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 you're interested in.
While you're 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 your opinions matter.
By Robert Schleicher / Motorbooks
International / June 2002
This title gives model railroaders a
treasury of weekend projects spanning everything from bench framing to
wiring, assembling buildings, creating realistic ground covers,
superdetailing locomotives, and running the railroad. Each project
includes a handy table detailing the time (anywhere from one to eight
hours), tools, materials, money, skill level, and space required for
successful completion. In addition, for every project, the author provides
explanations of why the reader should undertake the task, what he or she
can expect upon completion, and suggestions for complementary projects.
Each project also features a series of studio photographs in both color
and black-and-white to illustrate the concepts discussed. While the book
includes information specific to HO scale-the most widely used of all
model railroad scales-each project includes a list of scales to which it
is applicable. The result is a comprehensive and colorful how-to for
everyone from N- to G-scale enthusiasts.
Excellent
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By Linn Westcott / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / June 1960
Easy-to-use plans in every size, shape and scale -- from tiny card-table layouts to giant garage-size railroads. Demonstrates how to design a railroad to fit any space, shows how to convert plans to N, HO, S, and O scales.
Excellent
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By Bob Hayden / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / November 1, 1993
These outstanding
track plans are designed to work in any amount of space or scale preference,
including HO (HOn21/2 and HOn3), O, S, N, and Z scale. Includes photographs,
diagrams and materials listed for plans ranging from small modules to room-size
layouts from MODEL RAILROADER Magazine.
Excellent
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By Alan Postlethwaite / Haynes
Publications / June 2003
From his experience,
knowledge and love of railways, the author of this book has prepared 30 model
railway plans. All but one are imaginary, inspired by studying other people's
layouts at exhibitions, in their homes and in magazines over the past five
decades. The size of the layouts described and illustrated range from the
transportable to the permanent club railway system, together with those for the
attic and garden. The book is designed to inspire individuals and groups of
enthusiasts to produce more advanced and appealing model railways, whether they
are beginners or more experienced modellers.
Excellent
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Basic Model Railroad Benchwork: The
Complete Photo Guide
By Jeff Wilson / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / October 1, 2002
Basic Model Railroad Benchwork is the
complete introduction to the basic tools, materials, and techniques you'll
need to construct a foundation for a layout of any size or scale. Clear,
concise instructions and over 250 step-by-step color photographs and
diagrams demonstrate quick and easy, yet effective, techniques for
assembling one of the most important components of your model railroad.
Excellent - 0% (0) Good - 0% (0)
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Basic Model Railroad Track Plans:
Small Starter Layouts You Can Build
By Kent J. Johnson / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / November 1, 2001
Straight from the
pages of Model Railroader, these simple layout designs are ideal for beginners
who are building their first layout. Features full-color plans for HO and N
scale starter layouts, additional watercolor sketches, and general construction
techniques.
Excellent
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Basic Model Railroading: Getting
Started in the Hobby
By Kent J. Johnson / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / November 1, 1998
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.
Excellent
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By Robert Schleicher / Motorbooks
International / June 2003
For the model train
hobbyist, this incredibly detailed book features 81 model track plan options.
Each project description includes technical advice and prototype photos that
will inspire any model railroad enthusiast. Projects feature likely obstacles
that might be encountered during construction and helpful tips for getting it
right the first time. Line art diagrams, layout routes, dimensions, and even
photographs of the finished layout are included.
The book is organized into six sections – The Best Plans for Your First Layout,
Shelf Style Layouts, Bedroom-Size Track Plans, Track Plans for Larger Spaces,
Staging Yards and Holdover Tracks, and Modular Model Railroad Plans.
Excellent
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By John Grams, Dick Christianson / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / November, 2004
Dick
Christianson and John Grams offer tips and techniques for building a more
realistic and fun toy train layout, compiled over years of observing some
of the best toy train layouts ever built. Their wise and easy-to-follow
advice on planning, electrical work, trackwork, scenery, and operation is
presented with all-new photos from Dick's O gauge layout.
Excellent
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The Classic Layout Designs of John
Armstrong: A Compilation of Ideas and Commentary from the Dean of Custom Layout
Designers
By John Armstrong / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / April 2001
This notable designer
has contributed to Model Railroader Magazine since the 1950s. This exciting book
features easy-to-follow layout designs for sophisticated layouts. Ideal for
intermediate and advanced model railroaders. 8.25" x 10.75"; 96 pages; 75
photos; softcover.
Excellent
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These custom-designed
HO and N layouts use innovative solutions like interchangeable modules, linked
dioramas, and shelving and stacking concepts to integrate a prototype-oriented
model railroad into a modest space. Each layout design includes detailed
full-color plans decorated with original watercolors, layout specifications,
prototype background, and suggestions for rolling stock, structures, and scenery
Excellent
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By Mat Chibbaro / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / October 1997
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
drawers, on tables, and more
Excellent
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Project Railroads You Can Build:
From Benchwork to Finished Scenery
By Kent J. Johnson / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / March 2001
Includes
easy-to-follow instructions for constructing moderately-sized (approximately 4'
x 8') N or HO scale model railroads from benchwork through finished scenery.
Ideal for novice model railroaders or experienced hobbyists interested in
exploring other scales. From the pages of Model Railroader Magazine. 8.25" x
10.75"; 80 pages; 180 photos; 25 illustrations; softcover
Excellent
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Realistic Model Railroad Design: Your Step-By-Step Guide to Creating a Unique
Operating Layout
By Tony Koester / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / April 1, 2004
Using photos,
illustrations, and a straightforward style, notable Model Railroader
magazine author Tony Koester shows you how to make creative, plausible
choices for the concept and construction of your next model railroad.
Covers key topics like developing an entire model railroad theme, choosing
a scale, integrating signature design elements into your track plan, and
much more.
Excellent
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Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How to Run Your Trains Like the Real Thing
By Tony Koester
/ Kalmbach
Publishing Company / March 2003
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.
Excellent
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By Iain Rice / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / March 2000
Clever solutions give
modelers new options for small, flexible layouts. Shows how interchangeable
modules, linked dioramas, and even shelving and stacking layout concepts can
build a prototype-oriented model railroad into just about any situation. Perfect
for modelers wanting a second project layout or a portable railroad that travels
well.
Excellent
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By Stan Trzoniec / Kalmbach Publishing Company / March 2003
This clear, photographic approach teaches
intermediate hobbyists how to build a realistic toy train layout using track,
scenery, rolling stock, and digital control from today’s manufacturers. Covers
the entire process of layout building, from planning and design to detail and
scenery.
Excellent
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Track Planning for Realistic
Operation: Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad
By John Armstrong / Kalmbach
Publishing Company / August 1998
Provides step-by-step
design techniques and track planning tips to save model railroaders time, money,
and headaches. This must-have book also covers aspects of prototype freight and
passenger operations, route design, and contemporary railroading.
Excellent
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Excellent
starting point! - A. C.
A book every model railroader should have!
- B. R.
By Peter H. Riddle, Gay
Riddle / Kalmbach Publishing Company / November 2002
Build an
inspiring toy train layout by including a layout design element, ranging
from track crossings to subway configurations and more. Plans are designed
for O gauge sectional track and include required dimension and an
indication of track, accessories, and other considerations.
Excellent
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Publisher: Kalmbach
Publishing Company / April 1999
An inspiring
compilation of track plans any toy train operator will devour. The quantity and
quality of tabletop and walkaround plans for small, medium, and large O and S
gauge layouts make this a stand-out book for toy train operators. Plans for
sectional and flexible track provide countless options--there's no other book
quite like it!
Excellent
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