Prototype track maps

I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites but
the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. So,
does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the UK
Quail maps?

"Graham Harrison" wrote

>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites but
>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. So,
>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the
>UK Quail maps?

Try subscribing to
alt.models.railroad.ho
and asking on there. This is a group for uk modellers.

John.

"John Turner" <nospam@nospam.invalid> wrote in message
news:13b8fv1nt1cta5f@news.supernews.com...
>
> "Graham Harrison" wrote
>
>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites
>>but the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want.
>>So, does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of
>>the UK Quail maps?
>
> Try subscribing to
> alt.models.railroad.ho
> and asking on there. This is a group for uk modellers.
>
> John.
>

I'll do that but I hoped that a UK modeller might have already conquered the
same issue.

On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
<edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:

>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites but
>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. So,
>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the UK
>Quail maps?

As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a
couple of books of US-image layout plans.

I have:
Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans
Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans

Tim

"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message
news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:
>
>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites
>>but
>>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want.
>>So,
>>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the
>>UK
>>Quail maps?
>
> As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a
> couple of books of US-image layout plans.
>
> I have:
> Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans
> Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans
>
> Tim
>

Sounds wonderful. A quick look at amazon uk - 2nd hand only £51 (yes fifty
one pounds!). abebooks is cheaper at £25.24 but I need to get it shipped
from massachusets! I'll keep looking for a copy of either/both.

"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message
news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:
>
>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites
>>but
>>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want.
>>So,
>>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the
>>UK
>>Quail maps?
>
> As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a
> couple of books of US-image layout plans.
>
> I have:
> Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans
> Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans
>
> Tim
>

Down to 22.55 in Iowa! Can't find mid-sized and manageable anywhere (yet)!

"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message
news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com...
> On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:
>
>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites
>>but
>>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want.
>>So,
>>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the
>>UK
>>Quail maps?
>
> As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a
> couple of books of US-image layout plans.
>
> I have:
> Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans
> Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans
>
> Tim
>

Any view on any of the following:

The big book of model railroad track plans/Robert Schleicher
Track planning for realistic operation/John H Armstrong
Basic Model Railroad Track Plans: Small starter layouts/Kalmbach
48 top-notch track plans/Bob Hayden

I can find all of them in one place (saving a little postage) in Seattle.

On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 19:13:48 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
<edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:

>
>"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message
>news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com.. .
>> On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
>> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:
>>
>>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track
>>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of
>>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites
>>>but
>>>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want.
>>>So,
>>>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the
>>>UK
>>>Quail maps?
>>
>> As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a
>> couple of books of US-image layout plans.
>>
>> I have:
>> Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans
>> Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans
>>
>> Tim
>>
>
>Any view on any of the following:
>
>The big book of model railroad track plans/Robert Schleicher
>Track planning for realistic operation/John H Armstrong
>Basic Model Railroad Track Plans: Small starter layouts/Kalmbach
>48 top-notch track plans/Bob Hayden
>
>I can find all of them in one place (saving a little postage) in Seattle.
>

The Armstrong I liked, though it's about what the prototype does and
how to model it, rather than a set of plans. The others I don't know:
the Hayden and the Schleicher have mixed reviews on Amazon.com. The
Kalmbach has good reviews.

Might be worth your while browsing amazon.com for a bit?

Tim

"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message
news:nv5bb3l443mbn6oq4u37nq42oqi58104u9@4ax.com...
> On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 19:13:48 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:
>
>>
>>"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message
>>news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com. ..
>>> On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison"
>>> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote:
>>>
>>>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to
>>>>track
>>>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception
>>>>of
>>>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites
>>>>but
>>>>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want.
>>>>So,
>>>>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of
>>>>the
>>>>UK
>>>>Quail maps?
>>>
>>> As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a
>>> couple of books of US-image layout plans.
>>>
>>> I have:
>>> Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans
>>> Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans
>>>
>>> Tim
>>>
>>
>>Any view on any of the following:
>>
>>The big book of model railroad track plans/Robert Schleicher
>>Track planning for realistic operation/John H Armstrong
>>Basic Model Railroad Track Plans: Small starter layouts/Kalmbach
>>48 top-notch track plans/Bob Hayden
>>
>>I can find all of them in one place (saving a little postage) in Seattle.
>>
>
> The Armstrong I liked, though it's about what the prototype does and
> how to model it, rather than a set of plans. The others I don't know:
> the Hayden and the Schleicher have mixed reviews on Amazon.com. The
> Kalmbach has good reviews.
>
> Might be worth your while browsing amazon.com for a bit?
>
> Tim
>

Thanks for that. I find browsing web sites for books unsatisfactory. I
either allow myself to be distracted or the books aren't where I think they
should be! Constructing a search string usually works but in this case
you're probably right. I'll just have to apply a bit of discipline.

