Product Description
A must-have reference for every level modeler, with easy and reliable layout wiring techniques.Everything a modeler needs to know about wiring a permanent layout is covered in this how-to guide.Includes the essential techniques needed to wire a two-rail, DC-powered layout of any size or complexity.Each chapter includes photos, illustrations, and detailed schematices.Modelers have been asking for it!Features a chaper on Command Control and introduces the basics of Digital Command control (DCC).The only comprehensive book offering fundamental wiring skills and techniques.Written by well-known hobby author, Andy Sperandeo, editor of MODEL RAILROADER Magazine. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Absolutely Must Have for your tool kit!
This is a must have book for any model railroader. It is well researched and I have recommended it to others. It will help you with electrical wiring problems you encounter on you railroad layout or keep you from making mistakes. Thanks again Andy on helping to revive my 35 year old Mantua 0-4-0.

good for beginners
I'm just getting started on my first non-oval layout and this book is invaluable. Contains all the basics and stuff you'll probably want to know when you get fancier.

Outdated but still a good refference book for beginners
I started out with a DC train set under the christmas tree about two years ago and now I'm diving into DCC. I wish the book had more on computer control and wiring occupany detection but still it's a very good starting point.

J& MK RR
The book will answer all my questions nicely.


Thank You


Jim Murphy

Easy Model Railroad Wiring
Requires electrical and soldering knowledge.Younger individuals may require supervision.Excellent ideas for creating personal layouts. ... Read more

Product Description
Shows how to build an N scale railroad in a few easy steps.Includes instructions on constructing framework, laying track, building scenery, and assembling structures that result in an outstanding layout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (16)

This Book Is Awsome
I got this book and I am in the process of building this model railroad. The book takes you step by step as you build your railroad it is very easy. I am going to have an awsome model railroad when I am finished

Great reference for beginners, simple instructions, covers all the basics of building a layout.
I really like this book in that is gives simple, straight forward instructions on how to build your first model railroad layout.It covers every area involved in building a layout.I think the most useful part for me, was all the info on how to do scenery.I refer back to these sections all the time.I would recommend this book to anyone wanting to get started in model railroading.It does a good job of covering, wiring, scenery, and basic structure building.

I do have a few problems with the book, but they should not discourage you from buying the book, just things to keep in mind.They show you how to build the layout out of foam core board.This is good in that you do not have to have any carpentry skills, but is not going to be very durable.If you are going to spend this much time an effort to build something, it should hold up for a while.Also I feel the track plan puts too much into too small of a space.It does allow you to run 2 trains at once which is nice, but it has a tunnel area with no access to the train if you have a derailment in the tunnel.

I say buy the book for the instructions, find a different track plan, and use traditional benchwork for the base of layout.

How to for Beginners
Really rates four and one half stars, the missing half star because a small amount of out of date material recommended in construction.

For the beginner who needs a hand-holding step by step guide to building a first layout, from basic to more complex, this book is the one to choose. Simplicity and use of common materials is stressed. I wish the authors would update this volume, for I would be first in line to buy it.

Great Beginner
This is a very good book from going from nothing about N scale railroading tothe basic beginner. I'm trying to copy step by step to get the feel of model railroading and this is a very good book to start. The instructions are basic but attainable the graphics are great.

Great Starter Book
Bought this when I was getting back to N Scale model railroading after a 30 year hiatus.It is an excellent book. Has many innovations that I never would have thought about and have not seen described elsewhere: like, making the benchwork out of foam core! Followed their directions and now have an extremely light weight, durable, layout. Another positive element is the title's theme: a model railroad that grows. The authors start with a simple layout with simple scenery, allowing the modeler to begin railroad operations very quickly. The book then moves through several phased projects, allowing railroad operations to become more complex without having to wait for the entire project to be completed before beginning to enjoy the fruits of your labor.It is not helpful on wiring the layout or converting locomotives for DCC operations, but those details are available elsewhere including very useful online forums.A great book for the beginner. ... Read more

Product Description
Follow the construction of a model railroad layout from start to finish! Over the course of three years, Model Railroader Senior Editor David Popp offered readers a monthly ?Step by Step? glimpse into his N scale Naugatuck River Valley layout as he built the layout from the ground up. Now he tells the complete construction story using techniques any model railroader can use! More than 30 short projects take modelers through the process, from building benchwork to operating realistically. Step-by-step photos and illustrations let modelers see every phase of construction and apply the techniques to their own projects. Project topics include getting the layout started, building benchwork, completing trackwork and wiring, constructing scenery, adding structures, detailing, and running the railroad. Includes new material on choosing a scale, working in the available space, and installing DCC decoders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

GOT ME STARTED
This book got me to select N scale and get started. Great read even if another scale is your choice.

