Model Railway Layout & Scenery Building

Track Construction an easy to use guide for all scales and gauges complete with CD rom to produce templates and layout plans

This book explains model railway electronics and several projects for both the novice & expert. By Fred Martin

Warners Group Publications Railway Modelling FAQs 9780955962653
A compendium of answers to the most frequent questions asked by railway modellers to the authors of the book. With headings that include track, narrow gauge modelling, o scale modelling, buildings and layout.
Authors: I Futers, P Marriott, C Nevard & P Soeborg.
Publisher: British Railway Modelling.
Paperback. 120pp. 18cm by 24cm.

Building Coaches by George Dent 9781785002052

9781785003165 Modelling the East Coast Mail Line

John Parkinson is a self-confessed scenery nut. While for many people the tracks and trains are the most important element of a model railway layout John revels in creating the scenic environment, which is complemented by the trains running through it. With all his layouts his aim is to make a scene that gels, that looks like a composite whole and is full of atmosphere.

In his entertaining narrative he describes how he has developed his modelling skills and shares the techniques he has used for almost 30 years for his many popular, compact, small scale exhibition layouts. Covering baseboard construction and creating the scenic 'hard shell', hints on representing natural terrain, foliage, water, buildings, bridges, tunnels and the like to detailing and finishing touches - all illustarted by more than 185 colour photographs - this book is sure to inspire and instruct in equal measure.

A5 128pp paperback

An inspirational 122 page book looking at the railways of Europe, includes some first class modelling of interesting places; also ideas for modelling and construction techniques.

From choosing a suitable location for your 00 Gauge layout, and the type of control methods to use, this book is packed with advise and inspiration for new railway modellers and returnees to the hobby alike. There is also a look back at the history of 00 gauge, and a wealth of practical projects, many of which will be simple evenings' tasks that will enhance your models and hone new skills. Additionally, maintenance advice is given to keep your layout in tip top condition, plus a selection of track plans to help you get started. 122 pages fully illustrated.

The first railway opened in Germany in 1835, between Nurnberg and Furth. From this small beginning railways quickly spread, assisting economic development. Originally built by private enterprise, then separate state concerns, the railways were nationalised in the mid-1920s. The variety was considerable from local light railways to heavy duty main lines, and eventually a dedicated high speed network with the now iconic ICE trains.
111 pages fully illustrated.

Modelling in O gauge has never been more popular, thanks in the main to the manufacturers who have made the scale more accessible with a growing number of affordable ready-to-run locomotives, coaches and wagons.
Your essential guide to O Gauge modelling from the experts at Railway Modeller. Covers a wide variety of topics from initial planning through to those important finishing touches. With both practical advice and step by step guides, it is essential reading for those modelling in O gauge or anyone contemplating discovering O gauge modelling. 124 pages fully illustrated.

Swiss railways have a special attraction for many enthusiasts, even if they do not model continental railways. The intense network of lines, volume of traffic, and seemingly endless variety of companies and liveries complements the incredibly attractive Alpine scenery so often associated with the railways of this land-locked country.
Comprising 124 perfect-bound pages, this softback book has a wide selection of articles, featuring layouts, modelling articles and prototype inspiration. Metre gauge railways are a well known feature of this country, so the articles on the routes of the MIB, Furka Oberalp and Rhatische Bahn will come as no surprise!

The Peco Modellers' Library guide to modelling heritage and preservation railways.
After a brief history of the early days of railway preservation, the book then covers a wide selection of typical preservation and heritage sites that are prime subjects for modelling.

France is a country of rail contrasts; the popular image of a local train ambling through the countryside has long since given way to the smart, speedy TVG.In places the landscape required impressive feats of civil engineering, even on the secondary routes, which meandered cross-country between the busy mainlines.
Nowadays unique tourist railways add to the appeal.

Hornby's new 'Step-By-Step Guide to Railway Modelling' CD-Rom is the perfect resource to establish, evolve and complement your hobby skills - whether you are starting out, an enthusiast or an experienced modeller. The CD-Rom includes chapters on 'Where Do I Start', 'Baseboards and Track', 'Buildings and Scenics', 'Wiring the Layout' and 'Taking Stock'. This innovative CD-Rom, produced by modelling experts, adopts a simple step-by-step approach, providing advice, explaining methods and demonstrating techniques by walking you logically through key tasks and activities.

