BACK TO TRACK PLAN BASICS

The chill of autumn air will trigger the layout-building or the layout-changing gene in many model railroaders. As we enter prime layout-building season, here are six great tips and ideas to keep in mind as you try to avoid insanity – unlike yours truly.

1. Come up with a simple track plan.

2. Get a catalog and price out your project at full (not retail) price. Then set a budget (or at least a spending cap).

3. Switches, powered or unpowered, are pricey and will be the most expensive sections of track you install.

4. If you’re using a more modern modular track system, such as Lionel’s FasTrack, MTH’s RealTrax, or Atlas O’s 21st Century, you can save some money by transitioning to tubular track in areas unseen by viewers.

5. With tubular track, you’ll find it easy to cut a piece to fill the odd gap. This isn’t generally true with modular track; so if you use that type of track, don’t underestimate the use of the various fractional sections on the market. They have been far handier than I thought they would be in my own exploits.

6. Even on a 4 x 8-foot layout an extra track power section can help things keep moving. Factor this into your plan, especially when deciding which transformer to use. – B.K.