Product Description
N scale offers modelers an opportunity to pack a lot of realistic railroading in a relatively small space. And with a wide array of high-quality, ready-to-run equipment available, this is an easy hobby in which to get started.

This book is the essential beginners guide, offering step-by-step instructions for building tabletop railroad empires. Modelers will learn how to select locomotives, lay track, install bridges and create stunningly realistic scenery with minimal effort. Handy Dos and Dont charts, troubleshooting sections and instructions for repairing track and locomotives will make set-up and problem-solving simple.

Robert Schleicher, author of several books and editor of Rail Model Journal magazine, is one of the countrys most-respected authorities on model railroads.

The most-complete resource guide for Americas second most popular scale of model railroading.
Includes more than 200 photographs, numerous track layout diagrams and detailed instructions on building a railroad from start to finish. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

good entry level
R. Schleicher's "N Scale Model Railroading" book though older is detailed ehough to aid your planning yet a little opinionated.It's still a very good starting out venture and an interesting read.
Rich

A Nice Book
Robert Schleicher is a master when it comes to model railroading. This book is a nice supplement to any other books one has about N scale. Offers helpful information about couplers, remotoring, and scenery. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a Basic Wiring for Model Railroaders Complete Photo Guide Book from Kalmbach Books.Even if you don't know a watt from an ampere, you'll find you can still wire a simple or advanced model railroad with the help of this book.Using clear, photographic step-by-step instructions and nontechnical language, the author walks you through many of the common wiring projects you'll encounter as you build your own railroad.FEATURES: Glossy softcover 80 page book. Full of black and white photos. Inside the book you'll learn how to: -Select the appropriate tools and supplies. -Wire a basic train set. -Wire turnouts and other special track sections. -Install various DCC systems and decoders. -Keep wires and connections neat and orderly.INCLUDES: One 80 page Basic Wiring for Model Railroaders BookSPECS:Pages:80 Width:8-1/4"" Height: 10-3/4"" sf1/4/01 ir/jl ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE YOU BUY
ALTHOUGH WELL WRITTEN AND CLEAR, THIS PUBLICATION IS DIRECTED ONLY TO TWO RAIL MODEL RAILROADS. IF YOU WANT INFO ON THREE RAIL GO ELSEWHERE.

A Good Introduction
This book will not make you an expert in wiring together complex layouts with signals, interlocking, block detection and such but it will make you a competent installer of basic model railroad track wiring. That was its purpose and it does a good job of fulfilling its purpose.

After a short introduction explaining how electricity is used by the models, this guide introduces the basic tools, the basic procedures and then goes on to show how these tools and procedures are used on sectional track and then flex track. It starts with a very simple, "oval around a Christmas tree" sort of layout and then builds upon that, adapting and explaining the refinements as it goes along. It introduces such topics as block control, reversing track sections and even provides a brief introduction to digital command and control setups.

If I were to have one complaint, it is that almost everything is explained in terms of Atlas components. This is reasonable in that most beginners use Atlas electrical components (Controller, Selector, Twin, Connector, Switch, etc.). I just which it had spent a little time explaining what the switching inside these components does so that other electrical components could be wired the same way.

People who are interested in 3 rail systems will be disappointed since the coverage is exclusively for twin rails. Still, it is a very effective introduction.

Basic 2 track DC wiring
If you're model railroad is 2 rail (vs 3) and DC (vs AC), this book covers all the basics that you'll need to wire your layout.If you're looking for 3 rail AC wiring advice, look elsewhere

Basic Wiring for Model Railroaders
This is an excellent guide for basic wiring schemes with many photos.I was mostly interested in DCC systems and understanding the basics.I had read the Digitrax Big Book of DCC but I was still uncomfortable with the system conversion.This book was very basic but brought all the components together for me to get a grasp of DCC and gave me the confidence to proceed.The photos were very helpful. ... Read more

