With so many books available at your local hobby shop, (We entered more than
120 into this list with our first compilation) weeding out the useful ones from
the duds can be a daunting task. It is our hope that you will be able
to use this area to find the types of information that your interested in.
While your at it, why not take a minute and tell us what you think of some of
the publications that you have read. The submission form is simple and
quick, and no matter what your skill level is, your opinions matter.
A Treasury of Model Railroad Photos:
Four Creative Approaches to Model Railroad Photography
By John Olson / Kalmbach Pub Co / November
1988
Photo tips and
techniques for getting the best layout pictures. Four of the hobby's top
photographers present an amazing collection of photographs and explain their
craft.
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American Shortline Railway Guide:
Facts, Figures, and Locomotive Rosters for over 500 Short Lines
By Edward A. Lewis / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / May 1996
Lists nearly 600
shortline and regional railroads in the United States and Canada. Includes line
history, locations, radio frequencies, and locomotive data.
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In the 20th century,
perhaps no toy has enjoyed as much adulation as the toy train. It seems
virtually everyone who came of age before the era of the computer chip was once
a scale-size railroad baron, building empires on their parents' living room
floors. As we debark for the 21st century, the popularity of toy trains as
playthings has been somewhat displaced by high-tech electronic gadgetry, but
their desirability to collectors and hobbyists rolls ahead more determined than
ever.
This chronological history of the toy train celebrates the wares of all
prominent American toy train manufacturers from the turn of the century to the
present, with special focus on the big three: Lionel, American Flyer, and Marx.
All scales are discussed, and the trains themselves are richly illustrated with
specially commissioned color photography, archival black-and-white shots, and
classic print advertisements. Sure to appeal to collectors, hobbyists crafting
sophisticated layouts, and those legions of former pint-size engineers.
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By Hugo Marsh, Pierce Carlson / Watson-Guptill
Publications / November 2002
Model toy trains are
among the most popular collectibles in the world since their first appearance
more than 150 years ago. Christie's Toy Trains is a vividly illustrated guide to
the history of toy trains, from its origins in the mid-19th century to today.
The first model trains appeared in Germany in the 1850s, following a railway
boom in the early years of the 19th century. Simple, attractive, but surviving
today only as watercolor renderings in vintage catalogs, these handpainted
tinplate models bore little resemblance to the later US designs, which were on a
larger scale, more brightly painted, and more obviously intended for use in the
nursery. The golden age of toy trains from 1890 to 1914 saw the standardization
of track and gauge systems, with the German manufacturer Marklin leading the
way. At first available only to the wealthy, the locomotives and carriages
gradually became affordable to the general public. During the post-World War I
years until 1940, Lionel and American Flyer became the dominant manufacturers in
the US. The post-World War II years saw the introduction of plastic and the
successful launch of the Hornby design, still popular today. Filled with 120
lush color photographs from Christie's archives and private collections,
Christie's Toy Trains profiles the work of the great manufacturers and model
makers of the finest toy trains from around the world and highlights the gradual
refinements and superb details that have been achieved over the past 150 years.
Today's collectors will not only be treated to a fascinating look at the best in
model trains, but will also find practical advice for purchasing and restoring,
as well as tips for constructing the best railway layouts.
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By Gerry Souter, Janet Souter / Motorbooks Intl/ November
2002
From Lionel's first
printed pamphlet in 1902 to the full-color fantasies of the 1950s and beyond,
Classic Toy Trains revisits the collectible toy trains of Carlisle & Finch,
American Flyer, Ives, Hafner, Lionel and others. Filled with over 200 images of
rare toy trains, accessories, layouts and catalog artwork, this nostalgic volume
flashes you back to the fun-filled days of yesteryear and your care-free hours
spent riding the rails. A Motorbooks Classic.
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By Greg McDonell / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / April 2002
The new, user-friendly
Field Guide to Modern Diesel Locomotives is essential for all railfans. Includes
all the major spotting features and roster information for EMD diesels
manufactured after 1972 and GE diesels after 1977. Features fantastic full-color
rail photography and a variety of railroad paint schemes.
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Learn to build LEGO
Trains, from setting up train tracks to building custom freight cars. Jake
McKee, an authority on LEGO Trains, teaches basic building techniques and shares
some of his most fascinating and original train designs.
You’ll learn how to build a North American-style locomotive, a 1940’s
refrigerator car, and an intermodal container car. As you build, you’ll gain the
fundamental train-building skills that will help you create your own designs at
home.
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By Jeff Wilson / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / November 2000
Travel the Great Northern Railway through its operations in
the Pacific Northwest. Large unpublished photos of trains pushing through
rugged mountain passes and Big Sky scenery will take your breath away!
Includes views of the Empire Builder, plus track map and schematics.
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By Gerry Souter, Janet Souter / Motorbooks
International / September 2002
This brilliant
showcase looks at the evolution of the toy train industry and its miniature
products from 1970 to today. Presented are the O- and G-gauge offerings of
Williams, MTH, Weaver, Marx, RailKing, Lionel and others. Collectors of these
toy trains will delight in the contributions of major industry players as they
examine the modern technologies incorporated by the manufacturers and the market
trends that dictate their products.
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By Tim Blaisdell, Ed Urmston / Krause
Publications / September 1998
Athearn HO scale model
railroad equipment has been a popular choice for hobbyists over the last 50
years. Here, the company's complete production history has been assembled into a
comprehensive catalogue of Athearn models available. It details 4000 models,
2200 of which are out of production, with checklists and information to identify
both rare and common kits.
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By Dwain Meyer / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / September 1997
A humorous look at
model railroading that shows just how funny the hobby can be. This cartoon book
sparkles with refreshing new cartoon humor. It will appeal to model railroaders
and toy train enthusiasts--and their family and friends.
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Toy Train Collecting and Operating:
An Introduction to the Hobby
By John Grams / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / February 1999
Whether you're a
collector or operator or both, toy train enthusiasts can always use more
information about your hobby--such as how and why to collect and operate vintage
toy trains. Beginners will enjoy this introduction to the hobby; experienced
collectors and operators will appreciate the thoughtful discussion on the
subject. Offers information on every aspect of the hobby. Lists manufacturers;
describes key trains and accessories; outlines layout construction and includes
nearly 100 photos to show concepts.
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By John Grams / Watson-Guptill Publications
/ September 2002
Toy Train Memories
tells the captivating story of how toy electric trains were once the only
Christmas gift children wanted. Throughout the 1920s, '30s, '40s, and into the
mid-1950s, Lionel and American Flyer actively promoted the relationship between
Christmas and toy trains, and kids everywhere eagerly awaited their fabulous
fall gift catalog. During those years, families shared happy hours building
railroad empires that began with a locomotive, boxcar, or operating milk car
wrapped up in colorful paper and placed under the tree. Woven within this wildly
entertaining gift book are over 100 stunning full-color photos of toy trains
guaranteed to bring back happy memories of simpler times. But the stars of this
book are the dozens of vintage black-and-white Christmas-morning snapshots of
happy boys and girls with their brand-new trains—photos that will evoke fond
memories of childhood, family, and the holiday season. For history lovers,
nostalgia fans, and train enthusiasts everywhere, Toy Train Memories is an
enjoyable celebration of the toys of our youth and a fabulous journey back to
simpler, happier times.
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