Layout Design Primer Update

The Primer needs your help!

The Layout Design SIG is embarking on a long-term project to update the Layout Design Primer and we need your help. Initially developed about 25 years ago, the Primer has been meeting its objectives to one extent or another. It was intended to be updated on a regular basis, similar to articles in Wikipedia. However, the majority of the content has not been updated for over 15 years. We all know the hobby of model railroading has evolved over these past 25 years to keep up with changes in technology and hobbyists’ life style, personal interests, and available time for recreation.

In order to keep up with these broader changes, ideas and concepts in layout design, construction, and operations have continued to advance. For example, a number of us are familiar with or may have heard about Layout Design Elements (LDEs), Free-mo, The One Module Approach (TOMA), National Model Railroad Association Standards and Recommended Practices, DCC and sound-related considerations, and Layout Command Control (LCC). Also, recent and emerging layout design tools (CAD programs), construction materials, and operating technologies (DCC, radio/wireless, LCC, etc) are available.

Although the Primer was originally conceived to continually be updated, it has struggled to keep up with many of these changes, resulting in some of its content lagging behind the pace of the hobby. Therefore, the LDSIG Board of Directors has determined it necessary for the organization to invest energy into a major update of the Primer.

How can I contribute?

We are looking for volunteers and, before you hit the Escape button, please know that you have immense flexibility in how much or how little you contribute towards this effort. We are appreciative of any support you can provide. Initially, here is where we need help getting started:

·       Steering Committee. We need a small group to serve on a steering committee/editorial board that will guide the project and review submitted articles.

·       Test Pilots (Authors). Initially, we need 2-3 authors (see description below) to ‘test drive” the process and help identify any technical bugs.

·       Authors. These are individuals willing to apply their knowledge, experience, and energy in service to the model railroading community. Authors may select a specific layout design topic of interest to them and update the article; or they may identify an entirely new topic or subject and write an article about it. Note: Authors have the flexibility to collaborate with others interested in the same topic and submit an article together.

Once the Primer update process is fully developed over the next few months, we will need more authors. But there is no need to delay volunteering for this. You can contact us now and propose a topic to write about.

What is the process?

Step 1. Roles/Assignments. First, decide what role you’re interested in: steering committee member, test pilot, or author. You may take on more than one of these roles.

a.     If interested in serving on the steering committee, please contact the Steering Committee Chair at primer@ldsig.org or use the Primer contact form.

b.     If you want to be a test pilot or author, select an article from the list of Primer Topic Areas that you would like to update and contact the Steering Committee Chair. He will serve as the clearinghouse to ensure the article has not already been assigned to someone else. The current Primer Topic Areas and Articles are listed on the Primer web page.

c.      If you prefer to write an article about a topic or subject not currently included in the Primer, please contact the Steering Committee Chair with your suggestion.

Step 2. Contact. Fill out and submit a Primer Contact Form or send an email to the Primer Steering Committee Chair at primer@ldsig.org. Be sure to identify which topic(s) you’d like to write an article about.

Step 3. Article Template. After receiving approval for your chosen article, download the Article Template (Microsoft Word Document).

Step 4. Write the Article. We encourage authors to use the Article Template for more consistent formatting and to reduce subsequent editing. Refer to the Article Submission Guidelines for additional guidance.

Step 5. Submit Article. Authors should then email their draft article and accompanying photos and other images to the Primer Steering Committee Chair for review. There will be opportunity for questions or suggestions between authors and the steering committee.

NMRA Achievement Program

Your article may be eligible to earn points towards a Model Railroad Author certificate. Details on how to qualify for this certificate are at: https://www.nmra.org/author. Contact your NMRA Division or Regional AP coordinator if any questions.