Product Description
This book features 14 track plans in several scales and fit spaces from 8'x10' to a 20'x20' G Scale garage layout. Based on such interesting prototype lines as Maine?s Bangor & Aroostook, Western Maryland ? Thomas Subdivision, C&O ? Miami Subdivision, Canadian Pacific/SOO ? Minot Subdivision, Southern Pacific ? Yuma Subdivision, Utah Railway, and Alaska/British Columbia?s White Pass & Yukon. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A wealth of practical tips and basic information
The very best model railroads are those whose designs are accurately based on real railroads. The premier publisher of model railroading books and instructional guides for model railroad enthusiasts, the Kalmbach Publishing Company's newest title, "Mid-Size Track Plans For Realistic Layouts" by Bernard Kempinski showcases twenty-six innovative model railroad track plains in Z, N. Ho, O, and G Scales that are specifically designed to fit into mid-sized areas such as a spare room, basement corner, or in a garage. Profusely illustrated throughout with more than one hundred and forty photographs and plans, "Mid-Size Track Plans For Realistic Layouts" provides a wealth of practical tips and basic information on condensing real towns and scenes into model form, researching prototype railroads, realistically operating small layouts, designing walkaround-style layouts, and so much more. An ideal and enthusiastically recommended addition to personal and community library model railroading instructional and reference collections, "Mid-Size Track Plans For Realistic Layouts" is thoroughly 'user friendly' and replete with track-planing tips for creating personalized layout designs applicable to any size model railroad set-up.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

One of the GREAT HISTORICAL RECORDS of MODEL RAILROADING
One of the GREATEST Historical Records in Book form ,which outlines everything from the earlyest Toy Trains,to the NEWEST(1964),which actually startled ME to learn that they were designing the earlyest forms of DCC(Direct Command and Control),at this early date.It's one of the BEST Books that covers just about every aspect of the hobby,from the engines,steam,diesels,electrics,to layout planning,trackwork,table building,scenery constuction,wiring,lighting and a thousand and one other subjects in model railroading. ... Read more

Product Description
Helps any model railroader learn fundamental repair skills.By mastering some basic skills, modelers can save money on repairs and avoid frustrations that may cause them to abandon the hobby altogether!With simple, instructional information, this book covers the basic techniques needed to maintain and repair DC-powered scale model locomtives, rolling stock, and layouts.Each chapter includes step-by-step instrucitons, photos, and illustrations.Also includes various enhancement projects.The only repair/maintenance guide available. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great book!
Received this book yesterday and already repaired one of my non-running engines.Great book and great seller with fast shipping!

model railroader repair guide
This is a great guide; I have used it to correct issues with a number of units I have and some had not been running properly.However, after following the detailed directions in this guide the units are running very well.A great buy for the $$$.

model trains


i had already looked at this book at a hobby store. it was almost

twice what amazon was selling it for. it is a very good book if

you are new to model railroading and need help keeping your trains

in good running order. book, shipping, vendor, and price were all

great.

Less than it appears
There was less detail than expected and more emphasis on maintaining rather than repairing.What it does present is well done.

A Needed Resource
I love trains but I want them to work right without any input on my part. I don't like repairing or maintaining them. That means that I needed this book even more than other hobbyists. It comes it handy with a wealth of information and tips on taking care of my running gear.

The book is divided into several logically laid out sections. The first gives some general background information on things like tools and work area. After that, there are chapters devoted to diesel locomotives, steam locomotives, rolling stock and the layout itself. Directions are given for disassembly and (hopefully) reassembly. More important, tips are given for where problems usually occur. This can help.

I still don't like the maintenance aspects of the hobby but it is a necessity. This book helps.
... Read more

Product Description
Model railroading and toy train collecting rank among themost popular and fast-growing hobbiesnot only in the UnitedStates, but also around the world. This book answers the perpetualquestion that is on virtually every hobbyists mind: How (orwhere) do I find out more about. . . ? Designed to serve theinformation needs of both operators and collectors, whether novice oradvanced, this essential who-to-contact reference lists morethan two thousand sources. Covers all of the popular model railroadingscales, from the tiny precision Z scale (1/220) to the rugged gardenrailroading G scale (1/20.3). Includes model and toy trainmanufacturers, distributors; suppliers; clubs; organizations;publishers and periodicals; key Web sites; leading retailers anddealers (listed by product specialty and state); sources for parts andrepairs; appraisers; museums and public displays; and a bibliographyof select topic-related books and videos.

-Identifies more than 2,000 sources of information and modeling products.
-Provides Web and e-mail addresses for established manufacturers, organizations, and dealers.
-Provides overview of each popular modeling/collecting scale, written by a leading expert in that scale, along with a comprehensive model railroading glossary. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents step-by-step techniques to finish, paint, decal, and weather railroad models. Introduces the tools, products, and techniques, and guides hobbyists through several basic projects, from stripping paint to airbrushing. 250 step-by-step color photos help you get started quickly. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

irate Amazon customer
This is a good item. Be wary of Amazon's false and erroneous advertisements. When an item is advertised with a refund or the description seems to be too good of a deal, Amazon will not stand behind it. Instead, when you e-mail them with a question about it, they then correct it, and make it appear you read it incorrectly. Don't order before you question too good of a deal advertisement.

