Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Not really 101 projects
I just received this book and was really looking forward to a lot of different projects. I was disappointed that some of the projects in this book were slight variations of each other, and in fact there was one project for HO and larger scale immediately followed by the exact same project in N scale.

Overall there is a lot of good information - but I wouldn't total them to be 101 ... Read more

Product Description
Model Railroading from Prototype to Layouts shows how to capture the flavor of a real railroad without getting sidetracked by detail. Using Tony Koester s expert advice before and during construction of a layout, modelers can sharpen their focus, saving time, money, and even space. ... Read more

Product Description
Using photos, illustrations, and a straightforward style, notable Model Railroader magazine author Tony Koester shows you how to make creative, plausible choices for the concept and construction of your next model railroad. Covers key topics like developing an entire model railroad theme, choosing a scale, integrating signature design elements into your track plan, and much more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good insights and well laid out
This is one of those books that you need to read, read and read again to really pick up all of the details.I can see right now I will wear this copy out as I keep referring to points as I design my new layout.

Another useful & informative book by Tony Koester!
If you're looking to build a realistic looking layout, this is another must have book, to use over & over. Following on his successful book detailing how to conduct realistic operations on your layout, Tony gives you a tour of what it takes to think through building a plausible and realistic looking model railroad layout, whether you're following the real (prototype) runners, or making up your own (freelancing).He gives you resources, brings in experiences of other top modelers and points you in the right direction on what will look believable, overall, not just look good as an individual structure.

As I'm in the midst of designing a layout based on a real location and railroad, this one stays on the night table by my bed, and is used frequently!
Norm W.

ALook at Design Philosophy
This is not a book of track plans nor is it a book that spends much time on how to lay track. Instead, it attempts to teach broad design considerations to make a model railroad operate better and seem more realistic. It considers such matters as modeling an imaginary line as opposed to one from the real world. It talks about making scenes plausible in their context; this is not always the same as real. It considers how to pick rolling stock and how to choose graphic and model elements to make the miniature model world more like the real one. Most important, though, it tries to teach how to make a layout reliable.

None of these objectives is specifically accomplished but the book goes a long way in teaching things to consider. It is a book about design philosophy as opposed to design criteria. It is worth the time.

An in-depth guide for dedicated hobbyists
Realistic Model Railroad Design by Tony Koester is a methodical, step-by-step guide to crafting a captivating, original layout for an impressively presented model railroad. Full color photography and meticulous attention to the little tweaks that make great environments stand out make this practical, in-depth guide for dedicated hobbyists a top of the line resource. Special attention to drawing inspiration and atmosphere from real-life railroad locations, complete with sample images, distinguishes this above par dedicated model railroading hobbyist instructional accessory. ... Read more

Product Description
Demonstrates how to plan and build the basic framework to support layouts of any size, shape or gauge. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (17)

How to build model railroad benchwork
Book was highly overpriced. It arrived with an indentation that went nearly halfway thru the book. Book content good.

Model Railroad Benchwork
as a novice model railroader I found this book to be extremely useful.Using its clear descriptions and diagrams I was able to construct an 8 x 4 workbench with no problem at all. Highly recommened for any beginner.

Excellant
An excellant book for those who desire knowledge before getting started. At 50 years old I thought I knew it all. Highly recommended.

Just another "also ran"
Like so many similar books it just lacks sufficient "How To" information on how to accomplish the things which are illustrated.

the train table bible.
I built 4 L-Girder tables using solely this book. Never done wood work before. If i can do it using this book, then anybody can. I think i would have given the book a full 5 stars if the examples had of been a little clearer. I think there is room for improvement in the layout of the book. It's layout is a little outdated. All in all though - a must have for building model railroad tables. ... Read more

