One of my most rewarding purchases in recent times has been this year's edition of Model Railroader's layout planning special, currently on the shelves of my local WH Smith for the princely sum of £2.95 and very highly recommended. There's much of interest to us Brits between these covers, indeed it's monthly parent has more to offer the UK D&E modeller (as opposed to collector) than all 3 of our home-grown comics rolled into one - which presumably explains it's equal prominence on the shelves over here.
Bear in mind, though, that this is not a book of track-plans (whatever the cover might suggest!) but is about layout planning. Operation and the logistics of building the damned thing are at least as important as doodling the track-plan, and the emphasis is very firmly on layouts as part of a rail system as opposed to the animated diorama approach more prominent in the UK. These layouts are more than convenient backdrops for displaying the odd item of rolling stock. The perverse badge-of-honour-seeking through trying to make a Bachima Class 69 look marginally less dreadful is refreshingly absent - products are assumed to be fit for purpose as supplied and enhancement is not confused with repair. This is about getting on with the job.
There's a common UK belief that "it's alright for them over there" and that "they've all got massive basements for huge layouts" which is completely wide of the mark. Thousands of appartment-dwelling American enthusiasts would certainly disagree with that, and even those who have the space must face the task of filling it. The key factor, obviously, is available modelling time and not available floorspace. Our cousins across the pond have a sporting chance of filling any larger spaces they might find simply because they can devote more time to that part of the project. They don't have to contend with rebuilding defective products before they can get up and running. They've got the right tools for the job and we haven't - that's the bottom line.
What reading this publication really shows, however, is not the differences in the hobby across the Atlantic but the differences in the hobby's magazines. The editorial values are obviously much, much higher, giving a far more professional product. While, superficially, the old "balanced coverage" angle has seen the required inclusion of both N and O in a mainly HO market, it doesn't seem to matter in practical terms - all articles seem to be useful for all scales. There's no filler in there (none of the padding we get, or those dreadful scribblings from someone who wants to be in print but hasn't really got anything to say) just solid content. Every word counts. There seems to be a clear editorial direction and the balance comes from a combination of articles that skillfully cover a wide range of layout design aspects. Make no mistake, this is a very well-planned publication - there's a firm hand on the editorial rudder here.
Refreshingly absent, too, is the dominance of exhibition layouts. Now obviously the continental scale of the US precludes an exhibition scene similar to ours, but I know I'm not alone in finding our constant brown-nosing to the club and exhibition circuit somewhat wearisome. Don't get me wrong, I love going to exhibitions, but they're just one facet of the hobby. With the exception of Model Rail's "Layouts That Never Leave Home" angle, the UK press is pretty much built around exhibition layouts, which unfortunately the majority of us just don't build. The trials and tribulations of fitting a shunting plank into the back of a hatchback are much further removed from my hobby than what the Americans are doing, which is why I rate this Kalmbach publication so highly...
Currently On My Stereo: Jethro Tull - Bursting Out.