Product Description
An introduction to the basics of tracklaying and lineside detailing.

After the trackplan and benchwork are completed, modelers turn theirattention to the finer details of trackwork and linesideactivities. Here, they'll find tips, techniques, and ideas for workingwith track and the details immediately alongside it.

--Features clear photographic instructions, including illustrated references to prototype trackwork and details

--From leading model railroading authors, including the late Gordon Odegard, former associate editor of Model Railroader magazine ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A Mixed Bag
This book consists of reprints of articles from Model Railroader Magazine. The articles cover a wide range of topics, all covered by the title, and some of them are very good, some are inane and most are somewhere in the middle. For a person always looking for new ideas, this is a worthwhile investment. Mostly, though, the information on track can be picked up more easily in books specifically dedicated to trackwork and the information on the details would be better in a book on that subject. Still, it has a few winners.

Very Advanced Refrence .. Not for the Novice!
The only downside of this book is that it for an advanced model railroader, be aware any novice railroaders this may be a little over you head, good insparation for a begginer though.

Excellent Detail!!!
This is definitely for the modeler who wants to take their hobby to the next level. The first half of the book covers how to lay track with tons of tricks and tips from a seasoned modeler. It walks you through all the steps from roadbed to ballast to weathering. Lots of drawings, color sketches and photos. I would never have dreamed of attempting to lay my own turnouts but this books give you so much details, I actually think I can do it with great success!The second have is just as good. Each details has photos of real prototypes, history and explanation, sketches with enough detail to scratch build all of them, even material recommendations. Truly a must have!

Excellent Book!
Definitely worth the money.This book has lots of the little details (and not-so-little, such as the basics of hand-laying track) that make your layout really shine.

More information than I'll probably ever use
This book offers some excellent tips for all, from the beginner (like myself) to the intermediate-going-on-advanced modeler.Especially useful for me were the sections on laying flextrack, ballasting, weathering rails and improving performance of turnouts and switches.I'd recommend this to anyone who wants to thoroughly study the subject before they begin to tackle a detailed layout. ... Read more

Product Description
Here's what you'll discover in "The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains" Book:

* How to create stunning terrain in your scenery with these 3 simple techniques...

* 3 little known, yet simple ways to understanding all about scales and gauges...

* Secret of train tracks that few people ever know about...

* 3 proven steps to running mutiple trains on one track...

* 2 simple keys (that are right in front of your eyes) to build your own benchwork...

* WARNING:3 things you should never do when it comes to wiring...

* You'll discover in just a few short minutes how to avoid derailing problems...

* 6 time tested and proven strategies for laying out train tracks...

* When to add onto your set with locomotives and rolling stock...

* 7 everyday but often overlooked tips and tricks for building the best layouts for your scenery...

* A pennies on the dollar approach to finding model train parts...

* How often to do general maintenance on your model trains and tracks...

* How to recognize different train scales such as G, O, HO, N and more...

* The once famous but forgotten secret that instantly allows you to create depth within your landscapes...

and much more ! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Well Done, Mr. Romeo!
The only critique I may offer on this excellent guide, is that it is too short; though not in substance...on the contrary, this book is quite;
1. Easy to understand.
2. Very thorough.
3. Not at all overwhelming.

My family and I have been enjoying model trains for many years. From the mighty LGB to the minute z, we have had them all. Unfortunately, in model trains as with every hobby, there are difficulties, pitfalls, and confusions.And it is when you begin dealing with all these things that "The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains" truly stands out and shines. Both the general difficulties and the various quirks & perplexions are covered in the book, and very carefully explained so that even a beginner may fully understand and enjoy the hooby. If you are just starting out in model trains, or if you have a deep interest in it (as we do) this book is a definite must-have. I wish it was around 20 years ago!

Not so good
The book is very simple and has no illustrations. Might be okay for the beginner but there certainly are better books available.

Excellent Book!
We all love to reminisce about the past and a happy childhood can be a source of great memories when you are older. I was looking for a new hobby and when I came across The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains which helped me remember my happy childhood days. Model trains were a common feature in many homes and this book takes you back to the days when you would sit in your room and build a model train.

This book covers the basics about model railroading and even gives you reasons why this hobby is great for you. One of the things that make most people give up on this hobby is the confusion they have about scale and gauge. This book has covered this in detail and it made things easier for me.

