LDSIG Primer 1

“To design is to plan and organize, to order, to relate and to control. In short it embraces all means opposing disorder and accident. Therefore it signifies a human need and qualifies man’s thinking and doing.” – Josef Albers

The Layout Design Primer (Primer) is a collection of articles intended to assist model railroaders become familiar with basic to advanced layout design concepts and practices.

The layout designer must engage in a lot of “give and take” as a part of the layout design process, so personal preference plays a significant role. Be aware the Primer presents the opinions of the authors, and as such may sometimes present contrary views.


The Primer directly contributes towards achieving two of the LDSIG’s specific objectives and purposes as stated in the Bylaws. These are:

  1. To act as a forum for the members’ exchange of information and ideas, and to develop improved ways for hobbyists to learn the art and science of layout design, and
  2. To provide leadership for planning, developing, coordinating, and expanding the knowledge of planning model railroads.


The information presented in the Primer is designed to:

  • Help prevent beginners from making the most common mistakes in first layouts.
  • Remind intermediate and more advanced modelers of fundamental concepts.
  • Educate all modelers about successful design alternatives for their first or subsequent layout.
  • Serve as a resource for modelers considering modifications of existing layouts to adapt them to changing needs or interests or to remedy problems, such as the modeler having a growing interest in operations or when they realize they need a more accessible layout as they age.
  • Serve as a resource for experienced modelers who, after many years with the same layout, are starting over with a new layout with a new scale, concept, or space, such as a downsized home or apartment, or consideration for portable, non-permanent, modular layouts.
  • Present the Layout Design SIG as a primary source of advanced design information through publications and networking.


Model railroaders who should find the Primer useful include, but are not limited to:

  • The beginner designing their first layout. This would include those who built a practice layout from a published design.
  • The person who has built a practice layout or two and is now designing their lifetime layout.
  • The person who has been in the hobby for a significant period of time but has never built a layout for whatever reason. It is very possible this individual has acquired and built rolling stock, structures, and dioramas; has helped build a layout for another individual or club; and has definite ideas of what they want.
  • The returnee to the hobby who had a layout many years ago and wants one again.

The Primer is divided into sections (categories) and articles with the filter below you can just select just a section or you can use the search to search on words

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