Reviews (5)

A Mixed Bag
This book consists of reprints of articles from Model Railroader Magazine. The articles cover a wide range of topics, all covered by the title, and some of them are very good, some are inane and most are somewhere in the middle. For a person always looking for new ideas, this is a worthwhile investment. Mostly, though, the information on track can be picked up more easily in books specifically dedicated to trackwork and the information on the details would be better in a book on that subject. Still, it has a few winners.

Very Advanced Refrence .. Not for the Novice!
The only downside of this book is that it for an advanced model railroader, be aware any novice railroaders this may be a little over you head, good insparation for a begginer though.

Excellent Detail!!!
This is definitely for the modeler who wants to take their hobby to the next level. The first half of the book covers how to lay track with tons of tricks and tips from a seasoned modeler. It walks you through all the steps from roadbed to ballast to weathering. Lots of drawings, color sketches and photos. I would never have dreamed of attempting to lay my own turnouts but this books give you so much details, I actually think I can do it with great success!The second have is just as good. Each details has photos of real prototypes, history and explanation, sketches with enough detail to scratch build all of them, even material recommendations. Truly a must have! ... Read more

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

Reviews (7)

Very Basic, Good Primer
This is not a book that will teach somebody all the aspects of DCC. Instead, it is a simple primer that gives the basics. It does so in a clear and logical manner that is easy to understand. A person could conceivably wire up a railroad layout after reading this book (probably with lots of luck and attention to the manufacturers documentation) but that would not be wise. A person should do some more in depth planning. This book will not help with that.
Precious guide for dcc beginners
A good book, very helpful for begin in DCC sistem control for model railroaders.
Lack of information
I was very disappointed in this book.It was sorely lacking in content, mostly it was like reading a big ad for a single model of DCC equipment.I was looking for something which would give more than a general overview of the DCC system.Coverage on the accessory DCC capable options would have been nice.After getting this book I had to still go to the internet and research; this book should have been my reference. I would suggest that you wait until version 2 or maybe 3 of this book before buying it, maybe then they might even add a table for the CV values and what they mean for a decoder. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Some Nice Ideas in Small Spaces
The two biggest problems of any model railroader are lack of money and lack of space. This book nicely addresses both of those problems. The first is addressed indirectly because small layouts cost less than those that take over large buildings. These are mostly intended to fit in small areas, 4'x8' usually, and they are well though out, interesting and cost effective.
A recommended resource book for model railroaders
Basic Model Railroad Track Plans: Small Starter Layouts You Can Build is a superbly presented collection of detailed plans and layouts for amazing and vibrant finished results. From models of St. Paul Central to Valley Forge Central, these scaled-down railway s reflect locations across America. The informal and practical text offers useful tips for dedicated hobbyists and color illustrations combined with detailed three-dimensional diagrams help to clearly explain the methodology of construction. Basic Model Railroad Tarck Plans is an excellent and recommended resource book for model railroaders. ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

ALook at Design Philosophy
This is not a book of track plans nor is it a book that spends much time on how to lay track. Instead, it attempts to teach broad design considerations to make a model railroad operate better and seem more realistic. It considers such matters as modeling an imaginary line as opposed to one from the real world. It talks about making scenes plausible in their context; this is not always the same as real. It considers how to pick rolling stock and how to choose graphic and model elements to make the miniature model world more like the real one. Most important, though, it tries to teach how to make a layout reliable.
An in-depth guide for dedicated hobbyists
Realistic Model Railroad Design by Tony Koester is a methodical, step-by-step guide to crafting a captivating, original layout for an impressively presented model railroad. Full color photography and meticulous attention to the little tweaks that make great environments stand out make this practical, in-depth guide for dedicated hobbyists a top of the line resource. Special attention to drawing inspiration and atmosphere from real-life railroad locations, complete with sample images, distinguishes this above par dedicated model railroading hobbyist instructional accessory. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Great book!
The book all model railroader must have. Blueprints are perfect to check dimensions of models and there is also the models' histories.

A must have for steam enthusiasts
Maybe I looked at a different book than the previous reviewer. This is dynamite. It's obviously great for model makers, but I like it just for the reference info and the photographs. Couple this with Drury's Guide to NorthAmerican Steam Locomotives and it's a great reference set.

Good review of many steam engines for modeling.
This is a good overview of mostly standard guage steam engines.There are some good drawings that could be used to create or enhance an engine model.There is very little information on narrow guage and none on two footguage engines. ... Read more

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

Reviews (4)

Nice book..
I bought this book 2 weeks ago, and I spent an hour with it.Well and friendly written , good described concepts !.. for beginner like me. But I didn't find any European Brands such as (Trix or Fleischmann) samples in this book, you are understanding "re-thing" before realizing your own layout and scenery by N-Scale items.There is no lighting and electrical samples in the book.Just track feeding and wiring..A learned a lot of things from the Glossary.After all this is a nice book for beginner.

