The goal with this class is to give you tools and guides to be able to create a successful trackwork – which will provide you with the joy of operation over many years. At the same time, we’ll help you eliminate the most common mistakes in trackwork design.
Your class instructor, Martin Tarnrot, will give you a starting point for the planning of a new model railroad. Different design concepts are presented. You’ll learn about the components making up a railroad and, based on your preferences, we’ll together create the foundation for your layout, the Line Diagram.
We guide you through the different layout alternatives, present different modes of operation and offer alternatives how the Main line can be laid out to fit the operator mode that you prefer.
This class also provides you with tools to solve the tricky part of fitting the layout into the room space you have available. We’ll establish a maximum train length for your different lines and look at basic yard design.
We also provide information about different track systems and guide you through the jungle of rail codes and turnout fundamentals. We walk you through the selection of grades and how they can be arranged to gain appearance and functionality, at the same time avoiding problems.
Finally, we’re making some basic planning decisions, ahead of the implementation of a traffic control software. The basic features and capabilities of a control system are explained and we create the first fundamental component in such system; a block with two sensors on an existing line.
In addition to your video instruction, you’ll get an extensive 30-page Class Guide PDF that you can print out and refer to as you work through the key steps of trackwork. PLUS, you’ll get a PDF Supplement that shows you how to plan for several aspsects of your layout.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Layout Principle, Shape, and Operations
37:18
This first session gives you a starting point for the planning of your model railroad. Two main design approaches are presented and the components a railroad can consist of. Based on that, we create the foundation for your layout design, the Line Diagram. We select layout alternatives, look at different modes of operation and look at Main line design.
Session 2: Fitting Layout into Your Space
17:02
Here, we’ll take the Line Diagram and use it as a foundation to make a sketch of your layout – fitted to the room space you have available. We’re establishing a maximum train length for your different lines and we’ll look at basic yard design.
Session 3: Selection of Track System
13:04
In this session, we’re selecting the track system, which matches the rolling stock you intend to run on your layout. We’re working with the 3-ft Flextracks and explain basics about the turnouts. A few poor track combinations are presented to avoid de-railing.
Session 4: Planning for Traffic Control
11:46
This last class session will look at planning Blocks and Signals for traffic control. After a short system overview and features presentation, we get started on the process of dividing your track plan into blocks.
Your Instructor
Martin Tärnrot
Martin Tärnrot is a lifelong model railroader born with a model railroad on his bedroom carpet. Model railroading has always been an important part of his life and he has, over the years, built numerous layouts on different themes, both U.S. and European style. Since 2016, Martin has been working full-time within the model railroad industry, as a content producer of how-to videos, both for publishers and manufacturers.
Bonus Material
Class Guide PDF
Download and print this detailed supplement as a reference for the key aspects of developing great trackwork
Class Supplement PDF
This supplemental PDF will be helpful to design functional and efficient trackwork elements within your layout
Video: Meet Your Instructor
Download this short video to meet your class instructor, Martin Tärnrot
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
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