Depends on whether you want maps (of a fairly wide area) or track
diagrams (of a more limited area). Also whether you're looking for a
a 'typical' model arrangement ar a track plan of a real (prototype)
location.

Try the US model magazines, e.g., Model Railroader, Railroad Model
Craftsman, etc.

Also worth a try: Steam Powered Video (www.spv.co.uk) which does
books / magazines as well as DVDs.

If you're serious about US modeling it is worth joining the British
Region of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). www.nmrabr.org.uk

Allan Sibley

	#1
Graham Harrison	Prototype track maps I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites but the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. So, does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the UK Quail maps?

	#2
John Turner	Re: Prototype track maps "Graham Harrison" wrote >I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track >maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of >the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites but >the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. So, >does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the >UK Quail maps? Try subscribing to alt.models.railroad.ho and asking on there. This is a group for uk modellers. John.

	#3
Graham Harrison	Re: Prototype track maps "John Turner" <nospam@nospam.invalid> wrote in message news:13b8fv1nt1cta5f@news.supernews.com... > > "Graham Harrison" wrote > >>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track >>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of >>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites >>but the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. >>So, does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of >>the UK Quail maps? > > Try subscribing to > alt.models.railroad.ho > and asking on there. This is a group for uk modellers. > > John. > I'll do that but I hoped that a UK modeller might have already conquered the same issue.

	#4
Tim Illingworth	Re: Prototype track maps On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison" <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote: >I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track >maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of >the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites but >the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. So, >does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the UK >Quail maps? As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a couple of books of US-image layout plans. I have: Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans Tim

	#5
Graham Harrison	Re: Prototype track maps "Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com... > On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison" > <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote: > >>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track >>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of >>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites >>but >>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. >>So, >>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the >>UK >>Quail maps? > > As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a > couple of books of US-image layout plans. > > I have: > Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans > Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans > > Tim > Sounds wonderful. A quick look at amazon uk - 2nd hand only £51 (yes fifty one pounds!). abebooks is cheaper at £25.24 but I need to get it shipped from massachusets! I'll keep looking for a copy of either/both.

	#8
Tim Illingworth	Re: Prototype track maps On Sat, 4 Aug 2007 19:13:48 +0100, "Graham Harrison" <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote: > >"Tim Illingworth" <tim@bellhouse.org.uk> wrote in message >news:akm8b31tkmufl25su431e85lehr570lgs5@4ax.com.. . >> On Fri, 3 Aug 2007 20:39:40 +0100, "Graham Harrison" >> <edward.obvious.harrison1@btinternet.obvious.com > wrote: >> >>>I would like to model a US scene. The only reference I can find to track >>>maps online seem to refer to rapid transit systems (with the exception of >>>the Chicago area). I've tried Google Earth and suchlike mapping sites >>>but >>>the resolution (although very good) is not really what I feel I want. >>>So, >>>does anyone know where I can find maps? Is there a US equivalent of the >>>UK >>>Quail maps? >> >> As usual answering a different question: Iain Rice has published a >> couple of books of US-image layout plans. >> >> I have: >> Small, Smart and Practical Track Plans >> Mid-Sized and Manageable Track Plans >> >> Tim >> > >Any view on any of the following: > >The big book of model railroad track plans/Robert Schleicher >Track planning for realistic operation/John H Armstrong >Basic Model Railroad Track Plans: Small starter layouts/Kalmbach >48 top-notch track plans/Bob Hayden > >I can find all of them in one place (saving a little postage) in Seattle. > The Armstrong I liked, though it's about what the prototype does and how to model it, rather than a set of plans. The others I don't know: the Hayden and the Schleicher have mixed reviews on Amazon.com. The Kalmbach has good reviews. Might be worth your while browsing amazon.com for a bit? Tim

	#10
Allansib@aol.com	Re: Prototype track maps Depends on whether you want maps (of a fairly wide area) or track diagrams (of a more limited area). Also whether you're looking for a a 'typical' model arrangement ar a track plan of a real (prototype) location. Try the US model magazines, e.g., Model Railroader, Railroad Model Craftsman, etc. Also worth a try: Steam Powered Video (www.spv.co.uk) which does books / magazines as well as DVDs. If you're serious about US modeling it is worth joining the British Region of the National Model Railroad Association (NMRA). www.nmrabr.org.uk Allan Sibley