PC Specification Minimum Pentium 2 600MHz, 64Mb RAM (128Mb with Windows XP) 20Mb disk space, 16Mb graphics card, SoundBlaster 128 compatible sound card, 16x CD-Rom drive, Windows 98 or later.
MAC specification Minimum G3 700MHz, 128Mb RAM, 20Mb disk space, 16Mb graphics card, 16x CD-Rom drive, OS 9 or OS X.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the methodology behind colour light signalling, and gives practical advice on the placing and operation of signals.

The Wills Craftsman series kits have been available for many years and offer an attractive and adaptable range of building models to create realistic scenes for layouts.
The embossed plastic sheets supplied in the kits are not pre-cut, but often have outline markings showing where doors and windows can be created and the builder needs to cut these sheets to match the building plans. This represents a little more work than a standard plastic kit, but the investment of time and effort is rewarded with a characterful building which can easily be customised during building, rather than only being able to construct the model the kits is designed to recreate.

This 'Shows You How' booklet focuses on the techniques required to successfully achieve a model to be proud of. It discusses methods used to cut and shape the plastic parts, guides the reader through the stages of construction and offers advice on how to paint and finish-off the model, turning it into a building of distinction.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. With a number of well-illustrated step-by-step articles, backed up with helpful text, this booklet explains how to upgrade a modeller's favourite engine. Subjects covered include renaming & renumbering, upgrading moulded details, adding crew figures, and detail painting and weathering.

This handy guide to narrow gauge modelling includes an overview of British narrow gauge history. It explains the basics of the 009 scale and includes 5 layout plans based on prototype locations, an overview of the ready to run items currently available and some helpful hints on kit building locomotive and rolling stock kits.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet gives an overview of 00 Gauge modelling and explores the potentials of the most popular modelling scale; see our 'Guide to 00 Gauge Modelling' (Ref PM-206) for an in depth, practical guide to building a layout in this scale. For details of N Gauge Modelling, see our booklet Making a Start in N (No 7), or the 'Guide to N Gauge Modelling (Ref PM-204).

9781785005190 Modelling the Midland Region from 1948

If you are planning an N Gauge project this book serves to provide you with the information and guidance you need to get started. 120 pages fully illustrated

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the methodology behind semaphore signalling, and gives practical advice on the placing and operation of signals.

 

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet gives an overview of N Gauge modelling and explores the potentials of this small scale; see our 'Guide to N Gauge Modelling' (Ref PM-204) for an in depth, practical guide to building a layout in this scale. For details of 00 Gauge Modelling, see our booklet Making a Start in 00 (No 6), or the 'Guide to 00 Gauge Modelling' (Ref PM-206).

976-57 Making Rural Buildings for Model Railways

This invaluable, well-illustrated book is essential reading for all those who are interested in developing their modelling skills and creating realistic models of country houses, cottages and farm buildings for their railway layouts. The author encourages and inspires the reader and, moreover, emphasizes that railway modellers can achieve their objectives without purchasing expensive materials. Indeed, all the materials recommended in the book are either recycled or can be obtained quite cheaply.

Topics covered include: 

The materials and equipment required to build models

Modelling methods and construction techniques

Painting, weathering and finishing

Creating a sympathetic setting for your models

Improving kits and 'off-the-shelf' models

Crowood Press Modelling Narrow Gauge Railways in Small Scales by Chris Ford 97682
Modelling Narrow Gauge Railways in Small Scales by Chris Ford

This invaluable book is essential reading for all those who wish to build a small, narrow gauge model railway layout to a high standard. Comprehensive in its coverage, the book begins with a useful summary of the history and development of narrow gauge railways in the British Isles, and this is followed by a detailed, but easily digestible, consideration of the complex and wide choice of scales available to the modeller.

