Model Trains Books

How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery, Third Edition (Model Railroader Books)

Dave Frary

Amazon Price: $16.47 List Price: $24.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kalmbach - Model: 12216 Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $14.55

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Features:

• How to Build Realistic Scenery 3rd Edition
• KALMBACH PUBLISHING CO.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

great for building rocks and mountains. 4 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Very good advice. excellent Step by step approach. The book tries hard to keep up with the latest technology and trends. I have the first edition, which I believe to hold a better overall perspective of scenery construction and color theory, which seems to be missing from the current edition. The two editions do complement each other quite well however. This edition goes into a great deal of detail of realistic rock outcropping construction. it would be nice if other aspects of scenery creation were treated with as much detail and finesse, such as trees, water, ground cover and prairie grass.

-BK

Excellent scenery tips 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Dave Frary presents this topic in a logical, progressive manner. Even if you have experience in building scenery, I'm sure you will still find some useful tips.

Editorial Review:

"""How to Build Realistic Model Railroad Scenery"" 3rd Edition is a Model Railroader Book from the Kalmbach Publishing Company. Author: Dave Frary FEATURES: An excellent paperback reference guide for creating scenery so true-to-life it fools the eye! This updated edition reflects the new developments in modeling materials and techniques

How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork, Second Edition (Model Railroader)

Linn Hanson Westcott, Rick Selby

Amazon Price: $11.53 List Price: $16.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Kalmbach - Model: KAL12175 Amazon Marketplace: 25 new & used starting at $9.94

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Features:

• How to Build Model Railroad Benchwork
• KALMBACH PUBLISHING CO.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

The Best Foundational Book 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

For building benchwork, this is the best book out there. Benchwork is not fun or glamorous but it is the foundation of all that will follow. It does not pay to skimp on it. This book shows how to build it effectively and cheaply.

Several different approaches are examined. These include primarily the L-girder style and the butt joint style but others are touched upon as well. What this book has that similar ones lack is in depth information on sub roadbeds, splines and helices.

It's the best out there.

Great Book 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

A must for any serious model railroader who wants to learn skills from those who have "been there" and "done that".

Back to basics 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Great book to build layouts of all sorts. If just starting to build a layout, start with the 1st edition or something similar first. This book is an advanced version. Still, the plans or ideas will definitly give you insight for any upcoming or future product.

Editorial Review:

"Benchwork is the essential framework that holds your trains and track up off the floor. Whether it's permanent and adjustable or lightweight and portable, benchwork is one of the most important components of a model railroad in any scale. INCLUDES: One Book,""How To Build Model Railroad Benchwork

One Hundred and One Track Plans for Model Railroaders (Model Railroad Handbook, No. 3) (Model Railroad Handbook, No. 3)

Linn Westcott

Amazon Price: $10.85 List Price: $15.95 Usually ships in 10 to 12 days By: Kalmbach - Model: KAL12012 Amazon Marketplace: 11 new & used starting at $7.75

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Features:

• 101 Track Plans
• KALMBACH PUBLISHING CO.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

This is a 72 page guide to 101 Model Railroading Track Plans from Kalmbach Books. Every one of the 101 track plans in this book is an adventure in model railroad design. A complete miniature world with a theme, purpose, and atmosphere. The plans range in size from tiny layouts that would fit on a card table to a huge estate-size railroad designed for a specifically built building. The author also explains how to convert the plans for use in the various model railroad scales, how to build a layout from a plan, and how to choose the plan best suited to your space and personality. Plans are included for N, HO, S and O scale railroads. FEATURES: Glossy softcover 72 page book. Includes techniques helpful for the beginner as well as the advanced rail modeler. Includes incredibly detailed scale drawings for each layout. Each plan is built around a railroad theme with an atmosphere of real, or sometimes imaginary countryside that can be used on any model railroad. The plans, arranged by size, are presented in simple steps to help you: -Choose the best plan -Modify it if desired -Build the railroad of your dreams! INCLUDES: One 72 page 101 Model Railroading Track Plans Book SPECS: Pages: 72 Width: 8-1/4"" (209mm) Height: 10-3/4"" (289mm)

The Model Railroader's Guide to Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels (Model Railroader's Guide To...)

Jeff Wilson

Amazon Price: $13.57 List Price: $19.95 Usually ships in 1 to 3 weeks By: Kalmbach - Model: KAL12452 Amazon Marketplace: 8 new & used starting at $12.48

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Features:

• The Model Railroad Guide to Bridges & Trestles
• KALMBACH PUBLISHING CO.

