Reviews (6)

Fastrack
This book gives a pretty good overview of Fastrack and layout building in general.A lot of the information has been covered in other books, but the areas specific to Fastrack made this worth the purchase.I suppose that had I not had the other books, this would have made 5 stars and been more valuable.I think this is a must have for folks that are just getting into O gauge railroading as many who have starter sets have Fastrack.

Lionel Fastrack Book review
This is a must have book before doing a model railroad layout using Lionel's Fastrack. Using Lionel 036 track is pretty easy but using O60 and O72 requires technical information presented well in this book. The author covers how to do layouts and wiring for conventional control and digital control (Trainmaster Command Control, TMCC). Excellent color pictures of sample layouts. I highly recommend purchasing this book.

FasTrack for Lionel O-Gauge Trains
The book provides a very thorough treatment of the FasTrack product line covering the individual FasTrack components.There is a great amount of detail on the FasTrack switches, their design and use, as well as how to wire and operate them.Extensive track layouts are shown, in photos and schematics, from very simple to extremely complex. The legends for the track components on the schematics are sometimes hard to follow, but that was only a minor nuisance.Overall, an excellent book for the FasTrack user, or if one is contemplating investing in the product line for their Lionel layout. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Collectors and collecting    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Model Railroading    6. Models    7. Railroads    8. Crafts & Hobbies / Models    9. Model railways   

Reviews (14)

The Master's Masterpiece
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.
Covers the Basics and Some Langaippe, too,
I don't think anyone in the model railroad hobby can say enough about the contributions of the late John Armstrong.His layout designs are masterpieces of getting the most out of a given space and working with the tradeoffs we all enevitably face.The book gives an overview of prototype operations and then goes into countless ideas and pointers for design and operation.I found the section on curve planning (p. 76), schematics (Chap. 8), and laying out an "easement" (p. 116) particularly useful.I recommend this to anyone planning a forst layout or for anyone building a second layout after messing up their first.It is a good companion to "Classic Layout Designs," also by John Armstrong.

Track Planning for Realistic Operation
Some concepts are not for the beginner.Let's you use your imagination to create outstanding layouts. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Models    6. Railroads    7. Track   

Reviews (10)

I love those moments
Wow.That's all I could say for a long time after I finished reading this book.What an amazing story.It may start outlight-hearted, but it's a very serious story.I loved it.The characters are incredible, the plot twist comes out of nowhere (yet there are great clues planted in the beginning), and the ending is surprising and realistic.I'm rushing off to read Godless now, and I may need to add Pete Hautman to my list of favorite authors.

life
I like my book because it's confusing; it messes with your mind.It messed with my mind because I didn't think his friend Andy died in the Tuttle place. I thought he was alive the whole time cause of how he talked to him and he wasn't really there. Is he like schizophrenic or something? I think that that was pretty mean to put him in an all boys school I didn't thing that it was where he belonged. But he's crazy and sick in the mind because he used to look into Melissa room at night. This book really didn't make much sense. All it was pretty much was a guy writing down really long lie. I would recommend this book to people with time to waste.
One of the top teen reads of the year
This comes in as one of my favorite YA reads published in 2005.There is brilliance, elegance, and genius in simplicity, and Pete Hautman's Invisible exemplifies this maxim.Despite the fact that it is less than 150 pages long, with a large font and short chapters, Invisible covers years of events, actions, and emotions with remarkable clarity.
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Subjects:  1. Best friends    2. Children's 9-12    3. Children's Books - Young Adult Fiction    4. Children: Grades 3-4    5. Children: Young Adult (Gr. 10-12)    6. Fiction    7. Friendship    8. General    9. Juvenile Fiction    10. Models    11. Railroads    12. Social Issues - Adolescence    13. Social Issues - Emotions & Feelings    14. Social Issues - Friendship    15. Juvenile Fiction / Social Situations / Friendship   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Catalogs    3. General    4. History    5. Hobbies/Crafts    6. Lionel Corporation    7. Model Railroading    8. Models    9. Railroads   

Reviews (5)

Very good reference book for the Lionel train enthusiast.
This book is a must have for the serious collector and casual Lionel train fan alike.The book gives good background information for each segment of Lionel train (locomotives, flat cars, etc.) as well as insightful commentary on each train car model. The pictures are excellent but if you are looking for detailed information on the parts and assembly of the trains then this book will not help.
MOST COMPREHENSIVE YET
THIS IS A WONDERFUL BOOK FOR THE LIONEL COLLECTOR AND ENTHUSIAST!
Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains: 1945-1969
This book is the best, there are none better!
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Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Catalogs    5. Lionel Corporation    6. Models    7. Railroads    8. Reference - Price Guides    9. Toys    10. Transportation    11. History Of Art / Art & Design Styles   

