Martin Tärnrot

Essential Considerations for Trackwork Class + DVD

Martin Tärnrot
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  • In-depth Instruction; over 80 mins
  • On-demand video access anytime
  • Bonus downloadable PDF resources
  • Access to class Q&A
  • Available for purchase: $14.99

This first session gives you a starting point for the planning of your model railroad. Two main design approaches are presented and the components a railroad can consist of. Based on that, we create the foundation for your layout design, the Line Diagram. We select layout alternatives, look at different modes of operation and look at Main line design.

Here, we’ll take the Line Diagram and use it as a foundation to make a sketch of your layout – fitted to the room space you have available. We’re establishing a maximum train length for your different lines and we’ll look at basic yard design.

In this session, we’re selecting the track system, which matches the rolling stock you intend to run on your layout. We’re working with the 3-ft Flextracks and explain basics about the turnouts. A few poor track combinations are presented to avoid de-railing.

This last class session will look at planning Blocks and Signals for traffic control. After a short system overview and features presentation, we get started on the process of dividing your track plan into blocks.

 
 
4 Lessons
1  hrs 20  mins

The goal with this class is to give you tools and guides to be able to create a successful trackwork – which will provide you with the joy of operation over many years. At the same time, we’ll help you eliminate the most common mistakes in trackwork design.

Your class instructor, Martin Tarnrot, will give you a starting point for the planning of a new model railroad. Different design concepts are presented. You’ll learn about the components making up a railroad and, based on your preferences, we’ll together create the foundation for your layout, the Line Diagram.

We guide you through the different layout alternatives, present different modes of operation and offer alternatives how the Main line can be laid out to fit the operator mode that you prefer.

This class also provides you with tools to solve the tricky part of fitting the layout into the room space you have available. We’ll establish a maximum train length for your different lines and look at basic yard design.

We also provide information about different track systems and guide you through the jungle of rail codes and turnout fundamentals. We walk you through the selection of grades and how they can be arranged to gain appearance and functionality, at the same time avoiding problems.

Finally, we’re making some basic planning decisions, ahead of the implementation of a traffic control software. The basic features and capabilities of a control system are explained and we create the first fundamental component in such system; a block with two sensors on an existing line.

In addition to your video instruction, you’ll get an extensive 30-page Class Guide PDF that you can print out and refer to as you work through the key steps of trackwork. PLUS, you’ll get a PDF Supplement that shows you how to plan for several aspsects of your layout.

NOTE: You’ll receive this Class video instruction in two forms: As on-demand streaming video (in your MRA Account); and as a physical DVD, mailed to you.

Martin Tärnrot

Martin Tärnrot is a lifelong model railroader born with a model railroad on his bedroom carpet. Model railroading has always been an important part of his life and he has, over the years, built numerous layouts on different themes, both U.S. and European style. Since 2016, Martin has been working full-time within the model railroad industry, as a content producer of how-to videos, both for publishers and manufacturers.

Martin Tärnrot

Bonus materials available after purchase

Essential Considerations for Trackwork Class + DVD Purchase this class for $14.99.