Product Description
In just five easy steps, you'll learn how to build a realistic model railroad layout with mountains, valleys, creeks and low-lying areas. The SubTerrain Lightweight Layout System makes it all possible without the need for power tools or complicated calculations. It's fast and there's no mess to clean up. These 101 pages with 43 illustrations and 160 photos give you all the basics plus the advanced techniques on using SubTerrain's high density foam components. It's fun and anyone can do it anywhere! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A Must Have if using the Product
As mentioned in other reviews, 95% of the book is for Woodland Scenics products.If you want to use their Subterrain Foam products, I highly recommend that you buy, read, re-read, and keep at your side from doing the preliminary design of the layout to adding the final touches.Even though one reviewer mentioned it can be perceived as an advertisement for the products, you have to have this book to help solve tricky situations, even if building a simple 4x8 layout.Some of the solutions in the book can help with under-the-track switch machines, multilayer designs, double overpasses, placing buildings on non-flat surfaces, complex or grades not offered, or even adding modifications to an already finished layout (Which all model railroaders know a layout is NEVER finished).

I am a civil engineer by trade and have no problem doing all the calculations required for layouts.I also have the advanced skills to design and build a highly complex and detailed layout. I am using this system for my current layout for a few reasons.

#1 Time. I have found this to be the fastest way in magnitudes over conventional benchwork; especially compared to an open frame design.

#2, I can build conventional benchwork, but absolutely hate it.I can spend days soldering every rail joint or even hand-lay the track including turnouts and love every minute.

#3 Lightweight - even though I do not plan on moving anytime soon, in the basement, were my layout is located, I sometimes need to move it around and it is a breeze with all that foam.

#4 Flexibility.I made some last minute design changes after some installation and this stuff is very versatile for cutting up and patching back together (Which is mentioned in the book), as long as you do it before adding the plaster cloth - once that is in, the job is very messy, but amazingly plausible to recycle the foam underneath if care is taken in tearing it up.

#5 Seamless Transition.No matter how careful my craftsmanship was with wood benchwork, I always would have problems with the surface where the track was set.Most of these problems were minor and only required shims or lots of sanding, but it took forever to get it perfect enough.With the Subterrain system, I worked slow and careful, had very few minor imperfections, each easily and quickly repaired, and the whole process took not even half the time it would have going conventional.

All you have to build in respect to benchwork is a flat table surface.For this system, I recommend you use 2'x4' sheets of homasote as a base.It is great at accepting the pins, but be careful with too much moisture and only should be used in a climate controlled room(Unless you live in an area that always has low humidity).High humidity is homasote's enemy.Also, always wear a mask if cutting with a power saw, lots of dust.

The one big negative of this system can be the price.If you already have the tools for woodworking, going conventional costs peanuts in materials compared to using the Subterrain System.But, I am a busy person and value my time tremendously.Adding in the fact that I do not like doing the benchwork step in layout building; especially open frame, what I had to use, the price for the whole setup was a bargain.

Also, if you still go conventional for the basic benchwork, even open frame, but use some components of the Subterrain system for a significant part of the layout, you should still buy this book.You will learn enough to integrate any type of hybrid system.

In conclusion, I gave this book four stars because it covers exactly what it is supposed to do in full detail and ease.I would have given five except for the fact that since it is in essence, an instruction manual for the Subterrain system, the price is a bit high and I had to buy the book to make my final decision to use the system.If I bought it,read it, and found it was not the system for me, 95% of the book would have been useless.

A Worthwhile Infomercial
There is no doubt that this book is an instrument designed to further the sale of the Woodland Scenics product line for building sb terrain for model railroads but that does not diminish its usefulness at all. It is a good introduction to building sub-terrain. It is well written, easily understood and amply illustrated.

Just about everything in this manual can be done, and probably is most often done using other material or other methods but this company has developed a product line that is lightweight, effective and works together. One of its great advantages is that a reader will know precisely what is needed and where it can be obtained when the products promoted here are used. That is not always the case when using more conventional hobby methods; then, material may need to be scrounged from a variety of sources.

On the downside, using these products exclusively is likely to be significantly more expensive than using the traditional approach.

Still, this gives a good primer and may well provide ideas that will work better in some situations. It was well worth the minor expense and brief amount of time I invested in learning about these options.