The best thing about this guide is that it explains all the aspects of model railroading in detail. With the help of this guide, I have learned all about benchwork, how to make tracks and get them wired and the best locomotive to use. The Ultimate Guide to Model Trains will also teach you how to create your own scenery to make it look realistic.

The advantage of using this guide over the rest is that the writer does not make any assumptions. All the terms are well explained and this made it very easy for me to learn this hobby. Now I have a great way to spend time while reminiscing about my childhood.

A Very Useful Book
I am an engineer though not a railway engineer so I was surprised when a friend gave me the book to read. It focused on the model of the trains, the scale, guage and standards and the construction of the tracks.

This book helped me widen my horizon about the whole Engineering field itself and I would recommend to experts in the field as well as youths who have a passion for Engineering or a related field. ... Read more

Product Description
This volume contains a variety of prototype photos and suggestions for how to model and place industries on your layouts for realistic operation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Awesome Series of Books !!!

Just to be clear, the only reason I rated this book "five stars" is because there weren't any more stars to give. This book, and its companions (1 & 2) are absolutely terrific. I have all three volumes (hoping there will be more, hint hint!) and my copies are happily worn and dog-eared. If I have any complaint whatsoever, and it is trivial-- the "worst" thing I can think of to say about 'em, is that I wish he'd done a little more "variations" on the same industries to illustrate better how alternate arrangements might look or common differences in similar industries. On the other hand, if he had, the books would have covered less ground so its a petty complaint at "worst" in my opinion.

BUY THESE BOOKS, they're really great!

Great How to Book
I am an arm chair railroad modeler. I bought this book to help me get some track side industry that would give my model railroad some purpose for existence - I have ever built my layout but it gave me some ideas - I had books 1 and 2 so I wanted to round out the collection.I found the chapter on Ethanol to be timely for a modern pike.

A guide for model railroad enthusiasts who want to make their models as authentic as possible
Part of the appeal to model railroading is creating model towns, villages and industries. "The Model Railroader's Guide to Industries Along the Tracks 3" is a guide for model railroad enthusiasts who want to make their models as authentic as possible by adding replicas of industries that railroads deliver their shipments to. With well over one hundred photographs and diagrams to help modelers make the best possible replicas, "The Model Railroader's Guide to Industries Along the Tracks 3" is highly recommended for community library railroading collections. ... Read more

Product Description
Teaches how to build sturdy model bridges and trestles of stunning realism.Includes construction plans, prototype phtographs, and over 20 sets of scale drawings for scratchbuilding, kitbashing, or modifying commercial bridge kits. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Model Railroad Bridges and Trestles
Excellent resource for the model railroader. This book will inspire you to build. There is an enormous amount of information relating to actual bridge construction as well as techniques for the model builder. There are also many scaled drawings that are both clear and concise.

A Lot of Bridge Building Theory and Prototype Photos
This book appears to be a compendium of earlier articles from Model Railroader.It starts with "Understanding Bridge Construction" and discusses various types of bridges including trestle design, plate girder bridges, and a look at some prototype bridges with measurements.There are some chapters on actual model bridge construction ("kit-bashing" or "scratch building") but overall, the book leans heavily toward the concepts of bridges so the modeler can make and use the structures as the prototype railroads would.(You don't typically use a huge span to cross a drainage ditch for example.)I found the chapter on wooden trestle and their "bends" (p. 30) useful and the chapter on "Building Black Bear Bridge" (p. 106) fascinating.

I would say this book would be good for the middle level to the experienced modeler.I personally think the novice would be better served buying some of the excellent model bridges available.Even they might appreciate the basics covered in the early chapters.

Must have for all!
I know I have given high praise to "The Model Railroader's Guide to Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels", but in all honesty this is THE perfect resource for designing and building your OWN bridges. It gives great detail in almost every aspect of design and construction of bridges, it even gives explanations for what type of bridge would suit diffrent terrains and land masses. Buy this along with "The Model Railroader's Guide to Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels" and you will have THE COMPLETE resource for any and all types of bridge building.

A Wonderful Collection
Speaking as one who was formerly a civil engineer, this compendium is a wonderful collection of articles on building bridges for model railroads. It is not a book by a single author. Instead, it is a collection of reprints of articles from Model Railroader magazine. As such, some are better than others but all are good.

Particularly worthy of note is the first series of articles which is a survey of different types of bridges and their design. It is technically correct and conveys enough information to the modeler to do a creditable job but it is yet simple enough to understand for those without an engineering background.