In subsequent chapters, the author covers construction, including materials and tools, skills and techniques, layout design, laying the track, scenic modelling, painting, soldering and wiring, as well as the construction of narrow gauge stock and appropriate buildings. The author provides clear, step-by-step instructions and photographs to show the reader how to build a straightforward narrow gauge model of a fictitious late 19th to early 20th century light railway in 4mm scale on 9mm track.

Crowood Press Modelling Railway Stations - A Practical Guide by Ian Lamb 97683
976-83 - Modelling Railway Stations - A Practical Guide
Have you ever dreamed of building a model of a favourite railway station for your layout, whether it be a modest branch line station, or a large town terminus? Have you ever wanted to re-create a beautiful station that you have seen at a railway modelling exhibition, or in a magazine, and felt that you needed a helping hand? If so, this is the book for you.

Ian Lamb, a modeller of enormous experience, demonstrates how anybody, regardless of their modelling skills, can construct a pleasing and presentable model railway station in a limited amount of space. Six specific UK stations, some real and some fictional, are selected as modelling case studies and the author provides detailed, practical information about different aspects of their construction. Throughout the book the author provides step-by-step guidance and illustrations and emphasizes how - with patience- modelling skills, confidence and ambition can all be improved over time. Moreover, he is ever mindful of how costs should be kept down to reasonable levels and reveals how materials and tools can often be the most simple and inexpensive of everyday household items.

This informative book provides a step-by-step account of the construction, from scratch, of a model railway called Dovedale. The model is operated like a real modern railway and was built entirely by the author within a strict low budget, using, wherever possible, recycled materials.

Some model railways are operated somewhat chaotically and are characterized by frequent derailments and locomotives that stop arbitrarily. If you wish to move away from this kind of layout and construct a model railway that operates realistically and reflects more closely the way that railways actually work, then this is the book for you. Whilst constantly emphasizing realistic operation, the book covers layout planning and construction, controllers, point motors, power supply, cables and connectors, ways of operating traffic flows, signalling, track droppers, control panels and wiring, control and interlocking, lighting, sequence and block bells, the use of closed circuit television, and much more.

Building a Folding Model Railway Layout by Graham Goodchild 9781785001994

Modelling Railways in O Gauge by John Emerson
976-91 Modelling Railways in O Gauge

O gauge (scale 7mm to the foot) is the 'senior scale' and it has existed for almost as long as the hobby of railway modelling itself. With the advent of high-quality ready-to-run O gauge locomotives and rolling stock, it is enjoying a huge surge in popularity. This fascinating book is an essential guide to O gauge modelling skills, techniques, modelling suppliers and services.

Modelling Tunnels, Embankments, Walls Fences for Model Railways

Professional Approach To Model Railways 9781844256792
Written by a professional model maker who has worked on Thunderbirds and James Bond, this is a book for beginners and experts alike.
Author: John Wylie
Publisher: Haynes
Hardback. 220pp. 22cm by 28cm.

Layout building is perhaps the most exciting, rewarding and challengine aspect of creating a model railway. Making the right design decisions and choosing good construction techniques are vital to ensure success.

Superbly illustrated with step-by-step photographs this book takes you through the basic baseboard construction, shelf layout themes and how to link multi-deck desigs together, enabling you to make the most of a given space. With different concepts covered, from simple portable layouts to helix construction techniques, Nigel Burkin mixes the best of British layouts with techniques used routinely overseas and shows you how you to can achieve success and satisfaction in executing your layout design.

Softback, 190 pages, extensively illustrated.

The landscape through which railways run is often the inspiration and reason why people choose to model a particular line. Therefore creating a realistric setting in which to operate a model railway is an essential aspect of modelling, yet is often overlooked.

Model landscape expert Tony Hill has been modelling railways for over thirty years. A carpenter by trade, he has been demonstrating and teaching his landscape modelling skills at model railways shows since the early 1980s. He has written numerous articles on the subject and undertakes commisioons for bespoke trees and dioramas. This is his second book on landscaping for model railways.

Softback, 160 pages, extensively illustrated.

