This is not really about trains, however it is about the layout with maybe a train in the background.
I am into diecast and I want to display them in the towns, hills,valleys and roadways.
First question is, Is it easier to lay the foundation for a train in the layout first or last.
On the Diorhamas, is there a rule on building them or can you put it together as you go?
3rd. Should there be a plan to this construction or will winging it give me more headaches than it is worth?
Opinions please?
Thank you,
Richard

Most of the time the foundation is first with the scene built around the track layout.

In your case you will want to decide the effect you want. If the main goal is to show off the diecast collection then you need to ask yourself if the train is really needed running or not.

You could go the diorama route of a weekend car show at a burger joint as an excuse to put a group of same scale cars together, car auction, or used car lot as well.

I have a lot of Batmobile diecasts when it came time to display them I decided that the Batcave had a chamber under it where the old tech goes till it's needed again. Large scale up front and the smaller scale toward the back for the illusion of depth.

However you do your display you will find it easier to have it designed before you start your build.

Thank you very much for your reply.
So what you are saying is that the planning stage is a very important part of any dio or layout.
To avoid the headaches, one should plan the layout before putting it together.
I appreciate this information.
Richard

Thank you very much for your reply.
So what you are saying is that the planning stage is a very important part of any dio or layout.
To avoid the headaches, one should plan the layout before putting it together.
I appreciate this information.
Richard

That would be a big yes!
Things will change a little as you build but you need some sort of plan to guide you.

Are there any books/magazines/websites that you would recommend?
I do not have a place large enough to start working on the layout but I have many Ideas and maybe it would be a good idea to put them down on paper.
What is the best material to use?
Foam?, paper mache?, plaster? wood?. all combined?
What would you recommend?
Thank you,
Richard

Are there any books/magazines/websites that you would recommend?

You could start by reading the diorama section here at HobbyTalk.
Check your local library for their modeling books as well as your local hobby shop.....look for info while your ther on local model RR clubs. The clubs usually have open houses where you could go and talk to the members and pick up a ton of modeling hints.

I do not have a place large enough to start working on the layout but I have many Ideas and maybe it would be a good idea to put them down on paper.

Yep!

What is the best material to use?
Foam?, paper mache?, plaster? wood?. all combined?
What would you recommend
Thank you,
Richard

Whats best is what your comfortable working with. Start with a wood base and go from there. I tend to go the foam covered with plaster or Bondo depending on what I'm going to do with the final item. Things I'm building for the local theater will be made to stand up to major bumps while my own stuff will get done for looks not strength.

Give that this is for diecast cars, and the train is a background piece, I don't think you'll want the train moving. Given that here is how I would start off.

I suggest you go to the local Costco or Sams Club's paper section and look for the cardboard sheets that are placed between the layers of merchandise. If you ask nice they will let you have as many sheets as you want.

Take those sheets and use them to get an idea the size ( the sheets are usually 4'x4') and shape you want to build.
Once you settle on a size and shape yoe that cardboard piece as a guide to cutting a few duplicate pieces. Use the 2nd piece to work on the design. use the others to make different layout designs

Once your done look over the 2 or 3 layouts you have drawn and pick the one you like and paste the cardboard to some plywood and cut the shape of the cardboard out.
You now have your base and the "map" you need to add what detail you want.