Build Your Own Little World
This small books provides complete information for planning and building a scenic railroad layout or and other terrain model using the clever, lightweight Woodland Scenics Subterrain system.Ample black and white illustrations show exactly how to use the system and tools.There is a useful glossary and index.These tips and techniques will save the modeler hours of time, prevent mistakes and help achieve better results.Highly recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
These simple layout designs are ideal for beginners who are building their first layout. Features full-color plans for HO and N scale starter layouts, additional watercolor sketches, and general construction techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good for New-Be's
Would have given it 5 stars, but its a bit too basic for my needs, although the title "Basic Model Railroad Track Plans" should have given that away.I was more interested in the track plans then the "Basic" part.
For those interested in getting into model railroads, this may be a good place to start, it helps you with the basics, but if your just looking for layout ideas you may want to pick up something else.

Great starter book
There is a lot of information on the web and in many books on
model railroads -- too much for any one book.This book is a great
source of basic information on getting started (laying track, cork,
wiring, etc.) that helped me get started.With clear pictures and
great explanations, this gives you enough background to start and
to read from more complex sources as you need.

Some Nice Ideas in Small Spaces
The two biggest problems of any model railroader are lack of money and lack of space. This book nicely addresses both of those problems. The first is addressed indirectly because small layouts cost less than those that take over large buildings. These are mostly intended to fit in small areas, 4'x8' usually, and they are well though out, interesting and cost effective.

In addition to the layout ideas, the book begins with tips for putting a layout together. These are invaluable. They will be known by people with experience in the hobby but many neophytes don't know them; they are useful for all.

If I have any real complaint it is that I would have liked to seen photos of the actual completed layouts instead of just the schematics and rational. Still, it's a good book.

A recommended resource book for model railroaders
Basic Model Railroad Track Plans: Small Starter Layouts You Can Build is a superbly presented collection of detailed plans and layouts for amazing and vibrant finished results. From models of St. Paul Central to Valley Forge Central, these scaled-down railway s reflect locations across America. The informal and practical text offers useful tips for dedicated hobbyists and color illustrations combined with detailed three-dimensional diagrams help to clearly explain the methodology of construction. Basic Model Railroad Tarck Plans is an excellent and recommended resource book for model railroaders. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

A wonderfully informative book on a tricky subject.
A great book by an obviously intelligent bloke, I personally would have liked to have found out more about the author's family. I hear that his father S. W. Amos has written books on electronics and that his son, JohnAmos (23) is a mover and shaker in the financial services industry. Idigress, the book is good value for money and I truly recommend it to allmodel railway enthusiasts! ... Read more

Product Description
For the model train hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options. Each project description includes technical advice and prototype photos that will inspire any model railroad enthusiast. Projects feature likely obstacles that might be encountered during construction and helpful tips for getting it right the first time. Line art diagrams, layout routes, dimensions, and even photographs of the finished layout are included.

The book is organized into six sections – The Best Plans for Your First Layout, Shelf Style Layouts, Bedroom-Size Track Plans, Track Plans for Larger Spaces, Staging Yards and Holdover Tracks, and Modular Model Railroad Plans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Good book for ideas, but hard to actually build one
The book is good for general ideas, but I would not try to use it for any of the larger then say 4x8 plans.I would have liked more plans and careful layouts in normal spaces.You don't get this with this book.I did end up snagging a few ideas here and there for my own plan though.

Not necessarily what it seems...
This book does contain a multitude of track plans.The plans overall, however, tend to be sub-par.This is most evident when you compare this book to those written by the Late John Armstrong, or the track plans published in hobby magizines.

The book is helpfull, however, in planning for staging operations and seeing how one can best ultilize avalible space.It is a good book if one is just getting started in the hobby, and needs some ideas to start from.More advanced model railroaders may only get mild amusment from the book.

Disappointing
Many of my issues with this book were covered in another review. Most of the "plans" are really just a couple tracks. The diagrams aren't clear enough for a book on track planning (for a magazine writeup, maybe, for a book of plans for practical use, no). The plans are repetitive and derivative of each other. And, as previously noted, there is very little breadth of offering - over and over you see the same format of layout: for instance if you have any significant-size space but don't want a multi-deck layout, you're out of luck.

It's not 101 layouts, it's 101 variations on 2-4 basic ideas...

