Before I could start designing my dream model railroad, I needed to set some ground rules for a successful model railroad. There’s no definitive right or wrong when it comes to ground rules for a successful model railroad. Establishing some perimeters was a must for me as theirs a wide range of options and different paths I could take. That said, I needed to have a clear understanding of the limitations and expectations I would face. To build a solid foundation of basic information and following a few best practices will make the journey much smoother and more enjoyable.
But first, let me give you a bit of background on my relationship with trains.
My passion for model railroading began in the early ’80s when I was fourteen. I modeled for several years while participating in a local club and a railway historical society. But as adulthood took over, priorities shifted, and model railroading was packed away, literally. That box stayed sealed on a shelf for nearly forty years, only to be reopened now that I’m in my mid-fifties.
In August 2019, my wife and I bought a 1970s fixer-upper. We saw its charm, its quirks, and most importantly, its potential. It was intended to be our forever home, a place to settle into and retire. Like most homeowners, we immediately started planning how each space would be used and what DIY Projects would lay ahead.
During a moment of mutual weakness, I agreed to do all the home remodel work. In return, my wife gave me full freedom to quote; “do what you want.” That was all I needed to resurrect my long-dormant love for model railroading.
Since getting the green light, my layout plan has existed only in hopes and dreams. As I completed projects around the house, I began establishing my ground rules for a successful model railroad thinking about what I wanted and where it could actually go.
Living in Florida presents a unique challenge: we don’t have basements. Most modelers here convert their garages into air-conditioned layout rooms. But that wasn’t an option, as my garage is serving as a fully outfitted Woodworking shop and the nerve center for our home revitalization efforts.
Eventually, after long negotiations consisting of compromises and and a bit of groveling we agreed that the living room would become my dedicated hobby space. It made sense, it’s the third-largest room in the house, and no one else in the family had a claim on it. I’d love to tell you it’s the perfect spot for a massive dream layout, but it’s not. Still, being located just off the front entry does make it a convenient space for welcoming layout visitors.
Room Restrictions & Parameters
Designing a model railroad layout in a 12′ x 24′ room presents unique challenges because the space is actively used. Given frequent passage through the room, strict, non-negotiable design parameters have been self imposed:
The layout must seamlessly integrate into the existing décor, maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and unobtrusive presence.
The room must effectively house both a hobby desk and the layout, incorporating generous enclosed storage to minimize visual clutter.
Benchwork will be meticulously crafted in a “shadow box style” and integrated into custom cabinetry, maximizing storage efficiency.
Safe and secure under-layout cabinetry is essential for dedicated off-layout storage of approximately 300 locomotives and rolling stock.
The cabinetry must also provide organized storage for building materials, scenery supplies, detailed parts, and other hobby essentials.
A clean and sleek layout fascia is paramount, with no visible throttle panels, switches, signage, or clutter-gathering shelves.
Layout Guidelines
With the initial logistical snags of my self-imposed restrictions ironed out, it was possible to move forward. This step was a crucial ground rules for a successful model railroad as a solid foundation would prevent mistakes down the road. To keep the process on track (pun intended), some of the most common questions that most model railroaders ask one another.
These questions are vital for clarifying vision, setting boundaries, and defining goals. By answering them, a better understanding of the direction I was taking and more informed decisions could be made. Key questions include:
What scale, location, and era will be modeled?
Manufacture track work or hand laid?
What type of signaling, control and sound?
What style of operations will there be?
These are just some of the major considerations I considered during my layout planning. By carefully thinking through each, it establish a clear path forward.
Scale, Era and Location
I previously modeled in HO scale and currently have a significant investment in rolling stock and locomotives. Maintaining the investment makes it sensible to continue modeling in this scale.
A proto-freelanced regional or local short line in the Eastern United States seems ideal, given my modeling experiences and existing knowledge. Inspired by the Allagash Railroad by Mike Confalone, the layout will feature a late winter to early spring theme, characterized by scattered patches of melting snow.
My vision for the era is what I describe as ‘dynamic,’ allowing for changes on demand, covering the period from the 1970s to the present. This “interchangeable at will” concept means the era can be shifted simply by changing out a few buildings, signage, signaling, vehicles, rolling stock, and locomotives to portray different times.
For example, an operating session in 1975 with ‘Railroad A’ could occur one month, then transition to 1990 with ‘Railroad B’ after a merger the next month, and subsequently shift again to the mid-2000s with ‘Railroad C’ following another merger. While this may appear extensive, it ensures that my modeling is not restricted by time, but only by location. This allows mirroring the natural progression of a real railroad while granted me the ability to model what I want and when without have to rebuild the entire layout.