Good Information for a Solid Foundation
This book has provided a good source of basic information on painting and just enough new ideas and techniques to spur me on.I have been using this as a source of ideas and techniques to experiment with various combinations of paints, washes and powdered chalks with a greater success rate than without it.I recommend this as a source of information for the basic to intermediate modeler.

A Well Done Introduction
I have always liked building models but my interest did not extend to painting them. I have neither the patience nor the skill to do them justice. This book certainly helps with the skill and even goes a ways towards helping with the patience issue. I wish I had read it when I was a kid.

This is an introduction. It explains the basic equipment ranging from brushes and spray cans to the high end stuff like air brushes. It explains the usage, best application and care for the equipment. It also explains how to get good results. It does so from the standpoint of locomotives, rolling stock, structures and people. About the only major facet left out is scenery. The example are easy to understand and easy to follow. Painting is still not my favorite modeling activity but it is much less onerous that it was. Now, all I really lack is talent but the book helped there as well.
... Read more

Product Description
The model railroad empire of MTH Electric Trains continues to steam ahead and revolutionize the O gauge electric train market with its innovative product lines, helping to make O gauge the fastest growing segment in model railroading. This is the first operator's handbook devoted to MTH's unique features and characteristics, including the new MTH Digital Control System.

Model railroaders can easily construct a complete MTH railroad with the detailed step-by-step instructions in this full-color reference. Thorough coverage of MTH operating systems and related components helps enthusiasts choose the right layout.

Includes an overview of the MTH Premier line and RailKing locomotives, rolling stock, and accessories plus a review of the RealTrax track system and the features and operations of ProtoSounds, Loco-Sound, and MTH conventional, infrared, and digital control systems. It also covers computer track planning software, layout construction, wiring and electrical components, scenery construction, equipment maintenance, and operations.

• First operator's handbook devoted to MTH Electric Trains' unique features and characteristics

• Features step-by-step construction of a complete railroad layout from the ground up

• Overviews MTH Electric Trains' components and control systems ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great book for beginner making an initial MTH layout
I made my son's first layout using realtrax and (mostly ) MTH buildings and accessories. This book has served as my primary text and source of inspiration. We are not putting the enormous cost of DCS in his layout yet, but it is nice to have the reference incase we add it later. The text is concise and to the point, and the photos are exactly what is needed to reinforce an ideal, suggestion, or instruction.

Outstanding Step-by-step Resource!
Model Railroading with MTH by Rob Adelman is an outstanding resource for a beginner!
(Actually, this book contains quite a few tips for the experienced modeler too - the kind of tips that one usually learns through the school of hard knocks.)

If you are a Lionel fan, don't let the MTH in the title scare you away, the vast majority of what the author writes is very applicable to getting started with any brand of trains. The specific MTH product numbers and specific instructions on MTH's command system are just icing on the cake if you decide to go with MTH products.

The chapter titles tell the story:

* Planning Your Model Railroad (The author discusses pros and cons of space, size, location, themes, eras, etc.)

* Designing Track Plans Using RR-Track Layout Design Software (This software is considered by many to be the industry standard in computer software for track planning and the author explains the software in a way that even beginning computer users can enjoy.)

* Constructing A Table/Platform For Your Layout (The author provides step-by-step directions for a 4'X8' platform with clear text and pictures)

* Track Laying and Backdrop Construction (Boy, I wish I had the tips on "planning for engine overhang and tunnel portal clearance" and the "how-to" pics for applying a backdrop when I first started my layout.)

* Creating Realistic Scenery (The author shows how to use specific Woodland Scenics products.Many consider Woodland Scenics to be the industry standard for scenery products.)

* Train Control Using MTH Digital Control System.(This potentially difficult topic is explained clearly and with the number of pictures, drawings and how-to tips, you almost can't go wrong!)

* Detailing Your Layout (one of my favorite topics and very nicely done!)

* The Dispatcher Game (a multi-level "game" which shows one how to operate even a small pike in a "real" railroad fashion. this help prevent boredom from setting in after the layout is completed and the trains have run a couple of hundred laps around the layout)

I especially enjoyed the author's inclusion of dozens of color photographs of each step of his construction of this 4' X 8' layout. Between the photographs and the text, it would be hard to go wrong...