Very good
An excellent book about designing a small to medium layout. Many track planning books assume that we all have huge basements and rarely focus on smaller spaces, like a spare bedroom.
At first glance, a number of the plans seem similar. When you study them closer it becomes clear how a plan can be transformed by adding an around-the-wall shelf or changing a part of it. I think this sort of evolutionary designing gives a lot more insight into the design process.
The shelf layouts are nice and show how you can build a layout in a very compact space. They look more like British designs, which usually have a visible station and some staging sidings.
The room-size layouts pack a lot into a modest room. By adding a second deck the operations are substantially increased albeit at the cost of more complex construction. There is a relation between the space and the amount of model railroad that we want to fit in. If you want to squeeze in more mainline run in a small space, sooner or later you have to consider multidecking. It's up to the reader to decide if the extra effort is worth the trouble.
This brings me to the observation that most plans in this book feature point-to-point type operation. The emphasis is on smaller lines like shortlines, logging railroads or secondary lines of larger railroads. A logical choice as this sort of railroad is far better suited for a small room than trying to model the Union Pacfic mainline in HO in a 9x9 room. If this isn't your cup of tea then this book is probably not for you.

Disapointed
Very disapointing to say the least.THE BIG BOOK OF MODEL RAILROAD TRACK PLANS boasts "99 complete plans", I beg to differ. I accept the fact that many people do not have the room for large class-1 type railroad layouts, but many of the "shelf" plans are little more than a place to display your scenery talents and some rolling stock, nothing that could accurately be described as operational.

Moving on to the larger layout plans, it doesn't get any better.They all seem to be based on just a few basic designs with only minor changes like an additional siding or where the railroad is based in the world.You're left with the feeling of "if you've seen one, you've seen them all." Another point to consider is, not everyone wants to build a multi-level or spiral layout to gain operational ability.I also don't think that most people want a design that requires a turntable or wye at each end.If they do, then there's plenty to be happy about.Most of the plans seem suited to small steam powered logging railroads or for someone with a huge imagination to fill in the blanks.

It isn't my desire to bash anybody, but at least in my case, it didn't even offer a fresh idea.Mr. Schleicher's book, "Building your next model railroad" offers many good tips and ideas on the actual building of a layout, but this book is a real let down.My advice is to look elsewhere. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

A great learning tool for the beginner, a great reference for the veteran.
Jeff Wilson's a very knowledgeable modeller & hobbyist.I really use this book a lot in building my railroad.I think it has a lot for both the "rookie" and reminders/some details for the "veteran".There's good recommendations, quite a bit of step by step, and some follow-on references to expand your knowledge & library.While it doesn't go in to super detail on scenery, building construction, detailing, etc, I definitely feel it's a 'must-have' for anyone who wants to really step-in and start to build an HO Layout.There's other books on specific areas, but this one's for the "first steps"!

Specifically for beginners
HO Scale Model Railroading: Getting Started In The Hobby is an easy-to-use guide by model railroading expert Jeff Wilson specifically for beginners about to embark upon the joys and travails of setting up and running a model railroad. Full color illustrations, practical advice on everything from selecting the right tools, to wiring and train control, to creating realistic scenery, to special track plans and reverse loops, fill the pages of this superbly useful guide highly recommended for novice model railroading enthusiasts. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The Civil War had been called the first railroad war for the important part played by railroads in moving troops and supplies.
This is an excellent book and will be treasured by anyone interested in The Civil War,Railroads, and those who partake in model railroad building.
It is written by someone who spent many years in historical pursuit of railroads during the Civil War and who earned the the respect of model railroaders for his work and knowledge ;and thus was called the "Father of American Model Railroading".Even if you are not interested in Model Railroading,you will find this book is excellent from a railroad history standpoint,particularly up to and during the Civil war.
It is a large book of 255 pages,with very interesting and detailed text,and profusely illustrated with over 2oo photographs and illustrations.It was in the early days of photography and it is fortunate that photographers had the foresight to capture these images,that they were kept as part of history;and now available in this book.
The book covers every aspect of railroads,including buildings,track design and construction,engines and various types of rolling stock,bridges,tunnels,and detailed illustrations,that would be invaluable asa historical,engineering as well as modelling reference.There are many photographs showing the trains ,buildings and structiors in all their splendor as well as them lying in ruin from wartime destruction.Other interesting photographs are those of armored cars and ordnance that was carried to battle on these trains.
There is excellent detail in both text and illustrations on "TheLocomotive Chase"
You will interested in the story behind the President's Car built for President Lincoln;and howhe never had a chance to ride in it ;but was used to carry his body,and even that of his son.You will see photographs of the car when it was brand new,draped for the funeral,and even when it sat forlorn and decrepid ,shortly before it was burned in Minneapolis on March,15,1911.
The book also has a very good Bibliography,Sources for Model Components and Picture Index.
The book was first published in 1977,and to attest to its quality was republished in 1989.