The airbrush is an essential tool for modellers striving for professional-looking results. It can greatly enhance the quality of modelling output. Whether applying a full livery scheme or simply blending in areas of new paintwork, a good airbrush will offer unparalleled levels of finish and consistency, as well as the chance to create unique effects such as weathering and stencilling.

This book reveals how anyone can use an airbrush effectively, provided that a few basic rules are followed. All of the necessary techniques are described, along with a wealth of practical guidance and detailed advice on choosing a spraying set-up to match your own needs and budget.

This volume will be an essential one-stop reference sourrce for all airbrush users, from the complete novice to the experienced model painter.
Softback, 224 pages, extensively illustrated.

Layout Designs for Operation 9781902827148
Twenty schemes with half exploring British themes plus ideas for a variety of settings in Europe and even North America, something for all tastes and motivations.
Author: Stephen Rabone & Trevor Ridley.
Publisher: Atlantic.
Paperback. 95pp. 21cm by 27cm.

Paul Bason provides a practical guide to the construction of lineside buildings from many eras using popular ranges of kits. This includes card kits from Metcalfe and Superquick, plastic kits by Dapol, Ratio and Wills. Paul then moves on to the use of whitemetal and etched brass.

Simple techniques allow you to modify and finish readily available kits to a high standard.

The growing desire of railway modellers to transform their electric railway models into super realistic vehicles in scale has finally found the perfect complimentary guide. This book is designed so that you can learn how to transform the clean toy-like appearance of pre-painted commercial railway models into realistic vehicles featuring the appropriate effects of wear and tear typical of these machines as seen throughout their operational life. We will show you how to create all the possible effects that appear on both locomotives and the many different types of railway stock of all eras.

The sheer variety of railroads in North America makes them a subject with enormous potential for enthusiasts everywhere. This invaluable guide is aimed at everyone who wishes to start modelling or enjoys this perennially fascinating subject. 130 pages fully illustrated.

As trade support for narrow gauge modelling continues to grow, this aspect of the hobby attracts more and more enthusiasts. This book explains and illustrates the choices and opportunities presented by the prospect of building a narrow gauge railway in miniature.120 pages fully illustrated.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. Providing a convincing landscape for your layout will provide an authentic setting for your trains; this booklet looks at the principles behind putting together what is on the other side of the railway fence. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Detailing the Landscape (No 1), Adding the Background (No 15), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. The details you include in your layout can make it into an accurate depiction of real life, and this booklet gives advice and ideas of how to accomplish this transformation. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Adding the Background (No 15), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet show you how to provide a realistic setting for your model trains by providing an authentic background. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Detailing the Landscape (No 14), and Creating the Backscene (No 16).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet explores the possibilities of how you can add depth and perspective to your layout by providing an appropriate backscene. For more information on scenic detailling, see our booklets Modelling Water (No 12), Modelling the Landscape (No 13), Detailing the Landscape (No 14), and Adding the Background (No 15).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet looks at the concepts, possibilites and equipment available for DCC operation. For more information on Digital Command Control (DCC), see our booklets DCC Decoder Installation (No 20) and Introducing DCC Sound (No 25).

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. Good tracklaying is vital to the satisfactory operation of a model railway, and this booklet, which is applicable to all scales and gauges, gives easy to follow instructions with accompanying photographs on how to properly lay track and ballast.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet uses simple, clear diagrams to show the basic concepts of layout wiring, including an explanation of the difference between Insulfrog and Electrofrog Turnouts. See also booklets Wiring the Layout Part 2 (No 5) which leads on from this publication to more advanced techniques, and Wiring the Layout Part 3 (No 21) which explains the neccesary wiring for Electrofrog 3 Way Turnouts, Crossings and Single and Double Slips.

The Peco 'Shows You How' series of booklets give practical, clearly laid out information and instruction on a wide range of model railway topics. This booklet is a companion to our booklet Wiring the Layout Part 1 (No 4), and takes the exploration of basic wiring techniques on to look at more advanced electrical projects such as Cab Control. See also booklet Wiring the Layout Part 3 (No 21) which explains the neccesary wiring for Electrofrog 3 Way Turnouts, Crossings and Single and Double Slips.