The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong: A Compilation of Ideas and Commentary from the Dean of Custom Layout Designers (Model Railroader Series) [Paperback]

John H. Armstrong (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

A compilation of ideas and commentary from the dean of custom layout designers.

This notable designer has contributed to Model Railroader Magazine since the 1950s. This exciting book features easy-to-follow layout designs for sophisticated layouts. Ideal for intermediate and advanced model railroaders. 8.25" x 10.75"; 96 pages; 75 photos; softcover.

Product Details

• Paperback: 96 pages
• Publisher: Kalmbach Publishing Company; 1 edition (April 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0890244170
• ISBN-13: 978-0890244173
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #399,592 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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  Books > Home & Garden > Crafts & Hobbies > Model Trains

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Practical and smart projects, August 15, 2005

By	Paulo V. W. Radtke (Curitiba, PR Brazil) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong: A Compilation of Ideas and Commentary from the Dean of Custom Layout Designers (Model Railroader Series) (Paperback)

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.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Education In Model Railroad Layout Planning, July 9, 2006

By	Tetsu Uma "The 'Iron Horse'" (Illinois Native in Manassas Park, VA) - See all my reviews (VINE VOICE)

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This review is from: The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong: A Compilation of Ideas and Commentary from the Dean of Custom Layout Designers (Model Railroader Series) (Paperback)

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.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong, March 20, 2006

By	Louis Q. La Salle "LQ" (Perkasie,PA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong: A Compilation of Ideas and Commentary from the Dean of Custom Layout Designers (Model Railroader Series) (Paperback)

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