Models
This book had a good deal of information for the newer modeler as well as those who have been in the hobby for a while. Most of my RR modeling has been of the 20's thru the 50's so I found the book very interesting but would have liked some more on rolling stock of the period. ... Read more

Product Description
Even today, passenger trains represent a major part of daily operations on North American rails. This book from Andy Sperandeo, Model Railroader executive editor, offers insight and instructions to help modelers integrate realistic passenger trains and operations into any layout. Learn about passenger train history, types, equipment, and terminals. Includes tips for modeling equipment, structures, trackage, and details appropriate for any era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good How to Book
I bought this book to get a better understanding of how real railroads operated their passenger trains in the days before Amtrak.I got many modeling ideas from it.It has many good pictures and is easy / light reading.I own several books in the series. They are very well written.

Modeling Passenger Trains
Andy has prepared a comprehensive and enlightening treatise of modeling passenger trains and their operations. He answers such questions as what equipment should a passenger train contain, where should it be placed in the train, what does each piece of equipment do, why is it necessary, etc.? He also details the assembly of equipment into trains, scheduling, operating rules, preparation for service, cleaning after service, etc. If you plan to include passenger trains in your layout or if your layout features only passenger service, this is the book for you.

A Good Resource
An under-expounded subject in model railroading is that of passenger operations. This book goes a long way in addressing that need and it does so from various standpoints.

It explains trackage and how passenger terminals are set up and operated. It explains passenger equipment, differentiating between the old heavies and modern streamlined rolling stock. It explains the mechanics of the rolling gear like truck and wheels. It goes into the makeup of passenger consists and scheduling of trains. It does all of this and explains how it is adaptable for modeling. It is a good primer and a good resource. I wish there were more like it.

a book that was needed
Actually I would rate it 4+. A very nice collection of basic information regarding passenger train operations including some typical consists for modelers to try.

I recommend it for every one interested in passenger operations on their model rr. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to give model railroad scenery character and life!

Create a more realistic scene behind and around your model railroad! This book shows you how, from ground cover and rockwork, to trees, water, and more. Learn the finishing touches that give a railroad character.

--Features a comprehensive approach to scenery, including instructions for integrating a backdrop with layout scenery

--Includes photos of models and prototype scenes for inspiration

--Perfect for the beginning/intermediate modeler preparing to build a layout ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good (but not great) Book
Specializes on and provides very good info on backdrops and painting techniques.Glad to have it in my library, but I rely on different books for other types of scenery info.

Background Information
At first starting this book, it seemed to be just about constructing a backdrop for a model railroad and that all other topics were omitted. That is not the case. It covers all the basics in broad generalities. That being said, the first portion of the book is about backdrops and it is good coverage on that subject. It gives general principles and some hints for easier construction. From there is covers other subjects and goes downhill.

The information contained in here is worthwhile but is so broad as to be just an overview. It gives useful background information but is light on specifics.

Should be titled: Scenic Backdrops.
This book contains very few new ideas and little or no step-by-step instruction. Dave Frary's book How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery is a much more useful book with myriad tips and examples.

Not for the unexperienced.
A good book is you are looking to make a backdrop for your model railroad.If you are just looking to make realistic scenery (like hills, water, plants etc) it could be better.A full half of the book is dedicated to making backdrops, and each other topic only gets a chapter.I did like the chapter on blending scenery though.I wouldn't recommend this book for people who don't have scenery building experience. ... Read more