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