The Welsh narrow gauge railways, with their colourful histories and vital role in local industry, are an extremely popular subject for both railway enthusiasts and modellers. This book is for anyone interested in modelling the Welsh narrow gauge railways and includes the historical background to the railways; useful reference photographs to help achieve accurate and realistic models; full listings of all the tools, equipment and material required, and, finally, step-by-step modelling guides with helpful tips and suggestions. A graduated series of projects, starting with a simple plastic wagon kit and progressing to a complete layout is also included.

The 009 scale, which is used to represent narrow gauge lines of 2ft to 2ft 6in, is experiencing a steady growth in popularity and trade support. This new book explains issues of scale and gauge for narrow gauge models, considers the origins of 009 scale, and identifies some of its pioneers. It outlines the diverse range of prototype narrow gauge railways in Britain and overseas, along with some of the different traditions and practices adopted in different parts of the world. The book covers: how to select a subject to model based on experience and models available; construction of a compact prototypical 009 layout, its locomotives and rolling stock; control and signalling of layouts; layout maintenance and improvement and the challenges of exhibiting models; how to share experience with like-minded modellers. A comprehensive and informative book, that provides a detailed insight into railway modelling techniques in the 009 scale, and is fully illustrated throughout with 256 colour, 16 black and white photographs and 43 diagrams.

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 all aspects of 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. He also suggests how the methods he has used can be adapted to other scales and briefly explains, by way of example, how they can be transferred directly to 7mm scale. Fully illustrated with 223 colour photographs and also included are several working sketches.