Perhaps you know that in Germany the world’s largest model railway exhibition exists. It is a permanent model railway exhibit with thousands of model trains, and there are several model railroad layouts, displays and sections, for example Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Austria, Switzerland, Germany and the famous model airport in HO scale. In September 2016, a new section was opened. This new layout is called “Beautiful Italy”, and it is a masterpiece in model building. It is the state of the art of model railroading. The entire country of Italy is represented on an area of approximately 300 square meters. There are the volcano Vesuvius near Naples, Pompeii, the ancient Roman town-city, the beautiful Amalfi Coast along the coastline of the Salerno Gulf in Southern Italy, South Tyrol, Liguria, Tuscany and of course, the capital city Rome with its St. Peter’s Basilica and with the Colosseum or Coliseum, also known as the Flavian Amphitheatre. This new model railway layout is a work of art in the field of rail transport modelling. It is located at the so-called “Wonderland of Miniatures” in Hamburg, Germany. Visitors of this model railroad exhibit will be a little overloaded because there are amazing, impressive and loving details on every square meter: There are hundreds of little stories which a told by the sceneries. Furthermore, the day and night illumination in Liguria and on the Amalfi Coast is absolutely impressive.

In the beautiful village Fribourg in Switzerland, the Kaeserberg Railway Foundation built one of the world’s largest HO gauge model railway layouts. Time taken to build this amazing model railroad display was 17 years. There is an exhibition area of more than 600 square meters on three levels. There are normal track gauge 16.5 mm and narrow track gauge 12.0 mm. And, the length of the whole track system is about 2,045 meters. It is a fantastic model railway layout with its own philosophy and history. Although the entire model railroad display is imaginary, meticulous attention to detail has been paid to the landscape, to the buildings and to the model trains to ensure that they are as faithful as possible to the Swiss reality. Any train and any locomotive that is used in reality on Swiss railway lines, then and today, is available as 1/87 scale model. For example, there are the German high speed train ICE or the French high speed train TGV. Of course, there are also the famous narrow gauge trains of Switzerland. The miniature world at the Kaeserberg Railway Foundation is a work of art in the field of rail transport modelling and model railroading. It is a technical jewel for great journeys on miniature tracks, which will fascinate young and old people, kids and families. Anyone, who is keenly interested in railways and Swiss railway history, will be amazed at the variety of model trains. You can discover scratched and weathered model trains - true to scale - from the Swiss Federal Railway (CFF) and from the Rhaetian Railway (RhB). And, the Kaeserberg Railway Foundation was setting up a day and night simulation with thousands of miniature lights in the buildings, in the trains, on the streets, etc. Visiting this model railway exhibit will be a trip between dream and reality.

Do you want to take your modeling to the next level? With Realistic Layouts you'll learn how to blend various elements so they all work together to create a feeling that your models are part of and connected to the real world. This book features: How to apply different techniques and ideas to your layout in order to improve realism. Many techniques including creating realistic backdrops and blending them with scenery, integration of structures, using bridges to suggest changes in elevation, using mirrors to expand apparent space, and much more. Outstanding model railroad photography and a variety of layouts.

Model railroading offers the exciting opportunity to be approached in the same way as any other branch of the art world. As such, the same principles can be applied to elevate your modeling efforts to new levels. Follow along as we delve into scene composition, color treatment theory, weathering, backdrops, layout room preparation, photography, and more!

This invaluable and well-illustrated book describes landscape modelling from a new perspective. It explains in detail how to design and construct a model railway in a convincing and pleasing landscape. The author has always considered that model railway dioramas are an art form and this book is brimming with advice and tips that will allow the modeller to create true-to-life landscapes. Important aspects of all stages of construction are covered, including the building of satisfactory baseboards, topography and ground cover, modelling lakes and waterfalls, and making realistic trees. The author argues that a good model railway is one that is placed in an accurate and realistic landscape which, after all, was there first, and he contends that scenic modelling is not just a means to fill up the gaps in between track work; rather it is essential in creating the perfect backdrop, enabling model locomotives and rolling stock to be displayed convincingly. A remarkable book and describes landscape modelling from a new perspective. Essential reading for all serious railway modellers. Brimming with advice and tips that allows the modeller to create true-to-life landscapes. Superbly illustrated with 230 colour photographs. John de Frayssinet is a professional railway modeller and has written extensively for model railway magazines.

Re-create the fantastic '50s in your model railroad setup! This book, compiled from articles published in Modern Railroader magazine, provides historical information and photos covering steam and diesel locomotives, passenger equipment, freight cars, and trackside details.