Model RailRoading for Dummies
I'm "MiMi" to a five year old railroading afficiando.This book told me everything I needed to know to make my grandson's eyes pop and the word "Awesome" fly from his mouth.Hands down a great guide for the beginner.

Really nice!
I really enjoy this book, I am an HO modeler and all this is in N scale, but it still was a very excellent book.

building a model railroad step by step
A great book for anyone who's ever said "how'd they make it look like that?" It shows everything just as it says, step by step. A lot of great pictures and tips for everything from benchwork to scenery. A definate must for anyone looking to get into the hobby. ... Read more

Product Description
Easy-to-use plans in every size, shape and scale. Plans include tiny card-table layouts to giant garage-size railroads. Demonstrates how to design a railroad to fit any space, shows how to convert plans to N, HO, S, and O scales. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

Very Useful
Mr. Wescott has a great introduction to this book with many great instructions, guidelines, and tips for building your layout.The vast array of sample layouts really triggers one's imagination, but at the same time offers a realistic overview of what is truly possible in the space availiable.As most will only build one or two layouts in their lifetimes, an expensive computer program really isn't worth the investment. This book is really all that one needs for planning and building a great layout.It is adaptable to nearly all scales and he gives excellent conversion charts for the measurements in the different scales.I have found it an indispensable guide.

Railroad
These plans are quite detailed, yet easy to work with.It has made laying track very easy.

Did not receive.
101 Track Plans must have been sent to my previous address in CA and it was not forwarded.

Outstanding
I used this book about 18 years ago for a very small N scale layout - 2.5' x 3' - since I lived in an apartment at the time. I have received many compliments on my layout even though it is now in the basement of my house next to my husband's O scale layout that is 17' x 9' and has been shown on home tours. As others have mentioned, the book covers how to make each of the layouts in all sorts of scales from N to O.

Planning made easy
This book is an esential for planning. It would be most useful for those looking to build smaller RRs. ... Read more

Product Description
Prolific Kalmbach author Jeff Wilson shows modelers how to re-create numerous types of railroad and highway bridges based on prototype designs. Divided into chapters by bridge type, each chapter shows several prototype examples and demonstrates techniques for modeling, painting, weathering, and installing the models on a layout. Covers the history of railroad bridges, trestles, and tunnels. Includes specific details for modeling iron and steel truss bridges, plate girder bridges, concrete bridges, lift bridges, tunnels, and more. Lists currently available models. Ideal for intermediate and advanced hobbyists. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Model Railroad Bridges, Trestles and Tunnels Reviewed
A good general overview of various types of Trestles, Bridges with a light touch on Tunnels.The author comments on several types of bridges in general use over the two eras of railroading, steam and diesel.He does demonstrate how he and others have made up a few different ones, shows the use of jigs for making up trestle structures and gives a few tips and tricks on adding some interesting details to model railroad layouts.Not a comprehensive digest but more of an idea manual to get you started on making your own as well as making use of available kits for these structures.Lots of illustrations and period photos, diagrams as well as a few explainations on some of the more complicated engineering ideas that get used to make up Bridges and Trestles. A little bit of nomenclature is added to your vocabulary as you read through the chapters and a few of the tips are downright handy.

Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels
This book is an excellent guide to model railroad bridges, trestles, and tunnels. It presents all types of construction including wood, stone, iron, concrete, etc and all era's from the early 18th century to the present.

Many prototype photographs and illustrations are used to show the different types of bridges. You don't have to be a civil engineer to read the book, but it will give you a very good detailed view of each type of bridge.

Each section in the book ends with information on how to model these structures. This includes construction details including sources for the needed products. Information is also included on how to finish the products.

When I now see a bridge while traveling I have good knowledge of why and how the bridge was constructed.

I am not a modeler (at least yet) but I think this book will appeal to both novices and more experienced modelers. I have two other similar books and this book is by far the best of the three. I highly recommend it.

Great addition to any modelers book collection
This is honestly a great book, it helped me. Im fairly new to model railroading (only about 4 years) and it has honestly made me into the goto guy (within my model railroad club) for bridges and tunnels. It covers all sorts of wierd and wonderfull ideas for your layouts. A GREAT resource and addition to any model railroaders libary.

