TPBO

[FCIN]

Think of being 1/87th walking from industry to industry and you will soon note those industries isn't that close (...)

Funny you should mention that Larry. More than once this morning while doing my first test run of the layout, I found myself thinking "How long would it take me to walk from that switch to the head end?" or "How long would it take me to walk that cut of cars I just spotted and tie down the hand brakes?" And one other point too; time does not scale! So if I was 1/87th my size and really working the ground on this small layout, it would have probably taken 3 or 4 hours to switch this spur.

There is 2 books I recommend "How To Design A Small Switching Layout" and "8 Realistic Track Plans for Small Switching Layouts" both books are by Lance Mindheim and well worth a fireside study on a cold winter's night.

I too highly recommend both of those books - especially if prototype operations is something new to you. I also ordered his newest book "How To Build A Small Switching Layout" to see what nifty things he may have in that one. Haven't got it yet, but should arrive Monday and am looking forward to seeing his latest book. As far as benchwork, and wiring that's all old hat to me, but I am interesting in his track laying, scenery and structure methods.