The author also included many sidebars (usually identified by yellow boxes) in which he supplies definitions of pertinent terms, safety tips to help avoid injury during construction/operation, construction hints for easier building, brand name products he used and even the specific part numbers of products he used. A beginner will find these sidebars to be an invaluable resource!

Lastly, the first couple of chapters deal with the history of MTH Electric Trains.For someone eager to get started on building their own layout, I suggest you just jump ahead to Chapter Three - Planning your layout and begin working. You can always go back, at some later date, to read all about the history of MTH if you'd like.

This is a great resource!

Buy this book for your son at Christmas
This is a great book for understanding the world of MTH trains.It is a perfect book for a father and son to enjoy building a MTH train layout for the first time.It also has helpful hints for those more experienced in the hobby.

The graphics and tables are a helpful addition as well.

Great O-gauge Model Railroading Book
Model Railroading with MTH Electric Trains is by far the best book I have ever read on how to plan, construct, and operate an O gauge train layout. As I am just getting into model railroading, I can already clearly see that this book has all the resources I not only need to get going, but to keep progressing in the hobby. I was especially pleased with the chapter on the Digital Command System as the author explained it in an easy, straightforward way that really helped me to understand it much better. Getting started with DCS is a lot easier than I imagined. Not only that, but I also learned a lot about the many (over 200) different features that I had no idea it could perform. I'm really looking forward to trying those out. Another chapter I particularly like was the Dispatcher Game. I had never really given any thought to operating my trains with a purpose and this chapter outlines how to do so in a game-type situation. Plus, since it is based on how real railroads operate, I learned quite a bit. I am certainly looking forward to playing the Dispatcher Game once I am finished constructing my layout. The last chapter is also very good. I found the interview with Tony Lash as well as the pictures of his phenomenal layout to be excellent. Lastly, the book doesn't end with just the chapters--but also has quite a few appendices that contain a lot of useful information. Model Railroading with MTH Electric Trains is a definite must-have in my opinion and is extremely well done. I recommend anyone building or thinking of building a layout to get this book. Heck, even if you have a layout already, the Dispatcher Game chapter alone is worth the price of the book. ... Read more

Product Description
Learn how to build a shelf layout by exploring the possibilities, practicalities, and challenges of linear layout design in a variety of layouts with construction details. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A good book
I purchased this book because I own other books on this subject by this author. They are very well written containing much useful information on designing a modelrailroad . this book contains many great ideas on how to design a layout which will fit a shelf. It helped me quite a bit with the layout which I was building.

Poor Guide
I expect more out of Kalmbach books than this.I expected much more in-depth design and construction guidance than this book offers. Much of what is found here can be found on the internet or in Model Railroader Magazine articles.Kalmbach books are expensive and I expect my money's worth when I buy one.This book did not meet my expectations at all!

Not so great
Not what I expected either. Not enough detail how to actually build the shelf work, or instructions, lots of water colored pictures with no dimensions. Some actual photos of work being completed would have been better. I wish i had ordered the benchwork or building double decker book instead.

And one more thing, how come amazon prices are so much better than whats on kalbach's website? I mean, i have a sub to their magazine, and they still cant offer you decent prices on their books

Medicocre treatment of the subject
This book failed to deliver an in-depth look at designing shelf layouts as I had hoped for. . . The basics:(width & height of a layout, basic types of benchwork, etc.,) have been covered everywhere before, and essentially no new ideas are to be had in this 86 pg soft-cover book. What is covered doesn't have enough details to be useful for a beginner in the hobby, nor of any appreciable value to an experienced model railroader, either. Quite disappointed, but really not surprised, as this book is typical of Kalmbach Publishing's efforts of late, as it's essentially a rehash of old Model Railroader magazine articles, w/ little or no new material, and considerably over-priced for what the reader gets.The author (Iain Rice) is far more capable than what he's achieved w/ this particular book.

Needs more examples
I like the book, but it has too much text and is somewhat repetitive at times.I would have liked more example plans and discussion of the pros and cons of the plans over a bunch of more generic comments.I am using the book a fair amount though, just probably not the way the author originally intended.I am picking and parting different concepts into my layout. ... Read more

Product Description

Product Description
The popularity of city-scape modeling is growing! This isTHE book that shows modelers how to get started.