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 4 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

An in-depth guide that combines an appreciation of railroad history with solid how-to tactics for bringing said history to life 5 out of 5 stars.
8 of 9 people found this review helpful.

The Model Railroader's Guide To Bridges, Trestles & Tunnels is an in-depth hobbyist's guide to adding minutely detailed, realistic bridges and tunnel portals to a model railroad layout. Chapters include overviews of the construction and purpose of bridges, trestles, and tunnels; historic and contemporary prototype photos, in black-and-white and color; strategies for modeling, painting, and weathering scale replicas; listings of bridge, trestle, and tunnel kits in HO, N, and O scale, as well as excellent suggestions for modifying kits and scratchbuilding; and so much more. An in-depth guide that combines an appreciation of railroad history with solid how-to tactics for bringing said history to life.

Jeff Wilson "Bridges the Gap" 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

As a 28 year veteran of professional railroading, with 18 years in the bridge department, Jeff has indeed managed to bridge the gap between prototype and modeler. He explains in great detail the "why" that goes into selecting the proper type or size bridge for a particular location. Many beautiful bridge models are spoiled because they would just not be practical in the real world. Jeff did an excellent job of researching the subject material and has made it easy for a modeler to build a very nice, prototypical bridge for a given geographic location.

Editorial Review:

"""The Model Railroader's Guide to Bridges

Christmasville

Michael Dutton

Amazon Price: $12.89 List Price: $18.95 In stock soon. Order now to get in line. First come, first served. By: Linden Park Publishers, Ltd Amazon Marketplace: 20 new & used starting at $11.74

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 10 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Christmasville 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is destined to become a Christmas Classic. As a life long model and garden railroader, trains and Christmas Villages have been a part of Christmass for as long as I can remember! I am sure I am not the only person who has rested on the floor and watched the train circle the Christmas Village and imagined what it would be like to live(and love)there and begin to give names to the figures and buildings under the tree. Christmasville brings this concept to life!
The book is like a box of choclates that you just want to savor and last forever. Alas, you know that it won't so you just hope that the last piece will satisfy as much as what came before and Christmasville does this and more.
When it will be made into a movie?
If there's any "downside", and this is not the author's fault, the print is a bit small for these 50+ year old eyes to read. Bigger type and PERHAPS a map of the "current" Christmasville would have made the experience even that more sweeter!
I now find myself looking forward to the sequel where Mary Jane Higgins tries to....... well I'll let you read Christmasville and let YOU discover what the next book is about!

The Big Book of Lionel: The Complete Guide to Owning and Running America's Favorite Toy Trains

Robert S. Schleicher

Amazon Price: $26.95 List Price: $29.95 Usually ships in 7 to 11 days By: MBI Amazon Marketplace: 32 new & used starting at $10.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

An illustrated treasury for Lionel enthusiasts. Highlights include an overview of product development, 20 track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice on building scenery and structures, wiring and track how-to, help in choosing locomotives and freight or passenger operations, maintenance and restoration tips and techniques, and instructions for all kinds of prototypes. - Hobby Merchandiser, September 2004Author and hobby veteran Robert Schleicher presents an illustrated treasury of practical advice for the Lionel enthusiast. Included in this volume are: an overview of product development, track plans for the floor and tabletop, advice on building scenery and structures, wiring and track how-to, help in choosing steam or diesel locomotives and freight or passenger operations, maintenance and restoration tips techniques, and instructions for operations that best emulate prototype railroads.Officially Licensed by Lionel- Only comprehensive, hands-on Lionel book to take technological developments of the last decade into consideration.- Schleicher's previous Lionel Train Book was published by Lionel in 1986 and has sold an estimated 20,000 copies LTD.- All techniques and topics discussed are fully illustrated.- 2004 will mark the 25th anniversary of General Mills' resuscitation of the Lionel name.About the AuthorBob Schleicher of Niwot, Colorado, is a veteran hobby industry writer and publisher, and the author of several MBI titles, most recently 101 Projects for Your Model Railroad and Slot Car Bible.

Track Planning for Realistic Operation: Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad (Model Railroader)(3rd Edition)

John H. Armstrong

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: KAL - Model: KAL12148 Amazon Marketplace: 22 new & used starting at $13.10

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Features:

• Kalmbach Track Planning for Realistic Operation - 12148
• KAL

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The Master's Masterpiece 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.

