Switching Operation Design Challenge; LDJ-59

A new layout design challenge was published in LDJ-59 -- anyone may submit a plan and a story for possible publishing in a future Layout Design Journal. The concept this time around is to design a layout focused on switching operation for a roughly 10’X11’ space (with some obstructions).

Any scale, gauge, era, etc. may be used. Traditional freight switching layouts are great, but other concepts are also welcome, such as engine terminal, passenger switching, etc. Target date for submittals is January 31, 2017. [The challenge window has closed, but previously received entries are being published regularly in the LDJ.]

Speaking of LDJ-59, it includes some clever responses to our earlier design challenge, which focused on mountain railroading in a bonus room. The three 16’X22’ Mountain Challenge articles were: HO Northern Pacific focused on 1953 passenger schedule and informed by John Armstrong design principles; three HO multideck track plans for Norfolk and Western 1970s Pocahontas Division with intermediate climbing decks; N scale Burlington Northern Crawford Hill. And more!

Click here to download free “Samplers” of a few pages of LDJ-59 and other issues in Adobe Acrobat format.

Click here to begin or renew your Layout Design SIG membership. Each membership cycle includes four issues of the LDJ.

Clinic References from Indy 2016

Another hectic week at the NMRA Convention! It was great to meet with folks from across the country (and around the world) to share ideas on layout design and operations.

Most layouts in the area are located in basements – it’s no wonder that the Midwest is a hotbed of model railroading – a dry basement is the perfect environment for a layout. Those of us on the west coast could be forgiven for feeling a little envious!

Handouts and/or slides for my clinics from the week are found here.

LDJ-58: Going Vertical, Mountain Mushroom, Sectional Switching, and More

Layout Design Journal #58 (First Quarter 2016) was quite a bit behind schedule, but is in the mail now and print subscribers should receive it during June and early July. Subscribers for the on-line downloadable version have received email notices.

This issue includes: Going vertical in 13’ X 13’ provides more towns to switch in an HO multi-deck layout set in 1944 in eastern Washington and built in a room constructed inside a garage. Mountain Challenge entry: Coal-hauling mountain mushroom-style multi-deck in S scale plus ideas on supporting upper decks. Steps in designing a sectional N scale switching layout of the Western Pacific’s San Jose branch in the 1960s based on prototype documents. Unique railcar storage idea keeps cars and paperwork together, secure, and accessible. LDSIG Board of Directors election and Indy NMRA 2016 plans.

Download a free “Sampler” of a few pages of LDJ-58

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Adapting Armstrong, Mountain Challenge, LDE, and more in LDJ-57

The latest Layout Design Journal is #57. It includes:

- Adapting and building a classic Armstrong design from the ‘50s

- Mountain Challenge: New Mexico Logger plus ATSF

- Prototype documents to create LDEs

- Three room-sized N scale switching layouts: 1960s, 1970s, 1990s

- Ideas from LDSIG tours
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