Reviews (11)

Excellent hands on book
I have owned this book for several years and refer to it often. It is not just for model railroaders. It is perfect for anyone that wants to build dioramas of any type that look realistic. I build fantasy dioramas of castles, knights, dungeons etc. and this book is perfectly suited for that.
Usefull
I am a beginer and after I read this book I think that I am not anymore.Very recomended.
Usefull
I am a beginer and after I read this book I think that I am not anymore.Very recomended.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Models    6. Railroads    7. Woodwork - General   

Reviews (6)

VERY Usefull Refrence!
For somebody without any idea about woodworking and carpentry this is VERY usefull, very clear diagrams and explinations on various bench top types and various bench top sizes, a must for any begginer or anyone that may be looking at a diffrent setup than what they have built in the past, you will not be disapointed!

Great for big layouts - Overkill for small ones
This book covers everything you need to know about building large scale model railroad benchwork.If you're looking for information on building a basic 4' X 8' bench, there are about 3 pages of information that cover this.If you never plan to get much bigger than 4' X 8', this rest if the information in this book is interesting, however, you may be better served, initially, by a different book.

Good book on benchwork
I have to assume this, I was a complete newbie to lumberwork before reading this book, and while I'm still very far to be a master in this particular art in model railroading, I can say this book helped me a lot on the subject. There may be some flaws on advanced subjects as noted on other reviews, such as modular layouts or foam based strategies (which I recently used on a N scale time-saver), but the goal attained on techniques to use on lumber and traditional layouts makes this book a worthy purchase for begginer and intermediate modellers, as it both introduces basic techniques and develops them on more advanced subjects throught the book. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Models    6. Railroads    7. Structural frames   

Reviews (3)

Could Have Been Better
I was a bit disappointed by this book. It started off very well but then wandered off in a direction I did not want to take.
Absolutely outstanding railroad reference book.:D
I work in the video game industry and am working on a game that has a railroad level in it. These model railroad books are the perfect reference! The whole book is filled with great ideas and each idea is supported with real photographs. A+ One of the best
Enhanced throughout with maps and illustrations
The Model Railroader Guide To Freight Yards by model railroading expert Andy Sperandeo presents a compendium of overviews with respect to basic freight yard functions and operations; strategies for modeling freight yards based on specific prototypes; examples of interesting scenes and structures to model; ideas for saving space when designing a yard plan; and track plans from successfully modeled freight yards. Enhanced throughout with maps and illustrations for easy planning and designing, and with an inspirational photo gallery concluding each chapter, The Model Railroader Guide To Freight Yards is a welcome and enthusiastically recommended addition to any dedicated railroad modeler's reference shelf collection.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Model Railroading   

Features

• Illustrated

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Engineering - Mechanical    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Machinery    6. Metal Work    7. Model Railroading    8. Steam Engineering    9. Model railways    10. STEAM-ENGINES    11. Technology / Machinery    12. Trains & railways: general interest   

Reviews (1)

Not Just For Railraoders
I have owned this book for years and it is a staple of the Model railroad community. But all the techniques and tips are perfectly suited for making dioramas for D&D or wargaming or just plain fantasy dioramas. Which is what I do. I have never made a model railraod but I have made many fantasy dioramas - knights, battles, castles etc.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies / Model Railroading    2. Crafts & Hobbies / Models    3. Crafts / Hobbies    4. Models    5. Crafts & Hobbies    6. How-To    7. Model Railroading    8. Models and modelmaking    9. Railroads   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Model Railroading   

Reviews (3)

