Product Description
A highly illustrated, step-by-step guide to constructing a range of simple model steam engines, aimed at both beginners and the more experienced.

This book details the construction of a range of simple miniature steam engines and boilers. The projects, each of which can be completed with only a basic workshop, range from a single-acting oscillator to more sophisticated twin-cylinder double-acting engines and a variety of boilers. A final project brings together engine and boiler for a simple steam railway locomotive. These projects are a perfect introduction to model engineering and an enjoyable exercise for the more experienced engineer or those who wish to pass on their hobby to a younger generation.

Stan Bray is an experienced craftsman in engineering and metalworking; among his previous books is Metalworking: Tools and Techniques. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (10)

You need a lathe
I'm happy with this book, but I thought it was about building simple steam engines without machine shop tools. You need a lathe for all but the first project. the skills needed are fairly simple, but unless you have a metal lathe, you will not be able to build anything in this book.

Excellent Beginner Book!
I purchased this and Building Simple Model Steam Engines by Tubal Cain to get a start in model making.While both are fantastic, this is a superior beginner book.Mr. Bray explains in detail boiler construction, engine construction, proper plumbing, fittings, and valves, all things you might not think about.It is filled with well dimensioned drawings, high quality useful photographs, and fantastic tips.Simple a fantastic way to begin.I don't think a better book has been written for the novice.

Excellent hobby book
Gives good instructions on how to build a number of small stationary steam engines and boilers to power them. Has plenty of
diagrams and photos to guide you. The book is aimed at beginners. There is nothing very complicated here. These are very
simple engines, not scale models of actual engines used in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Most real workhorse engines
were considerably more complex than these are.
Even for those interested in building scale models, this book is a good starting point. Experience gainned from these simple
models will go a long way toward being able to build more complex engines.

Great book
This is a great book! It bridges the gap from too basic to too advanced. It clearly discusses tools, techniques, and construction. If you have never built a steam engine or a boiler, then this book is for you. If you read this book and build a few of the engines, you will be ready to build the more complex ones.I especially liked the "Hero's" engine.I highly recommend this book.

Ken

thay are very simple
You can tell this is from england by the way it is writen.This is not a bad book just very simple,for a young person just starting to build things as a hobby. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (3)

Title Misleads
The title is somewhat misleading. To me it conveyed, there was information given about using the jeweler's lathe in the pursuit of model engineerig. There was not. The information, while correct and infomative, is no more than a rehash of older works on watchmaker's lathes. If you have never read one of the turn of the 20th century publications, then it will be of value, but if you are expecting some new insight as to it's use, other than horological, this is not it.

The Watchmaker's and Model Engineer's Lathe: A User's Manual
I can not say enough good things about Mr. de Carle.
Thank you for your instruction.

Great coverage of current and older watchmaker lathes
This book is divided in two parts.The first half of the book covers the overall concepts and use of watchmaker's lathes.The second half reviews all the models that might be typically found.Not entirely encompassinglist... but pretty close.

If you are considering buying a watchmaker'slathe... this is a MUST HAVE book.Also, this is highly recommended forany one who likes lathes in general.

It's obvious the author really caresabout his subject.It is enjoyable to read.The diagrams are excellent.

Crazy as this sounds, the photos are very good, but actually I thoughtthe line art of the machines (like you see in the Wall Street Journal) ismore understandable than regular photos.

Originally published in 1952, ithas been updated over the years in several editions.This fifth edition in1998 incorporates much of the original material... in the areas of generalconcepts.Then it substantially revises the second half of the bookregarding the lathes of the world that are generally found.

The booklists lots of good resources in the back -- for manufacturers, etc.

John ... Read more

Product Description
Make your railroad more true to life and interesting, by adopting realistic operation principles. Covers the history, practice, terminology, and benefits of operating realistically. Guides you through the steps leading to realistic operation, and includes pictorial examples of working model railroads and realistic operating sessions. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great primer on model railroad operations
Mr. Koester's work is uneven in my opinion.One of his books,I believe the focus was on his Layout Design Elements concept, did not seem to work very well (or maybe I am just dense).This book, however, is extraordinary and reflects his passion for and extensive experience with model railroad operations.

I have no operations experience and always thought of myself as a modeller first and a model railroader second.However, this volume has me thinking of building a layout which focuses on operations first, with addition of scenery and structures afterward.

Covers a variety of operational methods, how to set up and run operations sessions on your layout, and much more.A very thorough treatment and enjoyable to read.Highly recommended.

A must have for any serious model railroader
Tony Koester does a great job of explaining many things that most entry-level model railroaders never even think of.
First, he explains why you would want to operate a layout versus watching a train go 'round in circles.Then he leads you, both pictorally and with engaging text, on a journey of learning how to operate like the Prototype (aka Real) railroads do, starting with the very basics.Tony talks about some basic design considerations when building or expanding a layout, what you'll need, and how easy it is to start and add in those facets of real railroading that YOU the builder & owner of a layout would like.And, if you're just an armchair modeler, Tony shows you how to enjoy other people's layouts, operating on club layouts, and even having operations on a small switching layout, if you're tight on space.

As a former editor of Railroad Model Craftsman, the author of several other books, and countless articles in Model Railroader Magazine Tony has hit a homerun with this book.It is a must-have for any novice or experienced model railroader.

Fills a Needed Niche
Many people find themselves fascinated by railroads and get caught up in the hobby of building model railroads but are hampered by one big problem. They don't know how the real thing operates. If the act of building is the fascination, then this poses no problem but if you actually want to do anything with the trains besides watch them go around and around, you need to learn something about the real thing. That's where this book comes in handy.

