sold with every " train set " or first engine/locomotive purchase. Mr. Armstrong's book is super informative and is easily read and quite understandable. This book and Lance Mindheim's book - " How to Operate a Modern Switching Layout " are two must own/read helper books out there. Having read both, my railroading has profited very much so. Thank you Ron for making the video. I hope more read and ultimately go get the book - Track Planning for Realistic Operations.
     
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  9. Doorgunnerjgs

    Doorgunnerjgs TrainBoard Member

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    Great book! Got mine back in the early 80's.
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    Attached Files:

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  10. Yannis

    Yannis TrainBoard Member

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    Lance Mindheim's book on designing a small switching layout is also a perfect complement to Armstrong's book. It helped me a lot (in conjunction to the Operations book also by Lance), understand and appreciate the important aspects of designing industrial spurs. Even if it refers to switching layouts, it is a valuable tool for any layout.
     
  11. Backshop

    Backshop TrainBoard Member

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    For the most complete information, you need both the first and third editions. The first was written in the late '50s and is a very comprehensive manual for transition era/steam era track plans and operations. Armstrong updated the third edition with information about the post-merger, spin-off line, container train, cabooseless, big big comfort cab diesel -- i.e. modern -- era to replace the transition era stuff, including layout plans. Whether you model the past or the present, both versions are enjoyable and informative.
     

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