Designing and Building Multi-Deck Model Railroadsstar rating 3Ron W.July 5, 2011This is a good book if you have built multilevels before or have some knowledge of it. I was a bit disappointed that it wasn't meant for the first time multilevel builder. I would have liked more information on basic construction techniques and how to build a multilevel from the beginning to the end.
Designing and Building Multi-Deck Model Railroadsstar rating 5Jim FawcettJune 4, 2011For me this was a logical complement to the author's earlier books on realistic design and operation, layout design elements and lessons learned from the AM. The book was well organized and breezily written with excellent anecdotal examples, plus a balanced assessment of the pros and cons of multi-decks. I especially liked the many overall photos that gave an excellent perspective of some of the hobby's best multi-deck layouts. It would have been helpful if there had been the inclusion of a little more technical/formulaic information on helix design and construction.
Designing and Building Multi-Deck Model Railroadsstar rating 5John G.June 3, 2011If you are contemplating a multi-deck layout, this book is a must. It gives excellent guidance on the challenges and opportunities of multi-deck design. You won't find a lot of hard and fast rules, since designing and building a multi-deck layout is a matter of compromises, but you will find well illustrated advice from builders of multi-deck pikes. I am currently working on my second multi-deck layout, and I sure wish I had this book about 10 years ago. I can say from personal experience that Tony identifies the major pitfalls, and offers suggestions and examples for practical solutions. From selecting deck heights to lighting to aisle widths, you will find sound experience and useful advice.
Designing and Building Multi-Deck Model Railroadsstar rating 5Jack WarnerJanuary 5, 2011Good Book. Some of the detail in the photos was hard to see - it would have been helpful to mark to point of interest on the photo. Lacking were some formulas - what's a good track separation (center-to-center) for the fiddle yards, for example. Also some formulas for the helix... where H = height of track + roadbed thickness + subroadbed thickness + separation from railhead to underside of subroadbed, R = helix radius, P = percent grade; then R = (50*H)/(3.14159*P), or P = (50*H)/(3.14159*R)... multiple H by the number of turns, T, to get your deck separation, S. H is determined by the scale and your construction. R and P are determined by your personal requirements. The fractional part of the value of T is determined by your layout design. The whole number part of T can be set to give you the desired crude value of deck separation as you rough out your plans. I like the objective manner in which the arguments for/against multidecks were presented. That way, I can decide on my layout's merits what I want to do.
Designing and Building Multi-Deck Model Railroadsstar rating 5GregNovember 11, 2009Very well written and informative.