Stephen asks readers:

“In a recent model railroad planning magazine, there was an article titled ‘How to Plan Concentric Curves with Easements’ by Van S Fehr. The article made reference that the author placed an Excel Spreadsheet ‘on the web’ that performs the calculations for the Seven-Step Procedure. Does anyone know how to find this spreadsheet? I’m building a new layout and need this type of information.”

To answer this question, and if you think the spreadsheet Stephen is looking for is available free, use the comments link below.

Its been over a year since I stuck my neck out and started my own “members only” online model train club. Unfortunately a lot of people were quick to knock a new idea, but I persisted and the reaction from my loyal growing number of members has been very encouraging. Many current members have been with the club since it started and are now accessing Level 14 content, as each member gets upgraded each month.

For those who don’t know how it works. All new members start at Level 1 and get access to more and more content each month. It is like having 24/7 access to a giant resource library.

Starting the club was a big investment and huge risk for me, and it takes a massive amount of time continually adding new tutorials and articles etc each month. It has also been an expensive and complex technical job (something I can’t do myself), keeping the website fully operational 24/7. I would be lost without the techies behind the scenes making it all work.

As well as the longtime loyal members, there are lots of new members coming on board each month. The positive feedback from members has made it all worth while. I really appreciate the support and encouragement. Thank you.

To join the club go to http://www.modeltrainclub.org/club.html

William asks readers:

“I currently have a room that’s 14 x 20 feet that I can use for a RR layout. HO seems to small for me to work with since I have an ON-30 train and have problems even setting it on the track. I remember how easy it was to set my Lionel cars on my 0-27 when I was a kid so I think I’d like to go with an O gauge layout. I want to keep it a little bit realistic so I wouldn’t necessarily want another 0-27 unless the toy like look of them has changed that much over the last 50 years! I don’t want a huge layout, just something to play around and tinker with in my retirement. Do you think I could do this with O scale trains in the 14 X 20 area I spoke of?”

Add your comments below.

In this e-book you’ll learn all about building a layout, including how to design a track plan to best use the space, building low relief and below track level scenery, and inexpensive industries to build. There are even two model train layout building tutorials taking you step by step through the construction of a small layout and a micro layout.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS ON HOW TO DOWNLOAD THIS $39.95 E-Book For FREE!

Now, I’m the first to admit, this informative e-book doesn’t cover absolutely everything. Fact is; it would take thousands of pages of cover every aspect of this exciting hobby, but I have condensed many of my best and most useful ideas, into 109 pages of practical help.

You can buy this e-book for $39.95 or get it FREE today at my Online Model Train Club

A reader asks:

“Has anyone ever seen or heard of a two level viaduct with one set of tracks above the other running parallel to each other and not across. I mostly run steam. This might be a horse of another color, but I could use some input on this subject.”

Add your suggestions below.

Michael asks readers:

“I want to put on my HO layout a double track upper level. My question is; what is the distance from the lower board to the bottom of the upper board, for clearance of trains running under the board.”

Add your answer below.

Andre has some grand ideas for his planned layout and would like feedback from others. Comment below.

Here are some excellent suggestions sent in by Harold who is a member of my popular online Model Train Club:

Most of us have far more cars (rolling stock) and locomotives than we can possibly operate at once. One option is to simply store excess cars and locomotives in boxes or on display shelves or cabinets. It is possible, however, to store all of your extra equipment on tracks in a yard that may, or may not, be part of the visible operating portion of your layout.

Here are some tips if you are planning on building a rail yard:

1. Try to incorporate at least one staging track with it connected to the main track at both ends. If you have room for two, then even better. The purpose of yard (apart from storage) is to collect incoming cars, rearrange them and get them on trains that will take them to their destinations. The key is to have enough space to do this efficiently.

2. Try not to cram too many tracks into a small space. If the tracks are too close together it could cause a domino effect if a car derails.

3. Always plan an escape route and avoid having spur tracks that could trap your locomotive behind a line of freight wagons.

4. Keep your yard design simple. A complex design can lead to more potential problems even with a simple mistake.

A yard should be relatively easy to get in and out of. Keep the design simple and the operation will be simple too.

Stanley is building his very first layout and is hoping for some advice from those with some experience in the hobby. If you can advise Stanley, then please add your suggestions using the comments link below this posting:

“This is my very first layout! I have limited space in one room to build my very first layout. To avoid “fighting” with windows, etc., I have decided to try to fit a HO scale switching scene layout 20 inches off the floor x 84 inches long. If anyone has built low level layouts, are there any suggestions and/or pitfalls to avoid?”

Comment below.

A reader asks others in the hobby for advice:

“Are their any plans to make a table for my o scale trains? I have looked and can not find one that is big enough.”

Add your comment below.

Frank wants advice from those in the hobby with experience using track layout software and asks:

"My grandson, who will be 10 next month, is beginning to expand his knowledge to match his strong enthusiasm for your passion -- and he is especially interested right now in envisioning track layouts. We have been looking for relatively simple software programs for him to design interesting and functional options. Perhaps your readers can offer some good suggestions? Thank you to them in advance for their consideration and in sharing of their expertise. All the best."

If you would like to help Frank and his Grandson, please add your comments below.

John asks blog readers:

“I currently have a U shape layout and would like to add a drop down bridge or swing gate. Can someone advise me about plans I can use to built and wire the track.”

Add your suggestions below.

Ken asks readers for suggestions:

“I am moving and just sold my old layout. I am trying to decide what my next layout should look like. It will be a 4×8+2×6. I have a turntable I want to put it and a few station barns. I would like a main line with hills and a mountain for a tunnel. Does anyone have some suggestions please?”

Comment below.

Brian has a question for readers:

“I have a fully usable space of 3M x 2M and wish to install a model railway system. I hope someone can help with a track layout only. I will probably want to run a system that will represent the age of steam during the period of the late 40’s to the mid 50’s. Any questions on rolling stock can be brought up at a later date if needed. I really do not know where and how to start on a layout with 2 passenger lines and a 3rd maybe a 4th of goods wagons.”

Add your feedback below.

 Jerry wants advice from readers and asks:

“I have been collecting HO equipment over the past few years. Most of what I have is second hand equipment including several DC locomotives which are in good shape. Recently I purchased a starter DCC set from Bachman. In planning a layout is it practical to have a DCC block and a DC block on the same layout but electrically separated? Then as I convert or get more DCC locootives to convert all track to one DCC operation sometime in the future. What are the pitfslls of such a plan?”

Share your ideas below.

Turnouts 

0-scale model of a Pennsylvania Railroad