48 Top Notch Track Plans: From Model Railroader Magazine (Model Railroad Handbook, No 39)

Rating:
Summary: Great book for inspiration
Review: As the other reviewers so aptly point out, this book provides more layout-inspiration than actual step-by-step instruction, and is not an "all-in-one" book. However, I found it invaluable as a source of ideas. The "Buzzards Cove" coastline scene was exactly what I was seeking for my small (3X5), novice N-scale layout. None of the other books I'd consulted offered anything like it. It's a simple enough matter to apply the suggested scenery to one of the more detailed, step-by-step books showing an identical track plan. In fact, one of the problems I've had with basic track-plan books is that they just show parts and wiring, and do not incorporate grade-changes or scenery. This book fills the inspiration-void.

Rating:
Summary: Great book for inspiration
Review: As the other reviewers so aptly point out, this book provides more layout-inspiration than actual step-by-step instruction, and is not an "all-in-one" book. However, I found it invaluable as a source of ideas. The "Buzzards Cove" coastline scene was exactly what I was seeking for my small (3X5), novice N-scale layout. None of the other books I'd consulted offered anything like it. It's a simple enough matter to apply the suggested scenery to one of the more detailed, step-by-step books showing an identical track plan. In fact, one of the problems I've had with basic track-plan books is that they just show parts and wiring, and do not incorporate grade-changes or scenery. This book fills the inspiration-void.

Rating:
Summary: Good starting point
Review: Book has a lot of 4x8 plans in it, along with a handful of shelf types and large layouts. The plans are not the step-by-step method. If you want to be walked through every step, then don't get this book. However, if you have some experience, most of the plans have track section joints marked so you can figure out what it is you need. I used the book to get ideas for my medium-sized layout, taking things from all sizes of layouts. This book is probably more geared for the intermediate modeler.

Rating:
Summary: Inspirational Reference, but not more
Review: Interesting read, if you are into layout design and want to understand why people built these plans the way they did. But the lack of detailed part plans will prevent you from ever re-building any of these tracks, let alone that they were designed for certain space requirements and yours are different. So while you are in the planning phase of your next railroad design, you might look through these plans for inspiration, but nothing more.

Rating:
Summary: Track plans for model railroaders with some experience.
Review: This was NOT a good book, unless you are of a highly advanced level in model railroading. All the "layouts" were poor paintings, which you couldn't envision easily at all. This was not a good book.