John Armstrong is one of the best known names to the model railroad hobby. He has written extensively but this book is his finest work.

A person interested in railroads finds himself caught up in lots of detailed scenes and complex trackwork. Armstrong explains what it all does and why it is arranged in the way it is. He does this by explaining railroad practice in the real world and then by looking at the problems faced by the modeler. He does so in a lucid and interesting manner...for the first half of the book.

While the first half of the book is dedicated to teaching about how railroads operate, the second is intended to teach how to model them effectively. He explains broad general concepts and then refines things and explains them in easy stages. He knows where the pitfalls are and he points out solutions.

This is a useful book for anyone from beginner to advanced but especially the beginner.

Editorial Review:

"This is a 144 page Track Planning for Realistic Operation Book from Kalmbach Books. Whether you're planning your first permanent layout or you've already started building your latest model railroad empire, here's a book as essential as a pencil, saber saw, and electric drill. Inside this indispensable manual is information about how real railroads operate and how to design a realistic model railroad in any scale. FEATURES: Glossy softcover 144 page book. Includes techniques and information beneficial for both the beginner and advanced modeler. Includes many pictures and detailed diagrams. This book is full of helpful ""how-to"" information

Easy Model Railroad Wiring, Second Edition (Model Railroader)

Andy Sperandeo

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: KAL - Model: KAL12207 Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $11.00

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Features:

• Kalmbach Easy Model Railroad Wiring 2nd Edition - 12207
• KAL

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Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Railroads -> General
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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, but hard to read 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I found the book very informative and everything you need to know is in this book...but it is dry reading (or course) and sometimes it will discuss concepts but not illustrate them...or the illustrations will not readily make sense. But everyone who wants to get into model railroading really should read this book.

Every thing you need to know in one place. 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book covers all aspects ot the electrical systems for a model railroad. It was written at teh dawn of DCC and is lacking there..... But still a very valuable resource.

Editorial Review:

"Easy Model Railroad Wiring (2nd Edition) is intended for the Individual who has Achieved a Level of Skill and is Ready to Move on. From the Publishers of Model Railroader Magazine it is their 2nd in the series. This is a Deeply Detailed Book that teaches much of the Working of the Electronic wiring of your Train Track. FEATURES: Shows you Basic Electricity, Choosing a Power Pack, Two-Rail Wiring, Turning Trains and Engines Around, Controlling Two Trains at Once Cab Control, and Multiple Cabs, Locating Blocks, Commmand Control, Turnout Control, Layout Wiring, Control Panels, and ""In Case of Trouble"". Many Wiring Diagrams

Easy Model Railroad Wiring, Second Edition (Model Railroader)

Andy Sperandeo

Amazon Price: $14.93 List Price: $21.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: KAL - Model: KAL12207 Amazon Marketplace: 33 new & used starting at $11.00

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Features:

• Kalmbach Easy Model Railroad Wiring 2nd Edition - 12207
• KAL

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Subjects -> Home & Garden -> Crafts & Hobbies -> Model Trains
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Railroads -> General
Subjects -> Nonfiction -> Transportation -> Railroads -> General AAS

Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 6 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good, but hard to read 5 out of 5 stars.
7 of 7 people found this review helpful.

I found the book very informative and everything you need to know is in this book...but it is dry reading (or course) and sometimes it will discuss concepts but not illustrate them...or the illustrations will not readily make sense. But everyone who wants to get into model railroading really should read this book.

Every thing you need to know in one place. 5 out of 5 stars.
5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book covers all aspects ot the electrical systems for a model railroad. It was written at teh dawn of DCC and is lacking there..... But still a very valuable resource.

Editorial Review:

"Easy Model Railroad Wiring (2nd Edition) is intended for the Individual who has Achieved a Level of Skill and is Ready to Move on. From the Publishers of Model Railroader Magazine it is their 2nd in the series. This is a Deeply Detailed Book that teaches much of the Working of the Electronic wiring of your Train Track. FEATURES: Shows you Basic Electricity, Choosing a Power Pack, Two-Rail Wiring, Turning Trains and Engines Around, Controlling Two Trains at Once Cab Control, and Multiple Cabs, Locating Blocks, Commmand Control, Turnout Control, Layout Wiring, Control Panels, and ""In Case of Trouble"". Many Wiring Diagrams