Reply to "What should I know when building a layout."

I model the early 50's so I look through books and old magazines of the period. To save some money build kits not ready made. They will look better anyway. Don't crowd too much in any area, less is more. I like to have different levels of my layout. I go all the way to the floor in some sections. A flat layout looks to me like a toy train. Lighting is little talked about but very important. Take a look at my old layout and steal, or I should say copy anything you like. All my buildings are kit, scratch or modified kits. Shorpy http://www.shorpy.com/taxonomy/term/12,107 is another good place to get ideas. Good luck, Don