Information.
This page is general information about building and other important stuff.....
First off, books and websites that I have found to be very helpful.
Books:
The first one is from Railroad Supply Company and is titled; "Engineering Handbook for Recreational Railroaders". Great source of information.
The next is from Laurence Johnson (mrjcad) and is titled; "Build a 7-1/2" Gauge Railroad in your Backyard: T-Rail and Groovy Track". Another great source. Available from Discover Live Steam at
http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/books/track_building.htm
The other is Douglas Van Veelen and is titled "Civil Engineering for Outdoors Railroads". Note, this is geared to the civil engineer but does have some good info. Available at Discover Live Steam also, at
http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/books/civil_engineering.html
Also, for building a Switch, I recommend the booklet "How to build a switch" from Cannonball Ltd.
http://www.backyardrailroad.com/rail_cat.html
Websites:
I have found that many apply here and for most people the website of your closest club will do, but I like a couple of sites. These have given me a lot of help.
First off is "Island Pond Railroad". Plenty of great info.
http://www.islandpondrailroad.com/index.htm
Next is "Calvert Central Railroad". Another great info website.
http://www.calvertcentral.com/index.html
And finally one that showed me you can build a backyard railroad on very little space, "The Temecula Shortline Railroad".
http://temeculashortline.wordpress.com/
Also a GREAT website for clubs and other train info is;
http://www.discoverlivesteam.com/