It explains various aspects of how railroads operate in the real world and then explains how enthusiasts have modeled those operations. The book is readable and clearly written. Even so, so material may take a few readings to properly understand. It is a worthwhile investment.

Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide
Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How To Run Your Trains Like The Real Thing by Tony Koester is a complete and "user friendly" guide to realistic model railroad operation. Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide to realistic operating sessions complete in a single evening; diverse schemes for forwarding cars and moving trains across a model railroading layout; explanations of sign systems as they apply to model railroads; and an appendix of precise railroading terminology. Superbly enhanced with previously unpublished color photography of tony Koester's HO scale Allegheny Midland Railroad (along with other great model railroads), Realistic Model Railroad Operation is a seminal and core addition to any dedicated model railroaders reference shelf. Model railorading enthusiasts are encouraged to send for the free Kalmbach Publishing catalog for a complete listing of their titles. ... Read more

Product Description
By the author of "Model Railways on a Budget", this book shows the railway enthusiast how to wire a layout, safely and effectively, using readily and cheaply available components. The result is a non-technical volume avoiding electronic "buzz words". ... Read more

Product Description
Helps modelers put more layout in less space!Using sectional and flexible track, N scale modelers can build intricated layouts--plans that let their trains do more than run in a circle!This exciting book provides all-new N scale plans that will appeal to the intermediate modeler.Each plan includes overall dimentsions, track requirements, and a brief explanation of the concept.Select plans include additional scenic treatment for inspiration. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Another published garbage book
Of the 59"layout plans".only 3 or 4 plans have engine escapes in yards or at least a near-by engine-train runaround.The rest of the "layouts" are only good for people who enjoy running their trains BACKWARDS for,as much as 90%,of the layout,to move a boxcar to a siding!!AVOID AT ALL COSTS!!!

Additional information would be nice
Although I am not as critical as the previous reviewers, I do agree that this book could use additional information. I would suggest that potential buyers read the editorial review VERY carefully. If it doesn't say that something is in the book, don't assume that it is there. The only part of the ed. review that I disagree with is the first sentence. The review also states that it is for intermediate modelers so I would suggest beginners look to other books for the information they seek.

There are some interesting layouts to help you with your design ideas but don't expect complete plans (wiring information, complete track section requirements for each and every plan). This is a book about track plans (59 to be exact) and only track plans and those plans are lacking! However, I found that I enjoy looking at the plans and incorporating some of these layout ideas into my other ideas. There are some very intersting layout ideas in this book. Now it is up to me to figure out exactly how to make them work.

This book never claims to provide information about realistic curves for 60' boxcar, switch dimensions or ladder spacing. Again, only expect what is in the ed. review. I somewhat recommend this book but only if you are looking for more track layout ideas. If it had more information about each plan, then it would be a much better book.

Waste of money.
I was very disappointed in this publication.I expected some workable plans for a small space (4x8).That is why I chose N scale.Most of the plans are for very unrealistic layouts on much larger tables.

Here's a book of track layouts without plans or value.
This book is seriuosly flawed; for it gives the reader none of the planning details necessary to build, operate or maintain an N scale model railroad. (Even the ones in the book !!)What are the realistic curves for60' box cars, a 4-6-6-4, or dome streamliner cars?Where are the powerfeeds, realistic block divisions, or decouplers?What are the switchdimensions, what is a "no. 4 turnout", what' a no. 6, what's thespacing for a ladder??Three or four pages of technical data would havemade this a useful publication for plans.Model Railroader, which usuallyproduces good to excellent books, did a very poor job with this one.Ifyour a beginner in the hobby, you will get better information from two orthree issues of Model Railroader, itself. ... Read more

Product Description
Explore the scenic beauty and gritty power of America's very first common carrier railroad.

America's first railroad is everyone's second-favorite line, and this book captures its character during the years of transition from steam to diesel. See B&O's eastern U.S. operations through mountains and metropolitan regions alike. Maps, authoritative text, and stunning photography bring B&O history to life.

*Features previously unpublished photos from notable photographers
*Highlights will interest B&O, C&O, and Eastern U.S. railfans—even those who already have a favorite railroad
*Shows how the B&O lives on through CSX today
*Provides railfans, historians, and model railroaders with crisp prototype details ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Great paperback
A grat paperback on this wonderful railroad and its motive power.
Good B&W photos, some caption and map errors but overall a good compilation of the history of this railroad in the Valley

A Great Book!
Another nice book about the B&O Railroad. Anyone interested in the Baltimore and Ohio should have this book. Superb black and white photos of the B&O in the colorful Potomac Valley. Includes lots of steam in action.

Well-Done Collection of B&O Photographs
This is similar to other reasonably-priced books of railroad photographs published by Kalmbach.The pictures in this large format volume are all black and white, well-printed on slick paper, and feature informative captions. Its content covers the "heart" of the B&O's operations in the east - not just the Potomac Valley.The book will be useful to both historians and modelers as the pictures show the physical surroundings of the railroad - not just closeups of locomotives and cars.B&O in the Potomac Valley is recommended for those interested in the B&O, the "transition era" from steam to diesel power, and in coal-hauling railroads in general. ... Read more

Product Description

Customer Reviews (1)

Superb guide to diesel detailing
This book present very good demonstration and explaination on how to make realistic detailing, the author also included list of items needed for the project. Very useful for super detailng projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Model Railroading in SmallSpaces
This is an excellent overview of what is involved with setting up and running a layout in limited space.The author gives plenty of options and details of what is involved without preaching.I've read seven books on the topic and this was by far the easiest reading. ... Read more