Interested in Layout Design?
The Layout Design Special Interest Group's prime purpose is to aid efforts to design and create layouts that achieve owner's layout goals (with minimum space and cost), avoid common design flaws, and include prototypical and model design features that maximize operating and visual interest. We are a nonprofit educational organization that exists to help our (1700+) members, other hobbyists, the National Model Railroad Association, and publishers.
Who can benefit from Layout Design SIG membership?
Are you…
…thinking about a new layout?
…daydreaming about that perfect layout?
…hoping to get the most out of your model ralroad?
…trying to pack the most operation into your layout?
…interested in prototype modeling?
…planning a lifetime layout?
…disappointed with layouts you've built?
…recreating specific images of the prototype?
…wondering how to model a favorite railfan scene?
…conducting historical research on your prototype?
…interested in meeting innovative and experienced designers, operators, and prototype modelers?
Then the Layout Design SIG is for you!
Topics covered by the Layout Design SIG include:
- Design concepts
- Operations
- Railroad prototype research and information sources
- Design process
- Track planning
- Construction design
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- Control system selection
- Scenery
- Structures
- Equipment
- Layout room design, lighting, and other features
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Membership in the Layout Design SIG offers…
- The hobby's only continuing forum for interchange of layout design ideas, information, and help.
- Our Layout Design Journal (published about four times a year), each issue filled with material to help you design your next layout or improve your existing one. Back issues of all publications are available.
- Thought-provoking articles and authors. You'll find both new ideas and new applications for old ideas and innovative ways of looking at problems with new solutions and design approaches.
- Access to our membership directory — local SIG volunteers who might help you solve design problems, develop satisfying layout designs, and help with prototype and layout photography.
- LD SIG organized regional meetings, convention activities and home gatherings to help individual SIG members design their layouts, as well as get-togethers with informal agendas.
- Our online email list where members can ask questions and discuss all aspects of Layout Design and Operations.
- The "LD SIG Primer": a WWW-based FAQ document has articles on many aspects of Layout Design and Operations to help both beginners and advanced layout builders.
- Conventions where you can meet other members and learn from the experts.
Interested Yet?
A membership application is available. Please fill it out and mail it to the address listed to join the SIG.
Join the LDSIG email list! 
Here is the cover of the most recent LDSIG issue: 
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The current issue contains: The Akron Triangle; HO Scale Chicago Burlington " Quincy; History of the K-Line; N Scale Burlington Northern Santa Fe; N Scale Layout Design Challenge; Innovation, Change and Philosophy; The LD SIG Layout Tour at PSX2004; The Lifetime Layout.
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The current back issue list is available here.
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- The Layout Design Special Interest Group, Inc. is a non-profit membership corporation whose purposes are:
- To act as a forum for the members' exchange of information and ideas;
- To develop improved ways for hobbyists to learn the art and science of layout design;
- To provide leadership for planning, developing, coordinating, and expanding the knowledge of planning model railroads; and
- To promote, develop, support and encourage participation by the public in model railroading.
Our Bylaws are online here.