A Good Collection of Great How-To Articles
Several books listed on Amazon will tell you what it takes to get a railroad running in your back yard.This book gives you some ideas for getting an attractive, visually balanced, reliable railroad running. Jack Verducci is one of the most respected names in Garden Railroading. He has published many of the "definitive" articles on garden railroad landscaping issues (and many other kinds of articles besides). Reprints of Jack's articles are always in high demand. A few have already been reprinted along with reprints from other authors in the collection Garden Railroading: Getting Started in the Hobby.
The perfect "how to" introduction to creating a model railroading set-up in any kind of backyard garden or landscape
Enhanced with more than 185 photos and diagrams, How To Design And Build Your Garden Railroad is the perfect "how to" introduction to creating a model railroading set-up in any kind of backyard garden or landscape. Detailed, methodical, comprehensive directions are provided for every aspect of a project beginning with the proper selection of where to build an outdoor model railroad system, what's needed and how to get started, preparing the groundwork (including plants and foliage), laying the tack, dealing with problems, adding drama to the set up, positioning structures (building trestles for outdoor use), water feature designs with respect to ponds, waterfalls and streams, and generally maintaining the railway. Of added value is a suppliers list that will prove especially useful for the novice model railroading hobbyist. If you are planning an outdoor railway system for your garden or landscape, then give a very careful reading to Jack Verducci's How To Design And Build Your Garden Railroad!
Almost perfect
How to Design and Build Your Garden Railroad by Jack Verducci is a deinite must read for garden railway fans.Mr Verducci writes in a pleasant and easy to read/understand manner.He gives good examples and provides excellent illustrations and photographs.The only drawback I see is I wish the book were a bit more detailed.I would appreciate, for example, more information on laying home made track rather than store bought variety.Living in areas with frost, it would have been nice to see more suggestions that pertain directly to the problems of frost heave/track expansion/contraction. However, that being said I still feel the book is well worth reading! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Garden Design    3. Model Railroading   

Reviews (9)

N Scale Model Railroad That Grows
Excellent for beginners.Instructions permit the average person to create their own idea of a railroad.The instructions can be modified to create any layout.

Great book for beginners
For almost a year I was trying to figure out how to get started with what I wanted to do.I had a bunch of track, some rolling stock, and the benchwork -- but didn't know where to go next.This book has really helped, I use it so often as a reference as I go, that it is bent from where I hold it.The part on wiring was great -- not super in depth, but showed me exactly what I needed to know to wire the block, switches, and power.Pictures & illustrations are great and the text is easy to follow.
Great book
Filled with tips for beginners and some tricks for old dogs, this book is a nice purchase to people wanting to try N scale or check some techniques on a very practical approach. The only drawback on the book is that while it is an introcutory book to model railroading, it doesn't concern on operating the layout (that's half the fun on model railroading!), but that can be easily covered by other books as well. BEst of all, the book does not present any complex technique, if you are a beginner go for it. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Models    6. Railroads    7. Model railways   

Reviews (3)

Great book chock full of ideas and photographs!
I work in the video game industry and am working on a game that has a railroad level in it. These model railroad books are the perfect reference! The whole book is filled with great ideas and each idea is supported with real photographs. A+ One of the best
Outstanding Railroad Book
This is one of the best railroad books I own.It covers several of the most used railroad industries and no only explains how to use them in a model railroad, but explains how each work and what type of cars to use (and for what era).I thought the book would be good for information on industries for a model railroad, but found it to be a very interesting and educational book about how each industry works.I goes over meat packing and livestock shipping, explains how crude oil is refined into various produts, types and uses for coal, just to name a few.Even if you are not planning a model, this book is a great aid for those who are interested is what those industries along the railroad really do.I would class this book as a must have.

Great Read
Very informative book that I have found very helpful I am starting my very first model railroad and this book has helped me to understand exactly what and how these industries worked and what type of boxcars,tankcars,auto carriers etc. started and the improvments made over time I found this book to be very in depth on these industries without boring me.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Model Railroading   

Reviews (3)

4
If you don't have any background in model railroading than this book is a good place to start.It will read great the first time through but don't expect to ever go back to it for reference later down the line.Concepts like control panels, wiring, switches, etc. are all left vaugely discussed, and for this reason it can be frustrating.Make sure you buy this is conjunction with another book better detailed in any areas you don't understand (like wiring).

You need this book
If you are considering entering the world of Model Railroading you must have this book. It will guide you from an empty room to a fully functioning railroad. Lots of tips and step by step make it very easy for a novice tomake a pretty nice layout. � can't recommend this enough.

A Great Beginner's Guide
I had been struggling with how to start railroading for about 6 monthswhen I ran across this book at the library. I finally have some directionand the available know-how to get going. The book covers the most basicsubjects of how to get started as well as a few more advanced subjects. It's a must for new modelers! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Models    6. Railroads    7. Model railways   

Reviews (2)

Fills a Needed Niche
Many people find themselves fascinated by railroads and get caught up in the hobby of building model railroads but are hampered by one big problem. They don't know how the real thing operates. If the act of building is the fascination, then this poses no problem but if you actually want to do anything with the trains besides watch them go around and around, you need to learn something about the real thing. That's where this book comes in handy.
Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide
Realistic Model Railroad Operation: How To Run Your Trains Like The Real Thing by Tony Koester is a complete and "user friendly" guide to realistic model railroad operation. Readers will be provided with a quick-start guide to realistic operating sessions complete in a single evening; diverse schemes for forwarding cars and moving trains across a model railroading layout; explanations of sign systems as they apply to model railroads; and an appendix of precise railroading terminology. Superbly enhanced with previously unpublished color photography of tony Koester's HO scale Allegheny Midland Railroad (along with other great model railroads), Realistic Model Railroad Operation is a seminal and core addition to any dedicated model railroaders reference shelf. Model railorading enthusiasts are encouraged to send for the free Kalmbach Publishing catalog for a complete listing of their titles. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading   

