Layout Design	Operations	Other Ideas
Ops Fun for One Designing a layout that offers engaging fun for the solo operator.   Why Waste the Space on a 4X8? Although the 4X8 seems compact, it actually requires a substantial footprint. If you have that much space, there may be some interesting alternatives.     I'd Rather Fight than Switch(back) Switchback industry spurs are found on many published trackplans, but they're rare on the prototype (for good reason). Here's why I think this gimmick is overused.   Quick thoughts on layout design for a garage In the US West and elsewhere, basements are few and far between. Here are a few ideas on layout designs to share a garage.   "Cornerstones" of layout design Most layouts will benefit from including these important concepts: - Prototype Inspiration - Staging - Major Industries - Interchange Read more about the cornerstones	Starting Ops on a 4X8 OK, it's not my favorite style for a layout, but Ops can be fun even on a classic 4X8. Here's a step-by-step beginner's example from my NMRA '05 clinics.   Forget the Fast Clock Some folks swear by the Fast Clock, others swear at 'em. While it won't work for everyone, this discussion may give you some ideas of the benefits of slower clocks, and even 1:1 time.   A Little Love for the Yard We spend lots of time thinking about the arrangement of tracks in our yards. But here are 11 "Serving Suggestions" that will help balance the load between yard and road without rebuilding.   PSR/NMRA '04 Clinic "Op Session Design -- Freelance and Prototype"   Cherry Pickers on your Crew? A step-by-step tutorial describing one method to make yard switching more efficient.   Three Keys to operating realism and fun Successful ops plans are based on: - Personality - Interaction - Balance Read more about these keys	The Tragedy of CTSS CAD-Too-Soon Syndrome strikes thousands, an epidemic fueled by the Internet. Read why I think model railroad design software too often leads to precisely-rendered design disasters.   Prototype and Freelance: a choice ... or a palette? Few questions polarize model railroaders more than this one, yet I am convinced that every layout should combine elements of both concepts. (A version of this editorial was published in Layout Design Journal #25, Winter 2001). Read more   Finding Pink and Blue Foam  Extruded foam board is a popular material for model railroad layouts, but can be hard to find in mild-winter areas. Here are some tips for finding foam.   Layout design ideas -- from a casino? Influencing the movement of visitors and controlling where visitors look are key elements of casino design ... and we can borrow a couple of ideas.