As a fan of Tony Koester,I have to say I found this book disapointing. While it takes you through prety well all the moments of decision,no where does it list a clear plan of approach to directing your efforts to produce the DREAM layout. From my own modest experience I think it would have been more helpful to outline some of the beginners errors such as the problems relating to tight number 4 turnouts, the fact that wagons/cars etc have changed over time, and how to detect which are correct for your chosen time period. I believe it would have been wise to suggest joining a club, and being prepaed to ask questions , would have been good advice.
In addition, some discussion on subjects such as running trains versus prototype operations to some degree would be helpful to the more modest beginners.
Experienced model railroaders to whom this book may have been directed. probably have already learnt the hard way, and made the necessary decisions needed to solve the problems he mentions.