Jeff Wilson "Bridges the Gap"
As a 28 year veteran of professional railroading, with 18 years in the bridge department, Jeff has indeed managed to bridge the gap between prototype and modeler. He explains in great detail the "why" that goes into selecting the proper type or size bridge for a particular location. Many beautiful bridge models are spoiled because they would just not be practical in the real world. Jeff did an excellent job of researching the subject material and has made it easy for a modeler to build a very nice, prototypical bridge for a given geographic location.

An in-depth guide that combines an appreciation of railroad history with solid how-to tactics for bringing said history to life
The Model Railroader's Guide To Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels is an in-depth hobbyist's guide to adding minutely detailed, realistic bridges and tunnel portals to a model railroad layout. Chapters include overviews of the construction and purpose of bridges, trestles, and tunnels; historic and contemporary prototype photos, in black-and-white and color; strategies for modeling, painting, and weathering scale replicas; listings of bridge, trestle, and tunnel kits in HO, N, and O scale, as well as excellent suggestions for modifying kits and scratchbuilding; and so much more. An in-depth guide that combines an appreciation of railroad history with solid how-to tactics for bringing said history to life.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Bought it for Nostalgia
When I got my first copy of the book as a kid, it was awesome. But the information was fresher then too. Its not a bad book though, a bit dated relative to now being 2010. Some things don't change, others have been improved or other techniques exist that might be better, but the book is still an interesting book if you don't pay a lot for it. In my case, I gave away my original copy and then recently I decided I'd like to have it back to put on my shelf, mostly for the nostalgia value. ... Read more

Product Description
A cookbook approach to creating scenery like an expert that delivers predictable results every time. Teaches how to design, build, model, and finish backgrounds, mountains, hills, trees, bushes, water, dirt, and much more. Features detailed photos, techniques, and product information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

A whole NEW book!
I have Mr. Frary's other two editions of this book. I bought the first one years ago when I got interested in my trains again around 1982. So much had changed and I never was very good at scenery that I needed "something" to help me improve my lay-out. Mr. Frary's first edition helped me do a very credible job of building scenery on the lay-out at that time with his "water soluble method."

Fast forward--after another hiatus from model trains, I came back, yet again, to my model work and read a mention somewhere that referred to this "third" edition. Like many folks, I thought this would be just an up-dated book with a few changes and maybe a new suggestion or two.

WRONG! Mr. Frary has managed to put together a whole new book--new pictures, new techniques, new "everything! Wow! I don't know where to start, but I know my scenery is going to take a giant leap forward. It's still "water-soluble," but he's added all kinds of new equipment and supplies to create marvelous landscaped vistas in miniature!

If you are new to model trains, if you are trying your hand at building scenery that will be the envy of your friends in the hobby, or outside the hooby, get THIS book--the third edition! Get it even if you have the first or second edition--you need this book to learn about the latest techniques in building "knock-your-eyes-out" scenery that could fool Mother Nature!

Oh, and don't worry if you don't think you are "very artistic"--Mr. Frary will fix that, if you follow his instructions and advice! You might surprise yourself and have a TON of FUN!

Still unsure? Look around and find his dvd on building scenery! Between this book and his dvd, I bet you become the "scenery expert" in your group of hobbyists!

Excellent How To Book for all
Step by step details. Explained well by author with hands on experience. Abundant quality photographs. Many simple suggestions and hints for saving time and expenses. A must for beginners and valuable for experienced model railroaders.

very good
this bookwas late coming but that was due to slow shipping,NOT the seller. they followed up on it when i had concerns that i hadn,t received it. it was in very good condition

How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery
This author has done an amazing job going through step by step on how to create realistic scale model scenery.He adds tips and tricks that helped me to build some small scale movie sets I was making.I suggest this book to anyone trying to do what the title implies.It does not go into much detail on any other model railroad facets, but for the money and subject matter, it is well worth the money.

