| Planning your model train layout is something you | | | | tightest radius you will be able to run so keep that in |
| should take your time with. Don't rush it and it will pay | | | | mind. Lay a piece of paper down over your bench top |
| off in the end when everything works like it should. | | | | - it helps to secure it around the edges- with some |
| Too many people get too enthusiastic at the start and | | | | sticky tape or staples, but don't be too fussy with that |
| knock something together only to spend 90% of their | | | | as yet. Layout your template pieces as you desire and |
| time doing maintenance once it's up and running. | | | | trace around them using a marker pen, use a straight |
| There a few ways to plan your model train layout and | | | | edge or a piece of timber to mark your longer |
| an increasingly common tool in this day and age is to | | | | straights. Don't worry about any inclines as yet all you |
| use software. There are quite a few programs out | | | | want is the two dimensional layout drawn down on |
| there to help you plan your model train layouts. Once | | | | your paper. |
| you're finished designing, you can print out your layout | | | | One you have marked out your layout, fold up your |
| and lay it over your bench top. Alternatively, you can | | | | piece of paper and put down a new one, draw out a |
| draw it out using a compass and ruler or by laying out | | | | few different layouts until you find the one that's going |
| sections of track. My preferred way is done by | | | | to be the most awe-inspiring. I find that your first one |
| sketching it out using templates | | | | will usually not be the best as on the later attempts |
| To do this grab a few bits of cardboard, a marker pen | | | | you tend to try new things that vary from what you |
| and a compass. Make up a couple of radii templates in | | | | initially had in your head. |
| cardboard of the smallest radius that you are going to | | | | Once you've decided on the layout that you're going to |
| run, various other size of radii and a few bits of | | | | run with for your model train set layout, get it down on |
| straight section. It makes it simpler if you stick to what | | | | your bench top either by gluing your paper down or |
| model track is available off the shelf, but the track can | | | | drawing straight onto your bench top. Now you have a |
| be formed to just about any shape you want by using | | | | layout drawn for your model trains that's not going to |
| "flexi track" and a bit of care. Please be aware that | | | | move around and it will work because you've marked |
| the length of your model train cars will determine the | | | | it out correctly using the correct radii. |