With the variety of new city structures and details now available,modelers are looking for a guide to help them build their ownrealistic urban setting--this book is it! Initial chapters introduceconcepts of urban development; later chapters give specificinstructions on how to model realistic city structures and scenes ofany size in any scale.

--Features step-by-step photos, technical illustrations, and a variety of approaches to assembling a model city for a model railroad

--Ideal for intermediate modelers who want to enhance realism on their layouts

--Includes instruction on kitbashing, working with forced perspective, modeling fine details, and more

--Written by award-winning modeler and clinician John Pryke ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Very descriptive
It's not very often you get books on model railroading that do not go into country-side detail, or talk about how to build cement factories.Quite frankly, there are still a lot of railroads that run through modern cities, and those of us who work on layouts that represent a piece of urban environment don't always have a lot to go on in terms of existing ideas and products.This book certainly covers a great deal of details as they relate to urban railroad layout.Very useful book.I am taking a lot from it already.A+

A Great Resource
Building a layout reflecting an urban area is not an easy thing to do either in terms of planning or in terms of construction. It's difficult to get much into the available space. With the tips given in this book, you would be amazed at what you can pull off.

The book talks about cities both as backdrops and as the focus of a rail module. In both cases, the author's experience serves the reader well as do the photos and diagrams. Tips are present on construction and detailing. This is a top shelf resource for anyone who like railroading.

A Wealth of Modeling Information!
This book is a must for anyone modeling city scenes. John Pryke shows and tells how to model city scenery realistically. Great photos and suggestions.

All about dimensions
Pryke nails creating convincing city scenery by incorporating dimensional modeling with this well-written book. He covers backdrops, flats, partial and fully modeled buildings in a way that makes complete sense thanks tosome excellent writing, fine photography and diagrams. The graphics andphotos are new looking, unlike those in some books that look like reprintsof something produced in 1953. Also covered well are how to createrealistic street scenes, building foundations, sidewalks and streets. Youwon't walk away from this one feeling like you've read it all before.You'll find this book unbeatable if you're a novice cityscape modeler likeme or an accomplished modeler. ... Read more

Product Description
Detailed photographs and diagrams show how to turn abasic HO train set into a complete 4x8 layout in eight easy steps!Includes instructions on constructing benchwork, laying track,constructing scenery, and more. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

An average book to get help
Well as I can not find so much resources in Turkey for modelrailroading, I had been looking for such resources until I ran across these books at Amazon, one of which is Ho Railroad from Set to Scenery. It is a quick start guide book with helpful tricks and the ways to get the set to a real world. The only missing thing is, I would like to see more color photos, but the advices are the most suitable for my ideas.I can recommend this book with also the "Basic Model Railroading" by Kent J. Johnson (Well the general tricks are mostly the same, if you a starter like me just buy only 1-2 books and that is enough) ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

IMagazine ordered
I was very pleased with my book, and it was sent in a timely fashion. Peter

A keeper
Marty McGuirk's book "N Scale Model Railroading" is a quite detailed,in-depth overview covering most all relevant N Scale data.It's a very good starting point!

Good beginner model railroad book (focused on n scale)
I'm a beginner in model trains and have started with N scale.This book has been a great help.It is not a biblical guide to N scale nor to model railroads, but it does cover all of the things I need to know to get started and make some good choices on construction (and avoid some costly mistakes).I do know it does not cover the basics of DCC setup/wiring but there are entire books for that as well.If you've never tried trains and are going to model in N scale this would be a great start for learning.

Nice book..
I bought this book 2 weeks ago, and I spent an hour with it.Well and friendly written , good described concepts !.. for beginner like me. But I didn't find any European Brands such as (Trix or Fleischmann) samples in this book, you are understanding "re-thing" before realizing your own layout and scenery by N-Scale items.There is no lighting and electrical samples in the book.Just track feeding and wiring..A learned a lot of things from the Glossary.After all this is a nice book for beginner.

