101 Track Plans for Model Railroaders

by Linn H. Westcott

Book Overview

Includes unique track plans that apply to nearly every scale. Learn how to convert plans to different scales, gain tips on building from a plan, and choose the plan best suited to your space. This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0890245126
• ISBN13: 9780890245125
• Release Date: January 2018
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company
• Length: 74 Pages
• Weight: 1.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 8.3" x 11.2"

Customer Reviews

An excellent book to glean ideas for your own model railroad!

I purchased this book back in about 1984 or so. I was getting ready to build my dream railroad, and I needed ideas.....I found loads of ideas in this book!!! I picked bits and pieces from several of the plans in this book, and combined them to come up with that dream layout! I used plan #46 The Jordan Valley RR, as the basis for my layout. However, it was too narrow, so I 'stretched' it out 2.5 feet further, making it 12' x 10.5'. I also needed a freight yard and engine facilities, so I added onto the plan on one end to include a 10' long yard and service area. I made a few other adjustments to track placement here and there also. Added in several extra industrial spurs, extended extra mainline trackage on another addition. And various other things. This was the first layout that I ever built without any sectional track. I had never used 'flex-track' before, but I did on this layout! I never knew it could be so simple! You can do so much more with 'flex' than with sectional you'd be astounded! If you're a 'sectional' user, give 'flex-track' a try....you'll love the ease of use as well as the results! Using 'flex' is like playing "connect the dots". Lay out your turnouts and crossings where they need to be, and then pencil in the connecting tracks. Once you have everything the way you want it, start the roadbed and track installation. Don't be afraid to experiment and try different things! Model railroading is fun!!! I built my 'dream layout' in 1985....and it hasn't changed much in all those years! A few minor tweaks here and there, but no major changes to the original. The only major changes have occurred in the freight yard and engine facilities, and that wasn't until last year (2008), as they had never been completely finished...all that's left to do now is some scenic work! So if you're considering build a new model railroad layout, or you're looking to tweak or modify your existing layout, grab this book for some great inspiration! You won't be disappointed in the least!!! Happy Railroading!

Track Plans - ideas not a step-by-step how to

I have several copies of this book in my library so I can always have one at hand. Some of them have worn out covers because I refer to them so often. It is loaded with ideas for designing ones own track plans. There are layouts for shelves, the ubiquitous 4x8 sheet of plywood, shelf around the room, fill the room, and monster unlimited space layouts. I agree with earlier reviewers that it is a must-have for anyone serious about model railroading. Some regard the actual plans in this book as "old school". This might be true, but the ideas are still there and are timeless. In contrast for "new school" plans one could also consider the excellent books by Iain Rice. Don't expect it to contain plans that will be a one-one match with sectional toy-train tracks, it was written when people laid their own track tie, by tie, and rail by rail. Also don't get this book expecting it to contain step-by-step how-to instructions for building each of the plans contained within the covers. Some of these plans simply cannot be built with sectional track on the market today. This is much more an ideas book. If one wants exact piece-per-piece track plans there are many books of that type on the market. Atlas comes to mind. They print several books with plans to exactly match the track sections that they manufacture.

Great Track Plans!

Linn Westcott was a master when it comes to model railroading and his track plans emphasized that fact. This book in it's first edition provided me with numerous ideas for my railroads in various scales over the years. Highly recommended.

A Must Have For Any Model Railroader

I have had this book since it's first publishing over twenty years ago and it still inspires me everytime I look through it. Back then Mr. Westcott didn't inlcude 'N' scale, but the book provides so much information on how to re-calculate the dimensions not just for his layouts but for any designs you might wish to try. It also outlines parameters by which you can design your own layouts.

Really helpful

Excellent manual, but it should list suppliers of odd materials such as the 15 degree crossing. I am trying to build plan no. 15, and can't find this particular crossing.