Books - Railway Modelling

Digital Command Control (DCC) is the latest improvement in electrical operation of model trains, but it’s so much more. DCC can help model trains take advantage of all the new features in modern model trains like realistic sound and smoother switching and running. This comprehensive, all-new volume helps modelers get the most out of DCC with diagrams and photos showing how DCC works, from wiring, to installing and setting decoders in running equipment, to throttle units. The DCC Guide presents an overview of the product lines available and helps modelers select the right system for their plans.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Create a more realistic scene behind and around your model railroad! This book shows you how, from ground cover and rockwork, to trees, water, and more. Learn the finishing touches that give a railroad character. Includes photos of models and prototype scenes for inspiration.

One of model railroading's best-known scenery modelers offers new techniques for adding realism to a layout of any size or scale. Featuring today's newest products and equipment, this third edition of one of Kalmbach's top-sellers will attract modelers with contemporary images of diesel locomotives and urban settings, plus updates to Dave's trademark scenery “recipes.” Hundreds of photographs bring the techniques to life and make it easy for modelers to get started quickly.Includes new chapters on Western scenery and desert modeling, and city scenery and urban settingsIdeal for beginning, intermediate, and advanced modelers planning a layout

Using a step-by-step photographic approach, this book offers proven, easy-to-follow techniques for installing of sturdy trackwork, including fitting the roadbed, laying sectional or flexible track, and finishing the track with lineside details. Also covers installing turnouts, cleaning and maintaining trackwork, and other special techniques suitable for a layout of any size or scale.

Simple, affordable, straightforward – the track plans in Starter Track Plans for Model Railroaders have one thing in common – they’re eminently buildable. Perfect for small spaces and beginner layouts, this mix of HO and N scale track plans emphasizes simplicity, flexibility and interesting operation.

A comprehensive how-to guide for constructing the most common forms of scenery: mountains, deserts, lakes and streams, and rural and town scenes.

More than a dozen easy weathering and detailing projects will show you how to add realism to rolling stock and locomotives. Well-illustrated, easy-to-follow instructions make this book suitable for beginning model railroaders.

Learn the reasons for including structures on your layout, then select and build the your own! Photo-driven projects demonstrate the tools, materials, and techniques used when modeling plastic or wood structures. Offers techniques for realistic finishing, including painting, weathering, sign making, interior detailing, and more.

Get started with Digital Command Control (DCC)! This how-to guide covers the basics, with an overview of DCC, track wiring, cab bus wiring, and converting an existing layout to DCC. Written by Mike Polsgrove, Model Railroader’s columnist on DCC.

Acquire more space and longer towns and runs with multiple decks. Tony Koester walks you through design, options, lighting and wiring considerations, the where and when sequence, as well as the all-important construction techniques.

Featuring plans from Model Railroader magazine from three decades, each of the 101 track plans has a newly written, informational description of the design. The track plans range in size from simple 4 x 8 foot and smaller layouts to room- and garage-sized showpieces, with the majority focusing on mid-size layouts.

From small ovals with a couple of sidings and simple end-to-end layouts, through to large mainline railways. There's even a multi-operator track plan for the really ambitions.