Determining where and how to store a model railway when it is not in use can be difficult, especially if space is severely limited; a folding railway layout can be the solution to this problem. The author has designed an ingenious folding wooden case that accommodates his truly remarkable N-gauge multi-track layout, and which is also suitable for an oval track layout in 00 gauge. In this fascinating book, the author describes all aspects of how to build the folding case and how to construct the layout within using lightweight materials such as rigid foam. Some of the most remarkable features of the layout are how to construct and install a working cable car, moving road vehicles, a revolving children's roundabout, and a helicopter with motorized rotor blades. There are over 300 excellent step-by-step diagrams and photographs. Brimming with practical advice and tips on how to build the folding case and how to construct the layout within and superbly illustrated with 315 colour photographs and step-by-step diagrams.

If you want to build a model railway but feel constricted and frustrated because you only have a very limited amount of space available, then this is the book for you. The author demonstrates that a railway modeller need never be 'stuck for space', and shows the reader how to design and construct a rewarding layout in even the smallest of spaces. He emphasizes that once you have found a home for your layout, be it in a garden shed, a spare room, a bookcase or even the top of an ironing board, the same guiding principles apply. These are all fully explained in a very practical way and include the basic layout shapes, the importance of scale, standard and narrow gauges, fiddle yards, train length, curves and turnouts as well as track design elements such as head shunts, kickback sidings and run-round loops. There are individual chapters on: potential spaces; design principles; basic layout shapes; the art of compromise; levels, layers and shelves; planning your layout; baseboards; classic designs and micro-layouts. This fascinating book shows the reader that no matter how small the space, there is always a model railway layout that can be built in it. Aimed at all railway modellers of all levels of ability. Covers how to design, plan and construct a rewarding layout in the smallest of spaces i.e. garden shed, bookcase and even a micro-layout in a box file. Superbly illustrated with 131 colour photographs. Richard Bardsley is an experienced small-layout builder in N gauge and 00 gauge and exhibits widely at numerous shows.

Layout building is perhaps the most exciting, rewarding and challenging aspect of creating a model railway. Making the right design decisions and choosing good construction techniques are vital to ensure success. This book takes you through basic baseboard construction, shelf layout themes and how to link multi-deck designs 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 those used routinely overseas and shows you how you too can achieve success and satisfaction in executing your layout design. Topics covered included: Designing for comfort; How to use space efficiently; Practical construction techniques from L-Girder to box frame baseboards; Sub track bed construction, track laying and wiring; Fine tuning the layout for smooth operations.

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. Moreover, Dovedale is based on a specific prototype that exists in Buxton in Derbyshire, where freight trains run into an interchange siding, the locomotive runs round the train and then departs to a different destination. 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 in the second decade of the 21st century, 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. Superbly illustrated with 258 colour photographs and diagrams.

This invaluable, well-illustrated book is essential reading for all those railway modellers who are considering building a fiddle yard. The fiddle yard is a train storage area for locomotives and rolling stock that often remains out of view. For the modeller, it represents the 'rest of the railway network' and it is essential for layouts as it is somewhere for trains to 'come from' and somewhere for trains to 'go to'. This fascinating book defines what a fiddle yard is in terms of operational variety, storage and swapping trains. It demonstrates how a fiddle yard can be integrated into a model railway layout. It covers track-only fiddle yards using a single track, ladders of multiple tracks and reversing loops and considers design issues for oval and terminus layouts as well as combination fiddle yards and the importance of train length and baseboards. There are four detailed projects for the reader to build, each one providing a different fiddle yard solution. If you have ever wondered what fiddle yards are all about and whether your layout needs one, then this is the book for you. Well illustrated with 141 colour photographs and 59 diagrams.

From Model Railroader magazine, these simple layout designs are ideal for beginners. Features full-color plans and construction techniques for HO and N scale starter layouts.

Model Railroader's managing editor David Popp tells the complete construction story of his N scale Naugatuck River Valley layout using techniques any model railroader can use! More than 30 short projects from building benchwork to realistic operation.