Top Guide
Full of helpful suggestions, particularly for those who like to scratch build. Innovative use of all sorts ofmaterials to create great scenery. Good color pictures & 'how to' steps. Plus the book names brand name items that have been used in the scenery shown, so you know what to buy & what it can do if you are after a particular effect.
Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides model railroaders with an overview of North American mining, refining, and agricultural operations served by the railroads, and the specific techniques used to model them on a realistic layout of any scale. Jeff Wilson's clear, concise style makes these complex industries easy to understand and model. Numerous photos and illustrations show key structures; the sequence of operations, and the details modelers can incorporate to accurately represent the industries. Perfect for intermediate and skilled beginning model railroaders, and those interested in prototype railroading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Review of Model Railroader's Guide to Industries Along the Tracks
This book is an excellent reference for anyone planning to add trackside industries to his or her model railroad.The book presents information about typical industries that can found near railroads.Details of the operations, procedures, buildings and other structures used by these industries are included.Even though this book is a very good source of information about trackside industries, it does not contain information on how models of these industries can actually be constructed.So, if you intend to add industries to your model railroad, you may find that a book on constructing models of industrial type buildings will also be very helpful.

Useful, but overrated
This is a useful book as it provides some good information about several industries around railroads.Specifically, it covers grain, petroleum, coal mining, automotive, produce and livestock.

However, I feel it's a bit overrated and am actually a bit disappointed with the book.Specifically, I was surprised that it does not cover container shipping, mining for iron and other metals, smelting and casting, quarries, or lumber business.These are pretty essential and won't do without a railroad.

Furthermore, the coverage of industries is more a coverage of historical development than specific ideas and ins and outs from modeler's point of view.The pictures are nice, but where are the typical dimensions and proportions (or at least suggested ranges) of various industrial structures?I realize that silos come in various sizes and shapes, but I expected at least some discussion of dimensions of typical structures.

I would have like a more thorough analysis of each of the facilities with functional descriptions and designs than the history.This isn't a thorough guide, but if you've never been around railroads and the industries covered in this book than it may be useful to you.Otherwise, it's probably not detailed enough.

I LOVE THIS BOOK
Originally purchased to build a grainary, I have read and reread many sections on fuel, etc. and am thinking of a whole new layout to add much more.This is a priceless reference to have on you bench when not only designing and planning a layout, but to detail what you've got.I recommend highly.

An Essential Guide
Railroad modelers get involved in because they like trains. They try to make their layouts as realistic as possible in terms of appearance and operation. They generally do a fair job on the "train" end of things but the scheme can often fall apart when it comes to the industries served by the trains. Many of us don't have a clue as to how these industries operate or how those operations are dependent upon rail service. This book addresses that big problem and does so very well.

The book consists of several chapters, each devoted to a particular industry. Within those chapters, the industry is explained in terms of getting the raw materials and shipping the finished products. This helps to design realistic layouts. Each chapter has a bit of space devoted to the types of rolling stock used by each industry and further explains the changes that occurred over historical time.

The Chapter are organized thus:

Grain: Grain elevators, flour and feed mills, rail operations.
Petroleum: Modeling oil refineries and fuel dealers
Coal Mining: shaft mines, open pit mines and railroad coal operations
Automotive: Manufacturing plants, transloading centers and auto parts traffic
Produce: Packing houses, produce markets and refrigerator car traffic
Livestock: Modeling stockyards, packing companies and branch houses

Each of these chapters is well written and organized. I am very happy to learn that another volume is on its way.

Great book chock full of ideas and photographs!
I work in the video game industry and am working on a game that has a railroad level in it. These model railroad books are the perfect reference! The whole book is filled with great ideas and each idea is supported with real photographs. A+ One of the best
"reference" books I've ever purchased! ... Read more

Product Description
Using a step-by-step photographic approach, this book offers proven, easy to follow techniques for installing of sturdy trackwork, including fitting the roadbed, laying sectional or flexible track, and finishing the track with lineside details. Also covers installing turnouts, cleaning and maintaining trackwork, and other special techniques suitable for a layout of any size or scale. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great for beginners
Fast shipping, book was in new condition.This book was great for someone that has no knowledge of how to work with or set up a model railroad.As a Christmas present for my 3 year old I built a trainboard that comes out every Christmas and he loves it.The tips and advice in this book are great and provide a good general overview of what is involved in setting up and maintaining a model railway.

Only so-so
Okay, I guess this does a fair job of covering the basics of track work..... Very basic. Perhaps a decent introduction for those new to model railroading, but gives startlingly short shrift to hand-laid track and turnouts ("beyond the scope of this book") and only treats the gluing of flex and sectional track to roadbed as a sort of "alternative" to using track nails.(I've never known an experienced model railroader who used track nails.) The chapters on painting track and ballasting are pretty good.
I'm sure it was not the prime motivation for this book, but (at least after Kalmbach got through editing it) it comes off as a bit too much of a promotion piece for buying expensive stuff from those companies that (coincidentally?) advertise in Kalmbach's Model Railroader magazine.

