A small modern layout.

Both OGR and Korber models have buildings suitable for most eras. Lots of other companies sell building kits and built structures. For current 2013 state of the art buildings you may need to look at Plastruct metal siding and look at real buildings in your area and use them as a start on scale versions. Maybe more help if you narrow your scope to a project or two and start there.

There is no "rule" for required sequence for building a layout.  Start wherever you darn well feel like starting.  You might start with some structures (ready-built or kit-built) to give you some idea of where you might want things to go, or you might just leave some space for structures and other accessories and plunge right in with some scenery building.

 

If you have your track down, and are satisfied with the configuration and operation, just run a train for a while and ponder what you might like to tackle next.  It's all fun!

My layout is also 5x8. To get the most scenics in, I chose a city/urban theme with 2 loops of FasTrack plus one siding. I added scenics, modular style, over 1 1/2 years, and then added "fine" detailing like building interiors and passenger car people. Just because your layout is small does NOT mean you have to finish it in a few months.

A station for the passenger train. 

 

A place for the freight train...perhaps a service area for a mixed freight...fueling or coaling and water.

 

Gives the trains a reason to stop and start.

 

Here's his layout from an earlier post: New Layout by a noob

I'm in the same boat as you magoo. I have a 5x8 with a double loop. I need to purchase some turnouts when I have the funds to do so to connect the 3 loops. I plan on adding 2 or 3 sidings for switching operations. I'm trying to build my layout based upon NY/NJ railroad passenger and freight operations.

 

 

Thank you for posting.  After further thought I want to be able to keep my kids attention with this layout.  So definitely inserting a sort of industrial setting is a must.  I would also like to the ability to load and unload passengers.  I have become really interested in somehow either building or buying a model of a power station.  I am talking about having the stacks and all with the high tension towers that MTH offers.  Every town I know hows a power station of some kind!!!  I have looked at the Korber website and the one plant I think that would look cool I cant seem to find! I see plenty of HO scale powerplants.  Is there a huge difference for the buildings???  After I get my power station I will figure out where to put my elevated passenger platform/train station.  I have enclosed a picture of my layout.  If anybody has any ideas and would like to share that would be great!  Thanks!!

 

 

This is what I have constructed so far. It needs alot more work its very boring right now. 

That is my favorite stage of a layout.  So many possibilities!  

 

BANO, I must say your layout looks so clean!  You have more areas to put whatever you may want where you want!!!  Like Avanti says the possibilities are endless.  I think you have more possibilities with your layout then mine.  I really like the display case!!!  I need to get one of those!  Becoming a collector all of the sudden.  Before I built my layout I was buying trains here and there and now realize I have too many!!!!  This hobby is very addicting. 

 

Thanks for your positive feedback Avanti!

Thank you so much for those kind words.... I know I have alot of possibilities but I am open to anyones ideas to help me make some more progress in the future. I used to you altas O track however I kind of like the fast track because the convience of having the track already ballasted and I personally think the durability is much better. Also my budget is very slim because my finances are going towards my wedding in April of next year and I really can't spend $400.00 + for the switches I need to get this layout in shape. I'm hoping however next week at the greenberg train show I can pick up 2 o60 turnouts for a cheap price to atleast get the ball rolling on connecting the two loops.

Figures I have to work.  I am not too far away.  Live on Long Island.  Congrats on the pending nuptials.  I am kinda in the same boat.  2 Kids ages 7 & 4 take a huge bite out of any money you may have put aside for hobbies.  I am on the hunt for a power station model!  Enjoy  the show!  Good Luck!

 

 

This is the track plan I am aiming for.