An ideal introduction for the N Scale railroading novice!
The invention of N scale railroad modeling opened up this popular hobby totens of thousands of enthusiasts in the mid-1960s down to the present day.With N Scale Model Railroading, Marty McGuirk introduces the neophyte modelrailroader to all the unique aspects of N scale, including layout planning,essential tools and supplies, track laying, wiring and train control,locomotives, rolling stock, structures, and modular railroading. Of specialinterest are the step-by-step instructions for building the CarolinaCentral 4 x 8-foot N scale project layout. If you would like to try yourhand at N scale model railroading, begin with a careful reading of MartyMcGuirk's N Scale Model Railroading! ... Read more

Product Description
The Model Railroader s Guide to Steel Mills makes modeling this archetypical American industry possible for the average modeler. Author and expert Bernard Kempinski explains the industrial process and the massive complex built around steel production. The reader will better understand how to create a realistic mill area and set up its rail operations. Chapters are included for steelmaking, steel mill railroads, steel mill track planning, and modeling tips. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Any rail hobbyist will welcome this
Bernard Kempinski's MODEL RAILROADER'S GUIDE TO STEEL MILLS tells how to add a realistic steel mill to a model railroad layout, showing how to model a steel mill operation, plan a layout in HO and N scales, and more. The focus is on ironmaking and steelmaking processes and includes mill structures, supporting railroads, track planning ideas, and building techniques. Any rail hobbyist will welcome this.

All you need to know in one book
Having bought the Walthers/Cornerstone Steel Mill kits some years ago and the Walthers book, I was a little disappointed under the impression that the book contained little information on the accompanying model kit.
Years later a new book: "Steel Mills" now has appeared and I was surprised at how detailed yet easy to understand everything is explained here. Unfortunately I will have to alter some of my buildings on my layout as now for the first time I actually understand what exactly they do and how.
There are many track plans included for all sizes of layouts and many photos of the actual kits and how to arrange them, aswell as drawings of the buldings showing their functionality.
To me this is the perfect mix between information about the prototype, and how to model it using the Walthers kits.
If you buy the models you should buy this book. ... Read more

Product Description
Introduces the exciting world of trains that can operate indoors or outside.Photos, tips, techniques, and diagrams show how to plan, build, and operate large scale garden railroads. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Garden Scale Railroading
I bought this to help me set up a garden railroad. This is a good guide for beginners. It gave me plenty of ideas.Very useful tips on set up and construction as well as long term maintenance. A great book for begineers.

A superb overview to starting out in large-scale trains.
This book is the best guide to start out with if you are looking to start out in large-scale model trains.The author tells you what to expect when you start out on an adventure such as planning and executing such a large task as this.His background alone is enough to speak for itself, being the founder and editor of Garden Railways magazine.You can'tfind a better book to start than this. ... Read more

Product Description
This book offers hobbyists a guide to modeling locomotive service, repair, and storage terminals. Also includes tips and techniques for modeling trackage, structures, and other terminal details appropriate for the steam or diesel era. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Review of Model Railroader's Guide to Locomotive Servicing Terminals
This book is a invaluable reference and great "how to" guide for any model railroader who is planning to include a locomotive servicing and fueling facility on his layout.After presenting information on the procedures, equipment and structures actually used by the railroads to maintain their locomotives, the book goes on to show how models of this equipment and these structures can be constructed for a model railroad.

Good start for ideas....
This book was a quick read for me and it did have some good ideas for modeling locomotive servicing facilities. However, the focus is more on steam than diesel facilities, so I was left feeling a bit short changed. It gave some good prototype information, but then going to the train room or layout for actual model building was not enough for me. The last section on building the diesel terminal was good, but again, when I turned that last page expecting more, and then hit the supplier and manufacturer list. There were some good ideas that Marty McGuire did offer up, such as working a roundhouse into a backdrop. Overall it is a good book, but it just scrapes the surface and left me wanting more. I guess that's Kalmbach's plan, wanting you to buy another book.
The book would have gotten 5 stars from me if it had more in the way of modeling information.

A Good Resource
Modeling trains allows the opportunity to put together a lot of fascinating machinery and buildings. People who like to build models tend to like to do that sort of thing and the instructions that come with the models are usually adequate. Unfortunately, that can leave a modeler with a really neat gizmo that he or she does not really understand in the great scheme of things. A nice sanding tower may be built but, once built, the modeler may have no idea about how it would be used in real life or where it would be most appropriate on a layout. This book explains things like that.

It does its explaining both in terms of steam and in terms of diesel equipment. It explains how real railroads operated to turn trains. Along the way, it also gives some good modeling tips.

