This all-new book helps guide model railroaders as they create a room sized layout while still being able to enjoy operating. Whether they are downsizing their layout or have a spare room, they will find all the tips and expert advice to help them build a fulfilling layout while still managing space, time, and resources. Featuring: Track planning strategies. Construction techniques. Room-planning concepts. Tips on operating once their layout is built.

Capture the flavor of a real railroad without getting sidetracked by detail. Using Tony Koester's expert advice before and during construction of a layout, you'll sharpen your focus, saving time, money, and even space.

This all-new how-to book is perfect for anyone getting started in model railroading or looking to build a simple, compact layout. Build Your First Layout features the small, easy to build Northspur & Tiburon Railroad from experienced modeler and Model Railroader author Peter Vassallo. You'll get step-by-step instructions and all the basic techniques needed to build an operating layout including: Benchwork, Tracklaying, Scenery and Structures.

Use modules, linked dioramas, and stacking concepts to fit a model railroad into a small sapce. Color plans, layout specifications, and prototype background included. By Iain Rice.

Learn how to set up an operating session, prototype rules and procedures, car movement strategies, job strategies, handling paperwork. Everything you need to operate your layout.

Covers freight and passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading operations. The step-by-step design techniques and operation-oriented track plans also make it easy to create your own realistic model railroad.

This book outlines and demonstrates basic layout/grid guidelines and rules.

How insights from the social sciences, including social psychology and economics, can improve the design of online communities. Online communities are among the most popular destinations on the Internet, but not all online communities are equally successful. For every flourishing Facebook, there is a moribund Friendster—not to mention the scores of smaller social networking sites that never attracted enough members to be viable. This book offers lessons from theory and empirical research in the social sciences that can help improve the design of online communities. The authors draw on the literature in psychology, economics, and other social sciences, as well as their own research, translating general findings into useful design claims. They explain, for example, how to encourage information contributions based on the theory of public goods, and how to build members' commitment based on theories of interpersonal bond formation. For each design claim, they offer supporting evidence from theory, experiments, or observational studies.

Includes unique track plans that apply to nearly every scale. Learn how to convert plans to different scales, gain tips on building from a plan, and choose the plan best suited to your space.

Includes specific pointers on shelf layouts. Uses examples for N scale, HO scale, and ON30 scale trains. Covers a variety of scales, modeling eras, and room applications.