A Good Introduction
This book is just what the title claims it to be. It is an introduction to laying track for model railroaders. It does a good job of teaching that subject.

The author considers such subjects as roadbeds, sectional track, flex track, turnouts (switches), specialty track, painting and detailing track and provides a buyer's guide. Within each of these subjects, he explains the basic skills that everyone should know in a step by step manner accompanied by lots of photographs. He is a good teacher.

This is not exciting reading but it is informative.

Great Begginners Guide!
This is a great starting point for any 1st timers to the world of model railroading, its actually has alot of good ideas for a begginer or even an advanced model railroader, track buyers guide in the back of the book is exremly usefull to a must buy for any begginer!!

A track-buyer's guide is included
Basic Trackwork For Model Railroaders: The Complete Photo Guide by model railroading enthusiast Jeff Wilson is a "user friendly", highly recommended, step-by-step walk-through for model railroading hobbyists especially focusing on creating realistic, functional, and appealing track layouts. A wealth of color photographs complement the straightforward instructional text, making Basic Trackwork For Model Railroaders an easy to follow guidebook and resource. A track-buyer's guide is included, along with a wealth of information especially concerning necessary measurements and scale. ... Read more

Product Description
Provides the construction steps for building a walkaround 4 x 8 layout.Photographs, diagrams, and helful instructions show how to construct benchwork and scenery, lay track, build detailed structures, weather freight cars, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

My son loves this
Having borrowed the book from the library several times, it was a pretty clear winner, before I bought it.My 11 year old son uses it as his main resource for the model railroad that it is still largely germinating inside his head, but that I have no doubt will eventually be a reality.

modle railroading
this book answers a lot of questions. Its very imformative. well writen with lots of pictures. explains things that a person that had never really thouth about. I enjoyed it.

beautifully illustrated
As you would expect its a beautifully illustrated guide and informally written to boot. The only shortcoming for someone as raw as I am is the lack of detail in amounts used to create differing depths of colour and texture if landscape creation. Terms used eg 'latex paint' require some interpretation on this side of the Pacific but all in all I have been able to translate nearly all tools and materials. However a very basic term 'builders yellow glue' has me and a number of hardware stores in Australia a bit bemused. The book is an excellent investment and deserves your attention.

A Great Start
Building a model railroad is fun but doing more than the "oval track" needs some skills that all starters to not have. Often, modelers learn by doing and learn a lot from mistakes. This is valuable experience but it is also frustrating. This book attempts to address this problem by presenting the construction of a very modest but still well though out layout that is simple.

This book is made up of reprints of a series of articles from MODEL RAILROADER MAGAZINE.It starts with a simple idea. The layout must be simple to build and not too messy. Each article covers a different facet and the result is a nice little railroad.

Among the topics considered are the building of the table, laying track, building basic plastic kits of buildings, building of some basic car kits along with Kadee couplers, adding specialized track, adding streets, simple kitbashing of plastic structure kits, adding a backdrop, adding water features, weathering, building relief and scenery, control systems, scratchbuilt wood structures, metal structure kits, using mirrors to make a scene look larger, making rocks, adding foliage, building a tunnel, adding signals and operating of the railroad in a realistic manner. Each article is simple but teaches foundational skills.

It is well done.

4
If you don't have any background in model railroading than this book is a good place to start.It will read great the first time through but don't expect to ever go back to it for reference later down the line.Concepts like control panels, wiring, switches, etc. are all left vaugely discussed, and for this reason it can be frustrating.Make sure you buy this is conjunction with another book better detailed in any areas you don't understand (like wiring). ... Read more

Product Description
Provides step-by-step design techniques and trackplanning tips to save model railroaders time, money, and headaches.This must-have book also covers aspects of prototype freight andpassenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (18)

Excellent in every respect, worth every penny!
This is a really fine book!I wish I'd encountered it when I first started in the hobby.Our first layout is okay, but had we had this guide we would have done so many things differently.There are many books on track layouts, but they generally just present someone's ideas for a layout and tell you how to build it.This book, on the other hand, tells you WHY things are certain way and HOW to make things for this or that track activity.It makes total sense and our next layout will be much better because of this book.

The book has two major parts.The first part of the book describes basic railroad operations, such as loading and unloading, assembling cars into trains, moving trains, etc.The second part looks at how to design a practical model, what standards to use, minimal curves, layout shapes, etc. It has a lot of great ideas, with many pictures and schematics to satisfy both advance and novice modelers.Great book!

