| For the model train enthusiast, purchasing the | | | | around it continuously, but it could be modified into |
| rolling stock is only the start of what will become | | | | a 'dogbone' shape by pulling two opposite sides of |
| an extensive, and possibly life changing project - | | | | the circle or oval together, giving a double track |
| maybe very costly, certainly very time | | | | appearance in the middle with a smaller circular |
| consuming, but thoroughly enjoyable. | | | | shape at either end; |
| The major part of establishing a model railroad | | | | * out and back - where the train leaves the single |
| project is the design and implementation of the | | | | station, travels around a pear-shaped layout and |
| layout - the diorama with scenery, structures and | | | | returns to the original station; |
| appropriate scale track for operating the trains. | | | | * station yard only - where a single station is |
| The size of the layout you can design, build and | | | | surrounded by a number of short, interconnected |
| operate depends on the amount of room in which | | | | tracks, providing great opportunities for shunting. |
| you have to set it up. Some layouts can be quite | | | | From these four basic patterns, there are |
| small - shelf-top designs that can be | | | | countless variations. Some possibilities are: |
| accommodated in a very small space. Others can | | | | * combining two or more of the four basic |
| fill part of a room, or even a whole room or | | | | patterns, for example adding an 'out and back' at |
| basement. | | | | one or both ends of a 'point to point' layout; |
| For a small, simple layout, a table will usually be | | | | * adding double track to any of the first three |
| adequate but most model railroaders aim to | | | | basic layouts to allow two or more trains to |
| establish larger, permanent layouts. These will | | | | operate at the same time; |
| usually require construction of suitable benches, | | | | * adding branch lines, allowing an increase in the |
| often fixed to the walls of the room to provide a | | | | number of stations; |
| high degree of stability. | | | | * arranging a continuous loop as a figure-of-eight, |
| An important aspect of any model train setup is | | | | even elevating one track over the other rather |
| the arrangement of the track itself. There are at | | | | than having the crossing at the same level; |
| least four basic layout patterns for setting out the | | | | * using multiple levels, allowing the use of more |
| track, and countless variations of both track | | | | track, and thus more activity, in small areas; |
| configuration and subsequent station placement. | | | | * adding station yards, with adequate standing |
| Four of the more common basic patterns are: | | | | tracks, to any of the configurations. |
| * point to point - this is merely a straight line of | | | | The number of possible variations you incorporate |
| track with a station at each end, with trains going | | | | into your track layout will only be limited by the |
| from the station at one end to the other station; | | | | space you have available, your time [and your |
| * continuous loop - in its simplest form this is | | | | patience] and, of course, the size of your wallet. |
| either a circle or an oval and the trains move | | | | |