Reviews (2)

Black-N-White Pix; 1955??
if a train watcher of any kind you need this book but the black and white pix, or lack of many pix as well as lack of any maps at all shows a distinct lack of effort by Kalmbach; very dissappointing

Great on data and pictures - maps are sorely lacking
American Shortline Railway Guide is a great help for any train buff. Over 500 short lines are described: history, current status, number of engines (some lines with full listing), cars, as well as address of owner and radiofrequencies. I especially liked the many pictures accompanying the text.There is really one drawback only: The book does not contain any maps. Youwill need a train atlas or a Rand Mc Nally on the side, unfortunately.Other interesting details are lists of abandoned and non-operating lines aswell as addresses of ownerships companies. A must-have for US train buffs,especially in conjunction with the Train-Watchers Guide to North AmericanRailroads (also by George W. Drury). ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Canada    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Directories    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Model Railroading    6. Railroads    7. Railroads - History    8. Railroads - Pictorial    9. Transportation    10. United States    11. Hobbies, Quizzes & Games    12. Railway transport industries   

Reviews (3)

great resource for the military figure modeler
The current edition is a major revision of the original book, and includes detailed information on painting with oils as well as acrylic paints. Most techniques are well illustrated with good quality closeup photographs, which really helps to walk you through the steps.

How to Paint Realistic Military Figures
This book was exactly what I was looking for. I'm fairly fussy when it comes to my hobbies, and will only invest in something that I know is good.
A Very Good Primer for Painting with Acrylics!
Actually, I haven't seen the new edition of this book; only the original. The techniques of using acrylics for figure painting are explained very clearly and the photos are very good. Each stage of achieving the final result is shown. BEST OF ALL: The authors of this book do good work, so you know THEY know what they're talking about! Beware of another book on painting figures with acrylics...this was the first I've seen and is still light years ahead of the 'other'. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Cooking    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Military miniatures    6. Miniature craft    7. Model Railroading    8. Models    9. Painting    10. Technique   

Reviews (4)

An Education In Model Railroad Layout Planning
The late John Armstrong is considered by many in the model railroad community to be the Dean of layout planning and now I know why. The tricks, tips, and explanations he gives are first rate and I understand so much more about layout planning and design such as why to use easements for curves and how to plan them (P. 18) or how to integrate crossovers into a simple dog bone layout for the best effect (use two, P. 30). Never have I seen any designs get more use out of space but at the same time keeping a regard for scenery and not looking "toy-like." I thoroughly enjoyed this book and found it extremely useful.
The Classic Layout Designs of John Armstrong
As long as your interested in Model railroading, as I am. This is a definative work. it make fascinating reading.

Practical and smart projects
This book is a great companion to "Track Planning for Realistic Operation: Prototype Railroad Concepts for Your Model Railroad", also by John Armstrong. Unlike other layout plan books, this has many details on the operational aspect of these layouts, decisions on how to recreate in scale an specific prototype and notes that make the book a complete reference on these layouts, not only a set of plans gathered on a book with no further detail (which is exactly what we often see in layout books). Layouts range from small to larger size, so there's is inspiration for everyone inside, from begginer's to advanced modellers. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. General    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Model Railroading    6. Models    7. Railroads    8. Track   

Reviews (4)

This is must have Model Railroading Book
I purchased this book about a year and a half ago. I must pick it up at least three to four times a week.The realism of Mr. Allen's skill as a model railroader is nothing short of extradinoary.The pictures of his work are amazing. This is the best Model Railroading book I have ever read, and my preference is O guage not HO.

Model Railroading with John Allen
I have an original edition of this book by Mr. Westcott and John Allen's work goes far beyond the model railroad it depicts. Mr. John Allen was one of the great masters of Photography and art. This is a book on light and color and texture as well as model railroading. Magnificent
Mr.Wescotts story on his friend John Allen is told very well and is a good insight on the greatest model railroad builder of all time. The pictures of the railroad in this book bear out the afore mentioned statement.A must have for anyone interested in model railroading and I'd recommend it to non railroaders who would appreciate a thing of beauty. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1913-1973    2. Allen, John,    3. General    4. Gorre and Daphetid Railroad (M    5. History - General History    6. Model Railroading    7. Allen, John