Excellent, but earlier editions even better
This is THE book if you want the details on essential layout planning issues.Period.If you are interested in model railroad layouts, you won't be able to put this down.Grades, track spacing, s-curves, basic layout shapes, siding lengths, planning for smooth operations, etc., etc..

Even if you are just thinking about or planning a layout, this book is loads of fun.

I do feel that this latest version has been dumbed-down a little.Some of the more technical sections have been truncated, but it is still a complete coverage.However, if you can locate an earlier edition, I recommend it.

Excellant
I highly recommend this book to anyone who is tired of watching the train go round and round with no purpose. Chock full of information and ideas. I find myself going back time and time again to referance it. Highly recommended.

Outstanding, Simply outstanding!
I don't usually take the time to do this review stuff, but I felt compelled to let others know about this book. I'm not an experienced model railroader and I have even less experience with full scale railroads, so from this beginners perspective the book is perfect. It walks the reader through the basics of very complex ideas in railroading, model or otherwise, without over simplifying or becoming dull. The concepts as John wrote them are very easy to digest, well organized and well illustrated in diagrams. It explains yards, passing tracks, time tables, curves, grades, and a long roster of other building blocks as it relates to planning, constructing and operating your model railroad empire again at a level of detail that I've yet to come across in some other books and publications I've read. Although I'd suggest this book to any railfan simply to learn more about railroading, I'd strongly suggest this book to those like myself just getting into the hobby of model railroading.

Track Planning for Realistic Operation
This is a great book on how to run and plan your next model railroad. Gives great idea's and samples of yards, train movements and point to point locations. Not just for beginers. ... Read more

Product Description
Fourth in the Realistic Model Railroading series by the same author, this volume shows modelers how to turn to the real thing natural land forms, crops, forests, water features, and even the seasons, to get better results on their model railroad layouts. What are the critical and model-able differences between the Rockies and the Appalachian Mountains, for example, and what resources can help modelers achieve a natural-looking scene from each area? These big ideas are supported by modeling projects as examples of incorporating realistic natural effects including rock strata, water forms, field crops, and space-saving industries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Just what he wanted!
I bought this book for my husband for Christmas; it was exactly what he was looking for to help in planning his model railroad. He's been building model buildings for years, and this will help him decide on the placement of these structures on a layout and how to build the layout itself. He's a real perfectionist and wants to make sure that the scenery looks as realistic as possible. ... Read more

Product Description
Model Railroader magazine?s ?DCC Corner? takes the reader through a series of DCC projects, including setting up a DCC layout, decoder installation, lighting effects, sound effects, layout wiring projects, advanced decoder programming, and tips and ideas for advanced DCC projects. For beginners and experts alike, this book includes tips, techniques, and photographic instruction. Also includes a glossary and a list of important considerations for choosing a DCC system. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

An Introduction
Do not buy this book supposing that it will teach you all you need to know about digital command and control for model railroads. It will NOT do that. Instead, it will teach the basic ideas behind DCC and provide a wealth of information as to how the technology can be used. It can be used for much more than just controlling multiple locomotives.

The approach is basic and easy to understand. It outlines the differences between DCC and traditional wiring, points our what kind of equipment is needed for various applications and even takes a look at some of what is out on the market.

I am well satisfied. I need to know more but this book helps me to get started on the right path.

Not bad, but not for the DCC Beginner
This has some good, general and various ideas for DCC.What it isn't about is DCC Basics (at least not very much - just a brief mention).There are other books to get for that.This one focuses on what to do after you get a basic DCC setup going.It's good to keep in a club library or one you'll share with others, but it isn't one I reach for all the time, while getting more out of my DCC layout and motive power.

DCC Projects & Applications
Great book with valuable information on DCC Operations for both the novice and the seasoned DCC user. Clear, easy to understand information that can help in the application of DCC to your model railroad.

Some good information here
An easy read with lots of good information, that I can apply to my layout.

Great for Beginers and Experts
Straight forward and easy to understand projects for those just starting out or that already have DCC on the model empire.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

model railroading with John Allen.
Having heard of the railroad that John Allen built, to see it in print with pictures is entirely different, because you can see the work and the details that he put in.Remember, he did all this work in the 1950's and '60's,BEFORE laser cut kits, and his work is the STANDARD which modelers strive for today, fifty to sixty years later.

It is a well presented book, and well worth the price.