Useful Guide
As with most books of this type, this is an extremely useful guide.Photos are crisp and text is well-detailed.Any modeler interested in modeling a free-lance engine terminal will find this a valuable resource. ... Read more

Product Description
Demonstrates how to create a unique layout with a variety of realistic buildings!Contains instructions on constructing 18 projects ranging from stations and yard structures to engine-servicing facilities.Includes plans, photos and diagrams.From MODEL RAILROADER Magazine. ... Read more

Product Description
HO and N scale illustrations and prototype and layout photos introduce modelers to the principles of designing, constructing and operating a realistic freight yard. Covers the operations of a prototype freight yard, including receiving, classifying, cleaning, and more; outlines the basic structures; and offers techniques for modeling a freight yard on a layout of any size or era.

• Perfect for intermediate and skilled beginning modelers • Written by Andy Sperandeo, executive editor of Model Railroader Magazine and author of the popular Kalmbach's Easy Model Railroad Wiring ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Great Reference for Model Railroaders
Great book.Well illustrated and comprehensive introduction to freight yards for the novice model railroader and a great reference for experienced layout designers and builders

Practical guide
This is a very practical guide to how actual railroad freight work and how to model freight yard operation realisticly.

Good How to Book
This was a great book for me the arm chair model railroader. I wanted to learn more about making a rail yard operational as well as fun to operate.It had lots of great ideas as well as how real railroads operate.

Not quite what I needed
I didn't find much of value in the book.The one chapter explaining the different parts of the yard was okay but I was looking for some help in designing my own model railroad yard and was disapointed.I closed the book thinking I would need a large garage sized layout to build anything of value.Nothing smaller is considered in the book. The examples of actual model railroads didn't add much (and they were all huge too) The book also reads pretty quick.In half an hour I was done with nothing more to be gained.I found much better information on a couple of personal websites.I was looking for options and I was only given one - build big.

Very Helpful Guide
Excellent guide to setting up yards on your model railroad.This book covers how yards are used, what tracks go where and why and also has a section on staging yards.Even has yard layouts that you can use as is or modify them to fit your layout.Small, medium and large yards are all represented.I used this as a guide to set up a staging yard on my layout and fell confident that I will have a yard that not only looks good but will function well.I will also us this to set up the other yards on my layout. ... Read more

Product Description
Wonderful layout plans for HO and N scale trains show how to build an impressive layout in nearly any space.Includes step-by-step instructions for building layouts in closets and drwaers, on tables, and more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

Model Railroading in small spaces



Th

is book made a perfect gift for a retiring friend who also was celebrating his 65th birthday.Shipping was prompt and the book received was in very nice shape,

Small layout space is no excuse....
Mat does an excellent job showing the reader examples of model railroad layouts that can be constructed in small spaces.He covers each from concept to completion and shows many tips for the beginner and advanced modeler.Even if you choose not to build one of the pikes shown in the book, Model Railroading in Small Spaces can serve as the inspiration for your own small space creation.

Good Ideas and Some Practical Application
In "Model Railroading in Small Spaces," Mat Chibbaro uses some of the very small layouts he has constructed to give the reader ideas in how they too can experience model railroading in a small space.Each chapter is one of the different layouts and the book also includes a chapter on making a compact work area.I personally like the chapters on railroads in coffee tables and end tables.Since this is a pretty small segment (pun not intended) of the model railroad community and has the consummate small body of literature to match, this book includes more construction techniques than a typical model layout plans book.This appears to be written in a very basic manner so someone new to model railroading could get an overall feel for construction from the start of construction through applying the scenery.

This book demonstrates that it is possible to have a layout is places you wouldn't expect and gave me some good ideas.You have to understand that you can't expect to have everything in a small layout.The Kato website has some good small layouts designed for use with their "Unitrack" product if you are looking for something like that.http://www.katousa.com/track-plans/n-plans.html.If you are interested in going this route for a layout or maybe adding a feature to your house, I think this book would come in handy.

No room for a model railroad? Read this!
This book provides a treasure trove of ideas and pictures for building realistic model railroads in a minimum of space.The pictures and diagrams alone make this a worthwhile book for any model railroader. If you thinkyou don't have room to build a model railroad, read this book. It is atremendous resource for the novice or veteran hobbyist.

Great carpentry but weak on railroad ideas
There are a few good ideas for presentation and practical layout design but the volume concentrates far too much on the various methods of display in a small space and really tells us what a good carpenter the author is.

Compact track designs, building arrangements, making of false flatfronts etc. to give impression of size are only very lightly covered. Ifyou are looking for practical help to build a convincing model railroad ina small space, look elsewhere. ... Read more