KEEP EXPLORING
Planning & standards
Scales
Understand the major scales and their tradeoffs.
Open guide →Scale Converter
Convert real dimensions to model dimensions.
Open guide →Curve Radius
Plan curves around the equipment you intend to run.
Open guide →Grade Calculator
Calculate grade before building benchwork.
Open guide →Clearance
Plan parallel tracks, tunnels and structures.
Open guide →Era & Prototype
Define the railroad you want to represent.
Open guide →Track, wiring & control
Track & Turnouts
Trackwork fundamentals.
Open guide →Turnout Troubleshooting
Diagnose derailments and electrical issues.
Open guide →Wiring
Bus, feeders, districts and reverse sections.
Open guide →DC vs DCC
Choose a control system.
Open guide →Decoder Guide
Choose and install decoders.
Open guide →DCC Programming
Addresses, CVs and speed matching.
Open guide →Reliability & maintenance
Locomotive Troubleshooting
Stalls, noise, jerky running and DCC issues.
Open guide →Track Cleaning
Electrical reliability and contamination control.
Open guide →Couplers & Wheels
Gauge, height, trucks and fleet reliability.
Open guide →Maintenance
Routine layout and equipment care.
Open guide →Roster & Inventory
Track equipment, decoders and service history.
Open guide →Scenery & operations
Scenery Materials
Terrain, ground cover, trees, ballast and water.
Open guide →Industry Design
Create believable freight work.
Open guide →Staging
Represent the railroad beyond the room.
Open guide →Operations Planner
Build jobs around industries, yards and staging.
Open guide →Sound & Lighting
Add atmosphere without overwhelming the scene.
Open guide →Need a guided path instead of a library?
Open Project CenterThe Project Center organizes these references by the stage of your layout.