Good starting point for N-scale
I like this book although there are a number of similar books available. It gives a nice overview of N-scale modelling and covers most of the essential points in this hobby. In the end it uses a nice but simple layout to illustrate the building of layouts in this scale. A good starting point for everyone interested in N-scale. Recommended.

Good starting point for N-scale
I like this book although there are a number of similar books available. It gives a nice overview of N-scale modelling and covers most of the essential points in this hobby. In the end it uses a nice but simple layout to illustrate the building of layouts in this scale. A good starting point for everyone interested in N-scale. Recommended. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Model Railroading    3. Models    4. Railroads    5. Railroads - General    6. Transportation   

Reviews (2)

Jeff Wilson "Bridges the Gap"
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.

An in-depth guide that combines an appreciation of railroad history with solid how-to tactics for bringing said history to life
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.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Metal Work    5. Model Railroading   

Reviews (1)

An interesting collection of photographs
This is a useful album-format collection of b&w photos of the New Haven Railroad's Shore Line.The pictures are well-chosen with adequate captions.The book also has good production values in that the prints areclear.The only problem I had was that some of the captions were a bitmisleading.For example, one photo showed a picture of a train arriving atSouth Station while the caption said it was departing.This in no way,however, detracts from the value of the book for modelers and historians ofthe NYNH&H. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Connecticut    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Curiosities & Wonders    4. Hobbies/Crafts    5. Massachusetts    6. Model Railroading    7. New York (State)    8. New York, New Haven, and Hartf    9. Railroad    10. Railroads    11. Railroads - History    12. Railroads - Pictorial    13. Transportation   

Reviews (1)

Toy train layout from start to finish
Great book for the itermediate train enthusist. Well documented with great photography and step by step instructions. My son and I had a great time building it together! ... Read more

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

Reviews (2)

Disappointing, superficial
There really is not enough information here to justify a separate book.The same information can be found in a lot of other books that cover a broader range of railroading topics.The book is particularly poor in its coverage of diesel servicing.It simply states that diesel facilities are too large to model and then reconstructs a small facility by setting up a Pikestuff building with some American Line accessories.That is a whole chapter in a nutshell.I think anyone purchasing a book like this would hope for a lot more information.They will not find it here.Basics like how to lay track or add turf effects should really be covered in other books and their inclusion here just seems filler. The author assumes that all people reading the book are working in HO scale.

Useful Guide
As with most books of this type, this is an extremely useful guide.Photos are crisp and text is well-detailed.Any modeler interested in modeling a free-lance engine terminal will find this a valuable resource. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Model railways   

Subjects:  1. Antiques / Collectibles    2. Crafts & Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading    5. Reference - Price Guides    6. Toys   

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Model Railroading   

Reviews (5)

J& MK RR
The book will answer all my questions nicely.
Easy Model Railroad Wiring
Requires electrical and soldering knowledge.Younger individuals may require supervision.Excellent ideas for creating personal layouts.

Every thing you need to know in one place.
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. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Crafts / Hobbies    2. Electric equipment    3. Model Railroading    4. Models    5. Railroads    6. Railroads - General    7. Transportation   

Reviews (11)

Loved it!
I really really like this book and have read it several times. I hope other readers won't be intimidated by the creepy cover and title because trust me, if you read this you'll want your own copy. This book is really exciting and suspenseful.

best read i've had in a while!!!
Throw in an ordinary boy named Measle, a completely insane dark wizard, a mysterious train set, 6 very small people, 1 very little brave dog, and a whole dump truck full of danger and you've got a wonderful adventure story with non-stop action and magic.
Wonderful read aloud
My 1st grader thoroughly enjoyed this book being read to him, he found Measle's dog hilarious. We have just bought the next two, Measle and the Dragodon, Measle and the Mallockee. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Action & Adventure    2. Action & Adventure - General    3. Children's 9-12 - Fiction - Science Fiction    4. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Fiction    5. Children: Grades 4-6    6. Fiction    7. Humorous Stories    8. Juvenile Fiction    9. Models    10. Orphans    11. Railroads    12. Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic    13. Wizards    14. Juvenile Fiction / Humorous Stories   

Reviews (6)

The most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it
David Doyle's new Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains 1900-1942 is the most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it. From the turn of the century until World war II, Lionel turned out toy trains for kids of all ages: over a thousand color photos blends with pricing guidelines for different conditions to accompany a history of Lionel products. Organized by type of product, from passenger cars and ballast cars to box cars, collectors will find this quite an easy reference to use.

The most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it
David Doyle's new Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains 1900-1942 is the most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it. From the turn of the century until World war II, Lionel turned out toy trains for kids of all ages: over a thousand color photos blends with pricing guidelines for different conditions to accompany a history of Lionel products. Organized by type of product, from passenger cars and ballast cars to box cars, collectors will find this quite an easy reference to use.