Trackwork
In my early model railroading days as a teenager, I was lucky enough to have several Master Model Railroaders® as my peer group. They taught me a lot about kit bashing, scratch building, hand laying track.
There has been a lot of innovation in both production and hand-laid track since the 1980’s. Some years ago, I was able to pick up a Kadee Spiker and over a thousand sticks of new old stock 36” Shinohara nickel silver rail for next to nothing on eBay. Because of this, I will not be paying $40 per switch. I will hand-lay all my track including turnouts. I’m considering jig options from Proto87, FastTracks and Oak Hill Track Supply but its looking like I may just go old school (Jig Free) and save the expense all together.
I have an affection for four-axle second-generation EMD locomotives, so I’m planning for a minimum radius of 22” on curves with no grades. I will be using Code 70 for branch lines and Code 55 for spurs. Track will be super-detailed with joint bars, tie plates, de-railer’s and other details.
Signaling, Control & Sound
I must admit that signaling is uncharted territory for me and will require more research as my layout planning progresses. In reality, most shortlines operate in what’s known as “dark territory,” Given my projected size limitations, having centralized traffic control is impractical, to say the least. But where’s the fun in not modeling signals?
I would like some form of automated signaling, perhaps an automatic block signal. Maybe block detection at the yard entrance/exit or switch indications along the branch line to a spur. This would add some visual interest and color, not to mention I could use the money saved from building my own switches to purchase a couple of signals. The finalized track plan will provide the answers.
When it comes to control, digital is the way to go, especially when starting a new layout build. Digital Command Control (DCC) is simply, easy to install and offers unique operating and sound possibilities. I will be using DCC, I just haven’t decided on a brand yet. I do know, however, that I want the most realistic experience possible when it comes to train control. The only solution for this is ProtoThrottle.
Since ProtoThrottle is currently only compatible with three DCC protocols, that narrows down my brand choices.With the implementation of DCC comes the advantages of adding sound equipped locomotive, rolling stock and more. I’ve already decided on ESU LokSound for locomotives and Soundtraxx SoundCar for rolling stock and Iowa Scaled Engineering’s Squealer for track side effects.
Operations
The anticipated layout may be small in stature, but that doesn’t mean it has to be small in capabilities. The primary focus will be on switching operations, and as such, the Java Model Railroad Interface (JMRI) will be my program of choice. All operations will be scheduled based on a fast clock. JMRI will be used for generating switch lists for both the yard and local crews.
JMRI will also be tasked with tracking equipment through the use of RFID tags from TrainTraxx or LocoNet Transponders. RFID tags can be mounted to rolling stock wheel sets and be read by under-track scanners. This will allow for physical tracking of movement both on and off the layout. Maybe even rolling stock resistor wheel sets for triggering block occupancy.
The ability to have up to three operating crews would be ideal, as I would like to share my layout through regularly scheduled operating sessions. Crews would consist of one engineer and one conductor. There would be an east local, a west local, and a yard job. Crews can be made up of only one person when using a remote-controlled locomotive. Crews will work from handheld touch-screen tablets or their smartphones and will be issued a ProtoThrottle, tablet, penlight, and switch/un-coupling pick for their session.
My ideal track plan should include the following:
A yard that must include locomotive servicing, car repair, and a private trans-load facility. JMRI will generate the moves to and from car repair and trans-load.
Industries must be distinct from one another and have the ability to send and/or receive carload traffic. The types of cars used for each industry should be different from one another to ensure a variety of rolling stock on the layout.
An interchange track will be used specifically for picking up and setting out rolling stock as it enters and exits the layout from storage drawers. Off-layout storage will consist of under-layout cabinets with drawers. For example, a drawer would hold five 36” rows (or the length of track for JMRI purposes), totaling 20 storage rows. JMRI will generate occasional and random traffic to and from these rows, identified as: Cabinet ‘X’, Drawer ‘X’, Row ‘X’. Each drawer will only accept a single classification of car, ensuring that every drawer remains neat and organized by car type.
Room & Layout Lighting
Finally, in my ideal world, all room and layout lighting would be synced with the fast clock. This will animate lighting from dawn to dusk through nighttime and back to dawn. I would also like include the occasional thunderstorm with room-wide sound effects and lighting that would occur from time to time, providing full sensory immersion into the layout and its operations. I don’t have any idea’s on how to impalement this but, I’m sure spending some time in the Arduino and WLED forums would facilitate some answers.
Final Thoughts
As I stated in the beginning of this article, there’s no right or wrong when it comes to grounds rules for a successful model railroad layout. What my dream consts of may not represent yours. Make your model railroad yours.
I hope this article helps you in creating your own ground rules that fit your situation, limitations, environment, hopes and dreams. That said, having a foundation of basic information and following a few best practices will make your journey much smoother.
Until next time…
