Basic Layout

The first step is to determine the basic layout of your model railroad, which will, of course, depend upon the space you have in which to build your design. This is where the skills of good teamwork can be developed so that everyone clearly understand the concepts and goals and how they can contribute. Start by studying and measuring the area, taking into account any obstacles or natural features that you can work into the design. Determine the amount of wood you will need for your 'foundation', how to secure it safely while you are working on it, and what type of tools you will need to put it all together.

Sketch out some layout ideas and discuss the possibilities that your space offers for your model railroad community. Decide the 'theme' of your scenery, the size of your villages and the height of your bridges. You can even discuss ideas about how to express aspect of your family's history into the design. Encourage everyone to add their creative touches to the project to insure a sense of pride in all the participants.

The next step is selecting the type of track (brass, zinc-coated, steel or nickel silver) that you want to use, as well as consideration of what shapes and sections you need for the track to fit in your basic plan. Develop ideas for making alternative tracks and possible future extensions once the basic design is complete.

During these planning sessions, determine who in your family will be responsible for what jobs and develop schedules and time lines to keep the work progressing steadily. Good communication and planning will be invaluable tools to develop during this stage. Learning to work together to meet deadlines, figuring out solutions to problems and sharing in the joy of accomplishment are just some of the rewards for families who work on model trains.