Most of the later articles deal with the construction of particular bridges instead of general principles but they too are well written and adaptable to other situations. Since this work is intended for modelers and not engineers, much of the emphasis is on the aesthetics. This is as it should be as it is the information vital to the modeler.

All in all, this is a great collection.

Building Railraod Bridges? Then this book is for you!
This book is a collection of articles that have previously appeared in past issues of Model Railroader Magazine. While the articles are informative and insightful, the format that Kalmbach uses to copy the various original bridge and trestle articles and paste them into a book is not very slick. It would have been nice if they would have updated some of the information and added more color photographs. Books in this format appear to be another way for Kalmbach to re-hash old articles of a similar topic, put them under one cover and generate more sales from already published material. This book has become reference material for my library. I however would recommend the Kalmbach book "The Model Railroader's Guide To BRIDGES, TRESTLES & TUNNELS" by Jeff Wilson, this book is fresh, better organized, and a useful tool for modeling railroad bridges. ... Read more

Product Description
This practical, photo-driven guide covers the principles and techniques of designing and constructing detailed, realistic model railroad scenes. The various projects include structure, scenery, and detailing techniques for both urban and rural settings. It's the essential information modelers need to make a good layout look great! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Steve-review
Helpful with lot of photos and details but not what I expectedfrom a title like this
Mostly details forcity scenery.

Over 200 full-color photographs & step-by-step instructions
How To Build & Detail Model Railroad Scenes is a hobby and crafting guide by model railroading expert Lou Sassi with a specific focus upon creating the most realistic and nostalgic scenes reasonably possible for a memorable model railroad set. Over 200 full-color photographs and step-by-step instructions walk the reader through how to add intricate detail to models depicting small family farms, suburban neighborhoods, mobile home parks, lawns and landscaping, roadways and sidewalks, and more. The text spares no detail for creating life-like miniature replicas, including recommended store-bought materials and suppliers who sell them. How To Build & Detail Model Railroad Scenes is a "must-have" resource book for the truly dedicated model railroad enthusiast.
... Read more

Product Description
This book shows you how easy it can be to add backdrops to your layouts by explaining why you need one, how to build and paint one, how to add clouds, how to blend with layout scenery, and more. Other techniques such as using photos and commercial backdrops are also included. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Painting Backdrops For Your Model Railroad
Mike Dannemann has done a great job of showing us modelers how to give the background a realistic touch. His sharing his talent at creating the sky and clouds and working your way down to the far off hills and valleys puts the finishing touch on your train layout. Painting in many close details that you might have concidered building models of saves time and money, while developing a additional talent. G.W.Z.

Backdrops
This is a great book with details galore. Will be using it and referring to it a lot. ... Read more

Product Description
Take in historical information and photos covering locomotives, passenger equipment, freight cars, and trackside details. Featured layouts in a variety of scales show you how to model Chicago's Dearborn Station, move coal in the Appalachians, carry produce, and recreate Los Angeles of the 1950's. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Guide for the '50s
Modeling the late 1940s and early 1950s is my goal for my HO layout. This is the era I grew up in and represents the clean, honest and somewhat innocent or naive period of history for the U.S. It was also a time for grand experiments, forward thinking and just a spirit of doing great things.I am going to try and capture a small part of that spirit.While I remember a lot there are details that have been lost and this book helps to bring them to remembrance and also provide accurate details that have long since faded from memory. That is why recording history is so important: it keeps us honest and also instructs future generations. While skimming through the pages I found item after item that brought back many fond memories and acquaintances that I had almost forgotten.So, not only is this an excellent source for those modeling this era but is also an excellent source of details that can guide and also refresh those cobwebbed areas of the memory banks. I have thoroughly enjoyed just reading it and I am sure I will have a lot of fun re-creating the visage of this era on my layout.I definitely would recommend this book for modelers and historians too!