This is must have Model Railroading Book
I purchased this book about a year and a half ago. I must pick it up at least three to four times a week.The realism of Mr. Allen's skill as a model railroader is nothing short of extradinoary.The pictures of his work are amazing. This is the best Model Railroading book I have ever read, and my preference is O guage not HO.

Model Railroading with John Allen
I have an original edition of this book by Mr. Westcott and John Allen's work goes far beyond the model railroad it depicts. Mr. John Allen was one of the great masters of Photography and art. This is a book on light and color and texture as well as model railroading.
I bought a copy for a friend in England who is also a master of the arts. Highly recommended both for the text and the ideas!

Magnificent
Mr.Wescotts story on his friend John Allen is told very well and is a good insight on the greatest model railroad builder of all time. The pictures of the railroad in this book bear out the afore mentioned statement.A must have for anyone interested in model railroading and I'd recommend it to non railroaders who would appreciate a thing of beauty.

The book to have on your coffeetable!
The history about the most famous model railroad(er) of them all. Wonderful pictures and complete stories of most aspects of model railroading (planning, benchwork, wiring, structures, scenery, super-detailing, operation etc.). If you're just going to have one book about model railroads, this is the one! ... Read more

Product Description
Step-by-step instructions and an illustrated teaching method take the mystery out of constructing model railroad benchwork. Covers the materials and tools necessary and the rudimentary skills required to make sturdy benchwork for any size or scale layout. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Very helpful
Using the illustrations in this book, I was able to build a pretty descent train platform. This is saying something seeing as I am "unhandy". It has simple designs all the way to the more complex. The author lets you know beforehand the materials and tools each project needs, which is handy. Overall a very good book.

My Opinion Of This Book
In simple terms, I could not have asked for a more easy to understand compilation of explanations and pictures!!As well as being highly detailed it is very easy to understand for the beginner, the intermediate, as well as the more highly sophisticated model railroad builder, which in my opinion covers all three bases in one book.I highly recommend "Basic Model Railroad Benchwork" to anyone who is considering starting to build a model railroad layout, or to the the builder who is thinking of extending his current layout, or the person who would like to become involved into the more serious layout techniques such as adding a Helix to your current layout. All of the methods are well documented in words and pictures within this book.

A Firm Foundation
One of the most important parts of a reliable model railroad is the unseen benchwork that underlies it. This book is an excellent introduction into how that benchwork is built. It covers several different styles and shows how they can be integrated together, each doing what it does best.

It is a good introduction and all that most people will ever need but I like Linn Wescott's book on the same subject better.

Recommended for all Model Railroaders
Whether you are an novice or expert this book covers the fundamentals to ther complexities of wood working for model railroad applications.
Very well presentedin simple language and with very nice coverage on the subject, has adequate photos and good detail.

A highly recommended "how-to" book for devoted woodworkers
Basic Model Railroad Benchwork: The Complete Photo Guide by model railroading expert Jeff Wilson, is thoroughly "user friendly", step-by-step guide illustrated with numerous full-color photographs on building the foundation and layout for a model railroad hobbyist. From choosing the proper tools and using them with the utmost regard to safety, to meticulously measuring and crafting a sturdy benchwork (perhaps mounted on the wall to save space), to crafting smoothly integrated backdrops and more, Basic Model Railroad Benchwork is a highly recommended "how-to" book for devoted woodworkers and model railroading enthusiasts. ... Read more

Product Description
Authoritative and comprehensive, this guide details the latest trends and techniques in model railroading. 250 photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Great pix, better techniques than the "classics"
This handbook has great photography of his layouts. [Someone]who complained about expensive commercial scenery has a point, but Schleicher's use of [inexpensive] felt and natural dirt to make good looking grass is an example of a money-saving technique. And the insulation-board technique for building hills is a big improvement over the traditional plaster & paper-maché methods. As with any book of this nature, ideas and inspiration are more the point than a slavish step-by-step plan.
If you're going to get started or if you've already got some experience, this book can give you lots of good advice. There's other books with more detail on specific subjects, but this book has chapters on planning, wiring, scenery, buildings, painting & weathering techniques, wiring for DC systems (not much about digital except its existence), and operations.
I found the book so useful that I bought it so as not to have to keep renewing it from the library!

A Timeless Book
This book by Robert Schleicher is timeless. Offers helpful modeling information to the beginner and advanced modeler alike. It's a book you'll want to have in your library for reference when building or upgrading your layout.

