Customer Reviews

The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong (Model Railroader)

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This book is a great companion to "Track Planning for Realistic Operation: Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad", also by John Armstrong. Unlike other layout plan books, this has many details on the operational aspect of these layouts, decisions on how to recreate in scale an specific prototype and notes that make the book a complete reference on these layouts, not only a set of plans gathered on a book with no further detail (which is exactly what we often see in layout books). Layouts range from small to larger size, so there's is inspiration for everyone inside, from begginer's to advanced modellers.

The late John Armstrong is considered by many in the model railroad community to be the Dean of layout planning and now I know why. The tricks, tips, and explanations he gives are first rate and I understand so much more about layout planning and design such as why to use easements for curves and how to plan them (P. 18) or how to integrate crossovers into a simple dog bone layout for the best effect (use two, P. 30). Never have I seen any designs get more use out of space but at the same time keeping a regard for scenery and not looking "toy-like." I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it extremely useful.

As long as your interested in Model railroading, as I am. This is a definative work. it make fascinating reading.