A must have for anyone modeling the 50s
I recently purchased a copy of this book to learn more about the railroading industry in the 50s. The book provides a good overview of what railroading in 50s looked like in the US, and provides good tips and how-to's on how to make the model railroad look the right way. For example, the book includes information on how steam locomotives were weathered at that time due to lack of maintenance, how diesels weathered, right of way trackside structures still present in the 50s, or details such as the fact that stop signs were yellow instead of red. The narration of the book is centered around several model railroads which are used as examples. Overall I strongly recommend it to anyone who is interested in modeling the 50s, the transition era, and has not lived during that time :-)

Great tips for modeling the 50s
As a modeler that focuses on the 1950s, this book provided great ideas and insight into modeling this popular era. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents details and measurements of steam locomotives from their first appearance to their final days.Includes nearly 1,000 rare photographs and over 127 HO scale plans, notes, and specifications for almost all steam locomotives in North America. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The Ideal Railroad Model Reference Tool
If you are looking for a first class reference on both vintage and modern North American steam locomotives, you need not look any further than this book. The drawings are crisp and accurate, and the photos and illustrations include essential information on the various fittings present on all steam locomotives. The late Linn Westcott did hobbyists proud with this work, and despite its' age it is still fresh. The introductory chapter gives all the pertinent information required to understand how steam locomotives work, and the descriptive texts for each drawing, while short, give the reader enough information on the locomotive type. The index and bibliographic references give good information to those readers who wish to dig deeper into the subject. The best part is that you can copy or scan the drawings for personal use without excessive restriction, which is a great help for model railroaders who kitbash or build their own locomotives. If you are into virtual railroading and build your own 3D models for the various rail simulators using 3D modelling software, the drawings with their dimensions make excellent backdrops when building 3D models. I recommend this book to any railroad modeller who contemplates detailing, kitbashing, or scratchbuilding his own model steam locomotives.

Steam Locomotives: cylopedia volume 1
I've been searching for this book for years and finally I have one. A must for model locomotive builders and detailer or anyone interested in the workings and operation of steam locomotives!! The information in this volume is outstanding and the illustration are perfect for understanding the placement and operation of the many appliances that made a locomotive operate. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in steam locomotives modeling or prototype locomotives.

Excellent primer on steam locomotives
Were someone to come up to me and ask for a single book that would be the most informative to introduce them to steam locomotives, I would not hesitate to recommend this one.It has a very informative section that discusses basic steam locomotive theory and the systems, controls and devices on a steam locomotive and what each does.There is a wonderful cut-away drawing of a typical steam locomotive that shows these components in their relationship to others.

The remainder of the book explains the various locomotive classifications and provides numerous examples of each classification, along with hundreds of pictures that illustrate them very well.

Highly recommended.

steam
I purchased this book in the early 1960's and have enjoyed it ever since. I am glad to see it in print again so that another generation can enjoy it also. It contains many illustrations and scale drawings (HO) and I have made several models from it.

Great book!
The book all model railroader must have. Blueprints are perfect to check dimensions of models and there is also the models' histories. ... Read more

Product Description
Presents scale modeling details that make layouts moreinteresting.Includes practical, effective tips and techniques forimproving the realism of buildings, scenery, and backdrops. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

An excellent book from exceptional modelers
I've been a major fan of authors/modelers Frary and Hayden since their series on building the Thatchers Inlet RR published in Railroad Model Craftsman back when I was... well, a lot younger than I am now. These guys and the late, great John Allen are stellar lights in the history of the hobby, as far as I'm concerned.

This book is a collection of clever tips, tricks and pointers for both the beginner and the aspiring journeyman. I've been building models off and on for over 40 years and I find something of value every time I pick up the book.

Another plus, it's actually fun to read! The authors have a scope of knowledge that never overpowers their sense of whimsy and humor (as an example, look closely at the picture of the steamroller in action).

An excellent gift for yourself or the model railroader you love!

Two CA-glued, model paint stained thumbs up!

After 7 years of modeling... Now this!
I've done model railroading for the past 7 years, started with me first 4x8 table and went to a 12x8 table. I can say that that book is excellent for tips on beginners, but he keep everything simple, witch is bad for acomplex scenery. And isn't a big help on the electricity. All I can say, ifyou`re begining, take that book, if not, pass the ocasion.

Tank you!

Excellent, full of simple, cost effective ideas
This book is full of "why didn't I think of that" type of detail hints/helps.Many of them are easy, inexpensive, and really add to the overall realism of any model railroad, regardless of scale.Beginners,intermediates, and advanced modelers can all benefit from this book.Bestof all, many ideas can be done just on a spur of the moment, withoutadvance planning or an afternoon's work.