The most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it
David Doyle's new Standard Catalog Of Lionel Trains 1900-1942 is the most complete guide available for Lionel products: collectors won't want to be without it. From the turn of the century until World war II, Lionel turned out toy trains for kids of all ages: over a thousand color photos blends with pricing guidelines for different conditions to accompany a history of Lionel products. Organized by type of product, from passenger cars and ballast cars to box cars, collectors will find this quite an easy reference to use. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Antiques & Collectibles    2. Antiques / Collectibles    3. Antiques/Collectibles    4. Model Railroading    5. Railroads - General    6. Reference - Price Guides    7. Specific Railroads    8. Toys    9. Transportation   

Reviews (1)

Cutting Edge in the Hobby
This book clearly outlines the basics of DCC without getting bogged down and follows on with some practical projects.
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Subjects:  1. Crafts & Hobbies    2. Crafts / Hobbies    3. Hobbies/Crafts    4. Model Railroading   

Reviews (3)

My Son and I Love this Book
My almost three-year-old child Devon loves this book. Obviously the drawings are too complicated for him. Heck, some of them are too complicated for me, but I attempt them anyway. Devon is into trucks and cars and my gal Sara and I lived on a sailboat for several years, so he's into boats as well, has to be, because we still talk about when we lived on the ocean, still dream about going back someday.
Encouraging and helpful for beginners from 8 to 80
At 38, I was convinced that I could never learn to draw.However, I found this book on the shelf of the local bookstore and decided to give it a try. What was there to lose?Only my conviction that I could never learn todraw, as it turns out!While I still cannot claim real skill at drawingwithout following the steps, at least I can now produce a reasonablereproduction of what I see on the pages of an Ames book.It's great funand I'd encourage anyone who was ever told that perhaps drawing wasn't forthem to pick up this (or any other Ames drawing book) and prepare for amost pleasant surprise!

Ever wanted to draw?
Another educational Lee J. Ames book.Line by curve, andstepby step the reader is drawn into the world of vehicle drawing.Anyone will find it easy to follow the sequential pictures and draw all sorts of fascinating models.I used this book some time ago and even though I don't remember the name of a single model and the book is long lost, I have continued to be artistic.Lee J. Ames helps the reader in the same way that studying with one of the Old Masters would help an art student. By emulating the style of an excellent teacher, the student can excel.This book is an easy first step in the wonderful world of art. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Art - Drawing    2. Boats and boating in art    3. Children's Books/Ages 9-12 Nonfiction    4. Children: Grades 4-6    5. Juvenile literature    6. Railroads in art    7. Ships in art    8. Transportation - General    9. Trucks in art    10. Art / Drawing    11. Drawing & drawings    12. Model boats & ships    13. Ships & shipping: general interest   

Reviews (3)

A Good Introduction
This book will not make you an expert in wiring together complex layouts with signals, interlocking, block detection and such but it will make you a competent installer of basic model railroad track wiring. That was its purpose and it does a good job of fulfilling its purpose.
Basic 2 track DC wiring
If you're model railroad is 2 track (vs 3) and DC (vs AC), this book covers all the basics that you'll need to wire your layout.If you're looking for 3 track AC wiring advice, look elsewhere

Basic Wiring for Model Railroaders
This is an excellent guide for basic wiring schemes with many photos.I was mostly interested in DCC systems and understanding the basics.I had read the Digitrax Big Book of DCC but I was still uncomfortable with the system conversion.This book was very basic but brought all the components together for me to get a grasp of DCC and gave me the confidence to proceed.The photos were very helpful. ... Read more

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

Reviews (3)

Outtanding product and service
This product was received in the time promised and content as desribed in your listing.

Small size plus small print & fuzzy diagrams
I have many of the original Lionel service notes included in this book.The original service notes were printed on 8.5 by 11 inch paper; these originals lack the clarity which is standard for today's printing technology.Take the "not so crisp" originals, reduce them in size to 6.03 inches by 8.42 inches (this is the size of the book) and it becomes a chore to read the book without a magnifying glass, and even then some of the numbers (identifying the parts) can't be read.The sad thing is the author has done a good job in correcting and updating the material, but the publisher went the cheap, cheap, cheap route.If you must buy, be sure to include a magnifying glass!

A must have for the collector and operator!
This book has become one of my standard references for repair, restoration and operation. It is easy to understand, has great diagrams, and covers most Lionel pieces for this period. It is also valuable as a reference for operating those pieces with missing instructions! I highly recommend thisbook to anyone from beginner to pro with an interest in old Lionel. ... Read more

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

Reviews (1)

A superb overview to starting out in large-scale trains.
This book is the best guide to start out with if you are looking to start out in large-scale model trains.The author tells you what to expect when you start out on an adventure such as planning and executing such a large task as this.His background alone is enough to speak for itself, being the founder and editor of Garden Railways magazine.You can'tfind a better book to start than this. ... Read more

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