A Timeless Book
This book is timeless. Robert Schleicher offers a lot of needed information for modelers. I found this book useful for any scale even though it is addressed to the HO scale railroader. You'll want this in your library for frequent reference.

Nice book but...
I am beginner in model railroading, and I learnd a lot from this book. However, I noticed one thing in the book , he prefers Woodland Scenics , expensive track systems. Scratch building is completely forgotten.I don't have big budget for my hobby (VERY LOW) and I will have to buy another book beacuse this one is for people with big money in the pocket.

Informative and Thorough
This book truely is a great reference for all model railroaders.Beginners to Advanced modelers can learn from this book.I highly recommend it. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

This is the best book on the subject
Scratchbuilding is a lost art these days, but this book does a good job of explaining how it's done. The book assumes the reader knows little, and it tells enough that a first-timer can build a successful and satisfying project. Of course the photos in the book can spur a seasoned scratchbuilder to try to do better also. The book primarily deals with inexpensive materials and simple tools, making it ideal for the beginning or intermediate modeler. One of the projects involves making a caboose out of paperboard and wood. You'd never know from the pictures it was made of paper.

There are materials and tools available today that weren't available (or just not practical) when this book was written, but the information in this book is timeless. You can easily apply the same techniques to 2005 technology. And you'll still be able to do the same in 25 years.

Book is simply amazing!
Everything from how to store CA glue longterm to beautiful descriptions of building railroad cars step-by-step in all scales.Plenty of pictures and scale drawings explaining techniques.Don't know how this book ever wentout of print. ... Read more

Product Description
Expert tips and techniques for building plastic, wood, plaster, paper, and metal structures.Includes roofing, painting, weathering, and detailing information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Some great tips, but not for everyone.
This book covers everything from card and plastic structures, to wood and plaster craftsman kits and metal castings.It does not cover it evenly however.Only 14 of the 222 tips deal with plastic kits and kitbashing, while there's a full 3 pages on applying roofing shingles to craftsman kits!Although there are many useful tips - and a couple of gems, I would only reccomend this book toa modeler just starting on craftsman kits.That's really the books focus. If you're not building craftsman kits, or you've built several already, this book won't be very relevant.

Great book about modeling structures.
I own several how-to books on model railroading and this one in particular does a great job of explaining how to build and incorporate structures on layouts.It also has great diagrams and pictures to help the reader with projects they may want to try.I highly recommend this book to model railroaders that may want some new ideas or tips on how to improve current skills. ... Read more

Product Description
There have been numerous advances in N scale railroading since the first edition of this book, and the author addresses them all, from track to train control. He takes beginners through step-by-step chapters that show them how to build and operate a complete N scale 4 x 8-foot railroad based on his Androscoggin Central, an interesting and challenging New England railroad. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Will appeal to modelers with limited space and libraries catering to hobbyists
The second updated edition of N Scale Railroading offers model railroaders a fine how-to guide to getting started, and is a pick for any library catering to beginners. From layout and maintaining and weathering locomotives to building benchwork and laying track, this provides keys to buildings, structures and tracks alike at the small N scale size, and will appeal to modelers with limited space and libraries catering to hobbyists.
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Product Description
A comprehensive how-to guide for constructing the most common forms of scenery: mountains, deserts, lakes and streams, and rural and town scenes. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A good variety of Scenic styles and landscapes.
This book is worth a lot to a beginner or even someone with model railroading experience. It go's into a lot of detail of how to create the effects you want from desert to mountain landscapes. Made simple and easy to understand.
Well worth the price.

One Word: WOW !!!
It is very rare that I have seen such advanced and well done scenery as shown in this book. It would be very understandable if someone buidling layouts at this level of detail and skill would show occasional photos, have people look at them in awe and lay back to enjoy the admiration.
INSTEAD Pelle Soerborg shares each and every aspect of his work in this book. There are chapters on Desert, Mountains, City etc. each one showing a fantastic module and then a step by step "how to" guide including a complete list of materials at the end of each chapter.
Anyone interested in building model railroads will find this book a gold mine of information.
If you want to purchase only one book on railroading, buy this one. If you want to get someone hooked on the hobby: This is a great gift.

A survey of techniques for creating mountain, desert, city and country scenery
Railroaders will find important Pelle K. Soeborg's ESSENTIAL MODEL RAILROAD SCENERY TECHNIQUES, a survey of techniques for creating mountain, desert, city and country scenery. Photos accompany step-by-step instructions perfect for a range of landscapes from deserts to rural Midwest scenes and mountains.
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