A must for beginning Model Railroaders
Dave Frary and Bob Hayden have taken the mystery out of building scenery and structures.Techniques taught in this book will provide a lifetime of opportunities for the modeler and craftsman.Beginner's can quickly learn the secrets of the masters. Advanced modelers will find new inspiration from innovation and creativity found in this text. ... Read more

Product Description
The completely updated edition of this best seller is loaded with tips to help train hobbyists make their G-scale railroading layouts a reality. Gardeners seeking to enhance their garden beds and collectors of authentic scale cars will find that everything from track plans to right-of-ways to roadbeds is covered. New to this edition is information on simplified wiring systems for two or more trains using DCC, new locomotives, cars, and power supplies. Also included are two new chapters covering modern locomotives and modern freight cars. Both novice and expert railroaders will benefit from this book. -The best resource for G-scale train enthusiasts on the market.-Contains more than 300 photographs/illustrations and expanded chapters including contemporary systems. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Good Book But Could Have Been Better

I gave this book four stars because the author covered the bases but none of it really stood out as exceptional. If you are an absolute beginner to model railroading, in any scale, then maybe the book would seem more informative. It just seemed pretty generic to me. And in saying that I'm trying not to knock it. The information is there, it just seemed sorta perfunctory. I would have liked some more "Wow". Like maybe some more photos-- especially color photos. Maybe some more "stories" sprinkled throughout to add some additional context and relief (as in texture) to the book.

Best book on Garden Railroads
I own several of the authors other books. 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 and current operators a like.

The Large-Scale Model Railroading Handbook
This book provides a basic overview of Garden Scale Model Railroading. It provides a good basis for beginning a layout, track options specific to G scale and differences in manufacturers, wiring issues, scenery and roadbed for both indoor and outdoor applications as well as locomotive and rolling stock options and selection. As a beginner I found this very useful, but limited. It was a good starting point but I had to seek clarification on many topics through the internet and at the local hobby shop. It is not a comprehensive encyclopedia and it does not represent itself to be one. In summary a good starting point for the novice, probably of limited value to others already involved with model railroading.

The Large-Scale Model Railroading Handbook
The Large-Scale Model Railroading Handbook is one of the best books on the subject of both indoor and outdoor Large-Scale Railroading. The different layouts described, the different techniques used, and the photos shown givejust a glimps of this hobby. With just a little imagination, even beginnerscan produce beautiful layouts. The color photos and the listings of theplants used are exceptional and informative. A good book for both thebeginner and expert alike. ... Read more

Product Description
Kalmbach Pub Co. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

As good as ever.
I used this book 25 years ago to build the Jerome & Southwestern RR with my three sons. I bought this copy to give to my youngest son, so he can build the same layout with his two sons. Appropriate photos, plans and tips to make a nice little layout. An excellent how-to book. ... Read more

Product Description
From the basics of tracklaying, wiring, and maintaining locomotives to the finer points of scenery building, painting, weathering, and detailing models, every aspect of modeling is presented in this up-to-date reference.Packed with simple tips and techniquies and instructions for building a basic 4 x 8 foot HO scale layout with scenery. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

basic model railroding
this product was purchased as a christmas gift for my grandson. before i wrapped it i paged through it and was very pleased with the contents. my grandson was very elated with the contents of the book. he is just getting started in the hobby and says this will be a great help.

Disappointing
Covers a lot of topics, but not at all in depth.This wasn't written as a book, it is just a bunch of reprints from Model Railroader magazine.

An example of something I was hoping to find: info on how to lay flex-track.It says to lay it out, cut it, nail it down.I knew that!I was looking for tips on HOW to cut it so the rail joints make properly.

I really wouldn't recommend this book.You would be better off to go to a library and review back issues of Model Railroader.

A Good Start
It is one thing to be interested in getting started on a model railroad and it is quite a different thing to actually know what to do. Anyone can take a basic train set and add some more track to it but such an unorganized approach soon leads to an unwieldy and expensive mess that will probably not be very enjoyable. This book goes a long way in remedying that problem.

It just covers the basics but it covers a lot of them. That includes track, running gear, wiring, scenery, model building, foliage and much else... even photography. It covers none of these things in any depth but it does provide a starting place and allow a novice to ask intelligent questions. It is a needed resource for a beginner.

