This book focuses on designing layouts that will fit into average-sized spaces, about the size of a spare bedroom. Additionally, each of the eight layouts provided is possible to complete without having a huge budget and an unreasonably large time investment.
The book contains easy to understand color illustrations, complete listings of the materials required for each design, and detailed track diagrams. To his credit, Mindheim gets right to the point - he gives designs that don't contain too many "extras" and that focus primarily on designing quality, affordable layouts. There are no circles, all of the tracks run simply from point A to point B.
I prefer this book over most others due to the simplicity of the language and the inspiration that the background photos provide. The author also gives many operational ideas that can be used on each of the railroads as well as giving background behind each of the layouts. Most people, myself included, likely do not have a huge, empty basement and an unlimited budget (like most other books of this ilk assume). This is by far my favorite railroad track layout book and I recommend it to all hobby train enthusiasts. I will definitely be using one of these plans when I build my next railroad.
Review Posted By cardy24 On 2010-09-20 At 22:56:42
