48 Top Notch Track Plans: A Model railroad Book Review

This video is about a essential model railroading book for beginners, 48 Top Notch Track Plans by Kalmbach Publishing. Please let me know in the comment section below if you like this content, want more and your thoughts on the book and my opinions!
Please like and subscribe!
Hayden, B. (1993). 48 top notch track plans. Kalmbach Publ. Co.

[@WiscoTrains]

Check out my latest video about railfanning the Neenah Sub! th-cam.com/video/9JXJ1M0kHI0/w-d-xo.html

[@ericjohnson3746]

One of the aspects of this hobby that keeps me interested is the development of the imagination. I'm a lot older than you but there are books I was fond of and either still have or have re acquired. Some were loaned out never to be seen again. And yes they still catch my eye every now and then. I think developing the mind in the hobby is as valuable as doing the work of building, operating and then tearing down layouts. The personal growth is worth it all. In the sixties I built the pine tree central and then the ho railroad that grows and studied John Armstrong's track planning for realistic operation. No regrets. I learned as I tried. By my 30's I had an elaborate n scale only to give it up and hand lay track in O scale. Then there was the civil war ho layout with handmaid track and stub switches. Now in my old age I have a simpler ho shelf layout and am still happy with the hobby.

[@WiscoTrains]

Sounds like you've had quite fulfilling time in the hobby! Imagination really helps in model railroading!

[@andrewmasters5020]

I too have a model railway/road book: "Inglebook" folds up inside a Guiness World Records book. Oh, I misinterpreted your title. I have my dreams for a decent-sized layout, and books like this are great to feed that.

[@dff19707]

I’ve owned this book, but I can’t seem to locate my copy. Sigh. It is an enjoyable book to peruse. Watching you page through the book in the video, I recalled that the Bedford Valley RR track plan, which I used to build my HO scale layout, is in that book.

[@WiscoTrains]

Though I didn't mention it, the Bedford Valley is another great layout that I begged my parents to let me have the extra space in the garage to build as a kid. Alas, they never approved it. I also love that that one came with a paint scheme designed for you too!

[@jackheninger5471]

The 3rd Street Industrial District and the Break the Rules plans are great switching layouts with some modifications. One thing to keep in mind about MR's plan books are that the stories are condescend a lot from their original printing in the mag itself, in the case of the BTR some info may have just been left out like the list of kits that could be used on the layout. Their are numbers on the plan, but no list. My idea for this layout was to use an extra bedroom and ignore the closet and window. Stretch the plan out, and lengthen the grade down hill so the grade percentage is 1/2 of what is called for. Where the track curves under the bridge, if you have room run the track straight out into the room and add a few more industries or a water from scene.
The BTR at 5' wide makes the grade in the center a crazy idea. So eliminate the grade and run the siding closer to the main line and fill in the space with bigger industries. You can also convert it to an L or U shaped plan for a bedroom.

[@WiscoTrains]

I think 3rd St, with a bit of tweaking (especially the grade you mentioned) would be a fun industrial line. It could be easily added on to almost any urban themed layout too.

[@ajkleipass]

I have both editions, both equally dog-eared. My favorite plan is Art Curren's Break The Rules plan. The bird feeder one is definitely the most creative, but I think my parrot might faint if a train rolled into her personal space, regardless of why.

[@WiscoTrains]

The bird feeder layout seems so out there I kinda want to build it.

[@marka5478]

A model railroad layout should be designed to be an actual transportation provider. An interchange with a connecting railroad, with industries and other ancillary facilities like a yard and engine facility. They need not be large, but should simulate actual railroad operations. One does not need a lot of space. Shelf layouts will allow one to do that easily.

[@WiscoTrains]

I agree with everything you say with one caveat; Only if your goal is realistic operation. Realistic operations is one of my biggest goals, so I evaluate most things in this hobby through that lense. However, I also think some people just want display layouts (which is fine, I included a mostly hidden continuous running loop on my layout for that fact too).

[@gerlandkent6377]

[thank, you for youre great video👍 im. starting on my second 2nd. Ho-scale model railroad layout size 20x60ft. but, i have not yet came up with a track plan yet. thank, you for youre great video]👍👍

[@WiscoTrains]

I'm so glad you liked it! Thanks for the kind words!