Great Insparation
Good book for anyone to that is just starting on model railroading, even a the more advanced railroader would find some of the topics covered usefull

Very Informative
This book has just about everything a beginner need to become familiar with the hobby of model railroading.It has everything from choosing the correct scale and gague, to how to maintain a well-tuned railroad, to thescenery of your layout.I am sure that as I grow in the hobby, this bookwill be used time and again as a wonderful quick reference of how to dojust about everything in the hobby. ... Read more

Product Description
Lionel® Electric Trains have been America's favorite for more than a century. This information-packed guide helps train lovers of all ages gain the most enjoyment from their new Lionel® train set by taking them step-by-step through the process of selecting, setting-up, operating and maintaining their trains and accessories. Easy-to-follow instructions describe how to wire and control a Lionel layout with conventional transformers and with their innovative TrainMaster Command Control System®. The construction of a complete Lionel layout is detailed in text and photographs. Covering everything from their new action accessories to the current version of the renowned ZW transformer, this book explains Lionel railroading in the clear and simple terms needed for a fun-filled entry into the hobby.

-Essential information on selecting, purchasing, setting-up, operating and maintaining Lionel® Electric Trains
-Explains benchwork construction, track planning and layout design, wiring and control, scenery and maintenance procedures
-Only operator-oriented book authorized and licensed by Lionel® LLC ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Great Lionel Train Book For New And Old Timers !!
Brand new, year 2001 book contains a wealth of information in its 128 pages.There are more than 100 great full color, sharp photos.It covers all the important information about buying, setting up, maintaining, and running your railroad.In includes a very useful glossary of terms. Major sections include:Lionel Legacy, Today's Lionel, tracks, layouts, maintenance, and much more.Handy Appendix covers references, on-line, clubs, and suppliers.Train enthusiasts will find it a very useful and enjoyable publication. ... Read more

Product Description
Making realistic scenery for model railroads has never been so fun and easy. Transform setups from miniature to magnificent with the expert-proven techniques presented in these pages. This book details the easiest and most effective methods for recreating the splendor of nature in miniature. Foolproof techniques are explained with easy-to-follow directions, step-by-step photos and 26 handy reference cards. 16-page color section. 120 b&w photos. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent Read for the Novice or Master Modeler
Schleicher has written an excellent book for anyone interested in any kind of miniature modeling.Whether your interest is model railroading, military dioramas, or dollhouses, you will enjoy reading and learning something new about your field.

My particular interest is making miniature Civil War and Revolutionary War dioramas.Needless to say, there was much in here for me to learn.I particularly enjoyed reading the sections about how to make dirt roads and making model trees.

I have tried one particular suggestion:using plush felt to simulate tall grass and weeds.The result was a good and inexpensive alternative to the other ways modelers can simulate grass and weeds.

I also appreciated the 25 tear reference cards you can use for different modeling techniques.

Read, enjoy, and learn something new about modeling!

How to do it scenery guide for the serious miniature modeler
3rd edition of the popular guide to making scenery for model railroads, dioramas and miniatures.Provides detailed step-by-step tips, tricks and methods to make true-to-life landscapes for your miniatures.Many photos,including 34 full color pictures of examples.Provides 25 handy tear-outreference cards detailing the projects described in the book.A usefulsources-of-supply section assists you in obtaining materials that may beotherwise difficult to find.A must-have reference for those serious aboutmodeling for railroads, dollhouses or other displays. ... Read more

Product Description
Freight cars are the backbone of any railroad -- in the real world or on your operating layout. Get a brief history of each type of North American freight car, then learn how car designs have changed from WWI to the present. Includes techniques for modeling realistic rolling stock in any scale. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

If you're in to origins & details, this is the book for you
This book gets a little deep and doesn't cover everything, but it covers MOST things you ever wanted to know about Rolling Stock/Freight Cars.As a novice, you may wish to wait on this one, unless you are in to details.Prototype pictures are plentiful, with a smattering of models.Jeff is an outstanding expert in this area, so you're getting your money's worth.

Great reference book for modelers
This book is really essential for any serious model railroader who wants to accurately model the many kinds of freight cars out there. There is lotsof information about types of cars, how they're used, how they look, etc. A basic book for all model railroaders' libraries. ... Read more

Product Description
This book covers simple techniques needed to make realistic scenery for a layout of any size or scale. Each chapter includes step-by-step color photos, illustrations, and diagrams that demonstrate the basic steps to adding prototypical scenery elements to a layout. It includes many one-evening projects. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

Just what I needed
Our club is rebuilding our entire HO railroad and I am on the scenery team.While doing research I borrowed a copy of this book from another member and learned so much I felt I needed a copy in my own library.It has proven a great resource and has be consulted on numerous occasions.Now that I am also building my own layout, I am anxious to get to the scenery stage to implement the ideas here at home too.

Not what I was expecting...Certainly not a "basic" reference!
When I hear the term "BASIC" I expect it to cover basic concepts.I was looking for an introductory book on scenery and this book is not that.I have bought other Kalmbach books such as the basic benchwork and basic wiring books, that were great resources for beginners and was expecting this book to follow suit.While Mr. Sassi creates some wonderful scenery on his layout, the techniques are complicated and require too many steps and materials.For example the "ground goop" that he uses for the basis of most projects, requires several ingredients, and in the fine print in a photo caption explains that one of the main ingredients is not manufactured any longer.With the ground goop being the base for all ground cover, you would think it would be something you could still make or update the book with instructions using ingredients that are redily available.Again, I was expecting an introductory type book on the the basics of scenery, which would explain different ways to make things such as trees, rock castings, roads, water effects, etc.And also expected a basic book to cover scenery for different kinds of terrain from deserts to forests.Most of the projects cover scenery that would only work if you are modeling the north-east United States.This book needs to be titled something other than "BASIC SCENERY."If the title better described what was included in the book, I would not have bought it at this point.And I suspect many other people have been disappointed as this book was not what they were expecting.

Missing a clear final objective
This book is in fact a series of tips and/or techniques but the reader will never see where the author tends to drive him.Each article starts with a very small (and partial) picture of the target but at the end of the explanations, no review of the final result.No global project as it was supposed at the very begin of the book.That's a pity.
The comments, in other hand, is sometimes missing details and precisions.
This book did not give me any confidence to try any of the explained techniques.

A Very Good Introduction
There are two main approaches to model RR scenery. One is to rely on commercial systems and the other is to make things from scratch. While this might be intuitive for something like a model of a barn, it is much less so for the modeling the white water of a mill stream or the detritus of a forest floor. This book looks at both approaches, but does not do so from the perspective of either/or. Instead a situation is postulated and then the author explains how he would handle the situation. Sometimes this means mixing chemicals and installing commercial products and sometimes this means going out and getting a bunch of dead leaves to put in a blender. The approaches are mixed together and the result is an easy to read and easy to understand explanation that can be extrapolated for many situations.

The book is well illustrated and the actual construction steps are presented step by step. It is easy to follow.

I tend to distrust the natural approach, fearing that in time, organic matter will decay. I am less distrustful of it now and have some new ideas to try.

Scenery for anyone
The simple step by step in this book covers just what we needed for all aspects of our 4x8' layout.We have been constructing it based on articles in Model Railroader magazine but there was not enough detail for ground, roads etc.This book has absolutely fabulous methods with easy to follow instructions and the results are fabulous.I never thought my son and I could achieve the kinds of realism that we constantly see displyed in magazines but with this book we are!And it is very easy to do.
The author's systems are very well documented and use inexpensive materials when ever possible. ... Read more

Product Description
This is a copy of Realistic Railroading wtih Toy Trains, Building the O Gauge Hi-rail JL/ATSF Railway, by Joe Lesser and Pete Youngblood.This book guides you through building your own Hi-Rail layout, and was originally published in 1995 by Greenberg Books.The Trainz SKU for this item is P11437976.Condition: NewTCA Grade: C-10Original Box: YesManufacturer: Greenberg'sProduct Number: 10-7975The Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (M.S.R.P) for this item is $17.95. ... Read more

Product Description
This full-color booklet will help new model railroaders build a simple, semi-permanent tabletop for displaying and running model trains. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very good reference for L-Girder Construction
Very good reference for L-Girder Construction layouts ... the limit of this type of bench work possibilities is endless.

A beginners book to building benchwork
A simple guide for building benchwork for model railroads. Step by step instructions and diagrams show simple benchwork structure.

Extremely Basic
This is more of a general concept book than a detailed guide. That being said, it does provide some explicit instructions and it could reasonably be expected to take an enthusiast a long way. It is meant as an introduction but many people may find that they don't need anything more complete. The subject matter is pretty simple.

A model railroad needs a good foundation to be reliable. This books explains how several different styles of foundation can be used. It explains the tools needed and gives steps for construction. All that is needed is for the reader to adapt the instructions to his or her own particular situation. The instructions are easy to follow and are accompanied by plenty of diagrams.

This is a beginner book that may be all that is needed for some people.
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